Forum Discussion

et_cetera's avatar
et_cetera
Explorer
Apr 08, 2021

Chevy Tahoe 5.3L as tow vehicle

2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5.3L that I tuned for performance. 3.42 gear ratio, stock.

I didn't buy it for towing but now am stuck with it for the next year. Want to pick something it can comfortably tow, what is the max in that capacity, 20-22'? I get it can probably tow a 30' but I towed a 32' with a F250HD and would not want to tow 30' with a light duty SUV.

It's for a single person so no need for much space. Something around 20-22', light and inexpensive for the next year until I can build my credit history and upgrade both the TV and the TT.
Tow Vehicles
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2021
    Payload runs out far faster than max tow weight. I’ve had threeTahoes...’01, ‘07 and ‘15. ‘15 had 1545 payload capacity but I would never have gone over 6000 pounds of TT. And if you don’t have auto leveling, you’ll need air bags. What’s your payload?
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 08, 2021
    Depends what you plan on doing with it.
    As you've basically shared your life story with us recently, the presumption is, short term, at least, is you'd be purchasing it, and basically parking it and living in it.
    For very nominal use, towing right up to the rated capacity is of zero concern, IMO. If I was towing it all over the Appalachians, recreationally, I'd want to stick to the 5klb range, 6klb max for the comfort of the driver and the vehicle.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2021
    You should be fine with a 22' or shorter trailer. I pulled a 26' with a similar Tahoe just once and that was too much.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2021
    I tow all the time with mine.

    31 ft overall length TT.



    25 ish ft car hauler



    A little set up to dial it in and she towes like it’s on rails.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    Stick to 5k dry. With 3.42 and the 4-spd, please upgrade the trans cooler. Keep it in 2nd and 3rd gears and you should be fine (if not slow at times).
  • et_cetera's avatar
    et_cetera
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    An oversized tranny cooler is a good idea and will have it installed before I tow anything. Any particular brand that works with Tahoe?
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2021
    et cetera wrote:
    An oversized tranny cooler is a good idea and will have it installed before I tow anything. Any particular brand that works with Tahoe?


    They are kind of universal. I used a large Hayden trans cooler and a Hayden install kit from O’Reiley auto parts.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    Ditto a large external ATF cooler.

    If you have the tow package, there already is one and add a 2nd in series to that OEM

    If no OEM external ATF cooler, install it on the hot line from the tranny...DO NOT use a saw to cut the tubing...use a plumber's wheeled cutoff tool.

    Stacked plate is best, but tube-fin also good. Just bigger vs same cooling from a stacked plate

    Suggest while at it...change the ATF fluid to synthetic
  • et_cetera's avatar
    et_cetera
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    Lynnmor wrote:
    You should be fine with a 22' or shorter trailer. I pulled a 26' with a similar Tahoe just once and that was too much.


    Makes sense. I think 22' would fit my criteria just fine. Once I upgrade my TV, I will likely upgrade the TT also.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2021
    Any reputable transmission shop should have one in stock. You can order one for under $100, but a local transmission shop should do it for under $300 installed. I agree that brand doesn't matter for this item.

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