What size/weight travel trailer can I tow with a stock 2013 4WD Suburban 1500 LTZ?
Asked by rfsuburban May 01, 2013 at 05:52 PM about the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LTZ 4WD
Question type: General
I have a new 2013 Suburban LTZ 1500. No special tow package just stock. Thinking of buying a travel trailer for 6 - 8 short trips a year. I know the spec says up to 8,000 pounds but I doubt it without the right equipment. Does anyone out there tow a small trailer wityh a stock rig like mine? If so, what is it and how much does it weigh. thanks for your help...
6 Answers
I towed a small camper for a few years with a truck similar to your. The only thing I noticed was a little longer stopping distance. It didn't effect driving or handling too much but I never towed all that fast.
yetilikesbeer answered 11 years ago
A tow package would be the trailer plug, reciever and maybe a brake controller. You would be good up to 8000lbs but cut it loose before your warranty is up, transmissions wear alot faster under loads. It depends on what you're comfortable with. IMO a longer trailer is easier to control, less likely to sway. When you get a reciever I would throw on a 7 pin and wire up a brake controller (GM should have a harness to adapt). I'd say if you go above 4,000lbs you should look at a hitch with sway bars/load equalizing bars. They help distribute weight to the front axle and help reduce swaying. I have a 4,500lb 22' bumper pull RV and I use my equalizing bars when I pull it with a 1/2 ton but my 3/4 ton weights 7,000lbs and can handle it fine without.
rfsuburban answered 11 years ago
Thanks for your input yetilikesbeer. I probably should clarify, my Suburban does have a tow package but what I would call minimal. A receiver and a 7 pin plug no brakes or stabilizers. Your information is valuable as I can probably go 4,000 lbs just the way it is? Thanks again, i appreciate your input...
yetilikesbeer answered 11 years ago
If your going to pull a 4000lb trailer I recommend installing a trailer brake controller. May save your life on hills, sharp corners. I use $70.00 reese units in my 1/2 tons which come with directions for the install and GM should make an adaptor to plug into your sub. under the dash. Should take no more than 2 hours to install. If there is no harness it would take a newbie about 6 to 8 to install the controller and run the neccessary wiring back to the 7 pin. Ensure you use a circuit breaker on the 12 volt power like the instructions say. You should be able to run without an equalizer hitch but they can be added after if required. To test the sway start out slow driving straight and jerk the wheel slightly. Slowly increase speed until you reach your target towing speed testing along the way. I like to know what the trailer is going to do before I tow it and get into a situation where I may need to react quickly. You will be able to tell right away if you will need a new hitch. And if your looking at a 4000lb er remember that your water and supplies will be added to that weight.
We liked the air suspension kit. Pull a 29ft bunkhouse. :)
Jennifer: If you use the 1500 suburban, what sort of gas mileage do you get with the trailer? That's the size we are looking for.