Is it safe to assume that if the vehicle is rated to pull the load it is OK? I know that vehicles are constantly overloaded, but have people had bad problems with in the legal weight limits that were caused by the trucks? If the truck is rated for 7,500LBS on the bumper should they only pull 5,500LBS? I just do not understand all the passion against non-dually vehicles.

My dodge is the twin, but 4x4 and rated for 23k gross combined. I've run it at a few hundred over with a g/n race trailer. engine is tweaked and have an ex brake. I tow 25k miles+ a yr racing. The SRW does fine, though I was close on the rear axle weight and tires. I do run a wider wheel and larger tires which IMHO helps with the load and potential heat issues. Too many dually guys with no seat time in a good SRW truck think the sky is falling

That said, there is no argument that wheelbase, weight, dual tires and way more tow capacity than needed in a tow rig gives a lot of margin when **** happens. Tow with a 270" WB FL70 toter mostly now

I'd think of the 8.1 Yukons and avalanches (shorter WB) as adequate for slower local stuff with larger boats- would be scary if stuff got interesting at hiway speeds

I have no issue at all towing with my 8.1 Avalanche.

Kirk- your boat is well suited for the rig- add 6 more feet, an engine/drive, 70-75 hwy speed and an oh **** on the hwy......

I would prefer a dually, but my old Sub towed fine. It's the same platform and engine that's in the Avalanche.

Add the rear wheel spacers. They are worth it, and they make the rig look better too.

Thanks to all you Avalanche and Sub. guys for the comments and Pics. I'm starting to feel alot better about My move up to the 34'

pleeeeze...you guys want to here what you want to here....and you do not stop untill you here it....that truck is not capable of doing that load with a good margin of safety due to other people on roadways these days....and you feel good....pleeeeeze....I have ridden in this garbage you guys call tow vehicles....not a pretty picture as your stating...or as anybody has stated...with no problems....your just plain full of crap period...excursions suck....subs suck....basically all of the single wheel vehicle suck for safety on the road...they all get jammed up all the time....but they won't tell you.....just like bernie....besides...you know better already...you just want to feel better about making a mistake .ask bernie...ask bernie

I can understand Byrdman's harshness. Everyone has opinions.

Not everyone can afford or justify a C-4500 GM or even a 1-ton Dually. I know I was at that point; and now I own a dually, and its 7 years old (in better than new condition). I know FROM EXPERIENCE that towing with the Avalanche/Suburban 2500 platform can be done JUST FINE based on setup. I also know that towing with my 1-ton dually is all around a better package, but its not the right setup for everyone.

More food for thought.......

Is a dude safer in a 1987 chevy BB dually at 131" of WB or in a newer burb / Avalanche, SRW, same WB, with 4 wheel ABS (assuming each is well set up with hitch weight trailer brakes etc)?

Most OTR and local trucks in Europe and Asia are all rolling around on super singles on the drive and steer axles.

2 dudes hauling the same 35' boat, one with a borderline but legal SRW tow rig, the other with a 550 kodiak.

The borderline guy knows he's on the edge and stays 55ish for his short 30 minute ride and leaves lots of distance ahead of him and slows down ahead of the stoplight/offramp/intersection.

The 5500 guy thinks he's superman with his mondo truck, 19.5 tires, huge brakes and runs hard, lulled into overconfidence, following at close distances, 5 over the posted 70 limit, drinking a coffee and making a quick call to his buds who are meeting him at the ramp 30 minutes away.

Who is more dangerous?

Point is, there are a lot of variables that go into safe driving, safe/adequate equipment and setup and not everything is absolute.

Merry Christmas and happy safe towing