Visit our Popular Forums

ELSheffer · 07-19-2015, 03:49 PM

I have a new Chevy Tahoe LTZ with all towing options. I was considering an Airstream 28, but some information suggests that with the shorter wheelbase (116 inches) of a Tahoe compared with a truck a shorter trailer would be safer. The tow vehicle is rated at 8500 pounds which is well more than needed. Do you have experience towing with a Tahoe, Yukon, or Expedition, or any suggestions? Thanks
Airstream Wannabee

**moosetags** · 07-19-2015, 04:27 PM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, we originally towed our new 2005 Safari 25FB (7,400#) with our 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. It was OK. We felt safe, but the Tahoe was just not quite up to the task. It was really slow going on significant upgrades. Afetr a short time, we moved up to a 3/4 ton Suburban. The Suburban was much better suited for the job. We have well over 100,000 miles of towing with the Suburban.

Brian

Hogfan · 07-19-2015, 09:04 PM

Hi Wannabe,

We were wannabe's for a very long time and finally pulled the trigger recently on a similar trailer- we finally settled on the 27'FB. We have a 2005 Tahoe and we would LOVE LOVE LOVE to purchase a new 2015 Tahoe, but we put the brakes on the purchase to do a little more research first.

Our current Tahoe seems to pull ok, but we must be over the 1600lb payload, which I don't love. So if we purchase something new, I'd like to plan on a higher payload. The problem is that other than the new F150, I haven't been able to find a higher payload in any other 1/2 ton SUV or pickup.

Look forward to the additional feedback you will receive as we are watching this topic closely ourselves!

Ohiobrits · 07-21-2015, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogfan

Hi Wannabe,

We were wannabe's for a very long time and finally pulled the trigger recently on a similar trailer- we finally settled on the 27'FB. We have a 2005 Tahoe and we would LOVE LOVE LOVE to purchase a new 2015 Tahoe, but we put the brakes on the purchase to do a little more research first.

Our current Tahoe seems to pull ok, but we must be over the 1600lb payload, which I don't love. So if we purchase something new, I'd like to plan on a higher payload. The problem is that other than the new F150, I haven't been able to find a higher payload in any other 1/2 ton SUV or pickup.

Look forward to the additional feedback you will receive as we are watching this topic closely ourselves!

Hogfan, if you can, locate a CAT scale and weigh your setup with everyone onboard, AS loaded and see how it looks. 1600lb payload is quite a bit of payload. Unless you travel with lots of people and gear in the TV you should be OK. You may be surprised. The Tahoe will have the GVWR and axle ratings in the nameplate on the drivers side door frame. Check the same plate in any actual 2015's you are interested in to be sure there are no surprises. Options and build can impact payload significantly.

Hogfan · 07-21-2015, 10:53 AM

Looks like our actual payload on the Tahoe is 1345. So, picking up a few hundred more may be quite useful!

DeltaRon · 07-21-2015, 11:18 AM

I bought a 2015 Tahoe with max towing fir a "planned" FC 25. But ended up buying a FC 28 Rear Queen. Discovered that tongue weight of FC 28 was at max for the Tahoe. Bit the bullet and traded in for 2015 2500HD Duramax and went with ProPride WD Hitch. Glad I did!

B00merang · 07-21-2015, 11:23 AM

Just got back from a 7,168 mile trip pulling my 20ft FC with my 2012 Tahoe Z-71. For the first time in 5 years of ownership I almost lost the rigt due to swaying...still don't know what combination caused it, but "Daisy" was swaying to where it pulled the back of the Tahoe back n forth.. going less than 65 mph. It was not fun. After getting a replacement anti-sway bar (I lost the other) I had no other problems....but something like this makes you gun-shy for awhile. So while the Tahoe does a nice job pulling my little 20ft, I would get rid of the Tahoe and get a quarter ton truck with its longer wheelbase and larger engine for anything larger. That 5,000 lbs I'm pulling with the standard Tahoe/GMC engine is as heavy as I'd want to go. Safe travels. jon

Gsmblue · 07-21-2015, 11:29 AM

We have no probs with our 2013 Expedition EL 4x4 with max tow package pulling a 2015 25ft RB.

Payload 1642
max trailer weight 8900
WD max tongue 890
wheelbase 131inches

Not got on to the CAT scales yet, but is all nice and level with the WD hitch and handle well. I feel we have capacity to spare in loading the SUV if we have to.

I take it easy going up the long mountain passes we have around here and let the tow/haul mode handle the descents. We get anything from 10-12mpg which is fine for us, the 33.5 gallon fuel tank is a real help

Nirvana · 07-21-2015, 11:53 AM

My experience with the Tahoe has been good. We towed our first AS (an '05 25' International) with a 2003 Tahoe with total comfort. The previous owner also had a Tahoe and had no problems. We bought a 2012 LTZ and and now tow a 2012 27' Flying Cloud FB. We really like the Tahoe as this is our third. Most of our travel is in the Southeast - no mountains. You shouldn't have a problem in the "hill country" but you may need something stronger if you go West. I'm sure you will carefully consider the hitch which is an entirely different subject on which you can get some excellent advice on this forum.

subfan1 · 07-21-2015, 12:24 PM

Hi we have a 2008 Tahoe LTZ. 4 spd auto 3:73 rear gears and tow our 20 foot FC. Just returned from a 4000 mile trip from so cal through Rockies mt Rushmore Yellowstone lots of steep hills. I use 2nd gear a lot but it did very well with no issues. I use a equalizer hitch. The newer models are more powerful and 2 additional gears. Should be better. Look at the GMC Denali with 6.2l and 8 speeds. That combo should do great.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

SSquared · 07-21-2015, 03:56 PM

We tow a 2013 25FB with a 2010 Yukon Denali (short wheelbase, 400HP 6.2L engine, 6 speed tranny, AWD). We're satisfied with braking and pulling power (It can't climb the big passes in Colorado at the speed limit but we're OK with that). We're concerned that the tranny gets pretty hot on the big climbs (close to 250 degrees; "normal" is 160 to 200, but apparently brief occasional high temps are OK).

We like the small size and manueverability compared to pickup trucks. The Yukon fits in our garage with about a foot of length to spare; a crew or extended cab pickup will not fit. The turning circle is 39.5 feet; much better than the longer pickups.

We have pretty much used up the capacity of the vehicle. Our tongue weight is about 1000 pounds (the Yukon receiver's limit). On our three-month trip earlier this year, we stored some light items in a soft roof bag because the cargo area was full. We have removed the third row seat, which gives us extra room about about 110 pounds of extra payload. Our weights on this trip were as follows:

Front axle 3260 (axle rating 3550)
Read axle 3920 (axle rating 4200)
Yukon total 7180 (GVWR 7300)
Trailer axle 5420

We are a bit uncomfortable with the towing stability of our rig. We think we'd be happier towing with a longer wheelbase vehicle, but we don't want to lose the advantages of the Yukon's shorter length (compared to a crew cab pickup)

Net: Tahoe/Yukon is a good choice for someone doing relatively fewer towing miles, and more non-towing miles, if the payload and storage volume works for you. (and the Denali trim's memory 12-way power seats & power pedals are sweet)

drboyd · 07-21-2015, 04:06 PM

We tow a 25' elderly (roughly 4000# dry) coach with a 2005 Tahoe. It does OK (except uphill), but I'm pretty careful about how the Reese Dual-Cam is set up.

I'd love to have a Diesel Excursion or even a Yukon Denali - but we'll see about those down the road a piece.

Moflash · 07-21-2015, 09:50 PM

We have a 28ft International and I would not recommend your Tahoe as a suitable tow vehicle for this model.The 28 has one of the heaviest (actual)tongue weight of all Airstream models coupled with your short wheel base I don't think u will enjoy the combo.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Devananda-E9 · 07-27-2015, 05:27 AM

Ten years ago I went to the Chevy dealer with Airstream Spec's and asked for the appropriate vehicle. They sold me a Tahoe which i really liked, but when I did my own post purchase due diligence I discovered my error and fortunately faced it squarely, sold the Tahoe, took my loss and got a 2000 Ford Excursion LTD. Next came the '98 Excella 1000/30. Then in southern Utah someone illegally entered and crossed the highway suddenly appearing in front of me. The collision forced us to cross the oncoming traffic and down an embankment straight on to a telephone pole which I was able to avoid by mere inches because of the strength of my tow vehicle which was pushed sideways down the embankment by the trailer weight. I am absolutely sure the Tahoe would have crumbled under those conditions and that I owe our lives to the Excursion. So, even though it is a bit thirsty at 11.5 mpg city and 9.5 towing I don't mind feeding the beast which saved our lives.
Above all, respect the spec's and only use good tires!

JeweloJalopy · 08-10-2015, 10:04 PM

It's a common misconception that longer wheelbases are more stable. Its actually the ratio of rear overhang to the wheelbase that drives stability. And the Tahoe and Suburban have almost identical ratios.

We have over 10k miles towing a 26' Streamline with a 2004 Tahoe. We use a Reese WD hitch with 750 lb bars and only one sway control. We have good weight transfer and no sway issues.

But our trailer is only about 5500 lbs with an 800 lb tongue weight.

We put almost everything in the trailer to minimize the load on the truck. Only a cooler, strollers,, books go in the truck.

With the right WD hitch properly set up you should be fine.

RivaHaven · 09-12-2015, 06:42 AM

We have a '13 Tahoe LTZ with a lightly loaded FC 25 and with tow-mode switched on every incline we come to she slows right down and drops down to 4th or worst 3rd gear. The rear axle ratio is 3.08 which I think is the issue. Am I right in thinking my Tahoe is out of its league or is there something else I should be looking at?

RivaHaven · 09-12-2015, 06:45 AM

That's very interesting... so keep the TV as light as possible and move as much weight to the Airstream ? As a newbie I assumed exactly the reverse!!!
Tahoe LTZ / FC 25

subfan1 · 09-12-2015, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidbroad

We have a '13 Tahoe LTZ with a lightly loaded FC 25 and with tow-mode switched on every incline we come to she slows right down and drops down to 4th or worst 3rd gear. The rear axle ratio is 3.08 which I think is the issue. Am I right in thinking my Tahoe is out of its league or is there something else I should be looking at?

Hi it sounds like with the 3:08 ratio that your Tahoe did not come equipped with the tow package? The tow package comes with a 6 spd auto and 3:42 gears.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Devananda-E9 · 09-13-2015, 07:42 PM

I am not an expert on these things; only reporting my experience. Also a 30 foot excella with 8500 dry gw is a lot more load than you are carrying. But if one is going to err, go with more hauling capacity. I would hope AS has some guide but do not know where to find such. But please for safety sake check the specks and stay within them. And keep the speed down. I set my cruse control at 55 and let the world go by me at 80!

SDP 28 FC · 09-23-2015, 08:15 PM

I am a newby to this and did the research on my 2014 GMC 1500 with all the towing options. We just bought a 2016 Flying Cloud 28 and made it from Fort Worth to home with no problems. I was a bit apprehensive but am still looking for someone experienced in the half ton tow vehicle category. The weight is 6100 dry and the GM bulletin shows that it is OK. Hope it works OK since budget went to the Airstream!

http://www.gmc.com/content/dam/GMC/g...wing-guide.pdf