Tahoe Tow Vehicle Equipment Questions

[stlsailorrv]

Though my 4Runner has handled my Jayco X20E it's slow on hills and seems to struggle a bit. If I'm going to get bad mileage anyway I'd rather have it with something with more power.

So I've been looking at Tahoes though they're overkill for that size trailer. But there doesn't seem to be an in-between. But there's a question.

Engine oil coolers, Transmission oil coolers, and trailering equipment (2" receiver, 7-pin connector, and setup for aftermarket brake controller) seem to come standard. What does NOT come standards and is harder to find is the (NHT) HD Trailering package (3.42 rear axle, brake controller, increased capacity suspension, and 2 speed autotrac transfer case).

So my question is -- assuming I'll get a brake controller either way, what am I giving up by not getting the rest of the HD trailering package considering that my trailer is 3900 lbs? How hard should I look for a Tahoe with that package and is it a big deal?

And, if not, in the event I get a larger trailer later, how much weight does the trailer need before it becomes a big deal?

[PUCampin]

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

[APT]

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.

[stlsailorrv]

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.

[stlsailorrv]

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.

[martinto]

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!

[APT]

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.

[stlsailorrv]

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.

[PAThwacker]

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.

[camp-n-family]

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.

[stlsailorrv]

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.

[stlsailorrv]

Lessmore wrote:
I just drove a new Tahoe for quite a bit. Very impressed with solidity, quiet and ride of the vehicle.

Toyota reliability was mentioned. We just traded in Toyota Matrix. We bought it new in 2007, it was well cared for and we just put a little over 50,000 miles on it, by the time we traded it in, which was Feb., 2015.

We had a number of electronic issues with it and once it went off extended warranty we got rid of it. We won't be getting another Toyota.

We had a Yukon some years ago and loved it. The problem I have with Tahoes is that I don't want the navigator panel. They told me that you had to pay $250 a year if you wanted the maps updated and my Nuvi with lifetime maps came cheaper than that. Also, since everything tied into the panel I saw two problems. One is that I've heard traditional knobs/buttons are safer to operate in a car than touchscreens. The other is that if it goes out you lose pretty much everything it seemed to me. But most of the used Tahoes around here seem to have the panels. Finding one without the panel and with the HD trailering package won't be easy I think.

If I can't, the other options seem to be a Sequioia or an Expedition. I'm more familiar with GM and Toyota than with Fords.

[stlsailorrv]

camp-n-family wrote:
Is your 4Runner older with a v6 or the V8? If you're looking for used (pre '09 before they dropped the v8) and like the 4Runner and it's only the V6, trade up for a V8 model. Its night and day. I towed a 19' HTT @ 4k with an '03 v6 which struggled in the hills and headwinds. I traded for an '04 V8 and it pulled like the trailer wasn't there. So well in fact that I bought a bigger tt (26' @ 5500lbs).

If you're looking at Tahoes why not consider a Sequoia? More power in the 5.7l and you can't beat Toyota reliability.

Good questions. It's a 2007 with a V6. I thought about looking for a V8 4Runner from back when they still made them (not sure why they discontinued them). But I have a few beefs with the 4Runner. (1) Cruise control isn't worth a flip if you've got the least hills. (2) You couldn't see the black instrument panel in the daylight so their solution was to leave the instrument panel lights on all the time. Cheap fix, but too often I start out in a brightly lit parking lot in the evening and forget to turn on my headlights because the instrument panel is already lit up. (3) The readouts are LCD which you can't see during the day if you're weating sunglasses. (4) You can't buy a piece for a part; you have to buy the whole assembly. That's just a few of them. (5) A few others I don't recall at the moment.

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.

[stlsailorrv]

jerem0621 wrote:
From the limited research I have done on GM's I believe they all have a tow/haul mode during the years you are looking for.

You 'can' add the HD equipment yourself. You can add aftermarket transmission/engine oil coolers...HD radiator (if it's actually different)...and change the axle ratios to 3.42 (if changing, I would do 3.73 or 4.10..but that's just me). You can also add a great aftermarket brake controller and a stronger non POS receiver and make it a towing machine.

The Tahoe is a great compromise vehicle...they handle good, have good daily driver manners, are comfortable to drive.

Good luck in your search!

Thanks!

Jeremiah

What do you mean tow/haul mode?

The oil coolers actually aren't part of the package I was surprised to find. They come standard, and I wouldn't want to tow anything without them. But since they aren't part of the HD package, that's what raised the question in my mind if I really needed the HD package or not.

Why the higher axle ratios? What do you see as the pros and cons? I don't know much about axle ratios.

[Need-A-Vacation]

Stlsailorrv,

As I mentioned in your thread on JOF, I would go for the HD Tow Package. The extra gearing it has, higher payload, and the factory brake controller are worth it! As mentioned over there also, you may end up upgrading the trailer a little down the road and the Tahoe with the HD tow pkg may still fit work.

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!