Community Forums

Mmp227628 · 02-11-2019, 04:41 PM

Hello all. I have a 2017 Suburban that is not equipped with the HD/Max tow package, so I’m limited to a max of 6000 pounds towing capacity (it has the 3.08 rear end). I anticipate I’ll need the trans cooler and will install a trailer brake. I’m interested in hearing if anyone has experience at towing at/near the top limit of this vehicle’s listed capacity. I’m currently interested in purchasing a travel trailer that weight apps 4600 (dry weight) with a hitch weight of 515 (dry). I’ll also be traveling with 6 passengers (4 kids). Thanks in advance to anyone who’s able to share heir experiences towing with a Tahoe/Suburban w/ the 3.08 rear end.

steve52 · 02-11-2019, 05:28 PM

The 3.08 is going to severely limit your towing ability. What does the payload sticker inside the door say?

aether_one · 02-11-2019, 05:35 PM

More importantly, what's the GVWR of the trailer? Dry weights are useless as nobody pulls a trailer at its "dry weight".

Mmp227628 · 02-11-2019, 05:50 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Suburban:
Payload 1617
GVWR 7500
GAWR FRT 3600
GAWR RR 4200

Trailer
GVWR 6500 (I do not intend to load anywhere near this limit as it is almost 2k over dry weight)

Thanks again for the responses

IBTripping · 02-12-2019, 12:02 AM

The TT dry weight is 4600 lbs. By the time you include the propane tanks, house batteries, water in the fresh water tank, everyone's clothes and personal items, hose for city water hookup, electrical adapters/extension cords, food, cooking/serving items, bedding, bottle jack for flat tires, and camping gear it'll be easy to have light cargo of 900 lbs. Thus, the TT will have a 5,500 lb gross weight.

Because of the front and side height of a TT, most experts recommend towing no more than 80% of the max towing weight of the TV. 80% of the the Suburban's 6000 lb towing capacity is 4800 lbs.

A 10% tongue weight would be 550 lbs. But, you need to add about 60 lbs for the weight distribution hitch. That's 610 lbs of TV cargo. Then, add 6 people, tools, full tank of gas, etc. and you'll be close if not over the Suburban's 1617 lb payload capacity. All that coupled with 3.08 gearing and it will not be pleasant towing all that cargo especially in a light cross wind or when tractor trailers drive by.

Some owners in that situation will take 2 vehicles to lessen the payload on the TV. Another option would be a lighter popup (tent) camper trailer. With it's low profile, a 3500 lb popup would be a breeze to tow.

rte1985 · 02-12-2019, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBTripping

The TT dry weight is 4600 lbs. By the time you include the propane tanks, house batteries, water in the fresh water tank, everyone's clothes and personal items, hose for city water hookup, electrical adapters/extension cords, food, cooking/serving items, bedding, bottle jack for flat tires, and camping gear it'll be easy to have light cargo of 900 lbs. Thus, the TT will have a 5,500 lb gross weight.

Because of the front and side height of a TT, most experts recommend towing no more than 80% of the max towing weight of the TV. 80% of the the Suburban's 6000 lb towing capacity is 4800 lbs.

A 10% tongue weight would be 550 lbs. But, you need to add about 60 lbs for the weight distribution hitch. That's 610 lbs of TV cargo. Then, add 6 people, tools, full tank of gas, etc. and you'll be close if not over the Suburban's 1617 lb payload capacity. All that coupled with 3.08 gearing and it will not be pleasant towing all that cargo especially in a light cross wind or when tractor trailers drive by.

Some owners in that situation will take 2 vehicles to lessen the payload on the TV. Another option would be a lighter popup (tent) camper trailer. With it's low profile, a 3500 lb popup would be a breeze to tow.

Nailed it on the head! 6 people means a lot of stuff. Even if you think your gonna pack lite it adds up very quickly. Your best bet to even start this journey is load the family up and load whatever you would plan on putting in your suburban and go get a scaled weight. Then you will see your legit payload capacity remaining. The %80 percent rule of thumb is great. If you are only going to be traveling maybe a couple times a year and somewhere close to home and also towing on flat terrain then you can probably get away with 10 - 15 percent cushion. No matter what that camper is going to be at the top of your limits. Also that dry tongue weight and dry weight might be a couple 100 pounds off of brochure weight. Some/most listed dry weights don't include the spare, ac, television, ladder, slide topper, ac, etc etc. So they arrive at the dealer a litter heavier than listed. good luck