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.

[DANSKIR]

Thanks everyone for all the great help. I can see how the wildcat would be scary. I'm feeling comfortable w/ the passport.

[SoundGuy]

shar3890 wrote:
Thanks for your kind post troubledwaters. I hate this site when people like him think they're the only opinion that matters.

Perhaps if you'd actually read what's posted your opinion would matter ... or is that too much to hope for? :W

From one of my earlier posts ...

"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."

Talk about those who can't understand the written word. :R

[shar3890]

Thanks for your kind post troubledwaters. I hate this site when people like him think they're the only opinion that matters.

[troubledwaters]

Apparently only SoundGuy has an opinion that matters. Guess I missed the part about SoundGuy being god when I signed up. Now I'll probably be banished.

[SoundGuy]

shar3890 wrote:
If you look back at another page, the OP stated he was now looking at a different RV (Passport) and asking for advice about that new RV he was considering. Being we own a very similar RV and tow with Tahoe was the reason I replied to post.

I don't have to "look back at another page" as I'm quite familiar with what the OP has posted as this discussion progressed. :R If you would read what I just posted you'd note I did note the OP was now "looking at a different RV" ....

What I actually said - "Although it seems the OP accepts some of what has been offered and is now considering a somewhat shorter, lighter trailer ..."

I also said your points were well taken and that perhaps the "West" version of your trailer may be an option for him, although I personally still disagree with towing any travel trailer of that length with such a short wheelbase vehicle, despite your reported success.

[shar3890]

If you look back at another page, the OP stated he was now looking at a different RV (Passport) and asking for advice about that new RV he was considering. Being we own a very similar RV and tow with Tahoe was the reason I replied to post.

[SoundGuy]

shar3890 wrote:
We have a 2016 Passport 2400BH-dry weight of 4730 and length of 27'10" which of course is shorter and weighes about 350 lbs less than the model you are looking at. We absolutely love the trailer by the way. We tow with a Chevy Tahoe with absolutely no problems. We have been pulling RV's for almost 30 yrs. We have the whole trailer tow pkg on the car and use a Reese weight distribution system with sway control. I understand your desire to have the Tahoe over a truck-always felt the same. The trailer you like would certainly be the max I would want to pull with the Tahoe-maybe you would consider the next shorter model. Would hate to see you buy an RV too big for you to safely pull with Tahoe, then regret your purchase.

This is what the OP stated in his first post they wanted to pull with a Tahoe and which is what started this entire debate about how suitable the Tahoe is as a TV.

"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""


BIG difference between that trailer and yours which you tug with a Tahoe. Although it seems the OP accepts some of what has been offered and is now considering a somewhat shorter, lighter trailer it's pretty clear that regardless he's still insisting on a Tahoe instead of 1/2 ton truck with a longer wheelbase more appropriate for towing a travel trailer. Your points are well taken ... being in California perhaps he should consider the 2600BHWE "West" version of your trailer which is WAY shorter and lighter than what he was originally considering.

[shar3890]

We have a 2016 Passport 2400BH-dry weight of 4730 and length of 27'10" which of course is shorter and weighes about 350 lbs less than the model you are looking at. We absolutely love the trailer by the way. We tow with a Chevy Tahoe with absolutely no problems. We have been pulling RV's for almost 30 yrs. We have the whole trailer tow pkg on the car and use a Reese weight distribution system with sway control. I understand your desire to have the Tahoe over a truck-always felt the same. The trailer you like would certainly be the max I would want to pull with the Tahoe-maybe you would consider the next shorter model. Would hate to see you buy an RV too big for you to safely pull with Tahoe, then regret your purchase.

[SoundGuy]

falconbrother wrote:
I see people towing in and out of the campgrounds with Tahoes all the time. Some have them set up right and some don't. What I observe is the grill looking up into the sky. The folks who use the weight distributing hitch don't seem to have any issues pulling trailers with Tahoes, even the older ones. I would look for a trailer well under 6,000 pounds. There are plenty of choices with a slide out, etc. Don't let the dealer sell you an 8000 pound trailer to be pulled with a Tahoe. The wheel base is a bit short to be pulling a trailer nearing the posted weight rating. Otherwise, that Tahoe can do the trick. The 5.3 is plenty enough unless you're in a big hurry.

Did you bother to read the OP's original post and all those following before posting yourself? :R

[falconbrother]

I see people towing in and out of the campgrounds with Tahoes all the time. Some have them set up right and some don't. What I observe is the grill looking up into the sky. The folks who use the weight distributing hitch don't seem to have any issues pulling trailers with Tahoes, even the older ones. I would look for a trailer well under 6,000 pounds. There are plenty of choices with a slide out, etc. Don't let the dealer sell you an 8000 pound trailer to be pulled with a Tahoe. The wheel base is a bit short to be pulling a trailer nearing the posted weight rating. Otherwise, that Tahoe can do the trick. The 5.3 is plenty enough unless you're in a big hurry.

[Camper_G]

GrandpaKip wrote:
My kids just upgraded their TV. They were looking into a Tahoe or equivalent. The $50 to $60k was nuts in my opinion and the payload wasn't much better than their present truck.
Short story shorter, the bought a Nissan NV. Less than $35k before trade in. Plenty of payload and room for them, 3 kids, a dog and stuff. They say it rides nice and is maneuverable.
Just an idea.

Is it available in 4x4? If only rwd that would be a no go. I've seen one in person and thought it was not the most attractive looking vehicle, but that's just me

[jerem0621]

GrandpaKip wrote:
My kids just upgraded their TV. They were looking into a Tahoe or equivalent. The $50 to $60k was nuts in my opinion and the payload wasn't much better than their present truck.
Short story shorter, the bought a Nissan NV. Less than $35k before trade in. Plenty of payload and room for them, 3 kids, a dog and stuff. They say it rides nice and is maneuverable.
Just an idea.

I had to go look up the Nissan NV van. Nearly 9,000 lbs towing! That's pretty impressive! Manage the tongue weight and that's a very capable TV/family hauler/daily driver.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[GrandpaKip]

My kids just upgraded their TV. They were looking into a Tahoe or equivalent. The $50 to $60k was nuts in my opinion and the payload wasn't much better than their present truck.
Short story shorter, the bought a Nissan NV. Less than $35k before trade in. Plenty of payload and room for them, 3 kids, a dog and stuff. They say it rides nice and is maneuverable.
Just an idea.

[PAThwacker]

My 10 mpg sub on roids is a 2500 series. Second vehicle to slowly rot away. Goes on grocery runs to keep the fluids moving.

Used 3/4 truck 20k. New Tahoe 60k. Used 3/4 sub 8 to 14k. Do the math and see how a dedicated vehicle for recreation might be all you need. If I had a 3/4 pickup I'd own a truck camper and not two trailers.