We are considering a new tow vehicle.
We now have a 2005 Suburban 2500 w/Vortec 8100 496 cu in V8 (325 hp at 4200 rpm and 447 lb·ft of torque at 3200 rpm) and 4.11 axle ratio. It is rated to tow 12,500 lbs and our trailer is a Keystone Ou...
Forum Discussion
Yeah for the most part, I agree the 8.1 Burbs and excursions don't have an apples to apples replacement anymore, especially in chassis/ Gvw.
But 200kmi+ and 12 years is a lot of use. You can keep it running but imo youre to the point of spending $ to keep it up. And peace of mind gets less with a hi miler doing tow duty.
On the upside, and I'm guessing, but the new chassis, more gears, newer tech, etc make a new expy or 1500 suburban a very capable tow rig that likely only needs some heavy duty tires and a little help in the rear suspension to make it as capable as your current rig.
If I was set on a new rig and a pickup wasn't an option, go 6.2 GM or Eco boost and don't look back.
One of the guys I brought up to AK for my last project towed his 35? Ft enclosed race trailer up there from GA with a new Ram dually. Ended up selling his Ram and wife's diesel grand Cherokee. Bought an Expedition Eco boost long wheel base.
Towed the trailer back to the L48 with the Expe and said he was keeping it to tow that trailer. Handled well in fact he had a boulder come down off a hill swerve/avoid etc. Rock ended up smashing the side of the trailer in back pretty bad. Said that Expe handled the trailer well.
Jmo get a 6.2 Burb and travel in style.
But 200kmi+ and 12 years is a lot of use. You can keep it running but imo youre to the point of spending $ to keep it up. And peace of mind gets less with a hi miler doing tow duty.
On the upside, and I'm guessing, but the new chassis, more gears, newer tech, etc make a new expy or 1500 suburban a very capable tow rig that likely only needs some heavy duty tires and a little help in the rear suspension to make it as capable as your current rig.
If I was set on a new rig and a pickup wasn't an option, go 6.2 GM or Eco boost and don't look back.
One of the guys I brought up to AK for my last project towed his 35? Ft enclosed race trailer up there from GA with a new Ram dually. Ended up selling his Ram and wife's diesel grand Cherokee. Bought an Expedition Eco boost long wheel base.
Towed the trailer back to the L48 with the Expe and said he was keeping it to tow that trailer. Handled well in fact he had a boulder come down off a hill swerve/avoid etc. Rock ended up smashing the side of the trailer in back pretty bad. Said that Expe handled the trailer well.
Jmo get a 6.2 Burb and travel in style.
