Community Forums

jr3153 · 02-08-2011, 12:13 PM

I am in the process of buying a Travel Trailer for the first time. I have been told my towing vehicle is ok for the trailer we want, but I wanted an outside unbiased opinion.

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban with a 5.3L V8 with the tow package. From What I am getting from here http://www.trailerlife.com/images/do...owingguide.pdf it says I can pull 7400 lbs.

I am looking at purchasing a 2003 Dutchmen 26B Lite. I do not have the tongue weight or the exact weight of the trailer at this point, only that the empty weight is 4500 to 5000 lbs.

We plan to use the trailer probably just a few times a year during the summer when the kids are out, probably no more than 300 miles away from home.

Is my Suburban good enough to pull this trailer? I appreciate the help. Thanks.

KTM Guy · 02-08-2011, 02:50 PM

You ask an excellent question! You're not the first to ask it. I'd estimate that it pops up once or twice a month on this forum.

Several senior members have responded to this question so thoughtfully and thoroughly that I wish we could gather those answers into one basket and refer members to it. It would be a great resource.

Could one of the moderators could create a sticky topic or at least a reference archive of those responses?

RustyJC · 02-08-2011, 02:57 PM

HERE is a recent thread where the OP wanted to tow a TT with his 5.3L 1500 Suburban.

Rusty

jr3153 · 02-08-2011, 09:53 PM

Thank you sir, I appreciate the link. Best I can tell, it will pull it, though there are better towing vehicle options out there. For what we will be using it for, I believe it will be fine. Thanks again.

go6car · 02-09-2011, 12:39 PM

You should be fine.

Make sure you get a good weight distributing hitch (with sway control) and an electronic breaking system installed. There are a lot of options for these out there with all sorts of prices.

Ours is by Reece. If you're not sure what type you need, give them a call and they can help advise you and also answer any questions you may have about your particular set up. A good dealer or service center should also be able to help direct you here and get you hooked up properly if you're a little guy shy on doing all this yourself.

Weight Distribution Kits | Reese SC Weight Distributing Hitch (1,200 lbs) | Drawtite | Reese | Tekonsha | Bulldog | Fulton

Best of luck!