Very few people will notice the 400 pound difference in weight between the OP first two models listed. Note that any TT will never be towed at dry weights. Expect loaded weight to grow by about 1000 pounds and 150-200 pounds TW with camping stuff for a family's long weekend. Make sure that Silverado 1500 has the proper towing equipment, as many do not and tow ratings are 5000-ish pounds.
Generally, you will want to keep the dry weight to under 6000 pounds if you want to stay with a full sized half ton such as Suburban. I highly recommend the longer wheelbases of Ford Expedition EL and Suburban/Yukon XL over their shorter siblings. The cost difference is marginal, but you get a lot more space inside as well as longer wheelbased vehicles tend to tow with more stability. I do not recommend the Durango as its payload and receiver limits are even lower than the full sized SUVs.
Payload and receiver limits are the most common limit well under the 8000+ pound tow ratings when it comes to family RVing. At 6000 pounds dry and 7000 pounds loaded TT, that will mean about 850-1000 pounds of loaded tongue weight. Let's say you have 500 pounds of people and activities to keep everyone occupied while traveling. Some half ton SUVs with 8000+ pound tow ratings have 1200 pounds of payload while others have 1600. So use your own estimates for a guide to how much payload is available for trailer TW. As you shop, take a note at the tire and loading sticker on each vehicle's driver's door or door jam. Note what it has where mine says 2051.
Each model half ton SUV has tow ratings that vary from the 5000 pound range to 8000+ range. You'll want to make sure the one you buy has that equipment, specifically the large capacity transmission cooler and shorter differential gears. You didn't list a budget, but I'll give a few guidlines. Anything with a 6-spd trans will tow much better than nearly anything with older 4 spds. That means 2009+ GM SUVs, 2007+ Ford and Toyota. The 2007+ Yukon Denali is the most powerful. And we love our 2011 3/4 ton Suburban. They are rare to find used, especially the 2008-2013 models but come with all the necessary and proper towing equipment to make even 7000 pound dry TTs tow with confidence. If you are open to full sized passenger vans, they can be purchased for significantly less money than SUVs. They do not offer the higher level of equipment that SUVs can have, but mechanically they are great for towing and offer a lot of space for travel comfort. I recommend the 1-ton GM twins with 6.0L/6-spd trans from 2010+.
Generally, you will want to keep the dry weight to under 6000 pounds if you want to stay with a full sized half ton such as Suburban. I highly recommend the longer wheelbases of Ford Expedition EL and Suburban/Yukon XL over their shorter siblings. The cost difference is marginal, but you get a lot more space inside as well as longer wheelbased vehicles tend to tow with more stability. I do not recommend the Durango as its payload and receiver limits are even lower than the full sized SUVs.
Payload and receiver limits are the most common limit well under the 8000+ pound tow ratings when it comes to family RVing. At 6000 pounds dry and 7000 pounds loaded TT, that will mean about 850-1000 pounds of loaded tongue weight. Let's say you have 500 pounds of people and activities to keep everyone occupied while traveling. Some half ton SUVs with 8000+ pound tow ratings have 1200 pounds of payload while others have 1600. So use your own estimates for a guide to how much payload is available for trailer TW. As you shop, take a note at the tire and loading sticker on each vehicle's driver's door or door jam. Note what it has where mine says 2051.
Each model half ton SUV has tow ratings that vary from the 5000 pound range to 8000+ range. You'll want to make sure the one you buy has that equipment, specifically the large capacity transmission cooler and shorter differential gears. You didn't list a budget, but I'll give a few guidlines. Anything with a 6-spd trans will tow much better than nearly anything with older 4 spds. That means 2009+ GM SUVs, 2007+ Ford and Toyota. The 2007+ Yukon Denali is the most powerful. And we love our 2011 3/4 ton Suburban. They are rare to find used, especially the 2008-2013 models but come with all the necessary and proper towing equipment to make even 7000 pound dry TTs tow with confidence. If you are open to full sized passenger vans, they can be purchased for significantly less money than SUVs. They do not offer the higher level of equipment that SUVs can have, but mechanically they are great for towing and offer a lot of space for travel comfort. I recommend the 1-ton GM twins with 6.0L/6-spd trans from 2010+.
