Towing with a Tahoe?

JamesB · October 21, 2003

The only thing I tow is a BBQ Smoker. It weighs around 3500lbs. and including the trailer is about 17' total length. It tows fine behind my '02 Z71 Ext Cab, pulls straight and is well balanced. No trailer brakes! (yet). Just wondering how towing with the shorter wheel base on the wife's '04 Z71 'Hoe might be effected.

I would not normally tow it with the 'Hoe, but we will be taking the pit out to her parent's place and she wants to take the 'Hoe. I don't want to take two trucks for the 240 mile round trip.

I will hook it up and take it for a spin around town before we head down the highway to see how it handles, but thought I would ask if anybody else had experience towing with a Tahoe...

Thanks,

James.

Shaners · October 21, 2003

You'll be OK. My buddies dad tows his 4-wheelers all over the country with his 'Hoe. He has everything from a 1-place trailer, to a 6-bike enclosed trailer and he has had no complaints or problems.

Lance Link · October 21, 2003

I towed a 4,000 pound load (car + trailer) with the Yukon with no troubles- not quite as stable as the Sierra but not bad.

Grover · October 21, 2003

I towed my car (3500+ lbs) on a dolly behind the Yukon and couldn't even tell it was back there.

LARSONEM · October 21, 2003

For the size and weight you are talking, I wouldn't suspect that you would have any problems.

I originally had my choice of towing my 32 foot travel trailer at 5200 empty pounds with my 2001 Tahoe or 2001 Silverado. Both had trailering packages, 5.3L, 3.73 axle, 4x4 etc. I chose the Silverado due to the ability to carry firewood, bikes, etc in the back more easily. It worked but 5200 pounds, plus cargo, passengers, etc, I was disappointed in performance and eventually upgraded to a 2003 diesel crew cab Silverado. Now that has the power to tow.

Again, for your app, the Tahoe should do a good job.

Tahoe933 · October 21, 2003

I tow my 7000lb 20' enclosed trailer with my Tahoe. It's about all it will take, but it does a good job. With load dist hitch, sway bar, and Air Lift kit I have it set up so it is stable and comfortable to pull. Mike

sgiangregorio · October 22, 2003

You should be fine. I towed my old boat which was 7000 pounds on the trailer with no problems. It did have brakes on the trailer though. I'm sure you'll feel the 3500 pounds pushing on you when you try to stop. Give yourself plenty of room.

JamesB · October 23, 2003

Thanks everybody... I'll hook up the smoker to the 'Hoe and give it a spin around town. Sounds like it will be OK.

Thanks again,

James.

JamesB · October 28, 2003

Just to update... This past weekend, I hooked the smoker up to the Tahoe and towed it out to the in-laws place. It pulled as easy as it does with my Z71 Silverado, even on the small twisty up hill/down hill two lane country roads! No problems with the shorter wheel base at all...

I guess I was worried about nothing.

James.