Forum Discussion

txdxrider's avatar
txdxrider
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014

What could I be missing?

Hi all - new member - have been researching a LOT lately and just looking for some verification..

We are looking into TT fulltime (for a year or so) to give the kids a different view of NA starting spring 15...

There will be 5 in the TV self, DW, and three boys 14 and downward, and a dog - most (if not all) gear will be in the TT.

TV is going to be a 2009 Suburban Z71 4WD - 66K miles 5.3l with 3.42 gears - 6-speed auto - NO HD Tow package - est trailer weight 7900# per MSRP and stickers.

Stock I have pulled a 4300# full size Bronco on a 2K# trailer - but only for a few hours - looking at a 27ft Heartland 24BHS - dry weight @5500# - so loaded should be 6500# to 6800#....

Current mods to do to TV - steel brake lines, K9000 adj shocks, Trans Cooler, Trailer Brake controller, upgrade the OEM hitch, load equilizer - at the same time do a fresh trans flush, brake flush, pads (about due anyway)-so starting out up-to-date.

Trying to keep the current TV instead of moving to a P/U since the room in the burb makes traveling so much easier - but havent ruled out an older excursion or 2500burb - would rather not change the TV

Am I being too optomistic on what the burb will handle, or should I look at a TT closer to 4500# dry..

Thank you in advance...
Tow Vehicles
  • PA12DRVR's avatar
    PA12DRVR
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    nomad297 wrote:
    txdxrider wrote:
    Am I being too optomistic on what the burb will handle


    Yes.

    Bruce


    x2

    - 700#'s for 5 people and gear and fuel? Unrealistic.
    - Don't forget that 15 - 20% of the TT load will be on your hitch
    - Use the GVWR of the trailer when calculating loads, not the estimated or stickered weight.

    - All the upgrades may or may not make the 'burb into the equivalent of a higher-rated burb...but they won't change the door sticker.
  • lawrosa's avatar
    lawrosa
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    You need to go to a scale and get the truck weighed. Fill the tank and just you in the truck..

    You need individual axles weighed..

    After you get that compare it the the axle weights on the door sticker...

    That will tell you what you have left for tongue of trailer and other occupants. Until you do that you are just guessing...


    The suburban is rated to pull 9300 lbs. But like I said its what tongue weight you will have left after truck is loaded is more important...
  • txdxrider's avatar
    txdxrider
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    Ryan - I agree, and I did consult the stickers as I we started talking more seriously about it...
    GVWR 7400#
    Additional 700# (+/-) in the burb (people/gear/etc)
    Total = 6700#
    Suburban = 5700# (+/-)
    Leaving 1,000# (+/-) available

    Towing Capacity of my stock suburban 7,900#
    Dry weight of TT 5600# (+/-)
    Additional gear 1100# - 1600# (so let's use 1300#)
    Total TT - 6900# (+/-)
    Leaving 1,000# (+/-) available

    GCWR - 14,000# - Standard is 11,500#
    with the upgrades to the burb to be equivalent to the Z82 (K5L tow package)

    GCWR 14,000#
    TV 6,400#
    Balance 7,600#
    TT 6,900#
    balance under weight 700#

    So basically adding in the K5L towing - I am just at or just under the GCWR...

    and to answer my own question - I need to look at a circa 4500# TT to be safe - or get a larger TV with circa 16,000# GCWR
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    Don't forget, 90% of the answers will be from those that have NEVER towed with a late model 1500 and think you need a MDT/HDT to pull anything heavier than a lawn mower trailer. Will the Burb do the job, you bet and it will NOT be a white knuckle experience. We have a 1500(see signature) and routinely tow a 10K trailer here in the mountains of the west with NO problems. there are some limits you may be bumping, but that doesn't mean it won't do what you want. You have done the correct upgrades and I would have NO hesitation doing what you want.
  • ryanw821's avatar
    ryanw821
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    One thing that's always overlooked: You need to look at carrying capacity tag in drivers door jamb, take that number and subtract all people/pets/gear in 'burb, that leaves you with your MAX tongue/hitch weight the burb can support (its always WAY less than the max hitch weights in manual).

    Lots more to it than that, just start here. If you have 400+ lbs available after your calculation, you might just be able to pull a small ultra light camper. Report back what kind of weight you have to work with, and we might have more suggestions.
  • txdxrider's avatar
    txdxrider
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    Bruce,
    sory, but would you mind expanding on this a bit?

    I will roughly be the equivalent to the Z82 HD tow package - 1500 to 2000+ #'s under the towing weight for my burb - is the setup or the TT that I am missing?
  • nomad297's avatar
    nomad297
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2014
    txdxrider wrote:
    Am I being too optomistic on what the burb will handle


    Yes.

    Bruce

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