Tahoe Tow Vehicle Equipment Questions

Expedition would also work for you if are interested in Ford. Look for 2007 or later to get the 6 speed. It is very easy to tell if the Expy has the towing package. If the 4 pin and 7 pin plugs are there, it has it, if just the 4 pin, it does not. Expy towing package (536) comes with a HD radiator, larger trans cooler, HD flashers 7 pin plug and brake controller wiring. Non tow package equipped is 6000lbs, with tow package is up to 9200lbs. Axle ratio availability varies depending on year, but for 07 the regular length was 3.31 2x4, 3.73 4x4. All ELs are 3.73. The 6spd has a low 4.17:1 first gear and the 5.4 has a very nice torque curve Expys also generally have the most payload of any 1/2 ton SUV. My EL XLT 4x4 with rear AC has 1672lbs of payload. I have been very satisfied with my towing experience

What you want is the K5L, transmission cooler. You can add that to and Tahoe/Suburban and assess whatever tow capacity you want at that point. About $50 plus installation.

The consensus seems to be I need the HD tow package, and the biggest deal seems to be the 3.42 axle ratio rather than the 3.08. So that's top on my list. However, they are hard to find. So here's the follow-up question.

Given that (a) the trailer I am towing is only 3900 dry weight, and (b) I'm not likely to get a larger one, would the 3.08 tow it adequately if I can't find one I like with the HD towing package.

Here's what I'm thinking. The charts show
5200 lbs with the 3.08
5700 lbs with the 3.42
8200 lbs with the 3.42 and the cooling packages.

It seems as if the cooling packages make a far bigger difference than the rear end. Thus would the 3.08 work for me if I had the cooling packages which come standard on some of the years I'm looking at, though not all?

Getting the package is still first choice. But given their difficulty to find, I'm interested in how much leeway I have.

APT wrote:
There is no NHT package in the Tahoe, pickups only. Look for Z82 for the HD trailing package. If it has that, it will also have GU6 for the 3.42 axle. That is a good truck for your use. If you can find a Yukon Denali, they are more likely equipped with the Z82 and include the much higher powered 6.2L standard.

Perhaps this varies by year. For 2015 (a bit newer than the year I'm looking for) the Z82 is standard equipment. NHT is the optional package for HD trailering. They include:

Z82 Trailering equipment, includes trailering hitch platform, 7-wire harness with independent fused trailering circuits mated to a 7-way sealed connector and 2" trailering receiver S S S

NHT Max Trailering Package
1 - Includes (GU6) 3.42 rear axle ratio, (JL1) Trailer brake controller and (Z85) Suspension Package. 4WD models also include (NQH) 2-speed active Transfer case.
2 - Includes (GU6) 3.42 rear axle ratio, (JL1) Trailer brake controller and (Z85) Suspension Package. 4WD models also include (NQH) 2-speed active Transfer case. (NHT) is not available with (Z71) Off-Road Package.
3 - Includes (GU6) 3.42 rear axle ratio and (JL1) Trailer brake controller. 4WD models also include (NQH) 2-speed active Transfer case. A1 A2 A3 -- Note A1=LS, A2=LT, A3=LTZ

This is from: http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/en/chevrolet/vehicles/tahoe/2015.tab3.html.

Earlier years may be different though. The problem is that dealers tell me a used vehicle has the towing package and I've discovered what they mean is the standard towing package (Z82) which does not include what NHT does -- the 3.42 and brake controller.

It would have been easier to post a screenshot but I couldn't seem to make the post do that.

Having said that, however, I am including the Yukon in the search because I believe you are spot on about that. We had a Yukon Denali some years ago and loved it.

We have the GMC Yukon...sister to Tahoe. 2008 Denali trim level with HD tow pkg...but not the NHT max tow pkg. 6.2l with 3.42 gear and 6 speed tranny, rated at 7900 lb. Pulling a Apex 279RLSS (28ft) box about 6300 lbs loaded. Pulls fine on mountain grades using tow/haul with a Prodigy 2 brake controller. Would pull your trailer with ease, and you could upgrade to a larger TT in the future. My only limitation seems to be payload at 1370 lbs. just me and my wife and 3 small dogs. I remove the third row seating and travel light. Love it!

There is no NHT package in the Tahoe, pickups only. Look for Z82 for the HD trailing package. If it has that, it will also have GU6 for the 3.42 axle. That is a good truck for your use. If you can find a Yukon Denali, they are more likely equipped with the Z82 and include the much higher powered 6.2L standard.

camp-n-family wrote:

The V8s were rated to tow 7000-7200lbs depending on if it was 4x4 or not. Pulled 5500lbs no problem.

Yes, wish I'd gotten a V8.

Tahoes have low payload. Typically in the sub 1300lb configuration in a z71 package. Not an ideal camper tow vehicle but great for a boat.

Look at burbs especially the k2500 type.

I agree you can't beat Toyota reliability, which was why I bought the 4Runner in the first place. But with the problems above, and the fact that the Sequoia gets worse gas mileage than the Tahoe, I've been less inclined to look at the Sequoia.

Your experience with the V6 was like mine--struggled with hills and headwinds. I'm glad to know the V8 worked better. But you said you towed 5500 lbs with a V8 4Runner? I'm surprised it would handle that much. the 07 was only rated 5000 lbs with the V8 or V6. Granted you could tow more, but since my V6 struggles with the 3900 lb and you add the extra weight of any cargo I'm surprised it did well. Interesting to know.

The V8s were rated to tow 7000-7200lbs depending on if it was 4x4 or not. Pulled 5500lbs no problem. The 26' length matched to the short wheelbase did make for a less than stable platform though. I eventually got a Tundra, wish I still had it.

Need-A-Vacation wrote:
Stlsailorrv,

What are the family needs as far as seating? The only downside to a Tahoe (not sure about one with the HD pkg) is you may run out of payload before reaching the max tow rating. Total weight of all passengers, cargo, animals (besides kids!), wd hitch, and the trailer tw all add up toward the tow vehicles available payload. Probably be fine with the current trailer, but if you step up to a larger trailer down the road you may need more payload.

What about a crew/extended cab truck. Maybe that would have more payload???

Good luck!

When I moved up to a TT from a popup I was surprised how heavy the WDhitch is. No animals. Occasionally grandkids. I try to keep cargo weight down. But I have been thinking of getting a portable air compressor (small weight hopefully) so in cold weather I could blow out the lines before I left the campground, then just drop it off by the lot on the way back. I agree, for now not a problem I wouldn't think, but for the future a point well taken.

I don't know. I've just never wanted a truck I guess. Unless we're towing the SUV seems more practical for us. It would have more payload, though. And I have thought of moving up. I don't want a huge tt but I compromised on the X20E because of the low towing capacity of the 4Runner. The slideout doesn't move far enough to make it worthwhile and a couple of extra feet would make a huge difference, so I could move up. Point worth considering.