Update and question on tow vehicle

[wincrasher]

Moved my Outback to PA on Monday. Pretty uneventful. Much better behavior towing as I had my sway control properly tightened this trip. I still get some buffeting from passing big rigs (who are pretty much speeding). You feel it, but not a control issue.

I've been using my Outback and Silverado HD on the job exclusively. It's working out quite well and is comfortable and convenient.

So for family trips and recreating, I decided to buy another trailer for that. Initially, I wanted something really smaller since when we camp, we are primarily outside. But I ended up with something alittle bigger because of the great value it was. Got a Crossroads Sunset Reserve 25RB. I like the floorplan for family trips better. Pulling it home from the dealership, I couldn't believe the difference between how it tows from my Outback. Can't really feel it back there at all. It's a good bit shorter - the body is 25', but with the bumper and tongue it's at 29'.

So here is my question. I want an additional tow vehicle to keep at home (I generally fly home, want to leave my truck at the job). An SUV would be great. The trailer is 6100 lbs (from the sticker on the door panel) with a tongue weight of 650 lbs. I like the 2012 Durango (w/V8) and the Tahoe. The Tahoe is rated slightly higher than the Durango tow capacity (8100 vs 7400). Not alot of margin in my mind, but since these would be short trips, not overly worried. I'm more concerned as to whether these have appropriate wheelbase. Would rather not go up to a Suburban if I can get away with it. Don't want to buy another pickup either, as I already have a nice one. Thanks for any advice.

[SteveC7010]

I have the Jeep version of the new Durango sitting in my driveway. My opinion is that it isn't a good tow vehicle for trailers over 5,500# GVWR. I've explained my reasons in detail in previous threads asking basically the same question.

Search on "durango" without the quotes for those threads.

[Festus2]

If you were to someday move up to a larger unit than the Crossroads, getting a Suburban or something similar might give you a bit more flexibility/options. Something else to consider???

[wincrasher]

I already have a big trailer and a big truck, so "moving up" is not really a consideration down the road. This one is for family fun and is in addition to what I already have.

Did look up some specs:

2012 Tahoe
202" Long
116" Wheelbase
5567 lbs
payload=1733
Tow=8400-8500 - this number is hard to pin down from what's on chevy's website.

2012 Suburban
224" long
130" wheelbase
5824 lbs
payload=1576
tow=8400 - again, confusing to pin down from Chevy

2012 Durango
199" long
119" wheelbase
4905 lbs
payload=1280 lbs
tow=7400 with V8 5.7L

So quite a mixed bag. Suburban has best wheelbase and is heaviest, but not the best payload. Surely gets worst gas mileage. Tahoe has best payload, but shortest wheelbase, not much lighter than suburban. Probably best gas mileage. Durango is lightest, but has longer wheelbase than Tahoe, but has lightest payload - probably not adequate. Dodge not the best track record on mpg from my experience. Durango probably the nicest to drive around town/easiest to live with when not towing.

Leaning towards the Tahoe, but probably Suburban as I like a heavy hammer. I see deals on all of these coming as those gas prices keep creeping up.

[Laredo291OH]

Should be taking delivery of my new to me 2010 GMC 2500HD today or tomorrow because I have been trying to tow a 2011 291TG which is 29' box and 33' over the tongue with a 2009 Yukon and get nothing but sway. I have put LT series tires on the Yukon, I have a Reese dual cam that is setup properly, but I still struggle with sway at times. Decided that the 6500 lb dry, 8200 lb GVW of the camper was to much for the Yukon (8200 lb tow capacity). I believe the suspension is too soft because rough roads where you get alot of bounce bring out the worst of the sway.

[SAABDOCTOR]

ME THINKS I WOULD GO FOR THE SUBURBAN YOU SAID SHORT TRIPS SO MPG WON'T BE AS FRIGHTING. I HATE MRGINAL AS DOES ANYON EALSE ONTHIS FORUM! THIS IS WHEN SIZE MATTERS. BIGGER BETTER FASTER MORE! :bdance:

[SteveC7010]

Durango probably the nicest to drive around town/easiest to live with when not towing.

If the Durango rides and performs as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee (same car for the most part), you are 100% correct. Mercedes/Chrysler hit a home run with this car.

Food for thought. You might check with your Chevy or GMC dealer to see if you can still get the Suburban in 2500 configuration. That would likely give a relatively large increase in payload and at the very least a noticeable increase in tow rating.

At one time, you could even order a 3500 Suburban. That's not a typing error. It was a one ton frame, suspension, wheels & tires, and drive train. SRW, of course, but still a monster.

[cumminsdad08]

my old man had a 3500 suburban, he loved it. i think it had a 454 in it, but not clear on that. i was just a pup then. if you are only using a tow vehical to move the trailer around and thats about it, why not just purchase an older suburban. early 90's. i bet you could get a great deal on it. if you are swaping out for another vehical that your family will run around most of the time and pull your at home trailer every once and awhile, i think i would go with a taho. i am not a big GM fan at all, but if the durango pulls like my dakota did, well it wasn't fun at all, and drank fuel like crazy, even on a small trailer. you work in PA and stay in your trailer? where at?

[wincrasher]

Don't think I should have to move up to a 2500 or 3500 just to tow a ~6000 lb trailer - that's a bit overkill. Also comes at a hefty price tag - already near around $50k for just an LT 2WD 1500. Seems crazy expensive to pull a $22k trailer around!

My new location in PA is along the turnpike at Donegal - near Pittsburg.

[Oscar]

I pulled my 29BHS which allegedly weighs around 6700 dry, with a Suburban 1500. On flat terrain it wasn't too bad. No swaying and all the temps stayed where they should be even on a warm day. The Tahoe may do as well, but has a lesser GVW.

In the hills of western PA it was a different story. Behind the power curve on the way up, until it would finally downshift and head for 4000+rpms in seconds. Temps going way higher than I like them.

Remember to add the fuel, people, stuff and the tongue weight....600 or so pounds in your case. You will be close or over on the GVW. Also remember that you put stuff in the camper....it adds up. I once weighed the contents of a 25 foot sailboat.....1200 pounds and it was a standard load. Then add water, potable, grey and black... and voila...over combined GVW.

Then I got the 2500Dmax with the Allison 6 speed. Now I set the cruise control for 70 and let the Allison do it's thing. Temps stay where they should be, I forget the darn thing is there.

There is no such thing as overkill when choosing a tow vehicle. With not enough tow capacity it is very easy to enter the world of pain. Not exactly what mama had in mind for the family vacation.

[wincrasher]

From a capacities standpoint the Tahoe appears to be a better choice. But the wheelbase gives me some pause. I'm in no hurry to decide.

Wish I could do a test tow, but that's probably alot to ask to do on a brand new truck.

[CincyGus]

I think your gut is telling you the proper answer. I'd want the extra wheel base and weight on the TV pulling a trailer of that size. There's nothing worse than the tail wagging the dog, if you catch my drift.

[wincrasher]

Thanks all for your input. I bought at 2012 suburban LT today. Has the tow package with brake controller and a bunch of other options. Was able to get for invoice, do I was very pleased with the deal. Can't wait to hook up and take my new TT out.

[Badboy]

I have a 2010 Outback and the dry weight is 6700# I pull with a 2008 Tahoe and it pulls great no problems.