Towing with a Suburban

Tristan7290 · January 9, 2015

If your trailer will actually weigh about 10k loaded up, it is way to much trailer for your 'burb! Not what you want to hear, but you don't need a d'max for 10k though either! A 6.0/6spd/4.10- 2500HD would handle the weight.

BUT.... is this the trailer you have: http://www.luckybtrailers.com/2014-trailers-usa-2-horse-straightload-bumper-pull-wdr-new-horse-trailer-va-i986121?

If so, "dry weight" is listed as 2500lbs! GROSS (Max loaded weight) is 7k. So you may be under the 'burbs tow rating, depending on your gearing. Understand that while your 'burb can be a great tow vehicle, they are also designed to have a nice ride down the road. Add between (estimate depending on how the trailer is designed and loaded! Not familiar what the average tongue weight for a horse trailer is) 600-900lbs tongue weight and the burb will sag (based on 6klb trailer with 10-15% tw (tongue weight)). Worn springs don't help this either. Your hitch probably is only rated for above 500lb tw when used with a wd (weight distribution) hitch.

Look into a Reese Dual Cam/ SC or Equal-I-Zer weight distribution hitch. Both have built in sway control and are very good systems for the money.

Tekonsha P2 and P3 brake controllers are well liked.

Find a spring shop, and have them check the coil springs out. Replace if needed (or just replace). Maybe there is a heavy duty set available.

Good luck!

unfortunately that it not the trailer. My girlfriend is the owner of the trailer and its all constructed steel. The trailer you posted is all aluminum. Why they even still make steel horse trailers anymore are beyond me. Thanks for the information!

Zebrafive · January 9, 2015

Steel horse trailer is much cheaper build/buy than an aluminum one.

I agree it's too much for 1/2 ton 5.3 Suburban.

If I were to attempt (short distances only) I would want:

LT, not P series tires on the Suburban.

Reese dual cam weight bars (rated more than your tongue weight 1200lbs?).

Airbags for the rear axle to level rear of the Suburban after weight bars are hooked up.

Excellent trailer brakes on all wheels of the trailer.

Prodigy brake controller

Trailer break away brake system.

I assume your Suburban has both engine and transmission oil coolers.

I would not tow in OD, use tow mode if it has it.

Blue2500CC · January 10, 2015

Tristan,

Sorry to hear it is steel!

SO.... If you are starting to look for a Silverado/Sierra, verify the tow rating before committing to the truck! Check the axle code inside the glovebox, look for GT5, which I think has been used for some time now. G4 is a 3.73 gear ratio. Not sure about the slightly older 4 speed tranny trucks, but as I mentioned, a 6spd/4.10 combo is rated for about 13k lbs. Surprisingly the 6spd/3.73 is only rated for about 9500lbs, but payload is a lot more than a 1500! Lol

Do not rule out a 3500 srw either! May be able to find one for the same price.

Good luck, and keep us posted on what new truck you end up with! If you want, post the truck and options (motor, tranny, gear ratio) before you buy.

06_GMC · January 10, 2015

Hey Tristan these guys have given you great advice. Just a little reminder you can get a 6.0L in the 01-06 suburban and Yukon XLs. The one thing to look at also is the gearing of the vehicle. 4.10's will always give you a higher tow rating than 3.73's if you like having a suburban there are a lot out on the used market right now for a fairly decent price. Also a weight distributing hitch is a must towing that much weight! Good luck!

seansharley · January 10, 2015

How far, and often are you towing? Assuming the burb is your daily driver?

Tristan7290 · January 12, 2015

How far, and often are you towing? Assuming the burb is your daily driver?

Not often but I wouldn't want to try towing it if its not even legal to have behind my suburban.

Hey Tristan these guys have given you great advice. Just a little reminder you can get a 6.0L in the 01-06 suburban and Yukon XLs. The one thing to look at also is the gearing of the vehicle. 4.10's will always give you a higher tow rating than 3.73's if you like having a suburban there are a lot out on the used market right now for a fairly decent price. Also a weight distributing hitch is a must towing that much weight! Good luck!

Thanks for really great information!

02suburbanZ71 · January 12, 2015

I think you made a mistake buying that vehicle to tow. It would have been cheaper to get an 8.1L 4l80 2500 suburban with 4.10's

seansharley · January 12, 2015

Vehicles can be replaced, lives cannot. If its that dangerous, don't do it. The $$ you would spend trying to upgrade the burb can go toward a heavier rig for towing. I would also look at the big picture also of how often I'm towing, and if I want a older less expensive rig just for towing, and something more economical for my daily driver. I drive about 25,000 miles a year, so a vehicle that gets 10mpg, versus something that gets 20mpg adds up $$ fast.

Tristan7290 · January 12, 2015

I think you made a mistake buying that vehicle to tow. It would have been cheaper to get an 8.1L 4l80 2500 suburban with 4.10's

Have had the vehicle since 2007 with 1000 miles on it. Never bought it for the intention of towing. The towing issue recently just appeared, I have no intention of selling the vehicle when it's already payed off.