Suburban as Tow Vehicle

[rseagle]

Hi Paula,

Interesting! A Ford driving a Chevy.

Twink is right, a 1500 will do just fine, even with the 3.73. Also consider the 1500HD for higher GVWR. These are similar in capabilities as the new Beefed-Up '04/'05 F-150's.

Have you ruled out the F-150 with the 5.4L? They're made in Norfolk and should have a good selection (new and used) to choose from in your area.

[53flyingcloud]

Paula,
Plse call me today..
Vern

I got my 2001. 2500 Suburban on ebay with 36,000 miles on the clock, the 8.1 litre engine, leather, tow package, etc.for $20,000.00 The options totaled $17,0000. I know because it came with the sticker. It is in like new condition and drives and tows my 31' sovereign like a dream. If you have to have new, go for it, but I like others to pay for the depreciation. There are good deals to be had out there, you just have to do your homework.

[JeepinAudiophile]

Does anyone here tow with a GMC Yukon Denali or Yukon XL Denali? I really like the way they look, and I have been doing me research for the future, I am hoping to be able to buy a new(new to me) tow vehicle in a few months should luck go my way. I have gotten very used to driving around in Full-time 4wd (all-wheel drive) and the Denali has all-wheel drive (amongst many other refining touches) I know it's a 1500, but wanted to know what people think of it that have towed with one. --Chad--

[Foiled Again]

Talked to 53FlyingCloud today and he's found a charcoal gray 3/4 Suburban 2003 with everything I want except the hatch door. It does have the 3.73 rear end, but all y'all have convinced me that will be fine with the 6.0 engine. It's cloth upholstery but that's OK with me. Now all I have to do is negotiate the final price and get a plane ticket to NH.

Of course I just got a call from a local dealership - and they say they should be taking a red one in on Monday. Hmm... which would look better towing my A/S?

Tin Lizzie

[Condoluminum]

Tin-

If price is right on the 2003 then I'd jump on it... Tow Pkg is more critical than axle, because it includes HD cooling for transmission, and that is mission-critical...

We wished for tailgate/hatch window combo but had to accept side-hinged doors on ours.. (We bought during shortage caused by axle plant strike and had very few new ones to choose from). Turns out, side doors much easier to load stuff in when trailer hitched up, as you don't have to lift over tail gate, which probably won't open due to closeness of trailer jack.. This plan is nuisance when hitched and trailer not aligned with Suburban, but that has been manageable... And with 42 gallon gas tank in ours, even burning unleaded regular we leave Suburban parked unless some serious towing or skiing is needed... Ours will be 11 year old in June, and has 63,000 miles total... We also prefer fabric seats, which don't feature sliding around so much..

JOhn McG

[Oldtymeflyr]

General Motors engineerings position on axle ratios is that they do not have a significant effect on mileage, neighter does engine size.

Gm says that its vehicle speed and weight that make the difference.

I know that if I slow down or do not tow a heavy trailer I get better mileage.

We have the 4wd 2500 Suburban with 8.1/4.10, we were in the Tucson area in March and drove from Tucson to Tombstone. I put the cruise on 60 mph and stayed with it. Passed a few cars, we were on a two lane road and a few hills and got 17.3 mpg.

Unfortunately I tow at high speeds and cannot compare.