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ilittle · 09-28-2009, 11:55 AM

We're newbies to the forum and RVing and are close to purchasing a 25 foot, 2003 Classic with a UVW of 6050 and a GVWR of 7300. Our 2003 Tahoe is rated for 7700 pounds. It has the towing package, 3.73 trans w/cooler, and the 5.3 liter engine. Should we be ok pulling the Classic? Concerned about going through mountains etc.

Thanks!

**moosetags** · 09-28-2009, 12:49 PM

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

We have a 2005 Safari 25FB, named Lucy. She weighs in at 7400# ready to go traveling.

We formerly had a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3 liter. We pulled Lucy with it some, and found it just OK. The Tahoe did the job, but was not exactly confidence inspiring. We have moved on the a 2500 Suburban that really does the job.

Since you already have the Tahoe, try it out, and see how it works for you. I would definitely recommend a quality swat control/weight distribution hitch system.

Brian

Foiled Again · 09-28-2009, 12:57 PM

However the CLASSIC weighs more than the Safari, by a substantial margin. If you're planning on flatlanding in coastal areas you'll be OK for a while at least. The mountains? Not so much.

Paula

SteveH · 09-28-2009, 01:41 PM

We tow an '01 25' Excella, which I think is similar in weight to the '03 25' Classic, with an '07 GMC 1/2 ton pickup with the 5.3 engine and towing package.

It does OK everywhere except the steepest grades and the highest altitudes where I would like more power, but still, always gets the job done.

This summer we got on a road in Utah with a 10% grade that topped out at 10,000+ feet (hardest pull yet), and we made it alright, but were down to low gear the last several miles.

I would definately go with one of the best anti-sway hitches available if using the short wheelbase Tahoe.

ilittle · 09-29-2009, 08:23 AM

Thanks everyone, for the welcome and the great food for thought! Can't wait to get rolling!

pmclemore · 09-29-2009, 08:58 AM

I had a Tahoe with a 5.7L and lost its tranny on the Blue Ridge Parkway towing a 25' Safari. If you decide to use your Tahoe, please be sure you install a transmission heat gauge - at least then you have a chance to see the problem. I do not recommend the Tahoe for towing that rig, however.

Pat

ilittle · 09-29-2009, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the info Pat. What year was your Tahoe, and did it have the towing package with the 3.73 transmission and transmission cooler?

pmclemore · 09-29-2009, 10:04 AM

It was a 96 Tahoe, trailer package, tranny cooler, the whole works. Not sure of rear, but likely it was nothing out of the ordinary.

I was towing slowly in the fog, after having climbed up to the parkway. I suspect that by towing so slowly, there may have not been enough cooling going on. A temp gauge would have warned me.

The chevy dealer who replaced the tranny said that the Tahoes are more designed as a family vehicle rather than a tow vehicle. Soft shifting, and all that. I traded the Tahoe in pretty quickly, taking a nice bath on the tranny.

But - other folks tow with less vehicle than your Tahoe and get away with it. I would be sure I had a tranny temp gauge and also stay out of Drive unless I was on the flat. And watch the temp gauge (did I already say that?....)

Pat