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Started By
Message
Towing capacity & travel trailers
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:40 pm
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:40 pm
Beginning my research now for a travel trailer purchase next yr. I will be pulling with 5.3L V8 '09 Suburban 2wd.
I know I will need a brake controller and according to the specs tow capacity is 8100 lbs.
My question for the OB is can I exceed that 8100? Or should I consider that a strict cutoff.
Most trips would be pulling <500 miles in the Southeast on flat ground.
I'll hang up and listen. TIA
I know I will need a brake controller and according to the specs tow capacity is 8100 lbs.
My question for the OB is can I exceed that 8100? Or should I consider that a strict cutoff.
Most trips would be pulling <500 miles in the Southeast on flat ground.
I'll hang up and listen. TIA
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:42 pm to rattlebucket
Remember that pulling the load effectively is not the dilemma...........it's stopping the load.
I'd stay near suggested capacity but that's just me.
I'd stay near suggested capacity but that's just me.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:43 pm to rattlebucket
I used that same vehicle, an 01 though, to pull everything. Trailer brakes and you will be fine.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:43 pm to CBLSU316
Yea, it pulled everything I hooked to it, stopping it on the other hand could get a lil tricky.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:47 pm to CBLSU316
Yes. I agree.
I will most likely not come close to 8000. But thinking it had trailer brakes and if i find a model i like that is too heavy perhaps i can skirt the number.
Im trying to get a feel for if that is something that is done often or if its a strict number to follow.
I will most likely not come close to 8000. But thinking it had trailer brakes and if i find a model i like that is too heavy perhaps i can skirt the number.
Im trying to get a feel for if that is something that is done often or if its a strict number to follow.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:57 pm to rattlebucket
Look inside one of the kitchen doors on the RV.
There's a weight chart sticker.
Know the difference between UVW and CCC.
•UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight). The total weight of an RV as it was delivered to the dealer. It does not include any dealer installed accessories.
•NCC (Net Carrying Capacity). This is the actual amount of cargo allowed. It is in simplest terms, GVWR - UVW = NCC. This is sometimes listed as CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
If you get too high in weight, you'll have less weight capacity for things you want to pack with you.
There's a weight chart sticker.
Know the difference between UVW and CCC.
•UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight). The total weight of an RV as it was delivered to the dealer. It does not include any dealer installed accessories.
•NCC (Net Carrying Capacity). This is the actual amount of cargo allowed. It is in simplest terms, GVWR - UVW = NCC. This is sometimes listed as CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)
If you get too high in weight, you'll have less weight capacity for things you want to pack with you.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 4:58 pm to rattlebucket
Watch tongue weight, as that can make a big difference especially on a 1/2 ton.
I'd definitely look into a load leveling hitch as well. And as the others said stopping is always the problem!
I'd definitely look into a load leveling hitch as well. And as the others said stopping is always the problem!
Posted on 8/14/13 at 5:44 pm to Tbooux
quote:
tongue weight
I'd be careful with this number more than anything if you'll have trailer brakes. Air bags can help a whole lot. Trailer brakes are a necessity if you're getting close to the limit
That said, mine is rated for about 6500, and it pulls wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more than that pretty often. The vehicle can do it easily; it's the man driving and, much more importantly, all the other people driving who determine what's safe and what isn't.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 5:45 pm to rattlebucket
Cooling, both engine and tranny are things you would need to address. As well as braking. You can do it with. 5.3. I tow about 7000lbs right now, tranny gets hot, braking I suspect at times, I have surge brakes.
If you tow over and have an accident some insurance carriers might not cover.
If you tow over and have an accident some insurance carriers might not cover.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 5:52 pm to DownshiftAndFloorIt
I have seen this type of thread on other forums. The questions are always:
What can you legally tow?
What liability do you have if you are overweight and get involved in accident where you are at fault?
What can you legally tow?
What liability do you have if you are overweight and get involved in accident where you are at fault?
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:02 pm to rattlebucket
Towing capacity is wildly optimistic. All that it means is the vehicle will pull that load one time, for a brief period, w/o consideration of other factors. Weather, ambient temperature, and braking are all important considerations for towing.
You you should shoot for at least 10% less than max.
Also, make sure you consider GVWR.
I know for a fact the bumper cover design on your vehicle will dramatically increase transmission temps when towing.
You you should shoot for at least 10% less than max.
Also, make sure you consider GVWR.
I know for a fact the bumper cover design on your vehicle will dramatically increase transmission temps when towing.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:06 pm to Lefty Diego
quote:
What can you legally tow?
What liability do you have if you are overweight and get involved in accident where you are at fault?
It all depends on if somebody brings up weighing what you have. Legally, it could be a complete shitshow if you wreck overloaded.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:11 pm to VetteGuy
know for a fact the bumper cover design on your vehicle will dramatically increase transmission temps when towing.
Iwould add a quality trans cooler. and a trans temp gauge
dont trust the factory trans temp built into the info center.
By the time it says trans is hpt ot has already done damage.
I would servce trans with qualoty synthetic fluid.
For every 5 degrees a transmission get over operating temperature it loses approximately 30,000 miles in life.
Iwould add a quality trans cooler. and a trans temp gauge
dont trust the factory trans temp built into the info center.
By the time it says trans is hpt ot has already done damage.
I would servce trans with qualoty synthetic fluid.
For every 5 degrees a transmission get over operating temperature it loses approximately 30,000 miles in life.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:13 pm to greasemonkey
quote:
For every 5 degrees a transmission get over operating temperature it loses approximately 30,000 miles in life.
Damn, something good to know.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:16 pm to GREENHEAD22
Not accurate as far as temp for all trans, but you get the idea
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:17 pm to NYCAuburn
quote:
Not accurate as far as temp for all trans,
Yea there are a TON of variables to consider, but the main theme is true: run a transmission hot and you will kill it quickly.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:19 pm to NYCAuburn
I am going to have to pay attention to mine next time I am driving. I want to say mine gets into the 200s with not even pulling anything.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:21 pm to GREENHEAD22
In the summer in louisiana, it isn't hard at all to get an auto well into the 200's
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:21 pm to greasemonkey
GM, the problem with that particular vehicle is that the bumper cover blocks the airflow from going across the fins on the trans cooler.
I have an 08 EXT AWD and while the motor was as strong as acid, towing any kind of load in the summer raised the hell out of the trans temp. I will say, too that the stock gauges have improved dramatically and are fairly accurate.
The OP's vehicle has almost the same bumper cover as the Cadillac, I would expect the same problem.
I have an 08 EXT AWD and while the motor was as strong as acid, towing any kind of load in the summer raised the hell out of the trans temp. I will say, too that the stock gauges have improved dramatically and are fairly accurate.
The OP's vehicle has almost the same bumper cover as the Cadillac, I would expect the same problem.
Posted on 8/14/13 at 6:22 pm to GREENHEAD22
I don't get close to the 200 not towing, however slap the boat on the trailer and it gets scary. You can easily add 10 degrees accelerating on an on ramp, sometimes 20, without even really getting on it. A trailer adds heat quick.
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