What could I be missing?

Volkov wrote:

txdxrider wrote:


Bruce, the sticker shows the following:


Combined weight of pass/cargo 1410# (I used the range since I will be upgrading to obtain a higher tow and cargo amount, but trying to stay short as to not overload.

So based off these numbers 1410-850 = 560- or right at the limits of the stock hitch but under with a higher hitch.

Would like to do a 5th wheel or a larger TT- but that would mean a different TV- and certainly not wanting to go with a pickup - interior space and all for 5 would be cramped to say the least.

Your planned modifications won't increase the cargo capacity. They will certainly improve the towing competance of the Suburban, but axles limits are axle limits.
Based on the numbers you give above, you will have 560# of capacity left for the tongue weight. That means a 4500# trailer fully loaded if you are going to keep within the cargo capacity.
Having towed with both a 1500 and 2500 Yukon XL, I do know the differences. We were at the razor's edge for our 1500 towing a 5000# vintage Airstream (reknowned for being easy to tow and designed to have a low tongue weight) and we had the full trailering package. Did do it for years, and including driving the Rockies without any incidents. 2500 is just soooo much nicer an experience.
I would echo previous sentiments; I would rather be cramming 3 kids in the second row of a bigger TV while driving than cramming 5 plus a dog in a 4500# trailer for a year.

Not only that but you have to factor in the weight of the mods, that eats into your carrying capacity, you put too much weight in mods, gear, and people, you might not have enough left to haul a pop-up.

This is coming from a guy who is towing at the maximum my vehicle can handle, I have about 50lbs to play with in carrying capacity, so we load everything we need in the TT, though we camp pretty light, not much in extras. Anyone who wants to camp with us just has to drive separate ;-)