Buying first camper. Few simple questions...
Found the forum last night and read till 0300. Great info and community here. Wife and I got 9 month old son and 18 month old German Shepherd. All of a sudden, tent camping is losing its luster. Think...
Forum Discussion
Danattherock wrote:
Well crap. Guess I either need to sell my Tahoe and buy a suburban or find a smaller camper. Heading a few hours up the road in the morning to check out a few RV sales places. Any suggestions on suitable models to look at. Any suggestion on max trailer weight for my tow vehicle?
My 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2WD LT
Vortec 5.3 liter V8
3.42 rear axle
Stabiltrac vehicle stability
6700 lb tow capacity based on this websites tow guide
Door sticker for cargo capacity was right at 1,500 lbs as I recall
The dealer today was talking about a sway bar or something another. $1200 installed. Not sure but the guy said it would make the car tow better. Keep the trailer from fish tailing. Not sure to be honest, but sounds like this camper is too big for my rig either way.
Dan
If you upgrade to Suburban, make sure you look at the 3/4 ton model. A 1/2 suburban doesn't get you much more than your Tahoe. This is what I wanted, but went with the PU because of the actual receiver limits of the suburban. If you get '07 or later you'll get a 6 speed which is much better than you current Tahoe, however that is also where GM made the receiver integral to the frame, you can't upgrade it, and the receiver limit with Weight Distribution is rated for only 1000 lbs. Quickly will get 1k tongue weights on the size of TT you are looking at.
It's not coincidence there are so many more Pick-up pulling TT vs SUVs. And it's also not a coincidence so many pick-ups are 3/4 ton or larger when looking at >30' trailers with slides.
I know this can get frustrating but hang in there, you'll figure it out.
Lastly my family of 5 has transitioned nicely from a SUV to crewcab pick-up. The dog now rides in his crate in back, and I really appreciate having a place to haul firewood, generator, extra fuel without bringing any of it inside.
Once you settle on TT/TV combination take you time to learn about weight distribution and sway control options. Dont let the dealer just install what they sell, make sure it's what you want.
