2015 Chevy Tahoe tow vehicle

[DeltaRon]

Interested in anyone towing a 25 FC or equiv. with this TV. Have you had any problems towing
in mountains (5-7% grades)?


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[murreywalker]

Without posting your vehicle's spec's most will not be able to give you insight.

IMO, you'll find yourself challenged in the mountains.

Most members of this forum like to exceed their max towing capacity by at least 15%. Of course, there are many who would argue this number.

Good luck!

[subfan1]

There is a member towing his 25 with a 15 Yukon.
Try jwestermen I believe. Do a search on 2015 Yukon


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[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by DeltaRon

Interested in anyone towing a 25 FC or equiv. with this TV. Have you had any problems towing
in mountains (5-7% grades)?


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As I mentioned earlier, we had a couple of Tahoe's; 08' replaced with an 11" Tahoe, both pulling 25' Airstream Safari's....not great torque or power up 8% grade outside Banff couple years ago...friends F150 Echoboost left us in the dust....gas pedal to the metal, only could manage 60-62mph....he cruzed by us with same trailer like we were standing still...Can't speak to the newer models, but I would look at the Denali with 6.2L if I were to go back to an SUV. The smaller V8 from Chevy just does not cut it with the 25' AS and larger....We loved driving the Tahoe when not towing, but on a long grade or driving through the Rockies, we appreciate the power of the Echoboost...anxious to see how the new Dodge V6 Diesel 1500 compares..

[Tomzstream]

My 2008 Escalade EXT has the 6.2L V8 and a little over 400hp and the 6 Speed transmission... Does fine on hills (all sorts) towing my 23 footer. I was running down I-95 today at 60 mph getting 13mpg, and 10 at 65 plus! @60mph its hardly working (1500 RPM). Has tow haul but I never use it here in the flatwoods. When going up steep grades, it does get LOUD. That engine exhaust system is part of the fun of owning the 6.2. Engine braking is awesome too. (have the manual on the shifter mode with up/down shift buttons)

[subfan1]

Look for
Jwestman


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[jcl]

The new direct injection 5.3 in the 2015 model does have more hp and torque than previous versions of the 5.3. I would expect you would want the 3.42 axle, and not the 3.08 that is standard.

I haven't towed with it, but I would expect it to do just fine.

Much will depend on your expectations as well; while you may or may not be able to do over 60 mph on 8% grades through Banff, for example, that is still exceeding the speed limit.

Jeff

[J. Morgan]

My old port injected 08 pulls my 72 Sovereign just fine,, but there are some posters here that say I lie about this.....


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[r carl]

Originally Posted by J. Morgan

My old port injected 08 pulls my 72 Sovereign just fine,, but there are some posters here that say I lie about this.....


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What did it have for a motor and how many HP?

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by jcl

The new direct injection 5.3 in the 2015 model does have more hp and torque than previous versions of the 5.3. I would expect you would want the 3.42 axle, and not the 3.08 that is standard.

I haven't towed with it, but I would expect it to do just fine.

Much will depend on your expectations as well; while you may or may not be able to do over 60 mph on 8% grades through Banff, for example, that is still exceeding the speed limit.

Jeff

I read the new Tahoe has 355 horsepower and 383 torque, with 6 speed, which is much better then my 11' model. I agree with 3.42 rear end suggestion. If it is an SUV comparison, I would suggest a look at Ford also...more HP, tow capacity, fold flat rear seat (vs removal rear seat in Chevy)...
2015 Ford Expedition 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Transmission 6-speed automatic or manual 6-speed automatic only; Towing capacity 9,200 lbs (Ford) vs 8,500 lbs (Chevy) Cargo volume 108.3 cubic feet (standard model)(Ford) vs 94.7 cubic feet (Chevy) Horsepower 370 hp (Ford) vs 355 hp (Chevy)

I have no experience in last couple years with either unit. We have owned a couple Expeditions in mid 2000's and I liked the fold down rear seat much better then the Tahoe set up. We liked the Tahoe ride on our 08' and 11' model; just not enough HP/torque for 25' AS...new 2015 numbers look impressive so could be a nice TV. I will say we love our 2012 F150 Echoboost overall for utility, ride, towing, etc....happy hunting...

[DeltaRon]

Ford would be my last choice of any vehicle on the planet. Have owned 4, 3 were lemons and we ended up giving them to charity since dealerships would not stand behind them.


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[subfan1]

The 2015 models have a fold in compartment for the 3rd seats. No more having to remove them


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[m.hony]

The only problem is the mirrors. The big trailer towing mirrors are not available from the factory on the. 2015 Tahoe. I wonder if any after market manufacturer has them.


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[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by subfan1

The 2015 models have a fold in compartment for the 3rd seats. No more having to remove them


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Thanks; we stored the 3rd row seat and never used since a hassle to move in/out...glad to see they improved this and added more HP/Torque...

[ghaynes755]

DR, I had the 2014 Sierra 5.3L/3.73 and it towed my FC 25 RB just fine. Through the mountains could usually hold 55 just wouldn't accelerate. That being said I sold it and bought a 2500 Duramax. It was not a pulling issue but a load issue. With the FC25 and Propride, but the wife, the dog and myself in the truck, full fuel, water in the trailer and stuff like a couple of folding chairs in the back of the truck and there was 80# of usable load left. Add anything else, like a couple of Honda Generators etc and it went over the published specs.

Again it towed fine. And I agree on the mirrors. I had the clip ons from JR Products and they worked well. I didn't find anyone who had truck mirrors like you would see on the 2500/3500.

[Tater]

I had an 05 silverado with 5.3 and 3.73 rear and towed our 25' with no problem and decent mileage. The 5.3 used regular grade gasoline and the new 6.2 is premium. We traded for a 30' Classic and the 5.3 wasn't as happy towing. We traded the silverado with 103,000 trouble free miles for a 15 2500 duramax based on our future plans. I would suggest a 3.73 rear if available. A local eco boost 150 replaced turbos 3 times within 35000 miles. Last time he left it at the dealer permanently. My 5.3 was 295 hp and I believe the new one is 345 or something close. FWIW.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by DeltaRon

Ford would be my last choice of any vehicle on the planet. Have owned 4, 3 were lemons and we ended up giving them to charity since dealerships would not stand behind them.


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Sorry you've had bad luck with Ford, DeltaRon; there are plenty stories from every brand where owners were unhappy....I have owned several Fords with no issues; same luck with Chevy Tahoe's in recent years...Now I am back to F150 Ecoboost and after 55K miles in past 2 years, very happy both pulling 25' AS and general use! I'm not interested in a 3/4T, 2500 from anyone, however! As a dealer told me recently, "I would love to sell you a new 3/4 diesel, but why would you want it? Higher fuel, maintenance costs, general maintenance filters, rougher ride, etc.? For what your pulling (25' AS) the F150 Echoboost is great match." I agree, but still going to follow the new Dodge 1500 V6 diesel to see how she fares over the coming years...like the mileage in early reporting...

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Tater

I had an 05 silverado with 5.3 and 3.73 rear and towed our 25' with no problem and decent mileage. The 5.3 used regular grade gasoline and the new 6.2 is premium. We traded for a 30' Classic and the 5.3 wasn't as happy towing. We traded the silverado with 103,000 trouble free miles for a 15 2500 duramax based on our future plans. I would suggest a 3.73 rear if available. A local eco boost 150 replaced turbos 3 times within 35000 miles. Last time he left it at the dealer permanently. My 5.3 was 295 hp and I believe the new one is 345 or something close. FWIW.

Tater- As I mentioned to DeltaRon, there are bad luck stories with every TV...but, from what I saw, the Echoboost has a very strong positive history with the F150...I followed the postings on line for 2 years before I bought. Also had 4 people I knew who owned early models and had no issues with the engine. For the most part, owners are pretty happy with the Echoboost...maybe I am lucky, but no issues and very happy with 55k miles in 2 years pulling our 25' AS. (Knock on wood!)

[Tater]

The guy with the turbo problem is the only one I've heard about aand he's a Ford guy so he stayed with the brand. He really liked the interior. Not that it matters but he was pulling a cigarette boat with it.

[dkottum]

If you have the Tahoe use it. Don't expect heavy duty payload capability and diesel pulling power, nor diesel operating costs.

Half-ton trucks and SUV's are a good match for medium-sized Airstreams but not a good match for every person who tows Airstreams.