Towing advice

[Crusadernoob]

We had a Tahoe, started out with a 23-24 footer, hated it, short wheel base was white knuckle driving even with WDH and sway control. Bought a 2500HD towing was so much better, ended up buying a fifth wheel. Loving the camping life now!

[HangDiver]

Originally Posted by 2Stilwells

Oh no, not frustrated, well maybe a little, but mostly frustrated with the tow vehicle in that we feel like we were sold a bill of goods. We are not in a position to replace the tow vehicle, so are struggling to figure out a way to go camping. I appreciate all of the information we have gotten from this group...we would have made a terrible mistake. We are considering a small E-Pro. What is the opinion on that vehicle?

In my previous posts above I was under the impression that you did not yet buy the Tahoe, but now I realize I misunderstood your post. Sorry about that.

The E Pro and Geo Pro are nice TTs (both are very similar to my Micro Lite). Loaded tongue weights tend to be between 500 to 600lbs.

[Coevers]

I would suggest also looking at Nobo- No Boundaries model line as well. Some good lighter weight options that are similar to E-Pro/Geo- Pro.

[Fred and Kelly]

Hello everyone I may be looking into another tv 2014 Ford Expedition and a Chevy Tahoe? Idk just looking and researching. Just so I can be confused this is the sticker on the Ford. I've read some of the threads still confused. PLUS I'm looking for a not so EXPENSIVE tv on maintenance. Your help will be much appreciated

[larry2c]

Fred & Kelly - The "yellow sticker" is the one with your max cargo capacity - and this number is based on how the vehicle left the factory. If options were added on (like a tonnaeu cover, cattle pusher bumper, etc) the weight of those need to be deducted from the the max cargo capacity number. your sticker says 1394 if I remember right. So take that minus any added options, minus the weight of you, other passengers and their gear and then subtract actual tongue weight of your trailer and the weight of your WDH. If all is well, that will be a positive number. One thing to keep in mind, the trailers spec sheet will have some value for the tongue weight - that is never a realistic weight so don't be fooled.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Fred and Kelly

Hello everyone I may be looking into another tv 2014 Ford Expedition and a Chevy Tahoe? Idk just looking and researching. Just so I can be confused this is the sticker on the Ford. I've read some of the threads still confused. PLUS I'm looking for a not so EXPENSIVE tv on maintenance. Your help will be much appreciated

Yep, add up the weights of driver/passengers, cargo in car, 100lbs for the WDH and 12%-15% of the trailer's GVWR.
Subtract that total from the 1394 number.
If you have something left over, you should be good to go.
If you don't and have a negative number, either you get a smaller trailer or a tow vehicle with more payload capacity.

[Fred and Kelly]

Ok cool thanks. I was reading about TV's and saw an article about them And the expedition I believe came in @ 9,000 and the Tahoe 8,000 or 8,500 something like that so that is why I am thinking about those. I am 6'3 and would like leg rm. for me and someone behind me. And the maintenance( oh my my) that scares me also��

[bikendan]

Forget towing capacity numbers, you'll always run out of payload capacity before getting close to those max towing capacities.
Towing Capacity numbers are just marketing.

[Tblt44]

Originally Posted by 2Stilwells

We have learned a lot from all of you and really appreciate the input. Seems our best bet might be to buy a tent��. Thanks again.

I have a tahoe and avalanch, avalanche is based on the suburban frame.
What a difference in towing my 17bh. Its single axel, blue ox w.d.h and about 3500 loaded, tounge weight of about 450 lbs.
The interstate roads and wind pulls me around constantly.
Avalanche, no problem.
I would not want to tow anything much bigger with the tahoe. Maybe double axel would help some.

[JRogers984]

Tahoe's short.
Definitely nice vehicle though

[mort]

The tahoe is too short for that long of a trailer. Even with a Hensley super hitch you might have sway. A 2500 Suburban or crew cab Pick up would work

[flyflotrtim]

I agree with the other comments. Tahoe short wheel base will be very limiting in what you can safely tow. A payload below 1400 lbs will probably limit you to a max travel trailer dry weight around 4000 pounds. With that dry weight and a tank of water , propane, gear, batteries, you could be around 5,000 pounds loaded. 12-15% has you in the 600-700 pounds tongue weight plus WDH of #100lbs. That leaves perhaps 650 pounds for passengers and TV cargo and a bit of safety margin.

[sunnyinfla]

sound good 2 me//

[CaptnJohn]

Many have been in the same boat, or camper. Although slightly better the Expedition is not enough for what you want to tow. You are in 250/2500 territory. No matter how light or pack with propane, battery, clothes, and a bottle of Pepsi they have 1000# or more.
Short wheel base, 1400# payload means a very small and light tt. If you enjoy a miserable pull and maybe suicidal thoughts your thinking is on track.

[moose074]

Originally Posted by hshaynes

I have a Vibe 268RKS. Started out towing with an 09 Titan. Pulled pretty well even up steep but short inclines. Stopping was a whole nother ball game. First trip out running about 35 mph and had old folks roll thru stop sign. I probably had less than 10 feet to spare and that is standing on the brake pedal. Traded next day for F250 gasser. Now I am in the right ball game.

Trailer should stop the trailer. My 1ton Dually will run thru stop sign if my trailer brakes aren’t working

[moose074]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Forget towing capacity numbers, you'll always run out of payload capacity before getting close to those max towing capacities.
Towing Capacity numbers are just marketing.

On trucks a a v-8 maybe but the smaller truck ( tocomas, frontier, ) my 1500 v6 and some small suvs all great payload with poor towing.

[RJKerr83301]

I have a 2015 Tahoe with the tow package including the self leveling. I have zero issues with my Rockwood Mini 2509S. Do I drive like I stole it, no I don't. Am I white knuckling it, no not at all. I bought the anti sway bar but have never installed it. Last big trip was from Idaho to the Grand Canyon. Gas mileage was my biggest complaint. I think tires come into play to some level I had Toyo's on it I have upgraded to Cooper 10 ply. That has seemed to hurt the empty mileage unsure, on MPG towing as we have only been on short trips so far. Bad wind last night pulling to the local lake and I think I could feel added stability with the new tires. And on my 20 mile level ground trips to the local lake I tag my Jet Ski behind the trailer. I would NOT do this on a long trip by any means but do it 10-12 times a year to the local lake last time being last night

[Fred and Kelly]

OK folks from what I've seen the Tahoe may not be what I need, what about something from around the GMC line Or something else from Chevy. Lol drive it like you stole it TOO FUNNY

[Fred and Kelly]

Plus I'm trying to get my wife to drive to get used to it ������

[Kevin45]

I have a 2008 Avalanche with a 5.3 that had a 373 rear end. I had a 410 put in and I still hate this vehicle for towing...if you go up a long hill or mountain the temp goes way up between 210 and 260 degrees....now my TT is only 20’ FR ultra light that weighs about 3800#...just for everyday use I love the Avalanche but not for towing....so if I had it to do over I would have at least a 3/4 ton pu. I had several dodge duallies and I got rid of my last 7 years before we got our own TT.....from 2000 to 2007 I hauled trailers from manufacture to dealers. I have pulled light ones, long ones, short ones and heavy ones. 5th wheels and bumper hitches and a dually is the only way to go (IMHO). I drove over a million miles in those 7 years so I know how to pull trailers. I really thought when I got the Avalanche that it could handle the load and when I picked our trailer I really watched the weight.....wanted to stay under 4000#. Well there is my 2cents worth....