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starflyte1 · 10-22-2006, 05:00 PM

I want to own a 25-28ft Classic someday. Since the 8.1 is not available in the 2007s, I have found a 2005 Suburban 2500, 14,600 miles, 8.1. It has the 3.73, not the 4.1.

Will that TV be ok for that A/S?

We are going to look at the Suburban tomorrow-it is 120 miles from us. If you say it won't work, we will not go!

Thanks in advance. I do want to do this only once, so it is very important to get it right.

Pat

peegreen · 10-22-2006, 05:09 PM

You will be absolutely fine with the 3.73.

CanoeStream · 10-22-2006, 05:13 PM

I would agree. One can split hairs but this 'burb will work just fine. The 8.1 has muy plenty of torque. Consider that the Duramax-Allison combination is available in only a 3.73 rear end. Enjoy!

starflyte1 · 10-22-2006, 05:21 PM

Thanks for the quick replies! It's off to see the Burb!

Will let you know tomorrow if it is in the drive.

Pat

JStanley · 10-22-2006, 07:25 PM

IMHO the 3.73 gear ratio will be fine. But aware that the 8.1 Liter engine uses a bit more gas than the 6.0L engine. Thats about one liter per cylinder.

TomR · 10-22-2006, 07:37 PM

Hi All...just a follow up question...would the above "thumbs up" hold true for an Suburban 2500 with 8.1/3.73 if you wanted the flexibility to tow say 30' to 34' Airstreams? If not would it work if you changed rear end ratio to 4.xx IF you ended up with say a 34' AS?

Just curious?....Tom R in Two Harbors, MN

**moosetags** · 10-22-2006, 08:40 PM

I can attest that the 3.73 rear works great. I am pulling an '05 Safari with an '05 Suburban 4x4x4 (four wheel drive/Quadrasteer) 2500 with the 6.0 liter gasoline V-8. We have pulled about 10,000 miles this years including an extensive tour of New England with quite a bit of mountain driving. I am very satisfied with the performance.

As to a 34', I think it would work, but I would opt for a Sierra or Silverado 3500 (non-duely) with the 8.1 (still available in the pick-ups) with the 4.11.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 10-22-2006, 09:29 PM

Hi, 3.73 seems to be the universal differential ratio that comes with the tow package on most vehicles. A lower ratio, like 4.10 might pull better and use more fuel at the same time. Where as a higher ratio like 3.55 would more than likely lose power and mileage.

Now to confuse the confused; A higher numeric ratio, gears you lower, and a lower numeric ratio, gears you higher.

Bob

Frank S · 10-22-2006, 09:37 PM

Hi starflyte1--The 3.73 rear with the 8.1 ltr is fine for pulling any A/S. The 4.10 rear works best with the 5.3 ltr or 6.0 ltr. With 14600 miles, on a 2005 Suburban, it's almost broken in. Looks like a good find. Differential in fuel cost is really one of the smaller costs in owning a T/V. The big cost is depreation. By buying a 2005, with such low mileage you have already saved yourself a big hunk of money. --Frank S

Silvertwinkie · 10-23-2006, 06:36 AM

Oh heck yes. 25' to 28'? You'll barely know it's back there.

One thing about the 8.1L. Nearly every owner I've spoken with about their 8.1L has indicated that it appears normal for the 8.1L to consume some amount of oil between oil changes. There are folks the believe this is an issue, while others say, it's an 8.1L, it's normal.

Bottom line, you're fine w/3.73s with what you've outlined.

john hd · 10-23-2006, 06:50 AM

you will be pleased with the big block 3.73 combo.

you also will be able to tow a 34!

john

starflyte1 · 10-23-2006, 05:11 PM

Thanks for all the replies! Each made us feel so good about the Suburban with the 3.73 that it is in our drive at this time. It is ours!

My husband drove it the 120 miles home and is quite happy with it. It has a Class III hitch and everything that goes with that. Now, to get what is necessary to hook up to the A/S that we haven't found yet.

Thanks to the people on this forum, we have bought a TV that will last at least as long as we will be needing it.
Pat

CanoeStream · 10-23-2006, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starflyte1

Now, to get what is necessary to hook up to the A/S that we haven't found yet.

It may have the GM pigtail to attach to your brake controller (usually included with initial purchase). This plugs in under your dash and the bare wires are fairly easy to figure out connection to the brake controller. I'd suggest talking to RJay's if you don't have that item -- good prices, fast service. Really -- this same item should be available locally at RV dealerships. Just don't tell 'em you have an Airstream ....

starflyte1 · 10-23-2006, 06:08 PM

Canoe Stream, why not tell them I have (will have) an Airstream?

Pat

RedSHED · 10-23-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by starflyte1

Thanks for all the replies! Each made us feel so good about the Suburban with the 3.73 that it is in our drive at this time. It is ours!

My husband drove it the 120 miles home and is quite happy with it. It has a Class III hitch and everything that goes with that. Now, to get what is necessary to hook up to the A/S that we haven't found yet.

Thanks to the people on this forum, we have bought a TV that will last at least as long as we will be needing it.
Pat

Just for general info... We pull a 31' Excella with a 1500HD (6.0 & 3.73). The 1500HD is very similar to a Suburban 2500, but with an extra foot or so of wheelbase. Anyway, with a Reese dual cam we've found it to be a very nice towing combination, even on some of the winding bits of southern Indiana. Generally getting around 11-12mpg towing, with a low of something like 9.8 (back roads, steep hills, lead foot, my bad) and generally around 14 unladen.

The previous owner of our Airstream used a 1500 'burb and took it from Cincy to Tennessee, Florida, OK, and other places on a regular basis.

Saw it posted here sometime in the last year that 28-31' trailers are kind of 'tweeners. Too big for the "me too" toy trucks, and not big enough for a retirement base camp, thus somewhat more available than some others.

With 2 kids + a dog, 31' is just about right. We can seperate them when they quibble!

hookedonclassic · 10-23-2006, 06:23 PM

Congrats on the Burb. Post a picture of it when you can. Happy hunting for the AS of your dreams.

steelbird312 · 10-23-2006, 06:36 PM

Pat,
I have seen some really good deals on Reese weight distributing hitches on Ebay, if you are savy there. However, I have messed with Airstreams for years, and find that 2 out of 3 used ones sold by individuals will come with a hitch set. There are several models, they come with different weight ratings on the bars. Your new 'Burb will not require a lot of attention to pull the size you want, yet it is pretty important to get the hitch set up right. There are instructions on the Reese web site. Read and follow them and you will do well.
Of course there are other hitches out there, with supporters of each kind. That will have to be a decision on your own.
The brake controller that is easiest to set up is the Prodigy, and it is a very good one. You can find that new on Ebay as well, along with a factory wiring harness to hook it up with.
Good luck on the purchase, and I encourage you to be diligent in the hookup of the hitch and brake control.

thecatsandi · 10-23-2006, 07:07 PM

I towed my 31ft classic with a 5.4L gas engine and a 3.73 limited slip rear end.

starflyte1 · 10-24-2006, 01:00 PM

I would post a picture if only I could! I am trying to put our B online to sell and can't do the picture transfer.

Hadn't thought of A/Ss coming with a hitch, but will wait to buy until after we buy a trailer to see if it comes with what is needed!

Pat

Paul Mayeux · 10-24-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

I can attest that the 3.73 rear works great. I am pulling an '05 Safari with an '05 Suburban 4x4x4 (four wheel drive/Quadrasteer) 2500 with the 6.0 liter gasoline V-8. We have pulled about 10,000 miles this years including an extensive tour of New England with quite a bit of mountain driving. I am very satisfied with the performance.

As to a 34', I think it would work, but I would opt for a Sierra or Silverado 3500 (non-duely) with the 8.1 (still available in the pick-ups) with the 4.11.

Strange but the 8.1 is not offered in the new redesigned body style. They only show 6.0 and the diesel. It's a shame because the new body style is so much better looking than anything GM has offered in a long time.