2000 Suburban 1500 Towing Question

[sap_man]

Hi all, I'm pretty much a newbie on this forum. I did quite a bit of searching here as there's a lot of great information, but still need some specific feedback on towing a travel trailer.

 

We are looking at getting a 26' travel trailer. The one we are looking at is a dual axel and weighs about 4100# dry with a 7200# GVW.

 

We have a 2000 1500 Suburban (5.3L V8) with factory tow package, Prodigy controller, and of course, sway/distribution bars. Would anyone see any issues w/ this trailer and set up while running around down here in So Cal?

 

The owner's manual states 7800# (12000# with distribution hitch), but looking for folks and their feedback that tow close to the 8000# and if there were any issues w/ the Suburbans (on hills, over heating, brake issues, etc).

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[nbscanuck]

A few things, towing is not a race, take your time. Tranny cooling is VERY important, more is better. Air assist bags help out with stability.

[pwall]

Hi. welcome to the forum.

 

I towed my current trailer (7600gvw) with an '02 YukonXL similiar to yours. No issues, although keep an eye on the transmission temperature. You will need an after-market scanner that plugs into the OBDII port in order to pick up the tranmission temperature. You may want to ensure that you have a seperate transmission cooler.

 

I doubt you will be that close to 7200# GVW if the dry weight is really 4100#. Can't see you putting 3000# in gear/water/etc. However, I would double check those weights.

If the weights are correct though, you'll be fine.

 

Your Suburban (1500) won't tow 12,000#. The hitch will be able to handle it with the weight distribution, but the rest of the vechicle won't. ;)

[sap_man]

pwall--

 

Thanks for the great information! Couple extra questions for you:

 

1) Any recommendations on where to pickup a ODBII scanner for tranny temps?

 

2) I need to check into this, but what is included in the GM "factory tow package" aside from the hitch/receiver, plug, brake controller pigtail? Did they add oil/tranny cooler(s) as part of that package?

 

Thanks again for the great info!

 

PS- As you stated, no way i'd tow 12000# with the 'Burb

[pwall]

For the after market gauge, there are many out there. I had an Areoforce gauge in my YukonXL and really liked it. My buddy now used it in his '01 Silverado.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/

 

Another option is the ScanGauge II, available at: http://www.scangauge.com/?gclid=CPbp5a2l9JsCFUdM5QodO1I5-g

 

A third option is to get a gauge cluster from a 2500, which has the tranmission temperature on it. It will just plug&play into your vechicle. But then you have to get the odemeter re-calabrated.

 

Your truck should have the factory transmission cooler on it. Have a look behind the drill. You should see a smaller 'rad' with the lines going directly to the transmission.

[sap_man]

GREAT! Thanks again pwall... I found your post on the Aeroforce scangauge... good stuff. I forgot I had a ODBII scanner, so for the short term, I'll check that out.

[pwall]

No problem....glad to help out.

 

And of-course, you'll want to check behind the 'grill', not the drill.