Help Needed to pair new Tahoe w/ TT

[DANSKIR]

Hey Guys,
I'm a newbie here. Looking to purchase a TT and TV really soon. Given all the towing horror stories going around, I'm very apprehensive about subjecting my wife and 2 small kids to anything that might be dangerous. Of course, the dealerships and reps are all telling me I'm completely in the clear. I've read through countless posts trying to confirm this is a safe pairing but can't find anything completely on point. I could really use some expert advice on whether this pairing is a bad idea before I pull the trigger.

I'm looking to buy a 2017 Chevy Tahoe w/ Max Trailering package that comes with INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER.

Here are the Chevy Tahoe specs:
engine: 5.3L EcoTec3 V8
wheelbase: 116in
Towing capacity: 8,600 lbs.
length: 204in
rear axle ratio: 3.42
Gross Combined Weight Rating: 14,000 lbs.
Rear Axle Rating: 4300 lbs.
Actual unloaded weight (only driver and gas): 3408 lbs.
Dry Weight: 5356 lbs.


The TT we're looking at is the Forest River Wildcat Maxx lite T265BHX.
Here are the specs:
GVWR: 7828 lbs.
Hitch Weight: 828 lbs.
UVW: 6496 lbs.
CCC: 1332 lbs.
Exterior Length: 31' 8"

The TT dealership is talking about installing the Fastway E2 distribution hitch.

Whats the verdict? Anyone heard of that hitch? any recommendations to make it safer? Or, is this a dangerous pairing? Thanks so much for the help.

[SoundGuy]

DANSKIR wrote:
I'm conflicted about this wheelbase issue because I've read on other pages/ forums that It isnt really an issue at all.

Of course - name pretty well any subject discussed here on the forums and you'll always have differing opinions. I have no dog in this race, I'm only offering what I've learned over the years we've been RVing ourselves ... what you choose to do is entirely up to you. Since you're stuck on a short wheelbase Tahoe an alternative that would certainly help (as I mentioned earlier) is to upgrade to either a Hensley Arrow or ProPride 3P, either of which are in a class by themselves, each designed for large trailer applications, and each capable of preventing sway before it begins. Certainly much more costly that even premium WD hitches like the Equal-i-zer or Sway Pro but rest assured, these hitches exist for a reason. 😉

[Camper_G]

Op,

You have gotten some very good advice in this thread from a lot of good folks who are trying to help you from making a mistake. What you choose to do with it is up to you.

The wb issue is a real issue, on long trailers. I had a 2000 ford expedition Eddie Bauer that pulled the tt in my sig great. But my tt is 23' and 6k gvwr. A lot less trailer than what your looking at.

Just remeber if you exceed your ratings and get into an accident and hurt or worse someone, a good pkantiff lawyer will find that information out and use it to their full advantage.

Again, if your stuck on the Tahoe, i suggest you stay under 6500 lb loaded weight and under 26' trailer length. Your call. Again, good luck with your decision

[JnJnKatiebug]

There are several people that tow with the Tahoe. Most don't post on here because they get beat up about how unsafe they are. I have no problem with my Tahoe/Trailer setup other than I would like a little more power. But, it's just me, the wife and dog (about 350# total) and we only carry 500 to 600 pounds in the trailer which gives me a total trailer weight of about 6500#. I am within all of my weight ratings including the receiver hitch as I only have about 700# of tongue weight.

With your larger family you may find it hard to keep the weight down.

In my opinion, it all about the hitch. Do not get a friction sway control hitch. You will need a good hitch. I think my Husky Centerline hitch is middle of the road but does a good job after I got it set up correctly. It took three adjustments and a couple of trips to the scales to get it right.

[DANSKIR]

I'm conflicted about this wheelbase issue because I've read on other pages/ forums that It isnt really an issue at all. Not to discount what soundguy is saying but I'm so new to this its difficult to know whether its sufficient of a concern to change the TT. Whats the consensus? Will a good hitch resolve it?

[DANSKIR]

Unfortunately getting a truck isnt an option. This is going to be the wife's grocery car. It has to be an SUV and the tahoe seems to be the most bang for the buck. I'm concerned about the wheelbase issue. If we get a good anti-sway hitch, will that improve the situation?

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
To the OP, perhaps this article discussing Trailer Towing vs Tow Vehicle Wheelbase will help clarify the issues involved. Opinions vary of course as to how strictly one should stick to a guideline like this but it nonetheless does point out just how inadequate a Tahoe's short 116" wheelbase is for towing a ~ 30' travel trailer.

totaldla wrote:
I'm sorry, but the blog was hardly definitive - just some guys opinion.

No need to be sorry, I did say "opinions vary of course ...". I also said "JMO" ... perhaps you missed it. :W

Regardless of whether you agree with the specific numbers the point is towing an especially long 30'+ trailer with a short wheelbase vehicle like that Tahoe the OP wants to use is an invitation for a tail wagging the dog situation ... funny with a dog I suppose but not funny at all when towing several tons of travel trailer. 😉

[PAThwacker]

Do not get the Tahoe. That's a grocery store and boat hauling truck. Sub 1500. Daycare mobiles. 3/4 crew cabs: family camping trucks.
3/4 subs 2001 to 2006 desirable. 2007 on up limiting hitch.

[totaldla]

SoundGuy wrote:
To the OP, perhaps this article discussing Trailer Towing vs Tow Vehicle Wheelbase will help clarify the issues involved. Opinions vary of course as to how strictly one should stick to a guideline like this but it nonetheless does point out just how inadequate a Tahoe's short 116" wheelbase is for towing a ~ 30' travel trailer. With any trailer this size you really should be looking at a crew cab style of truck with a much longer wheelbase. JMO.

I'm sorry, but the blog was hardly definitive - just some guys opinion.

[SoundGuy]

To the OP, perhaps this article discussing Trailer Towing vs Tow Vehicle Wheelbase will help clarify the issues involved. Opinions vary of course as to how strictly one should stick to a guideline like this but it nonetheless does point out just how inadequate a Tahoe's short 116" wheelbase is for towing a ~ 30' travel trailer. With any trailer this size you really should be looking at a crew cab style of truck with a much longer wheelbase. JMO.

[SoundGuy]

DANSKIR wrote:
I found another TT brand/model that we like and was hoping you would all chime in on this one too: the Passport Elite Grand Touring 2670BHWE. Dry weight is around 5200 lbs. Exterior length is still a bit long at 30'4". hitch weight is 624.

That does everyone think? still too big? which hitch would you recommend?

Better as far as the trailer is concerned but none of this addresses the Tahoe's shortcomings as a tow vehicle, particularly it's short wheelbase of just 116". As for WD, I too towed for years with an Equal-i-zer, haven't owned a Sway Pro but am quite familiar with how it works, and would agree the Sway Pro is the preferred choice between the two as it addresses pretty well all the shortcomings of the Equal-i-zer which is noisy in operation, requires torque wrenches which you likely don't have to properly set up (and later readjust), is a pain to reset the head angle washers, and requires complete replacement if you later decide to go to a heavier or lighter trailer. The Sway Pro however does use chains and for some that's a show stopper itself compared to the Equal-i-zer which has no chains at all. Personal choice, both will do an admirable job. :B That said, if you still insist on that short wheelbasse Tahoe I'd suggest you seriously considering investing in a much more costly Hensley Arrow or ProPride 3P, both of which are designed to eliminate sway before it even starts whereas pretty well every other system simply dampens sway.

[jerem0621]

I'd go for the longer wheelbase Suburban. I am a believer in wheelbase for a long trailer TV. I personally would limit myself to about a 25ft trailer with the Tahoe.

Towed a 32 ft TT with a short wheel base Expedition...NEVER AGAIN.

Just a few inches longer with my 1997 F150 and it was so much better and more relaxed.

as far as power the Sub and the Tahoe both have plenty. About 360 ish? Makes my 225HP my F150 had sound puny. (Which it was).

Here is the key to towing with a gas truck. Use the skinny pedal and mash it down. If you have to gear down the transmission when climbing hills then so be it. In other words, let the motor spin. My old 5.4 and 6.8 V10 would sometimes see 5,000 rpm for extended periods of time climbing mountains. No worries...that's what they are designed to do. Just don't be shocked when the motor goes to 4,500 RPM or so....it's not struggling..it working...something these 360 HP monsters do not have to do just carting around soccer balls and groceries. Let it work...it will be fine.


As far as the WD hitch is concerned... I'm old school and use a ProSeries round bar WD hitch and add on friction sway controls. No problems, just set them up right. Just like any other hitch.... and use two sway controls.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[APT]

Your limits are payload and receiver ratings. As Equipped payload is listed on the Tire and loading sticker. Note what is listed for Maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo.

Receiver is rated at 1000 pounds of TW when using a WDH. That's about 7000 pound loaded TT.

[Ugly04]

Hitch wise I would recommend the Blue Ox Sway PRO. I used an Equalizer brand hitch for 10 years and when I bought our Jayflight this year I also bought the Blue Ox hitch. I would say that it is superior in every aspect over the Equalizer. It is very simple to set up and adjust and much quiter. Also if you upgrade trailers later and need a heavier or lower rated hitch you can just swap out the bars. The head works with all of them. Not the case with the Equalizer.

[DANSKIR]

Thanks to everyone who has posted and all the great info (Soundguy and JnJnKatiebug you guys were especially helpful).

I found another TT brand/model that we like and was hoping you would all chime in on this one too: the Passport Elite Grand Touring 2670BHWE. Dry weight is around 5200 lbs. Exterior length is still a bit long at 30'4". hitch weight is 624.

That does everyone think? still too big? which hitch would you recommend?

Thanks again

[SoundGuy]

DANSKIR wrote:
Definitely wont be completely accurate but found info from this: http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/tahoe/2016.tab1.html
the curb weight is 5466 lbs
The payload is 1702 lbs.
Gvwr: is 7100 lbs
Assuming the loaded weight is 7800# and tongue weight is right around the 1k point.

Still a no go?

LINK

Wheelbase is still the same, 20" wheels are a poor choice compared to 18" as the engine will spin slower at any given road speed, 3.42 axle ratio despite a newer narrow range 6 spd transmission is still not as suitable for towing as is 3.73, GVWR of 7100 lbs gives away 200 lbs of payload capacity to a GVWR of 7300 lbs (I lost 500 lbs between my Silvy @ 7300 lbs and Avalanche @ 6800 lbs :M ), and that so-called "payload capacity" needs to be confirmed by actually weighing the truck with a full tank of gas to verify what it actually weighs and therefore what is real world payload capacity really is. Ultimately you'll do what you want but IMO a 32' trailer that you say you expect may hit 7800 lbs with 1000 lb of gross tongue weight is too much trailer for a Tahoe, particularly if you expect to be towing significant upgrades. 😞