sevensandeights
06-06-2006, 08:43 PM
First off, sorry for the long post! I have a bunch of questions since I am new to towing anyting over 2k lbs so please bear with me.
I just bought 2004 1/2 suburban with the 5.3L, 3.73 gears and the factory towing package. This truck is rated to tow around between 7k and 8k lbs (could never find the definitive answer after many searches). The problem is that it comes with a hitch that is only rated at 5k lbs with a 600 lbs tongue weight. I was initially just going to go find a 3/4 suburban hitch (rated at 7500 lbs and 1k lbs tongue weight) and bolt it on but I found a bunch of threads in some RV forums showing massive OEM GM hitch failures. Most of the RV guys are saying junk the OEM hitch and get a weight distributing (WD) set-up but that seem like overkill. Besides, the RV guys seem to using big dollar trucks to tow big dollar trailers and just throw cash at problems instead of trouble shooting or doing anything themselves (granted, this is generalization). My budget is shot after buying the 'burban, a new trailer, and all the supplies (Prodigy controller, Rapid Hitch, new tie downs, etc.)
1.) My trailer is a dual axle open car hauler with axles on both brakes. It weighs 1400 lbs and my Jeep weighs arond 4300 lbs. Add some gear and tools and I am at 6k lbs. Does this set-up warrant a WD set-up?
2.) Do I have enough tuck to pull this load 5 times per year on 300 mile or less trips with minimal steep grades?
3.) What would you do about the factory 1/2 ton hitch? The vehicle should have no problem pulling the load but the hitch is technically overloaded.
4.) What is the difference between 1/2 and 3/4 ton Chevy OEM hitches? The only difference I see is that the u-bracket that connectes the 2" receiver to the bumper has an extra gusset on the 3/4 tons.
5.) What are the significant differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks? The main differences I know of are the engines, diff. gear ratios, and stiffer suspensions. Are the frames different? The stiffer rear suspension would resist squatting better but it would change any of the leverage on the rear frame that necessitates a WD set-up, right?
Ultimately, my dilemma is that my 'burban should be able to tow tow 6k lbs. The problem is the hitch is only rated for 5k lbs.
I just bought 2004 1/2 suburban with the 5.3L, 3.73 gears and the factory towing package. This truck is rated to tow around between 7k and 8k lbs (could never find the definitive answer after many searches). The problem is that it comes with a hitch that is only rated at 5k lbs with a 600 lbs tongue weight. I was initially just going to go find a 3/4 suburban hitch (rated at 7500 lbs and 1k lbs tongue weight) and bolt it on but I found a bunch of threads in some RV forums showing massive OEM GM hitch failures. Most of the RV guys are saying junk the OEM hitch and get a weight distributing (WD) set-up but that seem like overkill. Besides, the RV guys seem to using big dollar trucks to tow big dollar trailers and just throw cash at problems instead of trouble shooting or doing anything themselves (granted, this is generalization). My budget is shot after buying the 'burban, a new trailer, and all the supplies (Prodigy controller, Rapid Hitch, new tie downs, etc.)
1.) My trailer is a dual axle open car hauler with axles on both brakes. It weighs 1400 lbs and my Jeep weighs arond 4300 lbs. Add some gear and tools and I am at 6k lbs. Does this set-up warrant a WD set-up?
2.) Do I have enough tuck to pull this load 5 times per year on 300 mile or less trips with minimal steep grades?
3.) What would you do about the factory 1/2 ton hitch? The vehicle should have no problem pulling the load but the hitch is technically overloaded.
4.) What is the difference between 1/2 and 3/4 ton Chevy OEM hitches? The only difference I see is that the u-bracket that connectes the 2" receiver to the bumper has an extra gusset on the 3/4 tons.
5.) What are the significant differences between 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks? The main differences I know of are the engines, diff. gear ratios, and stiffer suspensions. Are the frames different? The stiffer rear suspension would resist squatting better but it would change any of the leverage on the rear frame that necessitates a WD set-up, right?
Ultimately, my dilemma is that my 'burban should be able to tow tow 6k lbs. The problem is the hitch is only rated for 5k lbs.