Large SUV Options for Towing

[asquared]

One last thing, the recommended longer Wherlbase TV helps with towing stability. Shorter wheelbases can get pushed around more easily by side winds and passing trucks. Also plan to upgrade to E rated LT tires to help with toeing stability. They give a rougher tide than P tires but the sidewall flex in a P tire make towing tougher as you float on the road more.

[NoviBill]

Here is a good chart and info on the Chevy vehicles

https://www.chevrolet.com/content/da...ring-Guide.pdf

I have towed a 5000lb Boy Scout trailer with a 1500 Suburban (2013) and 4 people plus gear 4500 miles in one trip. Manged to take Loveland Pass on cruise control (up and down) without any issues/concerns.

With the Boy Scout trailer sway control is not a big issue (it's small and heavy) so it was a 2 5/16 ball hitch (500lb tongue weight) . A large trailer is a much bigger "sail" so the hitch and sway control is more significant.

*I work for GM, but do not represent GM in my posting (not high enough level to speak for GM).

[mike.t]

Do not get a 1/2 ton. Plus I think most SUVs are built on 1/2 frames unless you buy one of the big boys and they may be as well.

[JustB_Rad]

Originally Posted by adr4

Thank you everyone for the continued feedback! There has been some really hopeful items provided. Trans Cooler modification! and the etrailer article, thanks asquared! Couple of notes to add...

I will definitely increase my estimate of 500 to at least 650 for people and things in the TV, and I also like the tip to place items in the TT to accommodate for payload restrictions of the TV. I absolutely need a Large SUV and not Full sized because of length and fitting it my garage.

Finally, agreed that WDH does not increase payload, simply my question was does is affect Tongue Weight. It seems the consensus is that it really doesn't and I should continue to estimate of 10-15% of the trailer weight. Right now I am at 6k Dry and with about 1k cargo, I am thinking GVW of TT will be around 7K, which should be estimated at 700 to 1000 lbs tongue weight. I am planning to have a friend help me take the TV to weight station to make sure this is all correct before purchasing the SUV. Sound logical?

As far as "Payload" yes a WD hitch does affect your tongue weight. If your TT weighs 750lbs at the tongue, you need to add at least 100 lbs for what the hitch and bars weigh as those are going directly on the tongue, thereby increasing your tongue weight 100lbs.....as far as your "payload" numbers are concerned. It's like carrying an extra little person, or a large dog. It pushes the weight forward, but it's still part of your gross weight ON the vehicle.

[wlknthewoods]

Consider a full size passenger van instead of an SUV. I went with the Nissan NVP SL. $15,000+ LESS than a nicely equipped SUV. The SL has the 8 cyl, full leather, 12 seats you can configure how you want, front seat warmers, Navigation system, nice radio/sirius/CD, tinted windows, the engine is under a full hood so it is like working on a regular truck with no compromise to interior foot space, it rides nice, full tow package with 8700lb tow capacity, heat ducts in the floor, AC in the roof, rear climate and individual driver/passenger controls...yada, yada, yada. I settled for something else two years ago and finally just went and bought one a few weeks ago. I don't like having to store extra seats but that is the only downside so far. I knew it would not be great on gas but neither are Suburban or Excursions and I start out with over $15k in my pocket to put towards gas. You can get a 2016 for $37,500 to $38,500 regardless of what the sticker says if you stand your ground. Ford is now competing but costs quite a bit more and not as nice. Good luck with your search.

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by 220Chap

LOVE my '06 Suburban 2500 8.1! Plan on keeping it for years. Searched hard in 2010 to find a nice one.

I'm not saying you need a 2500, but I've learned the extra capacity is very comforting. Have fun!

Yep ya better don't know when Chevy or GMC will make another 2500. Later RJD

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by wlknthewoods

Consider a full size passenger van instead of an SUV. I went with the Nissan NVP SL. $15,000+ LESS than a nicely equipped SUV. The SL has the 8 cyl, full leather, 12 seats you can configure how you want, front seat warmers, Navigation system, nice radio/sirius/CD, tinted windows, the engine is under a full hood so it is like working on a regular truck with no compromise to interior foot space, it rides nice, full tow package with 8700lb tow capacity, heat ducts in the floor, AC in the roof, rear climate and individual driver/passenger controls...yada, yada, yada. I settled for something else two years ago and finally just went and bought one a few weeks ago. I don't like having to store extra seats but that is the only downside so far. I knew it would not be great on gas but neither are Suburban or Excursions and I start out with over $15k in my pocket to put towards gas. You can get a 2016 for $37,500 to $38,500 regardless of what the sticker says if you stand your ground. Ford is now competing but costs quite a bit more and not as nice. Good luck with your search.

37k for a van? You can get a nice used diesel CC 3/4 ton for that.

[AquaMan]

Although, I don't think it's been declared why the OP wants/needs an SUV, I think most of us assume it's because of seating 3 or more kids and/or pets. Sure you may get them to fit in a truck (possibly), but long hauls are not comfortable for anyone. (if the kids aren't comfortable, momma isn't comfortable, and if momma isn't comfortable ... well you know). I think a van would be a viable option to an SUV. I know GM "was" putting Dmax's in utility vans, but that's what upfitters usually buy when customizing. Can't say for sure if they actually exist in the customized market or not, but may be worth a look. Could be pricey, but a loaded out Yukon/Suburban is $70k+. I like wlknthewoods' suggestion of the Nissan also.

[wlknthewoods]

Originally Posted by mike.t

37k for a van? You can get a nice used diesel CC 3/4 ton for that.

But Mike I didn't get a "used" van. I got a new one and I get to put every mile on it and know exactly how it has been maintained. The SL is a 3500. It's basically a Titan with a box and having owned several pickup trucks, my NVP offers all the amenities plus additional interior space for much less money. So....as an alternative to an SUV, it works very well.

[tomrob1161]

Although they aren't offered to the public anymore, only to fleet and government, I have had 2500 Suburbans and Yukon XL's since 1996. Look around for a good used one, and I think you'll be happy. We like them for the extra seating, ride and handling. Currently we've got a 2013 Rockwood, 8315BSS, towing with a 2010 GMC Yukon XL, 2500. No problems.

Good luck.

[jlgail4309]

Touareg diesel & Jeep grand cherokee makes a diesel . Both would pull that trailer with a Hensely.com or propridehitch.com hitch. I think the hitch would be a must you might make a E4 work not sure on that one. Your fuel would be a lot less towing or not towing with the diesel. 2016 NISSAN ARMADA DIESEL not sure when it be for sale

[silverback 35ts]

This is was not the silverado it was the difference with the motor, HUGE' difference from a 5.3/6.0 and a 8.1 in torque between those motors! No as for your driving style i and many other really wish you would slow for MANY reasons, First and foremost you have a light duty truck towing a tag trailer so you can not stop on a dime, second to sway issue with tag trailers (and so the safety for you and others) Third (but not last) is the HUGE fact of the trailer tires, they have a maximum safety speed of "65 MPH" not "70 all day!"

So i hope i helped you and others on this matter and i wish you Happy Camping

[silverback 35ts]

I am not a huge fan of towing something as big and heavy as a rv with a SUV, but since your wife has her heart set on one, to make it safer i would go with a suburban/yokcon style truck you can get a 1500 or 2500 for your weight issues (you will figure out what you need) but also because they offer the longest wheel base so it will be safer towing with these.

Hope that helps as i owned a suburban for many years and did light local towing and it worked great, but wanted a 5er, so i need a pickup. Happy camping

[AquaMan]

Silverback_35TS, not sure I understand much of anything you've tried to convey in your last 2 posts, but I'll try to decipher. As to 70mph all day long, that may be a bit of stretch as I'm sure that's not the case in the sense you are taking it. When I had a 5er, I would travel 67-68mph on cruise control. That's where the truck liked to be. That could be construed as "70mph" or "65". Going 65 or 67/68 isn't going to make a difference in an emergency situation. I fear those going 50-55 in a 70mph (barring terrain) more so. As for your next post, there are qualified vehicles out there capable of pulling the OP's RV that's not a truck, or a Suburban'esque type vehicle. There are 3/4 ton trucks with shorter wheel bases than some vans, and I wouldn't eliminate them because of that. We are here to help and not just throw blanket statements. This post is not intended to offend you, or anyone, I just couldn't understand what you were trying to say.

[adr4]

Keep the ideas comings! To answer a few more questions:

Large SUV is a must considering 2 adults, 2 young boys and a dog in the plans. That would be a little crowded in a truck. We need our space! Also, it will be an everyday/weekend kid taxi/vehicle and Mama is not driving a van... period! Still thanks for the recommendation.

Thanks JustB_Rad I added 100lbs to the Tongue weight estimate for my calculations.

Another questions... Is it difficult or too costly to retro fit a Brake Controller. Some of the SUVs I am looking at don't have them.

[doc73]

No, not at all. Many have a plug in the harness under the dash, but if not they can easily be wired in.

[AquaMan]

I think all of the larger SUV's that offer tow packages, in the weight you are looking, will have a plug in harness for a brake controller. Simple installation.

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by adr4

Keep the ideas comings! To answer a few more questions:

Large SUV is a must considering 2 adults, 2 young boys and a dog in the plans. That would be a little crowded in a truck. We need our space! Also, it will be an everyday/weekend kid taxi/vehicle and Mama is not driving a van... period! Still thanks for the recommendation.

Thanks JustB_Rad I added 100lbs to the Tongue weight estimate for my calculations.

Another questions... Is it difficult or too costly to retro fit a Brake Controller. Some of the SUVs I am looking at don't have them.

This is an older video (1/15) that I happen to come across of a dealer just a couple miles from me. Before your wife says no van, have her check this out! (skip to middle)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efWyXArXphs

[CaptnJohn]

A 65 MPH tire rating is no longer etched in stone. SOME newer ST tires are rated higher ~ mine are but I still set the cruse at 66.

[doc73]

I set my cruise at 62 and my tires are 65mph rated... But I, honestly, do not think that makes any difference. These POSs will explode at 20mph just as fast as 80mph anymore...