Surburban 1/2 ton as a Tow Vehicle

[dmreilly10000]

I have a chance to buy a 1999 1/2 ton Suburban, 5.7 liter, for $12,700 (loan value) from a friend of mine. It has 32,000 miles and is in like new condition.

The only problem is that I have a 34' Excella.

If I stayed out of the mountains, could this be used as a tow vehicle?

Has anyone towed a tri-axle 34' Excela with a half ton Suburban? If so, how did it work and did you make any modifications to the truck?

Thanks in advance

[overlander64]

Greetings!

You would be approaching 200% of the rated tow capacity for the C/K 1500 Suburban for 1999 - - it was either 6,000 or 6,500 pounds - - I know that it was just barely sufficient for my '64 Overlander which is why I ordered the K2500 (with 10,000 pound trailer tow package). It would be ill-advised to consider such a light-duty tow vehicle for a 34-foot Airstream (IMHO).

Kevin

[uwe]

I may not be qualified to give you advice, because I don't tow a 34ft trailer, but I do use the same tow vehicle you are considering.
My advice would be NO. I believe that the tongue weight and gross weight is too much for the 1/2 ton Suburban. It is rated to 6500lb max, and less if it is 4WD. If there is no factory tow package, then it is even less than that.
I get along very well with my Tradewind and the Suburban, but that's a far stretch for the 34 footers weight and tongue weight. The 1/2 ton Suburban brakes and transmission are marginal at best, and you would be asking for trouble and undue repairs, in my opinion. The 1/2 ton Suburban as you described it does make a fine and economical daily driver, though. I have seen better than 18mpg hwy, and 14-15 city. Towing drops it to 12mpg.
I believe the 34ft trailer would fully use the capacity of a 3/4 ton Suburban with 4:11 gears and the 454.
Good Luck!

[dmreilly10000]

Thanks for the advice. Since posting this, I have done some further research and have come to the same conclusion.

Too bad, it is a beautiful truck.