Suburban & 27FB

[Roadtech]

I have a 2012 Suburban 1500 2WD with towing package. I am interested in hearing from anyone with experience towing a 27FB International. I know this is a somewhat marginal setup, but I like the 27 FB floor plan and don't really want to go 3/4 ton if possible. Any advice is appreciated.

[SteveH]

Your Suburban will tow a 27 footer just fine, but it will be right at max load capacity, so you will have to pack lightly, and you won't be winning any uphill races.

[Pat Cassity]

Hi Roadtech, I have been dealing with your exact same problem. I have the same TV and AS. However, my Suburban is a 2011. I have spent the last 4 months trying to decide on a new TV. I have looked and driven virtually every vehicle out there, that I have considered. Last month I almost broke down and bought a new Silverado with the Max Trailering Package. However, I changed my mind because I really need to stay with a large SUV for not only the comfort but also because I use it for my photography business. As a last resort ( and as a result of so many positive comments here) I called Can Am RV in Canada for their advice. Spent about 15 minutes on the phone with Andy and he convinced me that I already had all that I needed. However, he did tell me that I needed to reinforce my Suburban's class 3 hitch and and suggested new shocks and tires. He also felt that I need to replace my current WD hitch. I figure it's probably going to cost met around $2500, not counting the trip to Canada but I feel that my 15 minute conversation with him may save me about $30,000, So, if the weather gets to the point that I can drive from Texas to Canada without all of the snow and ice, I will be on my way. I highly suggest giving Andy a call.

[subfan1]

What model Suburban do you have? If you have the LTZ with the 20 inch wheels you will be fine. I presume you have the 5.3 l engine? 6 Speed auto. Does it have the 3:42 or 3:73 rear axle
The tow rating ought be 8900 lbs does that sound right? Living in Georgia where it is primarily flat, you will be ok. I don't think you need to modify anything on your vehicle. The previous generation with the round hitch was a problem.

[SSquared]

Hi RoadTech,

I have a 2010 Yukon, somewhat similar to your 2011 but mine is the short wheelbase. I tow a 25FB. The factory receiver does bend a visible amount when you hook up a trailer like mine, and then bends the other way when the WD is applied. As suggested above, I had my receiver reinforced by Can Am RV in Ontario--it is stronger now.

Another concern is transmission cooling. My Yukon has a dedicated cooler mounted in front of the radiator, (maybe they all do?) but the fluid still gets pretty hot under stress. I've had it go to 235 degrees climbing big passes in Colorado. But on the flat, even when it is 100 degrees outside, the temp stays in the 195 to 210 range.

It's not to hard to add an additional cooler for the tranny. I may do that.

[Roadtech]

Subfan1: It is a 2012 LTZ with 20"wheels. 5.3L, 6 speed, 3.42 ratio, heavy duty cooling package.

[Pat Cassity]

I'm with ssquared. Going to add the second transmission cooler. Andy made a great point about the Suburban. He said that few years ago if you went to a really and there were 3000 Airstreams, 2500 would have been pulled by a 1500 Suburban.

[Roadtech]

Pat: Can't you get your hitch reinforced locally?

[subfan1]

Originally Posted by Roadtech

Subfan1: It is a 2012 LTZ with 20"wheels. 5.3L, 6 speed, 3.42 ratio, heavy duty cooling package.

You should be fine. You will have to use a long drop , I use a 9 inch with our 20 foot. I also see high transmission temps. When pulling 7 percent grades at very hot temperatures. I have the fluid replaced every year, just to be careful. You more than likely won't see those conditions on the east coast. We have pretty big hills here that we have to use to travel north and east out of so Calif

[Pat Cassity]

So, today in what seems is my never ending quest to find the perfect tow vehicle (for me) I decided I would look at the 2015 Tahoes and Yukons. I test drove a Yukon today with the GMCs Heavy duty towing package and was really impressed with the increase in HP compared to my 2011 Suburban. However, the one thing that I couldn't get past was the mirrors. I thought the mirrors on my Suburban were small but these are ridiculous! I know I could buy some type of aftermarket mirror that attaches to the door but why should I have to for a vehicle with a sticker price of almost $64,000?!!!

[m.hony]

They don't have optional tow mirrors?

[Pat Cassity]

The dealer told me that tow mirrors were not available for the 2015 model.

[subfan1]

I have an 08 Tahoe and didn't use extended mirrors for the last two years towing. I decided to buy a set of Melinko, I maybe wrong on the spelling but I have used them twice now and they work great. I can't believe I have been towing without something helping me out. Much better now. I guess manufactures are trying their best in reducing drag and increase aerodynamics for better MPGs
Thanks for the feed back on the 15s they look great.