99 GMC Burb 1500 4WD 5.7L towing Salem Cruise Lite 281QBXL

[FamilyOf_9]

I have a 1999 GMC Burb 1500 4WD 5.7L.

Has: dealer installed WD hitch package, brake assist & sway bars.

Does not have: electronic tow haul

TT: 2014 Salem Cruise Lite 281QBXL

Dry weight: 5450lbs
CCC: 2100lbs

Does this setup look legit or should I consider other options?

[jtstromsburg]

Originally Posted by FamilyOf_9

I have a 1999 GMC Burb 1500 4WD 5.7L.

Has: dealer installed WD hitch package, brake assist & sway bars.

Does not have: electronic tow haul

TT: 2014 Salem Cruise Lite 281QBXL

Dry weight: 5450lbs
CCC: 2100lbs

Does this setup look legit or should I consider other options?

I think the burb COULD be up to it, BUT, with 9 in the burb plus stuff for 9, I think you'd be pretty unhappy. That said, if your not going on huge trips and not in the mountains, by adding a good tranny cooler, and gauge, it may be ok for you. I pulled a similar weight trailer with my 04 burb(5.3 3.73 rear end) and ended up
selling it and getting a 3/4 t truck. It pulled fine, but had to let it rev on any hill, and was a little sketchy I'm the wind.

Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but I'd look for a solid 3/4t burb or excursion. Diesel excursions are out there, but rare to find for sale.

[FamilyOf_9]

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

I think the burb COULD be up to it, BUT, with 9 in the burb plus stuff for 9, I think you'd be pretty unhappy. That said, if your not going on huge trips and not in the mountains, by adding a good tranny cooler, and gauge, it may be ok for you. I pulled a similar weight trailer with my 04 burb(5.3 3.73 rear end) and ended up
selling it and getting a 3/4 t truck. It pulled fine, but had to let it rev on any hill, and was a little sketchy I'm the wind.

Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but I'd look for a solid 3/4t burb or excursion. Diesel excursions are out there, but rare to find for sale.

Definitely not what I wanted to hear. We shouldn't have buy one or two small hills (6% grade) for no more than a mile at a time. I'm pretty sure it has a tranny cooler and the rear end is 4.10... I'll let you know how it works with the Brady Bunch and stuff for said bunch in tow.

[ependydad]

Trailer Life Towing guide puts the towing capacity at 6,500 pounds if properly equiped and highlights that the 4WD lessens it.

Given that most "towing capacities" are with a 150 pound driver in the driver's seat and nothing else, you're most likely going to be over all sorts of ratings.

IMO, it's worth weighing everything once you get it.

Since there is unlikely a published gross vehicle weight or possibly even gross axle weights for the Suburban, you're going to have to look at tire load capacities if nothing else. Make sure your tires can carry the weight that you're expecting it to.

[jtstromsburg]

I had a 97 burb and pulled the same with it as well. I blew the tranny, but not from towing a camper. After I had it replaced for $3000, I then had warranty and pulled for a couple years problem free. Take it slow, watch transmission temps and stop as needed. That 5.7 will pull, but the transmission is the weak link. Like I said before, stick to non-cross country trips, take your time, and watch the tranny. And, Have Fun!

[TURBS]

I have a 99 gmc burb 1500 4x4 5.7
I'd eat my shorts if you have a 410 gear.

I believe the 1/2 ton had no more than a 350 gear.
mine has has such a high ratio I'm turning
1300 rpms at 55

[Cinrock]

If the dry weight is 5450 then most likely you're at 6k or better going down the road. Assuming 15% tongue weight, you've got 900 lbs added to the back end of the 'burb. Another 1,000 for family and gear? That's a lot of weight on the truck's axles and tires. Please make your first stop be at your nearest truck scales and get the weights on all axles. This will tell you how close or over you really are.

Can you tow it? Toyota shows a Tundra pulling a Space Shuttle so I guess anything is possible.

[TURBS]

I'm pretty sure unless someone has changed them the tires on this burb would have originally been p rated tires not LT's
Something else to think about.


Turbs