Towing a 26 fkss

Mikebecki · 01-19-2011, 01:30 PM

I am thinking of purchasing a 27fkss superlight and using a suburban for a tv. Would appreciate any feedback anyone can give. Oh yeah equalizer sway control.

2011 keystone · 01-19-2011, 03:56 PM

I have a 26b that Ipull with a chevy avalanche 5.3 motor and 3 73 gears it seems to do OK but I would not want to take a long trip with this set up. I am looking at a ford f-250 now.

Mikebecki · 01-19-2011, 04:03 PM

Furthest we travel is 240 miles from home usually 1/2 that distance. Hate to show my ignorance but what do you mean by gears?

MtnGuy · 01-19-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikebecki

Furthest we travel is 240 miles from home usually 1/2 that distance. Hate to show my ignorance but what do you mean by gears?

The final drive ratio. The lower gear ratio (higher number) is better than a higher ratio. A 3.73 is better for towing than a 3.55, and will show up with the tow ratings.

In a 3.55 ratio, the drive shaft will spin 3.55 times while the wheel turns 1 time. There might be an axle code on your drivers door that you can check on the internet, or go to a Chevy dealer with that code and they can tell you what axles you have.

There is parallel thread going on that you might want to check.....Burbs, Expys, and other SUVs are discussed.

Also, why don't you stop by the welcome mat and give us an introduction.....inquiring minds want to know.

Triguy · 01-19-2011, 04:15 PM

Quick answer is most likely/probably.

But, we need some information first to be certain. Is this a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton? What year and model of suburban and what are the limits on the door sticker? How heavy are the people and cargo are you loading into it? Etc.

Here are some initial thoughts for you.

Only you can decide how much you can tow and only after crunching the numbers. Become familiar with this calculator.

Do not take the word of the trailer salesman when they tell you that you can tow something. Frankly, this goes for the internet, too, but its such a fun question

Anyway - Do the math first with your own calculator like the one above once you have the figures for both your vehicle and the trailer. (edit - or post the data here and we'll do it - like i said - its fun to do the math).

Equal-i-zer is a good WD hitch with sway control.

Mikebecki · 01-19-2011, 04:32 PM

The suburban is an 05. It is a1/2 ton. door states gvw of 7200. I am a big guy 280 my wife half that. Maybe our two dogs 130 combined weight.

Mikebecki · 01-19-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikebecki

The suburban is an 05. It is a1/2 ton. door states gvw of 7200. I am a big guy 280 my wife half that. Maybe our two dogs 130 combined weight.

Oh yeah z71

MtnGuy · 01-19-2011, 05:09 PM

Mikebecki, I can't find anything readily available on the web for 2005 Suburban tow ratings. You might have to take your VIN to your local Chevy dealer, so that he can find out your engine and final drive ratio and see if he can come up with a tow rating.

I forgot to post the link to the parallel discussion I mentioned in my previous post, so here is that: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...cle-10138.html

Mikebecki · 01-19-2011, 05:12 PM

Thanks for the help

Triguy · 01-19-2011, 05:22 PM

At first, you look fine with the TV's payload and TVs towing capacity with that trailer, but get close to being overweight on the TV's GCWR. I don't know about the axle ratings. I got the figures for your TV here.

Example -
TV's GCWR 12,000 lbs
less TV's curb weight of 5,474 lbs
= 6,526 lbs remaining for the TT.

The TT's GVWR = 6,691, so you would need to be careful of loading up the trailer and TV. However, that doesn't account for you, your wife and the dogs in the Suburban.

A better way to look at this is to add the passenger weight and dogs to the TV; then your truck's weight loaded becomes at least 6,074lbs (could be more so you might want to weight the vehicle).

So, with passengers and cargo in the truck, the GCWR of 12,000 - 6,074 leaves you with 5,926 that you could tow and stay within Chevy's specs for towing. That's a fully loaded trailer weight, too. You will load the TT with supplies and mods and propane, water, etc. The actual trailer that you look at when you're at the dealer needs to be less than this amount.

See what I mean by doing the math yourself? You'd think that a Sub should be able to handle it (at first glance), but it looks like the trailer is a little too heavy for your TV.

Mikebecki · 01-19-2011, 05:31 PM

The dry weight of the trailer is 5379 how much can I safely tow?

Triguy · 01-20-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikebecki

The dry weight of the trailer is 5379 how much can I safely tow?

Hi Mike,
As I posted previously, I think you can tow about 5,900lbs fully loaded.

If you want to stay under 5,900lbs, then I would look at trailers with a listed dry weight of 4,500lbs or less (that's an estimate). Here's why.

1) Ignore the dry weight listed on their website and brochure and instead look at the actual sticker for that trailer at your dealer - it should be in a cupboard. The trailer weight listed on that will probably be greater than 5,379 in my experience. It should state the real out-the-factory door weight and weight for full propane and water tanks. I think dealer add-ons would be extra.

2) Weigh the cargo you intend to camp with and add it to the weight on the sticker plus dealer add-ons. That's the weight of the camper you will be towing. This 26fkss will weigh well above 6,000lbs once you have everything on it and in it.

Mikebecki · 01-20-2011, 11:15 AM

You have been great,Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it.

Triguy · 01-20-2011, 11:36 AM

You Bet.

**bikendan** · 01-20-2011, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikebecki

The dry weight of the trailer is 5379 how much can I safely tow?

#1 newbie mistake is going by the fictional "dry" weight. #2 is believing the salesman telling you, "sure you can pull it!"

no trailer weighs its "dry" weight on the lot. ours weighed over 400lbs. more than its dry weight, and that was without a battery and no propane/water/cargo.

MtnGuy · 01-20-2011, 11:49 AM

Mikebecki, in addition to all of the excellent advice that Triguy and others have offered here, when you get a chance read the parallel thread that I listed the link to in post #8 concerning wheelbases and trailer lengths......just want you to be aware of that also.

Mikebecki · 01-20-2011, 12:16 PM

My wife really has her heart set on this TT can anyone recommend a sufficient TV?

Triguy · 01-20-2011, 12:42 PM

You have a lot of great choices of you are interestted in upgrading. I just don't think the Chevy 1500-based PU or SUV are going to be the best for you with this trailer so, if you're a Chevy guy and like the Suburban, look at a 3/4 ton. The Chevy 2500HD is also great if you prefer a pickup. Either is more than enough to tow that trailer.

I really encourage you to learn the various tow weights and ratings definitions.

Mikebecki · 01-20-2011, 04:05 PM

Just test drove a 07 Ford F250 will this suffice? Not a diesel 10 cylinder gas

MtnGuy · 01-20-2011, 04:23 PM

More than sufficient if it has a crew cab.....I think those wheelbases are in the 155" area. even with the short bed. .

Make sure it has the towing package....I would think most F250s should, but you never know.

That puppy is listed at 12,500 for towing, and 21,500 lb. GCWR. You might have to check the rear views occasionally to make sure the trailer is still back there.

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