28DBUD and Suburban??

Walnut · 05-08-2016, 12:30 PM

Hello - we currently own a 2007 Fleetwood Bayside PUP and have basically outgrown it and the local RV dealer showed us a Wildwood 28DBUD which had a desirable floor plan and features. He said our 2009 Suburban would pull it, but I am having trouble getting there when I run the numbers. Details on the TV are as follows: Engine 6.0L, Trim LTZ, 4WD, 3.42 gears, has K5L package (tranny and oil cooler) and trailer brake controller, plus autoride suspension, currently 141,000 miles. GCVWR 14000, GVWR 7400. Family weighs approx 850 pounds (two parents and three kiddoes - yeah a few of us could stand to lose some tonnage). For me, the match just doesn't seem to work but the dealer insists we are in the zone as e-trailer guide says 7900 pound tow capacity. I am open to ditching the idea, buying a 1-ton dually and going fifth wheel if I have to wait a year or so. What do y'all think? The price on the DBUD is great for what ya get. We have a trip planned from San Antonio to WDW in the summer and it's all coastal plains (no real challenging hills). Any input would be most appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!!

fonzie · 05-08-2016, 01:59 PM

The tonque weight on that trailer will be close to 1000 lbs, so payload might be an issue for your truck. If you post the two stickers (as shown below) of your Suberban it will help members give more info.....

Walnut · 05-08-2016, 02:11 PM

This doesn't look encouraging.... sorry for photo orientation - it wouldn't let me flip.

fonzie · 05-08-2016, 02:25 PM

Your yellow sticker indicates a maximum cargo of 1291 lbs. So if you include all passengers, stuff and tongue weight (1000 lbs) you will be way over payload capacity....I say not a good fit....others will chime in and give you more recommendations.....in the meantime here some reading on towing with Suburban.....

https://www.google.ca/search?q=suber...iverforums.com

Walnut · 05-08-2016, 02:32 PM

with that number it appears a Suburban can really only tow a popup. I see others doing TT's so they must be just not caring about that stuff. My family's safety is paramount along with others on the road, so I think it's time to go big or go home.

**bikendan** · 05-08-2016, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnut

with that number it appears a Suburban can really only tow a popup.

No true.
I tow with a 2007 Avalanche, which basically a Burb with a truck bed.
It has the 5.3, 3.73 rear end and factory tow package.
I have a similar payload capacity and I tow a 24` HTT, that weighs around 5200lbs loaded for camping.

You'll just have to look for lighter and smaller trailer. You might want to consider a 3 bed HTT, like the Roo or Shamrock 233S.

Walnut · 05-08-2016, 02:46 PM

I love the layout of the Roo but a couple problems are the leaking issues with hybrids (spoken to some current owners) and the Texas heat on those extended beds makes them very uncomfortable mid-day (for naps). DW not too thrilled by the leaking issues but if that is more of a random occurrence, I can deal with them and get gizmos for the beds perhaps.

**bikendan** · 05-08-2016, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnut

I love the layout of the Roo but a couple problems are the leaking issues with hybrids (spoken to some current owners) and the Texas heat on those extended beds makes them very uncomfortable mid-day (for naps). DW not too thrilled by the leaking issues but if that is more of a random occurrence, I can deal with them and get gizmos for the beds perhaps.

Well, I've had my `07 hybrid for almost 10 years now and never leaked.
And the newer ones have way less issues. Haven't seen hardly any with bunk door leaks, over the past 5 years.

But I understand about your concerns. Just trying to give some options before getting a bigger tow vehicle.

Phenom · 05-08-2016, 04:29 PM

I've got a DBUD, and previously towed it with my Tundra Crew Max which had a MVWR of 7000 and payload of 1300 remaining after myself and a full tank. With wife, one kid, dog and 60lbs of firewood, I was at 6960 on the scale. These trailers are for some reason heavily weighted towards the front end. From the scales, I figured my tongue weight to be 950 +\- and the trailer around 6800 lightly loaded.

Walnut · 05-08-2016, 05:11 PM

Yeah they are heavy beasts. I will look into the Roo again, but more likely I will trade my second car in on a truck so we can get whatever we would be happy with.

Walnut · 05-09-2016, 06:00 PM

Hmmm... seems even the Roo 233S has a heavy hitch weight > 600 lbs. Odd as I see Burbs pulling them with seemingly no problems. Our PUP even with 3500 GVWR with tongue weight and gear probably exceeds that 1291 number. We have a WD hitch on it though. Would that help if I used a WD system for the 28DBUD or 233S Roo?

stevensmith2859 · 05-10-2016, 07:35 AM

My wife and I have a 2015 28DBUD and HAD a 2004 Avalanche. It had the 5.3L and 3.73 rear and when we upgraded, we got the same thing, oh yeah this is plenty enough truck for this trailer. It wasn't and we have since upgraded to a HEMI Ram. The suspension handled it pretty ok, but the motor was SORELY lacking, plus the Transmission in them is a light duty Tranny. We did have to do a rebuild on it, and it seemed like every time we pulled the camper, something on the truck broke. The DBUD is an awesome floor plan and we love ours, so for us, upgrading the truck was the best option and we couldn't be happier. My suggestion is to get the camper you want and upgrade the truck. My sister and brother in law bought a trailer they weren't that thrilled with due to the tow capacity of their TV at the time, and are so un happy with the trailer 3 years later, but would be so upside down on trade, they are kind of "stuck".

Electra glide · 05-10-2016, 07:43 AM

My 2005 Suburban pulled a Cherokee Grey Wolf 21RR with no problems for 3 years until I upgraded truck and went to a fifth wheel.

Walnut · 05-10-2016, 08:08 AM

What is truly sad is my Cadillac CTS actually has more cargo capacity than a 2009 Suburban LTZ. That is a sad statement. I assume WD won't help much. Oh well, I have been looking to trade my CTS on a Silverado anyway. Probably go diesel and 2500HD or 3500HD. Don't think I need a dually even if I get a 5er someday. DW doesn't like the look of the duallies...

CWSWine · 05-10-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnut

What is truly sad is my Cadillac CTS actually has more cargo capacity than a 2009 Suburban LTZ. That is a sad statement. I assume WD won't help much. Oh well, I have been looking to trade my CTS on a Silverado anyway. Probably go diesel and 2500HD or 3500HD. Don't think I need a dually even if I get a 5er someday. DW doesn't like the look of the duallies...

I think you are are the right track with 1291 Payload and 850lbs in people that leaves you 441 lbs for tongue weight.

I would look for for 350/3500 1 ton truck if you planning on 5th wheel since the 250/2500 will run out payload when you include your 850 lbs of passengers. I would look for truck with at least 3500lbs in cargo capacity.

Walnut · 05-10-2016, 12:22 PM

I also think the 1291 number comes from the OEM tires, and not what is on there now, which are load rated 111. That would portend to a heavier load potential, but I still think a different TV is going to be required. I can't afford to replace transmissions on the Burb and it's out go-to family vehicle. It's a shame really that GM didn't build these with stout enough specs and too much like a huge car instead of a truck like they once were years ago.

mxdad · 05-10-2016, 12:34 PM

It might come from the tires, but there is more to it than that. They are built on the same frame as the Silverado 1500, but are typically a couple of hundred pounds heavier which also reduces payload. Also, they are coil springs in the rear vs. leaf springs, so I bet this reduces payload as well.

I have an 08 Escalade ESV (6.2L, 6L80E, and 3.42 G80 rear) with similar specs as yours (except for the motor). I pull a 26RR toy hauler (700 hitch weight, 6800 trailer weight) and I am right up against my payload spec (1300) when we are just loaded with people. It pulls the trailer without any problem from a start/stop standpoint, but to stay legal, we carry any cargo in the trailer. I run a WD hitch and get about 1.5" of sag with the air shocks in the rear. In all, if I keep it around 60-65MPH on the highway, it is not a bad towing experience.

Walnut · 05-10-2016, 12:42 PM

OK found out the Burb weighs 5935 at the curb. GVWR is 7400, subtract 150lb driver (yeah right) and gas and other fluids and very close to 1291. Makes sense now. Game over on this puppy. Truck time!

stevensmith2859 · 05-10-2016, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnut

I also think the 1291 number comes from the OEM tires, and not what is on there now, which are load rated 111. That would portend to a heavier load potential, but I still think a different TV is going to be required. I can't afford to replace transmissions on the Burb and it's out go-to family vehicle. It's a shame really that GM didn't build these with stout enough specs and too much like a huge car instead of a truck like they once were years ago.

If it has the 4L60E in it, you would be surprised by how little it costs to rebuild them. Parts are plentiful because as I was told, its not IF, but when, it goes bad. Mine took a crap around 118,000 miles. The rebuilds they do on them actually makes them a lot stronger internally than stock, but with the 5.3L, it doesn't make a hill of beans.....

stevensmith2859 · 05-10-2016, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walnut

OK found out the Burb weighs 5935 at the curb. GVWR is 7400, subtract 150lb driver (yeah right) and gas and other fluids and very close to 1291. Makes sense now. Game over on this puppy. Truck time!

My mechanic also told me that especially on the 03-06, the rear end isn't all that heavy duty, so they have a tendency to grenade under load. Mine had the 3.73 rear and G80 locker. I have seen a lot of people swap in an H2 rear on the Avalanche forums (when I was a member) but the Silverado, Avalanche, and Suburban shared the same drive train.

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