Towing 2003 Suburban 1500 4X4

[Uncutbulldog]

Hello All,

First post of many I hope. My wife and I are buying our first RV soon.

My wife and I are thinking about buying a 2014 Forest River 3170ds. My question is will I be able to dinghy pull my 2003 Suburban 1500 4X4 (safely).

We have a family of seven so we want to be able to sleep 8 and tow our suburban anywhere we go.

We love the 3170ds but I want to make sure I can pull my suburban with it. If not, any suggestions one what motorhome to buy that will sleep 7 and pull our suburban?

2014 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10
Hitch rating :5k/500

2003 Suburban:
Curb Weight 5219 lbs

[rjcalif]

You will be very glad you went with the Fiesta. The weight of the Suburban would have been a serious strain on the V10 regardless of the tow capacity.

Our primary tow is a 2500 Suburban 4x4 but we recently added a 2014 Focus Titanium hatchback as a secondary toad and even with our Cummins diesel I can tell the difference between the two immediately.

[mowermech]

Uncutbulldog wrote:
So after all of the weight concerns and my weak Sunseeker engine, we bought a 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback. I weighed it today at 2520 lbs. I think this will be a more comfortable drive when pulling it with our MH.

With this light vehicle, can I get away with no breaking system?

2015 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10 E450
Hitch rating :7.5k/750

2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback:
Weight: 2520 lbs

California is a "Performance Law" state. A braking system is not required by law in CA IF your combined rig can stop, on a level, dry, clean, hard surface, from 20 MPH within 45 (IIRC) feet. I don't have a reference for the CA law at hand.
In Montana, it is 40 feet. (MCA 61-9-312)
Many laws referenced by a "list of towing laws" are for TRAILERS. The legal definition of a TRAILER often includes the phrase "...designed to be towed by another vehicle...". Obviously, a motor vehicle designed for carrying passengers and/or cargo is NOT designed to be towed! If it was, everything needed for towing would have been built in at the factory!
The bottom line is, in over 30 states braking for a towed motor vehicle is not required by law. It IS, however, a good idea.

[FIRE_UP]

Uncutbulldog wrote:
So after all of the weight concerns and my weak Sunseeker engine, we bought a 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback. I weighed it today at 2520 lbs. I think this will be a more comfortable drive when pulling it with our MH.

With this light vehicle, can I get away with no breaking system?

Well Sir, the best and most accurate answer for you is go to a website that has all the towing laws pertaining to auxiliary braking in vehicles. While there are a few states that do not require them, the majority do. And, if and when you're traveling, are you going to plan a whole trip around a state that does not require them or, just simply install them in the onset and be done with it.

Take a look at the "Ready Brake". It's pretty darn simple to set up both in the original installation and, each time you go to use it. The bear part, it's real cheap too. I've set mine up so that it's not connected 24/7 to the brake arm of our toad. I don't like activating the cable needlessly. So, just some thoughts here. Good luck.
Scott

[Uncutbulldog]

So after all of the weight concerns and my weak Sunseeker engine, we bought a 2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback. I weighed it today at 2520 lbs. I think this will be a more comfortable drive when pulling it with our MH.

With this light vehicle, can I get away with no breaking system?

2015 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10 E450
Hitch rating :7.5k/750

2014 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback:
Weight: 2520 lbs

[MikeRP]

Well one thing about this place if something doesn't seem reasonable someone will call you out. The Coach has been weighed fully loaded full tank of gas and water about 3/4 and the jgc has been weighed at my local flying j. But it is the manual spec weight on my burb. I will drive it up there tomorrow and check it out and report back. Lol. If it is 7000 lbs its a pig. BUT I would say its a beautiful pig.

I love the truck! Lol Mine is a 2007 2500 model.

[MPond]

MikeRP wrote:
Hi,

I have the 3010ds which is the exact size as the 3170. Fully loaded I am 13500lb fully equipped for travel. I had my 2012 upgraded to the 7500 lb hitch this winter and it should tow the burb fine. I will be towing a jeep GC 4 down. You will be long so you'll want to take it easy till you get used to the burb. I used the Blackhawk 10000lb tow bar. I also have a 2500 burb I could tow, it weighs about 6300 lbs.

One thing that caught my eye: your 2500 Suburban is only 6300 lbs? Are you going off the sticker or have you had it weighed?

I have a 2500 Suburban as well (2005), and on the truck scales it was right at 7000 lbs. (like 6992 or something like that). That was without any extra gear, luggage, or anything else loaded in the back. The only thing I've changed on mine is the wheels and tires, and overall they're not any heavier than stock - lighter wheels, heavier tires.

Just curious...

[MikeRP]

Hi,

I have the 3010ds which is the exact size as the 3170. Fully loaded I am 13500lb fully equipped for travel. I had my 2012 upgraded to the 7500 lb hitch this winter and it should tow the burb fine. I will be towing a jeep GC 4 down. You will be long so you'll want to take it easy till you get used to the burb. I used the Blackhawk 10000lb tow bar. I also have a 2500 burb I could tow, it weighs about 6300 lbs.

[Uncutbulldog]

Also, my Chevy dealer wants to put the standard base plate on the Burb? Should I trust the dealer or buy my own and have them put it on? Are base plates rated? Will the Blue Ox Aladdin be compatible?


2015 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10 E450
Hitch rating :7.5k/750

2003 Suburban:
Curb Weight 5219 lbs

[Uncutbulldog]

I weighed my suburban yesterday. It weighs 5580 lbs. My hitch is rated at 7500. Is the Blue Ox Aladdin appropriate?


http://www.etrailer.com/Tow-Bars/Blue-Ox/BX4325.html

Is there any advantage to getting a 10,000lb tow bar if my hitch is only rated at 7500 lbs?

Thanks,

Jeff

2015 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10 E450
Hitch rating :7.5k/750

2003 Suburban:
Curb Weight 5219 lbs

[johnwalkerpa1]

Uncutbulldog wrote:
Thanks guys. I truly value all of your expertise. I do plan on having the Sunseeker for a while. So I am starting to think I will not tow at all. Unless I get small vehicle just for towing.

My last concern in the CCC. The 2015 Sunseeker I ordered has every option (satellite, auto levelers, etc). Has anyone on here ordered a fully loaded Sunseeker recently?

What was your CCC? estimates?

I may have screwed myself by doing that (10% down/ordered already). I will have to wait and see until I go and pick it up. I heard they weight each RV and put a little sticker on the door. I will also be weighing it myself.

Thanks,

Jeff

The CCC (or maybe they list it as OCCC) is going to be a little different on every one. But, if you got all of the options I would guess in the 1500-1600 range. Full body paint adds some weight too. I have seen them with CCC as high as 2200 without many options.

I should clarify that I have been looking at the 3010/3011 models. The 3170ds may be a little heavier but should be close..

[Uncutbulldog]

Thanks guys. I truly value all of your expertise. I do plan on having the Sunseeker for a while. So I am starting to think I will not tow at all. Unless I get small vehicle just for towing.

My last concern in the CCC. The 2015 Sunseeker I ordered has every option (satellite, auto levelers, etc). Has anyone on here ordered a fully loaded Sunseeker recently?

What was your CCC? estimates?

I may have screwed myself by doing that (10% down/ordered already). I will have to wait and see until I go and pick it up. I heard they weight each RV and put a little sticker on the door. I will also be weighing it myself.

Thanks,

Jeff

[Ernest]

Uncutbulldog wrote:
Earnest,

Thank you for your reply. I want my family to be safe. I checked with forest river and my hitch is indeed going to be 7500/750. I will have a braking system in the suburban as well.

Do you still have the same concerns?

Thanks again for your input.

Jeff

Hello Jeff,
Because you asked I went to the forest river site and they have this brochure, http://www.forestriverinc.com/downloads/default.aspx?page=/brochures/2014/2014sunlbrochure.pdf
I don't know whether it is current but it lists the hitch rating at 7,500/500. That wouldn't be unreasonable for a ford chassis.

The 7500 would be well within the range of your suburban.

On the other hand I think you'll be pushing the GVWR & GCWR very easily.
My Estimate
MH: 12,100
MH Contents(&7 people):3,000
Sub: 6,000

The 15,100 is 600 lbs over the GVWR and the 21,100 is just under the 22,000 GCWR. If you use the Suburban for storage when trailing that 6,000 would obviously be low. We all tend to put a fair amount (the old suitcase theory) so I realistically think I'm low on the 3,000 lbs for the people and content for the MH. What about bikes?

The one thing to consider is if somehow you stay within the technical spec's you will be working that ford for all she's worth so you may not get the life out of it depending on how many years you expect to have it.

Good luck

[Uncutbulldog]

Earnest,

Thank you for your reply. I want my family to be safe. I checked with forest river and my hitch is indeed going to be 7500/750. I will have a braking system in the suburban as well.

Do you still have the same concerns?

Thanks again for your input.

Jeff

[Ernest]

Uncutbulldog wrote:
Hello All,

First post of many I hope. My wife and I are buying our first RV soon.

My wife and I are thinking about buying a 2014 Forest River 3170ds. My question is will I be able to dinghy pull my 2003 Suburban 1500 4X4 (safely).

We have a family of seven so we want to be able to sleep 8 and tow our suburban anywhere we go.

We love the 3170ds but I want to make sure I can pull my suburban with it. If not, any suggestions one what motorhome to buy that will sleep 7 and pull our suburban?

2014 ForestRiver Sunseeker 3170ds:
Dry weight: 12,378
GCWR: 22,000 lbs
GVWR: 14,500 lbs
Engine: Ford 6.8L V10
Hitch rating: 5K/500Hitch rating :5k/500

2003 Suburban:
Curb Weight 5219Curb Weight 5219 lbs

If the spec's you've listed are accurate you should not buy the MH or you need to change your Toad.

That 5K rating is based upon the hitch connection to the frame of the motorhome. By overloading that point which will happen at every turn and brake/acceleration the failure should come quite early and you'll lose the toad with maybe other damage done to others and your motorhome.

I know you want this motorhome but please don't risk your family and others.