Anyone GMT900+Hensley+10000GVWR?

[boondockdad]

Specifically: 2007-Present Suburban 2500, Hensley Arrow, and a 30’ (or more) Classic

I’m considering trading in my 2005 Suburban 2500/8.1L for a 2013 6.0L, and there’s a few issues I’ve occasionally seen mentioned:

1. The new integrated receiver is inadequate for 1200/12000 towing (and not replaceable)


2. The new integrated receiver is too high for any of the Hensley stingers, making your trailer ‘nose high’


3. The 6.0L is inadequate.. even with the 6 speed trans

Unfortunately, the 'burb is my only option- since I must have 4WD and Quigley isn't taking any orders on the E350.

Any hands-on experience/insight would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Joe,

I don't recall what the integrated hitch is rated for but I do know it is much better than the hitches' it replaced.
Here is a photo I took when they first started using them. You cant see it very well but it's bolted directly to the frame extensions on both sides, has a very large boxed crossmember that the hitch box is welded to both inside and outside. Pretty substantial improvement.

Have you researched an aftermarket hitch or checked any Burb forums?

There were a lot of questions at the Chevy Store,(retired now), about this problem when the integrated receiver first came out in 07.
It may work but what I see as a problem is the difficulty of doing a good maintenance inspection, plus the 24" stinger height.

Just for S&G's what's your 30 weigh?

Bob

[phbarnhart]

There is a sticker on mine that lists the max tongue weight at 1000 with W/D and max trailer weight at 10,000. It is exactly the same sticker that was on my 2010 1500.

But don't fret because I'm pretty sure that both of those numbers are wrong. Why? Because I read the manual that came with the vehicle.

Also, when I made the measurements for hitch height seen on another thread around here I did it on a 1500 series (before I decided to get the 2500). The inside of the top of the hitch receiver on my 2500 is a little over 25"

As for towing? Well this thing has plenty of power and the 6 speed has enough gears to be really flexible.

[boondockdad]

Bob,
It's usually around 1,300#, although I've measured it as high as 1,500#
With a 25" receiver, I'd need a 10" drop stinger, right?
Thanks for the pix


PH'
Exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks!

[richinny]

i'd give andy at CAN-AM a call.

[phbarnhart]

Originally Posted by finalcutjoe

Bob,
It's usually around 1,300#, although I've measured it as high as 1,500#
With a 25" receiver, I'd need a 10" drop stinger, right?
Thanks for the pix

PH'
Exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks!

No problem, let me know if you need anymore info!

I know I'm towing less weight, but I'm finding that I've got more than enough power!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by finalcutjoe

Bob,
It's usually around 1,300#, although I've measured it as high as 1,500#
With a 25" receiver, I'd need a 10" drop stinger, right?
Thanks for the pix

Joe,

I believe your 30 has the same level ball height as our Classic, 18 3/4", a 10" drop would be doable. But as with most things Airstream I would level your rig and measure to be sure. I had to go from a 4" drop to 6 to get the 06 Burb level.
Our tongue weight,(1200lbs), is 330lbs over listed numbers, so going by the spec sheet is a bit problematic.
I wouldn't stress too much over an inch or so difference as wd adjustment can easily compensate with no adverse effect on handling. Just my experience.

Your rationalization for replacing the 8.1 is? Just wonder'n, our's has been bulletproof.

Bob

[slowmover]

Ask Sean. He may be at Pro-Pride, but he's also an H/A whiz. Might be time for a custom stinger anyhow (we need another of your great threads, f-c-joe).

[boondockdad]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Joe,

I believe your 30 has the same level ball height as our Classic, 18 3/4", a 10" drop would be doable. But as with most things Airstream I would level your rig and measure to be sure. I had to go from a 4" drop to 6 to get the 06 Burb level.
Our tongue weight,(1200lbs), is 330lbs over listed numbers, so going by the spec sheet is a bit problematic.
I wouldn't stress too much over an inch or so difference as wd adjustment can easily compensate with no adverse effect on handling. Just my experience.

Your rationalization for replacing the 8.1 is? Just wonder'n, our's has been bulletproof.

Bob

No issues.. it's about time for a new family truckster, and I figured I might as well get something I can tow with.

[slowmover]

I've now come across two guys in the oilfield who've been towing "big" 5'ers with their [old] 6L Chubbies. In each instance the pickups are above 200k on the original engine. These are guys who understand motors . . and who can also afford to trade for what they want. That they don't says quite a bit.

As to hotroddin' a motor for towing: the only benefit is in reduced restriction at air inlet and air outlet. And I'll bet it's quite hard (nowadays) to actually beat what the factory has as stock. The only benefit in the old days to dual exhaust and dual inlet air cleaners wasn't the 15-25 HP they added, but the ability to allow the engine to hang on longer before the upshift so that the motor would "come back in" at a higher rpm. And it took some careful re-tuning of carb, trans shift points and fuel delivery to actually see the benefit of those changes.

A 6-speed auto ought to be just fine for a guy like you (knows how to use things).

.

[danlehosky]

Why, I don't know but we have the 2012 Tahoe with the high receiver and we are able to use the 6" drop stinger with no problems. The Hensley is new so maybe they changed the design to accomadate the higher receivers in all of the new Chevys and Fords.
Dan

[ROBERT CROSS]

Dan,

I believe the Tahoe hitch height is 2-3" lower than the Burb or P/U's.

Bob

[dznf0g]

Hmmm, With my 30'er, I use an 8" drop with the Subs, Yukon XLs, and Escalades. 3/4 ton trucks (GM), I use a 6" drop.

I thought Tahoe was the same as a Sub, but I wouldn't hook a Tahoe to my 30'er.