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Old 05-31-2011, 10:26 PM   #1
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Towing with SUV

We're buying a 2007, Forest River Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite, 8314ss and our towing vehicle is a 2003 Cadillac Escalade, all wheel drive, with a 6.0.
GVWR is 7800 lbs, GCWR is 1400, RGAWR is 4000, and GAWR is 3550. Any thoughts on our towing ability? If this won't work, our other option would be to trade for a 3/4 ton diesel truck.
Thanks!
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Old 05-31-2011, 10:54 PM   #2
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I have an 8317 and tow with yukon xl . mine has a 5.3 and I get by. I wouldnt say it is a rocket ship though. The 6.0 should be better. Just make sure you use a good weight distribution setup or you will hurt the air suspension.
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Old 06-01-2011, 06:56 AM   #3
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I think you would better off trading it reading this you'll be almost 1,000 lbs over it's towing limit

8314SS Specifications
GVWR 8597lbs
Cargo Capacity 1900lbs
Hitch Weight 851lbs


"AWD Escalades have a 6.0-liter V8 and tow up to 7800 lb, 2WD models have a 5.3 V8 and tow 7300 lb. "
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Old 06-01-2011, 08:15 AM   #4
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That's a pretty long and heavy camper (~6000 lbs dry?).... You would be pushing it with the Escalade but if you're only doing local camping it might work. What's you wheelbase like on the Escalade?
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Old 06-01-2011, 12:48 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike54 View Post
I think you would better off trading it reading this you'll be almost 1,000 lbs over it's towing limit

8314SS Specifications
GVWR 8597lbs
Cargo Capacity 1900lbs
Hitch Weight 851lbs


"AWD Escalades have a 6.0-liter V8 and tow up to 7800 lb, 2WD models have a 5.3 V8 and tow 7300 lb. "
the OP is buying a 2007 8314SS, which is lighter and slightly shorter than the new 8314SS.

2007 8314SS specs:

length- 33'
"dry" tongue weight- 543lbs.
"dry" weight- 5971lbs.
GVWR- 7543lbs.

so, unless the brochure weights are way off for the '07 model, they will be within specs. and i don't know why the older model has such different specs, other than FR putting in heavier axles to increase the CCC.

but i own an Avalanche, the same size/chassis as the Escalade, and i would never tow a trailer that length, no matter how light it was.
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Old 06-01-2011, 12:50 PM   #6
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I towed my 8317SS with a 1500 Suburban with a 5.3 for a summer and it was taxed, plus the fuel mileage killed me - traded in for the current ride 05 Excursion with a 6.0 PSD. Currently get 15 MPG towing and 17-21 MPG unloaded.
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Old 06-01-2011, 12:52 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moosata View Post
our towing vehicle is a 2003 Cadillac Escalade, all wheel drive, with a 6.0.
GVWR is 7800 lbs.
Wow.....my F150 only has a 7200 GVWR.

The OPer does not list the final drive ratio, or the rated tow capacity.

I agree with bikendan.....that is a long trailer for an SUV with a 116" wheelbase.
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Old 06-01-2011, 01:05 PM   #8
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i think the OP's Caddy has a 8200lbs. tow capacity.

my '07 2WD 5.3 Avy only has a tow capacity of 7200lbs.
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Old 06-01-2011, 08:11 PM   #9
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All of your comments are very helpful. We may consider trading for a bigger tow vehicle from what most of you said. Thanks!!
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