Looking at a 31ft travel trailer, dry wt approx. 7800#. Will I have any trouble pulling this camper, with this suv. Book says 7500# max, 3 dealers have told me it will pull it with no problem?? It will have electric brakes and sway bars. All opinions welcome. Need help on this one. Thanks in advance.
I'm sure it will pull it, I would worry about the tranny and GM 10 bolt rear axle over any extended period of time though. A Tahoe is a 1/2 ton and does not have the larger 14 bolt rear axle or the 4L80 tranny (4L60 in the 1/2 ton) like the 3/4 tons have. It will/may survive with a tranny cooler etc. if you don't regularly pull through the mountains etc. but IMO I would try and pickup a 3/4 ton truck or Suburban as a 1/2 ton is not what you want to tow/travel accross the US.
You would be pushing the Tahoe past it's max. Will it work on a sunny 70* day down a smooth interstate? Yes... Will it work in heavy rain or snow/ice conditions and in the mountains? I wouldn't think so.
Thanks for the responce, we camp at the beach which is about 45 miles one way flat road. We travel to the mountains once a year and in the fall of the year(cool). May travel up and down the east coast in the future. This Tahoe has a towing package on it, (Hitch, 7-way plug, tow button on gear shift, not sure about the tranny after cooler,if not will add one). Thanks for the help!waytogo
Your trans should be fine, as you likely should have a factory air to air trans cooler after the radiator cooler. Here is a question... which do you like more? Your new RV trailer or Tahoe? If you pick the trailer then you could always buy a different vehicle in the future if you feel unsafe with your Tahoe. If you really like your Tahoe, I'd talk to your RV salesman and see what they have that weighs about 1000 pounds less. You also have to remember, was that 7800lbs dry or wet? It will weigh a bunch more after you fill with with clothes, food, equipment, the dog, etc....
RV dealer salesmen will tell you that you can pull that trailer with a ford focus in order to make a sale! Need to take a good look at the weight sticker. 31ft camper, will be closer to 10,000lbs by the time its loaded.
