1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton towing?

[subfan1]

We would like to down grade from our 3/4 ton Suburban to a new 1/2 ton Suburban.
Would there be any difference in towing between leaf springs or the coils on the 1/2 tons? Sway? anything?
Other than maybe not having enough power, I ready to sacirfice that for more fuel economy.

[safari57]

Subfan

It would help if you mention what size of trailer you are towing. Approximate weight and length will give us an idea of how to respond based on our combined experiences.

Merry Christmas

Barry

[subfan1]

Its a 25 ft, and weighs about 7000lbs
So in general, what if anything would I expect between the two sizes?

[2airishuman]

hi subfan...

are u expecting better mpg while towing?

or is this a daily driver vehicle issue?

what year tv? what engine and axle ratio?

the best axle ratios for towing usually reduce mpg a tiny tiny bit....

moving from a 3/4 chassis to a 1/2 ton (in the burboun line) means less brakes, less towing and less payload...

do 1/2 tons come with e rated tires?

you might wanna work the 'math' for this switch...

there's only about 6 variables so it's not that hard to project the dollar changes...

cheers
2air'

[moosetags]

We have an '05 Safari 25 FB, weighing in at apprx 7500#. We usually tow the Airstream with an '05 Suburban 2500 4x4x4 (Quadrasteer). This combo gets 10.5 mpg. We also tow the Airstream with our '04 Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3 liter. The Tahoe doesn't due nearly as well in the towing department, and gets the same 10.5 mpg when towing the Airstream.

Brian

[safari 28]

When researching tow vehices I looked at the new suburbans and the problem was they have lowered tow ratings for the half ton models. You have to order the 2500 series to get higher ratings. I wanted a 10k rating and the Ford f150 set up as ours alongside the chev 1500 hd max gave that figure. It also gives a smooth ride and easy on the AS.Our 28 safari weighs 5700lbs dry. We are very happy with our decision but you might be pushing it with your AS, as I remember the half ton suburbans were maxed at about 8k tow rating. But then again our friends in Canada are towing 34 classics with hemi powered 300 chryslers. So, what do I know???

[ckeysor]

Originally Posted by safari 28

When researching tow vehices I looked at the new suburbans and the problem was they have lowered tow ratings for the half ton models. You have to order the 2500 series to get higher ratings. I wanted a 10k rating and the Ford f150 set up as ours alongside the chev 1500 hd max gave that figure.

As I looked at the Silverado, I think they downsized the towing specs on all 1/2 ton models. I had to go to the 1500 hd max to get to the 10K rating with GCVW at 15,000. The chevy dealer said that they were now measuring the towing capacity at 80% of the real number to make sure people weren't over-hauling. Don't know how true that was but I figured I would go up to the 1500 HD max since I didn't need a true 3/4 ton.

[Silvertwinkie]

I think about the only perk to going back to 1/2 ton is the softer ride, other than that, for a 25 footer tipping over 3 tons....you are in 3/4 ton territory.