Offroad Limitations Of A Gmt800 Tahoe

[satori]

I've had this '05 Tahoe for two months now and had it up on the mountain trails nearly every weekend. Here are a couple observations on it's offroad capabilities.

 

I think it's biggest limitation is it's weight. There are just some things that it can't pull it's fat ass up and over. Power isn't an issue, it just can't get the traction to climb up a steep rock if you're already on a steep incline.

 

The second limitation would have to be suspension travel. It spends way too much time with one or more tires in the air.

 

However, all said, I'm very pleased. It gets through some impressive spots and over some pretty rough obstacles. Dragging it across the skid plates is no problem, and it continues to run just fine while laying on it's side (just a little smoke).

 

Another HUGE plus is the hydroboost brakes. I've had the engine die twice while coming down a very steep slope. Brakes held just fine so I could put in neutral and restart it.

 

I'm also thankful for a real bumper instead of the plastic wrapped GMT900, even if it's a little soft. (that just means that it bends back easily though)

[onac255]

bigger tires my friend

[satori]

bigger tires my friend

 

That would be ideal, but I'm pretty much limited by my stock wheels and ride height. New wheels, new bigger tires, and a small lift isn't in my budget just yet.

 

It's fine, I don't get pissed if I can't make it past something. I actually like finding places that are beyond it's limits.

[Silverado4x4]

Tire traction is not the Tahoes fault and its not a rock climber in stock form. The motor died probley because it sucked air when the fuel moved away from the fuel pickup in the tank, thats why you should have a full tank of fuel when offroading.

[satori]

I always start with a full tank of gas.

 

My point was that these tires could pull a lighter vehicle up and over some of the obstacles that have stopped me. It's not for lack of trying on the Tahoe's part. I can ride the brakes and get all 4 tires smoking, it's just too heavy to climb up a straight rock edge if you're already going up a steep incline.

[2000DV4.8]

If you're having traction issues, I wouldn't necessarily go with bigger tires, just go with a more aggressive tire, with a softer rubber compound.

 

Also, how much are you airing down your tires?

[satori]

I go down to 12-14 psi. Traction isn't really an issue. It gets me through some pretty rough spots. Some of the places that stop me, a Tahoe probably shouldn't be attempting in the first place.

[2000DV4.8]

 

I hear ya on that one.

[merlin5577]

I've had this '05 Tahoe for two months now and had it up on the mountain trails nearly every weekend. Here are a couple observations on it's offroad capabilities.

 

I think it's biggest limitation is it's weight. There are just some things that it can't pull it's fat ass up and over. Power isn't an issue, it just can't get the traction to climb up a steep rock if you're already on a steep incline.

 

The second limitation would have to be suspension travel. It spends way too much time with one or more tires in the air.

 

However, all said, I'm very pleased. It gets through some impressive spots and over some pretty rough obstacles. Dragging it across the skid plates is no problem, and it continues to run just fine while laying on it's side (just a little smoke).

 

Another HUGE plus is the hydroboost brakes. I've had the engine die twice while coming down a very steep slope. Brakes held just fine so I could put in neutral and restart it.

 

I'm also thankful for a real bumper instead of the plastic wrapped GMT900, even if it's a little soft. (that just means that it bends back easily though)

 

Satori I could not agree with you more. Every time I have gone off-roading in my Silverado weight is my worst enemy. Trucks just too damn heavy. Dont get me wrong, it sure is fun, but its a P.I.T.A. to see a 4 cylinder Wrangler go through/over something with ease and my truck sinks so I have to power out of it or get towed.

[Majorleaguebass]

Ya'll got those fat ass trucks!!!! LOL

[DJinCO]

Yes, weight is our worst enemy. As well as the width. I would love to have a Jeep, but I carry too much stuff and they just don't have much back end room. Also I am a bit large, and the Jeep front seat is a bit tight. A Defender is nice, but oh... the cost $$$. A Discovery probably would work well.

One of these years I'll probably get another vehicle to augment my Tahoe. Not anytime soon though.

[merlin5577]

We all got fat ass trucks!!!!

 

There, fixed it for you Justin.

[satori]

Yes, weight is our worst enemy. As well as the width. I would love to have a Jeep, but I carry too much stuff and they just don't have much back end room. Also I am a bit large, and the Jeep front seat is a bit tight. A Defender is nice, but oh... the cost $$$. A Discovery probably would work well.

One of these years I'll probably get another vehicle to augment my Tahoe. Not anytime soon though.

 

Nah, for me at least, I feel that I've chosen the best possible vehicle for me this time around. If I wanted a really serious off roader, I wouldn't have bought a Tahoe.

[svensk]

Truck's wheel base is too long for rock climbing, weight is too heavy, and a pickup's weight distribution is completely wrong for it. Your better off buying a cheapo jeep and towing it with the truck.

Just like people who buy a jeep and then expect it to pull 8,000lbs. It wasn't built for that, if a jeep and tahoe hooked bumpers the tahoe would drag the jeep around pretty easily.

[satori]

Truck's wheel base is too long for rock climbing, weight is too heavy, and a pickup's weight distribution is completely wrong for it. Your better off buying a cheapo jeep and towing it with the truck.

Just like people who buy a jeep and then expect it to pull 8,000lbs. It wasn't built for that, if a jeep and tahoe hooked bumpers the tahoe would drag the jeep around pretty easily.

 

Damn right it would!

 

I know what you're saying.