We are considering a new tow vehicle.

[curtbaker]

We now have a 2005 Suburban 2500 w/Vortec 8100 496 cu in V8 (325 hp at 4200 rpm and 447 lb·ft of torque at 3200 rpm) and 4.11 axle ratio. It is rated to tow 12,500 lbs and our trailer is a Keystone Outback KRS 23' with the garage in front where we store an 800 lb. HD Road Glide. The trailer is 7500 lbs. loaded. The tongue weight is a little close to max due to the bike in front.

Our Suburban is almost pristine, very well taken care off and just had a new cam and lifters installed at 200K miles. Maybe it's time to get a newer tow vehicle, maybe not.

POSSIBILITIES:

2015/16 Ford Expedition w/3.5L EcoBoost® V6 - 365 @ 5,000 420 lb torque @ 2,250 - tow capacity 9200 lbs

2015/16 Chevy Tahoe w/EcoTec3 5.3L V8 - 355 hp 383 lb torque - tow capacity 8600 lbs. w/3.42 axle ratio

2015/16 Yukon Denali w/6.2L V8 - 440 hp 420 lbs torque - tow capacity 8400 lbs.

QUESTIONS:

What will the towing experience be with any of these new vehicles compared to our "old" Suburban? The tow ratings are much lower but there is 10 years of newer technology to consider.

How can they get that much torque/tow capacity from the Ford? It seems like a less substantial vehicle although I haven't checked the weight.

Why does the Yukon Denali have less tow capacity than the Tahoe? I believe the axle ratio is higher but the engine is larger ...?

[j3ff9ack]

KD4UPL wrote:
I keep what you have for as long as possible. Anything else will be a downgrade.

+1 - the 8.1 is a great engine.

[blt2ski]

You are down grading your ride with those TV options. Frankly, there is NOT an equal to your burb on the market at the moment. might be a better option to plunk a couple more $$ into the current ride vs a newer ride.

If you go to a crew cab pickup or van......now you have real options on par with what you have in the 25 series models, be it Dodge, Ford or GM........

Marty

[Greene728]

As already stated, if tongue weight is the issue, why are you looking to go from a 3/4 ton chassis TV to a 1/2 ton chassis TV with less payload?

[KD4UPL]

I keep what you have for as long as possible. Anything else will be a downgrade.

[nofoolin]

I agree with the others that both payload and wheelbase can/will be issues for you. A Max tow 1/2 ton crew cab will better fit your needs. I would recommend looking at both GM and Ford. BTW the GM 6.2 puts out 420 hp and 450 lb ft and along with the 8 speed trans will probably be the performance king, at least at lower altitudes. The 3.5 ecoboost has a great reputation towing, producing strong low end torque and good all around performance.

I have a 5.3 Chevy Max tow and pull right at the same weight as you do. The new direct injected ecotec does a good job of handling the weight and drag from our TT. I've crisscrossed the Sierras, San Bernardino Mts, the Cascades, 7000 plus feet along the 395,... I usually pull at about 60mph, but lost speed down to 54mph for about 15 seconds on one hill. Tach never went above about 3800 - 3900 in over 4000 miles of towing unless passing, or getting on the highway. It held 1st overdrive (5th)better than expected. (I sold my '03 chipped duramax for some reference) I however would not buy a 5.3 without the max tow that gives you the lowest rear axle ratio. A 6.2 Max tow would be wonderful, but many expensive options are required in order to get the larger engine. (I saved well over $10,000 by going with the 5.3)

Ford's twin turbo's along with the added complexity and expense scared me off the ecoboost as I like to keep my vehicles and was concerned about longterm maintenance and repair costs. The 3.5 ecoboost is much more available throughout Ford's line. Kudos to Ford for that.

You may want to took at the 2500 Ram 6.4, though their six speed transmission gearing is poor, even with the 4.10's. I drove one of those for about 10 days, overall it was a nice capable truck. (Standard Ram 1500's will probably not meet your payload needs.)

[SouthpawHD]

Sprink-Fitter wrote:
If the tongue weight is close to max on a 2500 suburban wouldn't it be over on anyone on the list you have?

That's exactly what I was thinking.

The other thing to keep in mind is payload of these SUVs. The Sub 2500 has a payload of around 2,000 pounds I think. These heavily-equipped SUVs listed above are likely several hundred pounds less. And since the OP is towing a tow hauler, I have to believe he would be over the limits of those SUVs.

[Sprink-Fitter]

If the tongue weight is close to max on a 2500 suburban wouldn't it be over on anyone on the list you have?

[Fast_Mopar]

curtbaker wrote:

POSSIBILITIES:

2015/16 Ford Expedition w/3.5L EcoBoost® V6 - 365 @ 5,000 420 lb torque @ 2,250 - tow capacity 9200 lbs

2015/16 Chevy Tahoe w/EcoTec3 5.3L V8 - 355 hp 383 lb torque - tow capacity 8600 lbs. w/3.42 axle ratio

2015/16 Yukon Denali w/6.2L V8 - 440 hp 420 lbs torque - tow capacity 8400 lbs.

In my opinion, from the list above, the Ford Expedition is the best choice, but only the long wheelbase EL version. Stay away from the short version and stay away from the short GM's like the Tahoe - get the Suburban or Yukon XL if you go GM. Regardless, with that Harley in the front, I think your tongue will be too heavy. I looked at a 2016 Expedition EL last month, and the payload was approximately 1360 lb.

[alexleblanc]

power wise the Ecoboost and 6.2 GM will be on par if not slightly better than your current rig with better FE, the chassis however on both options you've listed are really a 1/2 tons so payload may be an issue. You may also find the suspension on both models to be a lot softer than your current rig.

All that being said I think that for that weight and length of trailer an Expedition (long wheelbase) or Yukon XL with the 6.2 would most likely do the job once upgraded with a set of airbags and LT tires - just watch your payload.

I myself and somewhat Bias towards the Ford simply because of the Ecoboosts Big block / Diesel like torque curve, while towing it really shines.

I'd stay away from the 5.3, its not in the same class as the 3.5 EB or 6.2, frankly with 7500lbs in tow, you'll find it gutless.