suburban vs. 1/2ton 1500

[fishingman220]

I have a lifted 98 suburban with 36in tires, 4.88 gears, programmer and an intake. i tow a 23ft proline that rigged ready to go is around 6200lbs. with everything on the suburban it tows it great. i have had this setup for 2 years and have it dialed in perfect. now it is getting time to get rid of the suburban, just to many smaller problems it has 173000 miles on it. well i have a guy that wants to trade a 02 extended cab z71 with 98000 miles on it. i has leveling kit and 33s. now i probably wont keep this truck if i get it, as the trade in will be higher is the only reason of doing this. i want diesel. but i will have to tow my boat the rest of the year, and before i do i want to know what you think about how this new truck will handle that weight.

 

[JoLin]

Re: suburban vs. 1/2ton 1500

I have a lifted 98 suburban with 36in tires, 4.88 gears, programmer and an intake. i tow a 23ft proline that rigged ready to go is around 6200lbs. with everything on the suburban it tows it great. i have had this setup for 2 years and have it dialed in perfect. now it is getting time to get rid of the suburban, just to many smaller problems it has 173000 miles on it. well i have a guy that wants to trade a 02 extended cab z71 with 98000 miles on it. i has leveling kit and 33s. now i probably wont keep this truck if i get it, as the trade in will be higher is the only reason of doing this. i want diesel. but i will have to tow my boat the rest of the year, and before i do i want to know what you think about how this new truck will handle that weight.

The weak link on most Chevy/GMC 1/2 tons is the 8.5" rear, identifiable by the truck having 6-lug wheels instead of 8. 1500HD models have the upgraded chassis and drivetrain of the 2500/3500 series (and 8-lug wheels). If it has 6-lug wheels you're living on the edge. not to mention the fact that the truck may not be rated for that much weight, tho you can check that yourself:

http://www.coachmenrv.com/owners/guide/

 

[fishingman220]

Re: suburban vs. 1/2ton 1500

according to that, depeneding on the rear ratio it can pull either 8k or 9k which is well over my boat, i am just wondering if someone has this truck and how it pulls

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: suburban vs. 1/2ton 1500

It has a LSX V8 and a hydramatic transmission with tow/haul mode, I'm sure it pulls like a dream. The 6.0 gassers go good. The 5.3 is pretty good as well.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: suburban vs. 1/2ton 1500

Big wheels have a net effect of altering the axle ratio in an unfavorable direction. Unless that has been changed when the wheels were added this may not be a good tow rig.

 

[willieboy]

Re: suburban vs. 1/2ton 1500

It will totally depend on the rear gears. Stock tires were 31s, so the 33s will have some affect. If it has the 3.73 gears, life will be fine. Smaller, and I am not sure you will be happy. As far as durability, the drivetrain and engine will handle it no problem.