09 suburban???

[Apexwarrior]

Actually, I think an Excursion would be the worst choice. Regardless of what mods you make to it, it will still not be rated high enough to tow that boat. To me, it's not worth the liability risk to tow over the maunfacturers maximum rated capacity. The 8.1 Suburban is rated to tow it, the Excursion is not.
A Ford F350 diesel pickup is rated even higher than the 8.1 Suburban. That's what I would use for saftey and liability.

[07DominatorSS]

Originally Posted by Apexwarrior

Actually, I think an Excursion would be the worst choice. Regardless of what mods you make to it, it will still not be rated high enough to tow that boat. To me, it's not worth the liability risk to tow over the maunfacturers maximum rated capacity. The 8.1 Suburban is rated to tow it, the Excursion is not.
A Ford F350 diesel pickup is rated even higher than the 8.1 Suburban. That's what I would use for saftey and liability.

As far as I know, they are rated the same as an F350.

[young-gun]

If you wanted the suburban for the roominess, there are some alternatives. Pickup trucks arent what they used to be 10 years ago. They now are really spacious. Dodge Ram Megacab 3500 Cummins Diesel will do the job perfectly.

[bjablonski]

I have a 08 2500 Suburban that pulls my 01 35 lightning with a tandem trailer. It tows nice...a little slugish off the line. Towed it 250 miles this summer to a poker run with 3 guys and A/C on an got 9mpg. Better than I thought

[zboaterctf]

I am personally a Suburban fan due to family needs and towing needs.

I had a 2008 4WD Suburban LTZ with 5.3L 3.73 rear end (awesome car) - just traded for 2009 Suburban LT2 2500 6.0L 4WD 3.73 rear end - needed more guts for towing.

Key differences I saw:
Autoride : awesome on LTZ - not availble on 2500 (2500 has bumpier ride due to leaf vs. coil rear end
Steering : little better on LTZ due to rack & pinion (vs torsion on 2500)
engine : LTZ flex/fuel (who cares worse mileage) & cylinder deactivation

2500: bigger engine (more HP more torque), bigger brakes, more springs, bigger tires (pressure), more towing capacity, more trans coolers, sits higher, bigger gas tank, can get bigger mirrors (do not recommend unless needed - no power fold) etc.

1500 LTZ vs 2500 LT cosmetics : some chrome, some fake wood, wheels

2500 LT2 vs. 1500 LTZ has many of same creature comforts (no air conditioned seats, no heater ww wiper fluid, etc. in 2500)

Drove a 2007 Suburban 2500 LT with the 4.1 rear end - great for towing - gas mileage terrible - so went with the '09 to get 6 speed trans, and 3.73 rear end for better gas mileage when not towing. Average 15 MPG no load (2K RPM / 75 MPH) - 9-10 MPG with 9K lbs towing

If you don't need to tow over 5/6K lbs go for the 1500 LTZ (drives much nicer). I was not comfortable (or legal) with 9K lbs - now feel very comfortable with the 2500

07-09 2500's properly equipped are hard to find - but used 07's starting to hit market (most have 4.1 rear end). I understand 2009's are only what’s remaining on lots or was alreday on order .. and 2010's can not yet be ordered.

Very happy with the 2500 ... good luck