Forum Discussion

ddfuller's avatar
ddfuller
Explorer
Mar 07, 2015

Tahoe vs Suburban for towing

Hello,
I have had a FK2100 Weekend Warrior superlite toy hauler for two summers now. I have been pulling with a 1999 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 1500 350cu gas engine. It has the factory towing package. The Toyhauler has an axle weight of 3575lbs, hitch weight 705lb, GVWR 7650lbs. Tahoe seems to do ok in the Cascade mountains where we live. We don't load up to much and try to pack light.
My question is since the Tahoe has a rather short wheelbase compared to trucks and larger SUV's, does that affect the towing performance? I've heard/read longer wheel bases will give a smoother ride than short wheel bases. Second factor I would like some discussion on is for a trailer like this, would a 3/4ton vs 1/2ton vehicle make a world of difference in pulling? Since this pulling machine is our second daily vechile, I want a SUV style and not a pickup truck. So I'm curious if a Suburban vs tahoe would pull nicer and if a suburban 3/4ton would pull much nicer than our 1/2ton Tahoe. Let's assume I stay with gas engine.

My tahoe is nearing he point it may be up for replacement, so I want to start to figure out what i'm should look for..

Appreciate it all.
thx.
Tow Vehicles
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Mar 08, 2015
    If you will be trading any way. Go for the Burb. But unless you have a bunch of sway with the Tahoe. Don't expect a "World" of difference. After all. You will be using the same engine, and rear gear.

    As for the Wheel base. The Burb will be a little longer. But if the TT pulls good now. You won't see any difference. I went from a Expe with a 118" WB to a F150 with a 145" WB, and honestly. There is no difference. Both tow rock solid, no sway, easy relaxed towing with both.
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2015
    I have a buddy who bought a 2500 Suburban with a 454 back in 1999. He used to tow a 31' Terry with a slide out, about 10,000 pounds with nearly 1,000 on the hitch. He towed fine, but got poor mileage when towing. He would lock out overdrive, probably did not need to, just what he was told to do when towing.

    Good luck!

    Fred.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Mar 08, 2015
    The short rear overhang of the Tahoe means the ratios of ball/tongue to wheelbase and rear axle make them tow very much the same. I have not heard anyone go from the SWB to LWB in the same generation GM SUV and say one was noticeably different with a properly adjusted WDH.

    I do highly recommend the 3/4 ton GM SUVs. 2000-2006 8.1L and 2008+ 6.0L. They perform very well. Also, the 2007+ Yukon Denali with 6.2L/6-spd is a rocket compared to yours.
  • Wishin's avatar
    Wishin
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2015
    Love my 2003 2500 4x4 Suburban with the 8.1L and 4.10 gears. Pulls great, horrible gas mileage empty however (10-12.5). We use it just for towing for the most part. Very stable when towing.

    I agree with APT all around.
  • PAThwacker's avatar
    PAThwacker
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2015
    i tow a small 21ft hybrid bunkhouse with a 6.0 3.73 k2500 sub. Does fine, best parts 2305lbs payload, leather, sunroof, and center buckets. Family of 4 plus dog tow vehicle.
  • N-Trouble's avatar
    N-Trouble
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2015
    Those listed weights are pure BS. WW was known to fudge weights. I had the FK1900 and can tell you that thing was easily over 5K lb dry and your's is a couple of feet longer.

    I pulled it with a 2002 2500HD 6.0 gas. Truck handled the load well but I was never a fan of the pulling power and lousy mileage of that motor/trans combo.

    I don't know of any "new" HD people mover type vehicles. Try to make a crew cab truck work for you is my best advice.

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