What size Hybrid can I tow?

[Paul Mixa]

I have a 2007 Chevy trailblazer and the manual says the max trailer weight is 4,800 pounds and GCWR 10,000 pounds. My axle ratio is 3.42. I am looking at a couple Hybrids. One is a 16' Grey Wolf 2009 Hybrid, the GVW is 3,914 pounds. Is this something that a smaller SUV can tow. Is there something that I am not looking at as far as tow weight? Would I need anti sway bars? I am scared to buy something that I can not tow long distances and that may not be safe. Can I go up to 20 feet? The other one is a 2004 Rockwood Roo camper 19 feet, I think it weighs around 4,500 pounds. Am I pushing it with both of these? Any help would be much appreciated.

[Wilco]

I started out with a GMC Envoy towing a 19' toyhauler (~4500# loaded). I added a transmission cooler for towing. You will need an equalizing hitch with either trailer you are looking at. I was at the limit with my Envoy towing my 19' trailer and sway was noticeable (but not alarming) when trucks would pass me. I would not tow anything longer than 19' with a Trailblazer. Expect 9 mpg on flat ground, less in hill country.

[Keith Seck]

I had a 19 foot hybrid that I towed with my 2007 trailblazer. Mine has the 5.3 and a 6800 tow capacity. I used a Blue ox hitch and never had any problems. My trailer weighed about 3800 empty and I always carried about 1800lbs in the trailer. Trailer towed very well through the Rocky Mountains.

[bikendan]

What's your TB's payload capacity?

It on the driver's door yellow sticker.

[indybp57]

Here's another thread on the same topic. http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...d.php?t=105565

[Paul Mixa]

Originally Posted by Wilco

I started out with a GMC Envoy towing a 19' toyhauler (~4500# loaded). I added a transmission cooler for towing. You will need an equalizing hitch with either trailer you are looking at. I was at the limit with my Envoy towing my 19' trailer and sway was noticeable (but not alarming) when trucks would pass me. I would not tow anything longer than 19' with a Trailblazer. Expect 9 mpg on flat ground, less in hill country.

Thank you!

[Paul Mixa]

Is that a V8

[Paul Mixa]

Is that the GVWR? If so, 5750.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Paul Mixa

Is that the GVWR? If so, 5750.

Who are you asking?

The Roo is will be too heavy if it weigh 4500lbs empty.

The Grey Wolf is better suited for yourTB.

But I have read of dozens of TB/Envoy owners who ended up disliking towing a full height TT.
They all went and got a better tow vehicle.

The short wheelbase and 6 cylinder engine were weak points.

[Briorick]

Originally Posted by bikendan

The short wheelbase and 6 cylinder engine were weak points.

I agree with the above comment.


Back when I drove a 2006 4.3L 6cyl. TB, I pulled my Pop Up with it, weighing approx. 2500 lbs. GVW loaded. My TB towed it pretty good, but I wouldn't have pulled anything bigger than a Pop Up with it. The front drag of anything higher would be a strain on the engine and tranny for sure. Just my 2 cents.

[Burnking]

We had a 2004 TB EXT I6. We first towed an Aliner Expedition (3500#). Then we moved up to a Trailmanor 2330 (4500#). The trailmanor was chosen specifically for its light weight (single axle) and low profile. Both towed great but bogged down on hills.

We purchased a Rockwood MiniLite 2304ks this spring but upgraded to a Lincoln Navagator for the TV. I agree that a I wouldn't want to pull a standard height TT with a TB I6.

[Stovebolt]

Originally Posted by Paul Mixa

I have a 2007 Chevy trailblazer and the manual says the max trailer weight is 4,800 pounds and GCWR 10,000 pounds. My axle ratio is 3.42. I am looking at a couple Hybrids. One is a 16' Grey Wolf 2009 Hybrid, the GVW is 3,914 pounds. Is this something that a smaller SUV can tow. Is there something that I am not looking at as far as tow weight? Would I need anti sway bars? I am scared to buy something that I can not tow long distances and that may not be safe. Can I go up to 20 feet? The other one is a 2004 Rockwood Roo camper 19 feet, I think it weighs around 4,500 pounds. Am I pushing it with both of these? Any help would be much appreciated.

I towed a 24' hybrid with a 2002 S10 pickup with a 4.3 motor, it was downright scary. The truck had the 4 speed automatic but I had to run in 3rd gear on the x-way, 60 mph was max without any wind or hills. After that season I bought a F150 with a max tow package and now have moved up two trailer sizes since then. I recommend getting a bigger vehicle.

[Paul Mixa]

Thank you for the response that's kind of what I was looking for. I don't want to struggle with pulling something too big. It's either back to a pop up or a larger vehicle .

[Paul Mixa]

Thank you, that is what I was thinking. I need a bigger vehicle !

[jking46]

Don't know what vehicle you will be looking at to replace the TB but check the payload, or cargo capacity, closely. Add about 100 lbs to the dry tongue weight of your camper. Subtract this from the payload number. What's left is what you can put in the tow vehicle. Typically, suvs run out of payload before they run out of tow capacity.

[Paul Mixa]

Will do, I was looking at a Chevy suburban, any thoughts?

Thank you

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Paul Mixa

Will do, I was looking at a Chevy suburban, any thoughts?

Thank you

Properly equipped, yes.

[rlocicero]

Do yourself a favor and find a nice pop up.

[Paul Mixa]

Any thoughts on a Chevy Tahoe instead of a suburban. It is a 5.3 liter V8, towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Would it be alright with at full height camper and how many feet are to much.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Paul Mixa

Any thoughts on a Chevy Tahoe instead of a suburban. It is a 5.3 liter V8, towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Would it be alright with at full height camper and how many feet are to much.

The Burb would be a much better tow vehicle, compared to the Tahoe, because of the Burb's much longer wheelbase.
My Avalanche is a Burb with a truck bed.
I can tow any hybrid currently made.

It's not "how many feet" are the main concern. That longest hybrids are only around 25' long.

It's what the loaded tongue and trailer weights are.

And what's the TV's hitch capacity and payload capacity, more than trailer weight.