US1 Fountain

iTrader: (1)

I used to pull my '27'r with my Chevy 4x4 shortbed. Cruising down a highway, next to a camper, just crossed an overpass. Cross wind hit us and both of us were all over the road. Had my new Ford 250 SD ext cab with in a week after that. I wasn't going to put some strangers life at risk. No substitute for wheel base. No way would I pull that kinda weight with a short wheel base vehicle. Nix the Tahoe and go for the Excursion or 'burb.

Secretformula

mack 312 Thanks for info on props think I'll get the 28s. As for towing with the Tahoe although longer would be better I have had no problems on the road meeting or passing trucks nor has my wife who always drives home as designated driver. The shorter wheelbase works better backing and on tight turns and the 4 wheel drive low goes up the steepest ramp with ease.

puder

i tow a 27' scarab witha land rover discovery and I can tell you the short wheel base is great for manuvering. ALthough the boat does tend to push teh truck aroudn everynow and then. But then again its right about at the limit of what its rated to tow. And my trailer brakes need to be adjusted.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Definately go for a 2500 Suburban or Excursion. You just need the grunt and strength of the heavy duty stuff. I pull 7280 wet pounds of Sonic, with a 1500 Tahoe, short wheel base, 2 door. I am definately upgrading to a new truck, or seriously beefing up the suspension of my current truck. I wish I did not love my current Tahoe so much. I think the 350 has just enough power for what I pull now, seeing as my longest trip so far has been 5 hours. You cannot go wrong with wheelbase. Definately get the V-10 Excursion or the 8.1L 2500 Suburban. Skip the Tahoes and Expeditions.

Brian

Bill272

I was pulling my 272 + triple axle trailer (about 8500# dry) with a 99 Tahoe. It pulled OK (short distances only, with good ramps), but I hated being 2-3000# over my rated capacity. I just turned it in for a 2500 Avalanche. It's rated for 10,100 with the 8.1L and 3.73 and they go to 12000# with the 4.10. I would have loved to get a 2500 Suburban, but the sticker is out of control. The Avalanche is essentially a Suburban up to the back of the back seat, and will run about 6-8K less. We went out of town the last two weekends, and we missed not having access behind the back seat, but all in all, we really like the truck. We'll see how it pulls in the spring.

I'd check about that weight. My trailer comes in at 2400# and 130 gals of fuel is 780#, plus what we have on the boat...

[ 02-04-2002: Message edited by: Bill272 ]

Ultrafine

I have always found that pulling that overweight trailer is not the problem. Stopping that beast is less than desiriable. A little trick I use that will amaze you is run about 15-20Psi less tire pressure in the front tires. The differance on rain soaked roads will be a very pleasant suprise. On my duallie tire pressure is 65 on the back tires and 40 on the fronts. It has saved me several times.

Dredgeking

Crew Cab pickup is the best of every world.

hp500efi

I agree with some of the others, DO NOT tow that kind of weight with a Tahoe. My wife has a 02 Tahoe and there is NO WAY I would use that for boat towing. It is a great rig but the steering is very responsive and the short wheelbase puts it all over the road when towing big weights.

Another thing to consider are the brakes. The Tahoes brakes are another weak point when towing large hauls.

I had a 99 Suburban 1500 and recently got rid of it for a 02 F250 PSD CC. Now that is a truck meant to pull something. Certainly not a smooth ride, but something that gets the job done.

Good Luck

Croozin2

Ultrafine, you said a mouthful in regards to stopping. Picked my Formula (311 approx 10K lbs w/trailer) up in Orange Beach, Ala. with my 1500 Suburban. Didn't make it 2-3 miles before someone dove over in front of me to try to make a turn into the local mall. Panic stops will age you at a terrific pace. As you said, didn't pull too bad (350 with 3.73 gear) but handling and stopping were a nightmare. Since I store my boat at a marina and only tow it any distance maybe 2-3 times a year, I went a little different route. I found a 98 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab last year with tried and true 350 and 4.11 gear. Only 18K miles on it and got it for $18.5k. Just couldn't justify $35-40K for a truck that I would only seriously tow with 2-3 times a year. I saved probably $20k over buying a new diesel 3500 and as long as I handle the accelerator with a little common sense, it does everything I want it to. Also can drive it with one finger at 70 mph and pretty much stop on a dime (all things considered).

P.S. - Ultra, be careful running radials that low on air. I realize they may stop better but they build enormous amounts of heat when you run them that low and could lead to the tire self-destructing at some point. It may never happen but your chances go up astronomically. Good Luck!

birdog

Mack 312.. go 4:10 in the 2500 @ you might keep up with my P.S. Super Duty otherwise we can chain them together @ I'll pull ya along!!!!