Anyone with experience towing with a Suburban
Hi, I’d like to hear from people who have experience towing a larger travel trailer with a Suburban. I have a Suburban 1500 5.3L. I want to buy the largest travel trailer my suburban can safely tow. ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Andrewwm, welcome to the forum!!
The 25' TT that weighs 4500 dry would be a better match for the Suburban. Figure it will likely weigh 5500 or so packed to travel, and more with water. The longer 29' is probably do-able also but you will be right up against the ratings of the truck with no margin.
I would strongly recommend a transmission temp gauge so you can keep an eye on temps...the factory cooler is usually adequate under most conditions, but some have upgraded for severe hill climbing in the mountains, etc. If you don't want to have a gauge installed, you can buy an inexpensive bluetooth diagnostic sender like this OBD Link MX Bluetooth. It plugs into the OBD-II port and you can monitor temps via an app on your cell phone or tablet.
If you haven't had the tranny serviced in a while, you should be sure you have Dexron VI fluid. The Dex VI is full synthetic and replaces the Dex III that came in your burb, and is no longer licensed by GM to be made. If you have the service done at the dealer, they will put in Dex VI, if you do it yourself, be sure to buy Dex VI at the parts store, not the generic "Dex/Merc".
I would also recommend synthetic fluid in the rear axle, along with a Mag-Hytec extra capacity cover. As intheburbs noted, the rear axle is a weak link on the 1500 burbs.
Your 1500 burb with Autoride does have the air-powered auto-leveling system on the rear. Look here in the 2003 Owner's manual, pages 4-56 thru 4-70, it tells you everything you need to know about towing including how to set your WD hitch with Autoride. (Geotex1, your 2500 does NOT have auto rear leveling as part of Autoride, and nothing "pumps the shocks up").
Regarding sway control, the Hensley Arrow or ProPride are the best you can get. These hitches are designed with a 4-bar linkage that prevents the trailer from swaying. They are pricey, but you can also find them used on Craigs List and elsewhere. If not in the budget then I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line as a good hitch that is used by many here on teh forum with good results reported.
Sorry, but there is more to this story. If you crest a hill and start down the other side then let off the gas, the TT is going to want to push the truck. Granted this is a vulnerable time for sway but it just doesn't start on its own with no outside factors.
The 25' TT that weighs 4500 dry would be a better match for the Suburban. Figure it will likely weigh 5500 or so packed to travel, and more with water. The longer 29' is probably do-able also but you will be right up against the ratings of the truck with no margin.
I would strongly recommend a transmission temp gauge so you can keep an eye on temps...the factory cooler is usually adequate under most conditions, but some have upgraded for severe hill climbing in the mountains, etc. If you don't want to have a gauge installed, you can buy an inexpensive bluetooth diagnostic sender like this OBD Link MX Bluetooth. It plugs into the OBD-II port and you can monitor temps via an app on your cell phone or tablet.
If you haven't had the tranny serviced in a while, you should be sure you have Dexron VI fluid. The Dex VI is full synthetic and replaces the Dex III that came in your burb, and is no longer licensed by GM to be made. If you have the service done at the dealer, they will put in Dex VI, if you do it yourself, be sure to buy Dex VI at the parts store, not the generic "Dex/Merc".
I would also recommend synthetic fluid in the rear axle, along with a Mag-Hytec extra capacity cover. As intheburbs noted, the rear axle is a weak link on the 1500 burbs.
Your 1500 burb with Autoride does have the air-powered auto-leveling system on the rear. Look here in the 2003 Owner's manual, pages 4-56 thru 4-70, it tells you everything you need to know about towing including how to set your WD hitch with Autoride. (Geotex1, your 2500 does NOT have auto rear leveling as part of Autoride, and nothing "pumps the shocks up").
Regarding sway control, the Hensley Arrow or ProPride are the best you can get. These hitches are designed with a 4-bar linkage that prevents the trailer from swaying. They are pricey, but you can also find them used on Craigs List and elsewhere. If not in the budget then I would recommend the Reese Strait-Line as a good hitch that is used by many here on teh forum with good results reported.
EMD_DRIVER wrote:
My friend simply let-off the gas pedal. Nothing more. No wind effects and not another vehicle.
Sorry, but there is more to this story. If you crest a hill and start down the other side then let off the gas, the TT is going to want to push the truck. Granted this is a vulnerable time for sway but it just doesn't start on its own with no outside factors.
