Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-01-2017, 06:09 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
2022 33' Classic
Tulsa , Oklahoma
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 9
Cool Can I Tow a 28A with a Chevy Tahoe

I am getting ready to order a 2018 28A with twin beds GVWT 7,600 lbs. I have a 2017 Chevy Tahoe with max towing package rated at 8,600 towing capacity. I am hoping this vehicle will pull the trailer adequately. Looking for feedback.
pagedavi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 06:37 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
FCStreamer's Avatar
 
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
Blog Entries: 1
It should. Watch your payload though. That's the number you'll have to manage.
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
FCStreamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 06:39 PM   #3
3 Rivet Member
 
abqdor's Avatar
 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Albuquerque , New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 200
There are many threads on this site regarding adequate tow vehicles and I'm sure you will hear many opinions. As a 1 year AS owner, I'm still trying to sort things out. Currently, I'm towing our 25' Flying Cloud with a 6.2L GMC Denali which would be similar to your Tahoe. It provides plenty of power to pull the trailer, but I've had some issues with transmission temperatures and stability in crosswinds. We're using a Reese Dual Cam Hitch.

One thing I've researched is wheelbase of the tow vehicle to increase stability. I've read that Rule of Thumb is 110" wheelbase works for 20' trailer. Each additional 4" of wheelbase provides for an additional foot length of trailer. My GMC has a 116" wheelbase, so that suggests a 21.5' trailer. Therefore, I'm 20" short of recommended wheelbase. Since trucks usually have a minimum 140" wheelbase, they seem to be more satisfactory for longer trailers.

If I move to a truck, my hope would be to find more trailer sway stability in modest crosswinds because of the added wheelbase length. In your situation, your probably pushing it with a 28' trailer. Just my opinion.
__________________
'17 Ford F-150 Ecoboost, max tow package
'13 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L V8
'04 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L V8
abqdor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 06:45 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
FCStreamer's Avatar
 
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Tampa , Florida
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,364
Blog Entries: 1
I tow my 30' with an Escalade, which is a similar platform to the Tahoe. No issues whatsoever.
__________________
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Recliner - WBCCI #4850 - AIR #110821
2018 Nissan Armada SL Tow Vehicle, Equal-i-zer Hitch
Visit Our Flying Cloud blog for my latest adventure!
FCStreamer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 07:01 PM   #5
jcl
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Vancouver , British Columbia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,566
Quote:
Originally Posted by abqdor View Post
I've had some issues with transmission temperatures and stability in crosswinds. We're using a Reese Dual Cam Hitch.
Look at your hitch setup. If that doesn't resolve it to your satisfaction, you may want to consider a 3P hitch.

Transmission temps climb when the transmission is constantly shifting (hunting), and/or the torque converter isn't in lockup. Both can be addressed by appropriate gear selection.

Quote:
Originally Posted by abqdor View Post
One thing I've researched is wheelbase of the tow vehicle to increase stability. I've read that Rule of Thumb is 110" wheelbase works for 20' trailer.
Seems like an old wives tale to me. That rule doesn't consider trailer rotational inertia or other characteristics such as side area of the trailer. If you want to consider TV wheelbase, look at the ratio of rear overhang to wheelbase. The overhang is the lever, the wheelbase provides a resistance to lateral forces. Or, use a 3P hitch that reduces the length of the lever. While it is one factor, by itself, wheelbase doesn't mean much IMO.
jcl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 07:46 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
On our experience with similar vehicles here's how I would set it up.

ProPride/Hensley hitch with 1400 lb weight distribution bars to project the trailer's pivot point forward to the rear axles, like a fifth wheel or semi. You'll always have a rock solid stable towing experience. The 1400 lb w.d. bars will ensure you can distribute the Airstream hitch weight among the Tahoe and Airstream, and still have some capability for anything carried in the back of the Tahoe.

That said, with the Tahoe axle weight limits, trailer hitch weight, and overall vehicle weight of the Tahoe I wouldn't travel with anything but the lightest of gear behind the axles of the Tahoe.

If you're headed for long, steep mountain grades travel light as possible, it's just a better towing experience. Manage your speeds up and especially down these grades, the other 98% of your towing experience will be easy and routine.

Take you time, learn the capabilities of your combination, how to load it and especially how to set up the weight distribution system. When all set up and loaded, take the combination to a CAT scale and ensure your truck (and trailer) axle loads are within their ratings (GAWR).
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 09:20 PM   #7
4 Rivet Member
 
Pat Cassity's Avatar
 
2015 27' FB International
Montgomery , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 296
Images: 1
Just Don't Do It! I started out with a Yukon Denali 3 years ago. Will it or a Tahoe tow a 28 footer? Yes! Will you 'enjoy' the experience? No! It just never 'feels' safe. Go to a campground, private or public and take a look around. Most experienced TT RV'ers tow with a pickup. Unless one has towed with both types of vehicles one has no idea how much more secure one feels in a pickup.
__________________
Retirement! Every day's a Saturday and Monday's no longer exist!
Pat Cassity is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 09:26 PM   #8
Site Team
 
wulfraat's Avatar

 
2017 30' International
Broomfield , Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,555
Images: 1
Can I Tow a 28A with a Chevy Tahoe

No!!! You must buy a Ford F-350 diesel with a minimum of 900lbs of torque and a 4,000lb payload.

Oops sorry wrong thread

Slap on your favorite WD hitch, watch your payload and off you go. Have fun and be safe.

I have 20k + towing Miles with a similar SUV (Infiniti QX) and trailer weight. I live at the doorstep of the Colorado Rockies and travel all over the mountains and have in and over every major pass in CO.

Large SUV works just fine for me. But that's me. You need to figure out what you are comfortable with.
wulfraat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 09:43 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
A Tahoe is basically a short-wheelbase Chev pickup with an enclosed back instead of a pickup bed. Towing comfort, rock-solid stability, and safety are achieved with a modern hitch assembly.

We used a ProPride hitch on our Ram 120" wheelbase pickup and towed it all over the country many times, you hardly knew the Airstream was following. There were no sway inputs ever felt by the driver (me), they were all projected to the trucks rear axle and stopped, not leveraged forward.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2017, 10:01 PM   #10
4 Rivet Member
 
Alluminati's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
St. Louis , Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 415
Images: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by pagedavi View Post
I am getting ready to order a 2018 28A with twin beds GVWT 7,600 lbs. I have a 2017 Chevy Tahoe with max towing package rated at 8,600 towing capacity. I am hoping this vehicle will pull the trailer adequately. Looking for feedback.
The simple answer is 8,600>7,600 so you're fine.

I also tow with an SUV, but my numbers are a little closer to capacity than yours. In my case it's 10,000>9,995 But that's still within spec, and my truck tows it just fine. So far we've got about 8,000 miles on our setup taking it as far as the Florida panhandle and Vancouver.
__________________
The Morgans
1989 Avion 34VB
Alluminati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:00 AM   #11
Rivet Master
 
m.hony's Avatar
 
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood , Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
The only problem I foresee with the new Tahoe is the lack of available factory tow mirrors- unless they have changed that-
I tow a 30' with a Tundra equipped with extendable towing mirrors.
There may be aftermarket options for tow mirrors for a Tahoe.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
m.hony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:04 AM   #12
Happy Camper
 
nipperguy's Avatar
 
2018 30' Classic
Flat Rock , North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 54
Send a message via AIM to nipperguy
What's already been said here...with the proper weight distribution hitch you should be fine. Just know your payload numbers and remember tongue weight should be included in your payload calculations. We towed a '73 31' International for years with a 2002 Tahoe.
nipperguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:05 AM   #13
1 Rivet Member
 
2011 28' Flying Cloud
Eau Claire , Wisconsin
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 8
I do it. Works fine. Do pay attention to payload, though, and invest in a good WD hitch setup. Set it up, add food, kids, and dogs, then go weigh it so you know where the loads ready are.
hollonre is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:16 AM   #14
4 Rivet Member
 
VaTravelers's Avatar
 
2017 28' International
Virginia Beach , Virginia
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 405
Images: 1
Can you ... yes you can, but at the end of the day it's all about comfort and confidence that when the unexpected happens (and it will) your margins of safety won't compound the emergency or unexpected situation. I think it's about risk and how willing are you to accept more risk when towing. In your case, if I understand your original posting, you have a brand new Tahoe, that I am sure you do not want to replace with a 3/4 ton truck, so as many posters have said, just be mindful of your loading (get an accurate weighing), use a reliable WD hitch and take your time. Don't put yourself into higher risk situations such as pushing your trailer and TV loading or tackling a steep mountain pass when you know the weather is iffy (wind, rain or snow). Just be aware and be careful and you will have a wonderful AS experience.
VaTravelers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:24 AM   #15
3 Rivet Member
 
2014 22' FB Sport
2017 28' Flying Cloud
Southwest Ranches , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 170
The question is, how much towing and how much daily driving do you want to do. If you're towing all day every day then get a large diesel pick-up. If you only tow to to get to a destination and live there for a month or two then get a smaller SUV. Both will do the job safely but a big pick-up is better for towing and an SUV is better for daily driving.
Mergatroyd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:27 AM   #16
Rivet Master
 
tjdonahoe's Avatar
 
2013 31' Classic
billings , Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
Try it yourself,you might like it , I wouldn't....
tjdonahoe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 11:54 AM   #17
4 Rivet Member
 
B00merang's Avatar
 
2010 20' Flying Cloud
Hailey , Idaho
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 414
Pagedavi
Please listen to Abqdor's second paragraph and Cassity's advice. Since you don't have a 6.2L engine in your Tahoe forget about his first paragraph. Trust me, you will not be happy. I only have a 20ft FC that I towed with an 05 Yukon or an '12 Tahoe...both of which do the job. But I only tow 20ft and 5,000lbs through the country. Based on my experience, I sold the old Yukon (245k miles) and bought a 2011 2500 Suburban....what a nice towing upgrade. "Nuff said...yes, like the others said, you CAN do it, but take my work for it, you will not be happy. Safe travels either way. jon
B00merang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 01:14 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock , Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,423
Only one comment about Tranny temps...I'm surprised. With a 28 you will need to supplement the transmission cooling unless the Max Tow package already addressed that. Stability can be an issue due to tires, weight distribution, hitch set up, and a bunch of other stuff that everyone has noted. Bottom line is you hook up the trailer and go try it. I think the 28 has a bit heavier hitch weight, but the Tahoe should be able to handle that. If the combo is completely untenable you have not invested any money, and can still go look for something that works for you.
JCW
JCWDCW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 01:24 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
m.hony's Avatar
 
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood , Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
I'm surprised no one else has commented on the lack of tow mirrors.
That is a bigger deal in my eyes than some of the things that have been mentioned.
Being able to go and stop is good.
Being able to see is also very important.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
m.hony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2017, 03:18 PM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
2015 23' FB Flying Cloud
Omaha , Nebraska
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 65
Tahoe tow

We tow our 23fb (gvr 6000#) with our Tahoe with a equalizer hitch with no problems. We have a rear view camera and full tow package with appropriate rear end. 5.3 v8 adequate only. Disadvantage is gas mileage (10 to 11 mpg) with 27 gal fuel tank. Plan to get pickup for better range (36 or so gal tank) and more storage in bed for "outdoor" stuff. Also much better room in backseat area for the big dog (crew cab).
dolson is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Walk Through Video: 2016 Flying Cloud 28A Twin Colonial Airstream Commercial Listings 5 07-04-2015 12:01 PM
New 2015 Flying Cloud 28A (Twin) mycloud9 2009-2015 Flying Cloud 15 05-13-2015 07:17 PM
2015 Chevy Tahoe tow vehicle DeltaRon On The Road... 19 07-11-2014 08:17 AM
2004 Chevy Tahoe Z71 as Tow Vehicle? aversenti Tow Vehicles 13 10-18-2006 11:01 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:29 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.