2011 Suburban 2500 Towing : Interested in experienced opinions
05-07-2011, 04:44 AM
#31
Burning Brakes
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The 8.1 in the Suburbans came with a 5 speed Allison automatic, IIRC, and it got better (relatively) mileage than the big pickups. I love the 8.1, because we used to need it in all of our up-armored Suburbans. I have never towed with one, though. From what I know, if they are well maintained, they last a LONG time. GM stopped putting them in the Subs solely because they could not meet emissions.
05-13-2011, 11:18 AM
#32
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Can anyone tell me if the 2011 Suburban 2500 has the features noted below? The salesmen don't know jack 
I love these features and need to know if the Suburban has them. I don't see a towing package option on the Chevy website.
I love these features and need to know if the Suburban has them. I don't see a towing package option on the Chevy website.
As for the towing, the truck has a built in brake controller which integrates the ABS and is in a place that's as easy to reach and adjust as your wipers. It gives a read out in the instrument cluster with a large easy to read bar graph each time you brake....
The tow package includes all of the typical things like the correct gearing/diff with the external coolers etc....
The truck has something GMC calls "Grade Braking" which is basically a "Jake Brake" for lack of a better description....
The tow package includes all of the typical things like the correct gearing/diff with the external coolers etc....
The truck has something GMC calls "Grade Braking" which is basically a "Jake Brake" for lack of a better description....
05-13-2011, 12:06 PM
#33
Burning Brakes
As far as hitches go, you can always install a stronger hitch to increase your "dead pull" weight which in turn increases your tongue weight as long as you are still within factory tow rating.
05-13-2011, 05:12 PM
#35
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2011 Suburban
I pull 24' enclosed trailer (3600#) race car (2700#) plus 1000# of tires, gear and gas with 2011 Suburban 2500 without a weight distributing hitch. First long trip was DC to Cleveland and I had no problems with trailer sway and plenty of power to get up the mountains on the PA turnpike.
05-13-2011, 06:06 PM
#36
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Ditto on VR's comment, no "jake brakes". When tow/haul is selected, the tranny downshifts to assist in braking. The IBC unit is wonderful and very easy to adjust as well as simple to read right at the dash info lamps.
I just installed a E-qual-i-zer hitch and am absolutely impressed. Drove 150 miles the other day through bad Oklahoma thunderstorms (50 mph cross winds and much water on the road) without any trouble whatsoever from my 28' tag.
I just installed a E-qual-i-zer hitch and am absolutely impressed. Drove 150 miles the other day through bad Oklahoma thunderstorms (50 mph cross winds and much water on the road) without any trouble whatsoever from my 28' tag.
05-13-2011, 07:10 PM
#38
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FYI: the 2500 models of the Suburban and Yukon XL are special order only. Dealers tend not to stock them. Also FYI: you can get air conditioned seats in the Yukon XL 2500 but not the Suburban 2500. Very useful if you tow on warm days after loading the trailer!
....
05-14-2011, 12:41 PM
#43
Burning Brakes
I did find more than a few in stock locally in the DC area back in December. Sport Chevrolet in Silver Spring MD had the best selection and best deals. A PA dealer had two that were set up for school bus duty, I thought those might be fun if you wanted to name your team "Short Bus Racing" or "Remedial Racing".
05-14-2011, 12:48 PM
#44
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I did find more than a few in stock locally in the DC area back in December. Sport Chevrolet in Silver Spring MD had the best selection and best deals. A PA dealer had two that were set up for school bus duty, I thought those might be fun if you wanted to name your team "Short Bus Racing" or "Remedial Racing".
05-14-2011, 02:53 PM
#45
Burning Brakes