I am using my 96 Suburban 2500 4X4 to tow my 2007 Safari SE FB with a GVWR of about 7500 lbs. If I am using a load leveling hitch, to I need a vehicle rated at 7500 pounds or can I get by with a bit less? Right now, my TV is rated at 10200 and I have no problems but the TV is getting a bit long in the tooth for my wifes comfort.
I believe that you are now at a good place in TT to TV ratio. My personal comfort zone is the 75% range. I tow a 25' FB with a 2500 Sub. I have also pulled it with our '04 Tahoe. It works, but it's just not as comfortable. You might not be happy with a half ton TV towing a 27 footer.
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 --- AIR #14872 2005 25' Safari FB (Lucy) with HAHA 2005 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Olivia) & 2004 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Daisy)
I agree. What you have is great. I'm not sure I'd go less. I too have a Suburban 3/4 and it's perfect for our 25'. I would imagine it would be the same for a 27'. Besides, towing with a 1/2 Burb or truck isn't gonna save you any $$ in terms of maint or fuel. Might be a bit softer ride, but to me, the upgrades of a 3/4 well outweigh the slightly firmer ride.
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You've asked a "charged" question, and should see lots of responses... In meantime, you could try "search" feature above, and look for tow vehicle or tow capacity threads, and get a preview of all the opinions previously shared here...
I'll try to summarize, since we have slightly lighter trailer, and recently did an upgrade...
There are "Half Ton" trucks and SUV's (Suburbans and Expedition/Excursions) rated to tow 7200#, so you might get away with that.. Most posters here recommend getting tow vehicle with tow capacity such that trailer is 80% or less of rated number, since tow capacity also must include passengers and luggage and hitch parts as well as the trailer and contents.
A few argue you can equal or exceed tow capacity with trailer GVWR, assuming you'll tow with empty tanks and trailer below its max gross weight.. I feel that could work in Iowa, but not here in California, where you have to deal with passes like Donner or Grapevine or Siskayou's or even Cuesta to get to beach or southern CA or Nevada...
I think wheelbase is important, and would opt for long wheelbase truck or SUV like Suburban or Excursion. I also think truck should WEIGH close to 80% of trailer GVWR so that if truck and trailer get into tug of war, truck has chance of winning.. (Search on accident reports for more details..)
One option is to consider a "fund" for maintenance and invest in the old "Burb, though lack of airbags and CD players and soundproofing might not work for spouse.. In spirit of "Vintage" members here, you can do a lot to fix up an old Suburban for a lot less than cost of a new truck.
Finally, you also have option now (especially when gas prices spike) of finding clean late model used Suburban or Excursion for less than $20K, with tow capacity of ~8K#, and low mileage. There are big trucks from commuters who can't afford the run from Tracy to San Jose anymore for sale in mid-teens, as 2002 to 2004 models. Unfortunately, this also means your used Suburban isn't worth much on resale market... Check dealers and craigs list from Livermore to Stockton to Modesto for bargains... We bought a 2002 Excursion with 40K miles and full tow pkg, including 4.11 rear axle for $17K a year ago to pull our 6500# trailer.
I'll let others chime in on diesel v. gas discussions. You are either willing to trade some noise and vibration for fuel mileage and torque, or not... If vehicle only used for towing, choice gets a little easier, but not much...
John McG
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Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
Right now, the only problem I have is with the wife and her not trusting an older vehicle. Truthfully, our Burb only has 98k miles and always has been well maintained. Gas cost is not an issue and I do like the ride. In fact, it rides better towing the AS than by itself!
So I might "buy" some miles by getting a newer unit but I will stay with the 3/4 ton with either the 7.4 or 8.1 liter engine as that size seems to work really well. An Allison tranny would be a bonus.
Right now, the only problem I have is with the wife and her not trusting an older vehicle. Truthfully, our Burb only has 98k miles and always has been well maintained. Gas cost is not an issue and I do like the ride. In fact, it rides better towing the AS than by itself!
So I might "buy" some miles by getting a newer unit but I will stay with the 3/4 ton with either the 7.4 or 8.1 liter engine as that size seems to work really well. An Allison tranny would be a bonus.
You could renew that unit with a crate eng, tran and undercarriage bushings. Spend some money on the interior. You'll have a near new burb that feels new and will look new on the inside.
Believe it or not, the paint is pretty much perfect (GM ?), the interior has some wear on the leather which I had replaced and the engine burns no oil to speak of. I put on new Bilstein shocks (heartly recommend them) and I replaced the tires and the wheels within the last year. I think that is what is making me nervous as we have EVERYTING to go wrong now.
My 1/2 ton does a good job towing our 28'er, but it's at its max, and being in Florida I have never had to tow it more than 50' above sea level. I'm hoping to hold out a couple of years until Chevy comes out with a Suburban with the new clean diesel engine they're supposedly working on - I've heard it will be the '09 model. Point is, as a Suburban fan not in desperate need of a new ride right this minute, sounds like maybe you would be a candidate to wait for that as well. Assuming Chevy is actually going to produce such a vehicle ...
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'06 28' Safari SE / '08 Chev 2500HD Duramax
'64 Me / '60's-ish wife / '90's kids / '06 Black Lab / '02 Poodle / oh, and a horse, too.
You could renew that unit ... Spend some money on the interior. You'll have a near new burb that ... will look new on the inside.
That's what I did with my '84 7.4 l, Suburban C20. Had the tranny rebuilt too. Motor is still kickin' butt at 189,000 miles.
I agree with Condoluminum's observation that you asked a "charged question". Here's something else to consider - Everyone else's potential overkill with what they tow with, and your comfort level with what you drove to the party. Overkill is great for campground conversation, but sux for a daily driver.
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