Rick

I've been looking at something to replace my 2005 F-250 Diesel SD that will be a bit more family friendly and yet do a sufficient job of towing my race trailer. My current guess/estimate is that my trailer weighs 8000 pounds when loaded. My trailer is a v-nose...currently no weight distribution and I don't think there is actually a way to put a system on the trailer given that the enclosed part of the trailer comes very far forward and surrounds the frame.

I was pretty interested in the 2500 Suburban until I got the details on the two rating...max towing rate is 9400 pounds (should be OK) but max tongue weight is 600 pounds w/o weight distribution or 1000 pounds with weight distribution.

My experience is to have tongue weight = 10-15% of trailer weight. Even if I lighten the tongue weight, I'll be over the limit on the hitch and I expect I'll get a fair amount of sway.

Does anyone have real experience towing with these vehicles? Can you share what you've learned/experienced?

Thanks much,

Rick

bella1

Is this the 3/4 Ton truck? If so, you should be fine. I have a 2002 Yukon XL 3/4 ton and 24' Classic Trailer and it is an excellent set up. A friend just purchased a new Denali 3/4 ton and he loves it.

Veloce Raptor

Bella, I presume you mean Denali 3/4 ton pickup? because the Denali SUV is 1/2 ton only.

Rick, I have a 2011 GMC Yukon XL 2500 -- same thing as Suburban -- and before that a 2007 version of same. It is a solid, wonderful vehicle, but I do not tow 8000 poiinds. I tow probably 5600 pounds on an open trailer (closer to 6000 when I have the tire rack full) and it is fine. But with your 8000 pound load, you MUST have weight distributing hitch...








Professional Racing and Driving Coach

JClark

Total internet hearsay: Dont the newer 2500 GM SUVs have some compromise rear suspension that killed the tow rating compared to the older ones? I've read that twice but just from forum peoples.

I have a 02 Yukon XL 2500 SLT for sale if anyone's interested.

Veloce Raptor

I don't think so. Their tow ratings dropped compared with your generation due to extra vehicle weight. The up-armored version of yours, with the 8.1 liter motor = full of win.









Professional Racing and Driving Coach

Garylimey

I just towed a 22ft enclosed steel frame stealth trailer with my 2010 Tahoe to Sebring and back.
It towed great at 70mph, no problem. I had 11 spare wheels and tyres plus tools and 968 in the trailer.
A weight distributing hitch would have been even nicer but the trucks did not seem to cause too much sway.
My new trailer is a V-nose 24ft Stealth all aluminum which will have a weight distribution hitch on it.
I was very impressed with the Tahoe, sounds like the Suburban would be even better.

fatbillybob

I got 2003 2500 8.1liter 4.10 gears and rated at 12,000lbs. New 6.2 2011 sub does not impress at whimpy 8000tow! Are you kidding me? Doesn't a forerunner tow 8000? No wonder GM out of business w/o uncle sam.

fatbillybob

GM made two recent mistakes

1) 2500 sub with lame tow capacity
2) C6 corvette with LS3 motors that can't survive trackduty without aftermarket drysumping

Compare this to the same era C5Z06 LS6 bullit proof motor and the 8.1Liter suburban tow vehicle. GM is going backwards.

Veloce Raptor

Screw the 6.2, which is in th e1/2 tons (1500's) only. The 6.0 in my 2500 is rated 9600 lbs.









Professional Racing and Driving Coach

ltc

A Ford Excursion would be as family friendly and have a greater towing capacity than a Suburban IMHO...at least having owned both vehicles.

Johninrsf

I owned a '99 Sub, 2500/7L and put 145K miles on it with no issues other than routine maintenance.
Last year I bought a 2005, 2500, 8.1L and drive it every day. With an intake and exhaust, dynoed at 374 ft.lbs/tq, it's a towing monster, effortlessly pulling my enclosed car trailer over high elevation mountain passes. The only thing that slows me down is the speed rating on my trailer tires, and, oh yes, the CHP!
The main reason I love the 2005 and earlier models is I believe it was the last year they made a completely flat cargo area that extends from the back of the front seats all the way to the cargo door --with no hills or valleys in between. This is a big plus, and I think they really missed the boat (as did Ford) with the newer designs.

Chris M.

The Fords go completely flat from about 6 inches behind the front seats all the way to the back, and have the MUCH better folding 3rd row seating, as opposed to the 3rd row that has to be removed/installed in the GM vehicles.

Rick I think the Suburban/Yukons are sharp, but my plan when I go enclosed is an Expedition EL. It has a slightly longer wheelbase, and a little less power, but if you need to be able to carry more than 5 people you will be constantly fooling with the 3rd row in the Suburban. The Ford one folds flat at the touch of a button when you don't need it.

Neither is going to tow like your diesel, but it's a tradeoff for the rest of the year when you don't need a pickup. Don't forget that SUV towing mileage with an enclosed trailer will be in the single digits. You could always look for a diesel Excursion with over 500lb/ft or torque.

BC

How are the later versions of the 4L80E units holding up? The HD6 speed autos?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ctd/2188131473.html

ProCoach

Yes, hearsay. No, it's not true that they've compromised.

The 1/2 ton 1500 trucks (at least since 07) are coil spring front and rear, the 3/4 ton 2500 trucks are torsion bar front/leaf spring rear. I know, I've put 130K miles on an '82 454 2500 4WD, 100K miles on '92 454 2500 4WD and 100K miles on an '07 6.0 2500 4WD, all Suburbans. Just bought a new one.

FBB, I love you man, but the 6.0 2007-2011 2500 Suburban has always been 9600 tow for 2WD, 9400 tow for 4WD. The Yukon Denali XL is the only enclosed tow package with a 6.2. With the 6.0 liter, I can comfortably pull any box I need...

bella1

Bella, I presume you mean Denali 3/4 ton pickup? because the Denali SUV is 1/2 ton only.

Sorry I found that he has a 2011 Yukon XL 3/4 Ton, not a Denali. I would love to have that as a replacement to my 2002 Yukon XL but it still drives and tows great!