Outgrowing our small car and we are looking for a bigger one, might as well make it a tow rig too :)

Is the chevy tahoe capable of towing? Don't think my truck is tooo heavy and maybe I could get a featherweight (aluminum) trailer or something

Any other rig suggestions? Probably be a used one, looking for the smallest thing that will tow really..

Brandon - to be honest I was perfectly happy when I was using my 5.0 Bronco to pull my toy and trailer...

http://www.tennessee4x4.com/toyota/images/truck_in_tow.jpg


The 5.0 was plenty strong for occasional towing use, and you can pick them of for pretty good prices since they are no longer being made. That one was the last year model, and I really liked it :)

Find one with the next size engine up and you could tow no-worries, and still have a relatively "small" tow rig (wondering why that matters though :confused: )

doing some vehicle comparing here, anyone got a better guess than me on what a trailer (don't have one yet) and my truck weighs?

Truck is a toyota with a 5.0, 435, 60/44 etc..

I don't have a clue what it would weigh??

only reason it matters is my wife will be the primary driver and she went from driving a volkswagon but to a vw golf, neither are big! For me I don't care, although a 4 door would be a plus since this one is gonna hopefully be a keeper for a while and we have one kid now and more someday..

Never thought of a bronco, thanks :)

Is there a good comparison web site or something, sheez this is overwhelming :eek:

Dont do it. Used my wife's Tahoe to pull my boat. A 21' Searay, two rear ends in two years of towing. Go 3/4 ton Suburban.

Check the for sale section, I have a sweet 85 Ford E-350 one ton van that would be perfect for a fam wagon and tow rig.

My wife was the same way B - she went from a 95 Ford Probe, to the Bronco, to the 99 Supercab short bed F250, to our current 00 CrewCab short bed F250 :p

The 4 Door Tahoe sounds like a good choice - you can get some sub $20k prices on slightly used ones that should be more than enough for occasional towing (I call once a month occasional towing).

Some say the shorter wheelbase is a hindrance, I feel it also has to do with the trailer setup too. That Bronco setup pictured above towed like a dream - honestly. IMHO, I thought the banace on that setup was better than the 99 F250 Superduty - the Bronco just pulled that trailer straight as an arrow, and I guess the rear body section helped with airflow - who knows.

If you don't mind something longer - you can get Suburbans even cheaper - as in the $10k range for loaded ones with 100k miles or so...

I thought the suburban and tahoe were the same drivetrain - just the tahoe was about a foot shorter? I noticed the avalance comes in 1500 and 2500 models, wonder if the tahoe and burb are the same way?

was that bronco a 2wd? Yea, once a month sounds about right for towing. Maybe it would be easier to start ruling some out - what about the durango, v8 explorer, ?

I don't mind towing slow, just want to tow safe - whatever that means (Only thing I have ever towed is a military trailer behind my jeep!)

Go with the Sub. I have two kids and two dogs, the Tahoe is way to small. I tried to tell my wife that when we bought it. The 1/2 ton rears are the same, JUNK!

Originally posted by Brandon
I thought the suburban and tahoe were the same drivetrain - just the tahoe was about a foot shorter?

Both half ton - yes.


Brandon, only you know your towing needs, but I can tell you a 1/2 ton will tow just fine - especially if you are only talking about towing 6-12 times a year. If you are like me and end up hauling something on the trailer at least 5-8 times a month, then 3/4 ton or better starts making sense ;)

For example, this thing was NOT light :p

http://www.tennessee4x4.com/toyota/images/dodge/dodge-01.jpg

If I go the way of the suburban I suppose the expedition is about the same?

Thanks for the input everyone!

I tow my Jeep on a trailer with my '99 5.7L Tahoe. My two buddy's bought the exact same rigs. Collectively no problems to report and they do fine on the highway.

10-11 mpg towing

16-18 mpg commuting

It's got plenty of muscle to tow a single vehicle. Definitely big enough for me and the dog

Originally posted by Brandon
was that bronco a 2wd? Yea, once a month sounds about right for towing. Maybe it would be easier to start ruling some out - what about the durango, v8 explorer, ?

I don't mind towing slow, just want to tow safe - whatever that means (Only thing I have ever towed is a military trailer behind my jeep!)

4wd on the Bronco.


I have towed with my dad's 99 Dodge Dakota Club Cab 4x4 Sport w/ the V8 - and I was not happy with it, so IMHO - that rules out the Durango.

I have also towed with an Explorer (4.0L, auto, pulled a CJ5 on a tow dolly from Nashville to Pensacola, FL) - not bad, but tow dollies are not like pulling a trailer either... My opinion - pass on the Explorer.

Have you considered an Expedition? 1/2 ton I know - but the prices on used ones are droping like rocks around here...



As far as towing safe - good trailer tires are a must, trailer brakes, and a nicely balanced trailer will let you tow safely with a 1/2 ton vehicle for once a month towing...


BTW - as you can see the "3/4 ton or better - nothing else" people have already started, and although they have a point to an extent - I am giving you real world experience on some of the many things I have towed or towed with - you can believe who you chose ;)

I just wanted to add that my Tahoe see's mild towing. 1-2 trip per month.:beer:

I know a 3/4 is better but I am lookin at the what will work and double as the family car. Pops has a turbo F350 dually that tows his monster 5th wheel like it is an empty tow dolly but I can live with a little more put put I think.

I think the driveability and ability to load 2 kids and luggage is more important - and that it tows ok.

Definately great info here though..

Shoppin carmax.com right now :)

Not many if any expeditions, could mean they are a better vehicle - tons of Tahoes LOL

I just kinda like the looks of the Tahoe best. I think I will rule out the explorer and although I like the looks of the durango I gotta start narrowin the search..

Tahoes with the old body style (like mine a '99) are cheap. I got mine, LT 4x4, with 4.10s (you want 4.10s for towing instead of 3.73s, trust me I've seen both), 13,000 miles, for $20,000. Well below blue book, because they just couldn't sell it.

Brandon, DO NOT GET A SMALL TOW RIG!!!! Get a good one to start off with. Get the Expedition before the Tahoe or the Yukon. The Expedition has moer power and tows a hell of a ot better. You have to make sure to get the 2000+ Triton motor. I am gonna go with a 2002 Ford F250 4 door short bed with a PS diesel. Have fun.

Dimitri

DO NOT GET A SMALL TOW RIG!!!! Get a good one to start off with. Get the Expedition before the Tahoe or the Yukon. The Expedition has moer power and tows a hell of a ot better.

Can't say I've ever heard the Tahoe or Yukon called small:D

I can't comment on an Expedition, but what did you personally dislike about the way the Tahoe towed:question:

lookin at a 2001 expedetion on carmax right now, although the specs on the 99's I am comparing it to are real close, same HO and 5 torque difference

What is in your budget?????
If its 35K and below...

01-02 Suburban/Denali has the new GM 6.0L which tows just fine.
They even have the new 8.0L in the new Suburban/DenaliXL

I'm not sure how well the 95-01 Vortec 454 Suburbans do but I would guess they will do fine.... I think UGET IT had one for sale a while back.....I had a 93 1 Ton w/ the 454TBI and it sucked in every way.

Some of these might be out of you price range since your talking about CARMAX....



:)

cheaper the better :)

Blue Book on my current car is 16k so that would be my budget (yea I know it will cost more but I'd say in the below 30k range)

I need to go sit in these things, neighbors have an expedition. I'll have to hook up jiMMy's trailer and rig sitting at my house and go for a ride :)

I think the tahoe and burb are the same tow wise, so it is one of those or an expedetion right now.

I've got a '00 tahoe Z71. I towed a lwb '66 truck from Fresno to San Jose with no problems. I also tow a trailer with a quad and three bikes to carnegie(sp?) twice a month. So far I've had no problems with anything.

I would say it would make a good tow/family vehicle. I don't really like as a daily commuter though.

this is cheap - Yukon (http://www.carmax.com/Factsheet/index.asp?id=1053766&pageType=4 )

and I like this - 2001 expedetion (http://www.carmax.com/Factsheet/index.asp?id=1193812&pageType=4 )

If you really search around you will find out that Chev and GMC sold Subs that were the 2500 series. They are out there.

Didn't Camo tow with his Expedition for a long time?

Brandon,

I'd try to find a 3/4 ton suburban with a 350 vortec, the "K2500" model. Bigger brakes, heavier duty suspension.

I used to have an 88 bronco 351 EFI. IMO it is not enough truck to tow your toy on a trailer in the mountains. I towed a ski boat behind it and it was fine, but it was not as heavy as your toy and trailer will be. anyway, I'm not gonna debate it, but I would like to see you and your family in something abit bigger :)

I sold it to Glenn, and he flat towed his flatty behind it a couple of times so he might chime in.

The other downside of a bronco is its a 2 door and with kids that sucks.

- Dan

Originally posted by rpenner54
If you really search around you will find out that Chev and GMC sold Subs that were the 2500 series. They are out there.

Have fun finding one - I looked for 8 months and only saw 2 that were for sale...

The K2500s are more plentiful out here.

- Dan

Originally posted by DRM


Have fun finding one - I looked for 8 months and only saw 2 that were for sale...

When I was looking at Subs I found plenty of them, they are much harder to come by. You can get them with the 454 or diesel. There is actually a guy in my apartment complex that has a later model diesel 3/4 burb, white. In the mid 80's, they actually made dually burbs as well. Those ARE very hard to come by. I only found a handfull. I like the 80's body style burb better than the new boxy ones...

EDIT: 3/4 ton burbs come with 350s too of course, just noticed that my post reads like 454 and diesel are the only way you can get them...

Originally posted by Brandon
Outgrowing our small car and we are looking for a bigger one, might as well make it a tow rig too :)

Is the chevy tahoe capable of towing? Don't think my truck is tooo heavy and maybe I could get a featherweight (aluminum) trailer or something

Any other rig suggestions? Probably be a used one, looking for the smallest thing that will tow really.. Brandon, here's Art's post from the Towing with a half ton thread (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56029)

Originally posted by Tail-liteMy tow rig is a 1997 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 (half-ton). Has a 5700 Vortec motor, 3.73 gears w/ a loc diff. I have taken a few measures to ensure that my tranny stays intact. Since I am towing about 6000 pds., I have a trans. modulator hooked up for firmer shifting, etc. I have also performed a trans flush, since I bought it used, which is good maintenance and I have greater piece of mind. A K and N replacement air filter and a 2 chamber cat-back flowmaster exhaust.
I only tow in 3rd gear, NO o/d. When I accelerate from a stop, I manually control the trans with the shifter starting in 1st gear. I also use a trailering brake. I can easily tow at 70-80 MPH If I want. Towing with the a/c on, I get about 12 mpg (65-70 mph). 18 mpg (not towing), and when the steep hills are upon me, I stay at a patient 45-50 mph.
I need to install airbags in the rear, and I have been toying with the idea of a supercharger install. So far, I can't complain.....


__________________



Art

My 2cents is if you have /expect 2 kids go with the sub or expedition. More room is better for all their stuff. A big plus on any roadtrip is when it's time to go home, you don't pack the vehicle, you just chuck everything in. This luxury is priceless when the kids are screaming and the wife is starting to get hot.
I got the 3/4t Sub but only becasue I found one for the same price as a 1/2t. Though the 454 vortec and bigger brakes are a plus with 6k lbs of trailer. Find a 1/2 ton with a tow pkg. That will at least get you gears and a tranny cooler.

Brandon i tow with a 95 4 door yukon, i tow fine and thats with a heavy trailer nad just put trailer brakes on i love my truck and seems to tow fine with the jeep on the trailer, the only things thati would suggest would be overload springs and the vortec engine, i dont have the vortec engine and really wish that i did. Here is a pic of my tow rig and trailer http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=55612

I know where there are several 3/4 ton Suburbans for sale up in the reno carson area. Catch is....all of the ones I have seen are 454. And that is fine for towing, but gas mileage for a family truck sucks!!!

Brandon, I tow with a 97 GMC 1/2 x-cab truck. The vortec 350 is a great motor. Pulls the cruiser with minimal effort. Pulls my jet ski's fine and last year pulled my parents 20 something foot cobalt ski boat to the lake and back nearly every weekend.

Regular mileage with 100% synthetic fluid in it is running between like 18 and 21 mpg. Not bad for a full size truck that is also a commuter. Not sure what it get's towing.

My only recommendation is get a trailer with brakes. The 1/2 will pull that sucker but the brakes leave something to be desired. But honestly in my opinion all trailers should have brakes.

If you want to test if out, drive your truck over here, pull a trailer and we can load the whole mess up and you take her for spin. You will be surprised. :D

is it a 2wd? Check out my link to that Yukon above, what do you think? Sure fits my budget!

No its a 4wd i bought a year ago for 16,500 sure that it is cheaper now, if oyu have any questions about my truck you can also ask jiMMy he knows my truck well in fact he is probably at your house right now:D

the only other thing is that i need to put overloads or airbags in the rear bad

Originally posted by Brandon
is it a 2wd? Check out my link to that Yukon above, what do you think? Sure fits my budget!

Dude killer deal, I think anyway. My truck is a 4x4 and my dad has a 2 wheel drive that is nearly indentical to mine.

His truck rides A LOT nicer than mine, it's lighter, and there for quicker.

Originally posted by GloNDark


Dude killer deal, I think anyway. My truck is a 4x4 and my dad has a 2 wheel drive that is nearly indentical to mine.

His truck rides A LOT nicer than mine, it's lighter, and there for quicker.

If I get stuck I just unload the truck and yank it out :)

Probably better mileage and all that too, and I won't be wanting to lift it LOL

Originally posted by Brandon


If I get stuck I just unload the truck and yank it out :)

Probably better mileage and all that too, and I won't be wanting to lift it LOL

BINGO!!! I have already thought about cutting out my ifs and putting a 60 in there....but then it would require a new rear end, and some bigger tires, and.................I wish I would have gotten 2 wheel drive. :D

I love driving the Tahoe, it's a plush ride. I thought about doing a 3/4 ton swap with a straight axle front, after the second time the rear went bad in the Tahoe, the wife found out what I was going to do and freaked out. She didnt think that putting two kids in the car would be good with 6" lift and 35's. Maybe next time the rear goes south.

I went for the expedition a couple of years back (2000) after finding out from camo they make a good tow rig. Ive towed about 4-5 thousand miles with it an its great. No problem on any hills (350lbs torgue) 260hp. seats 8. rear air. 8600#towing capacity.

Neigbor of mine picked up a 95 bronco (4wd) for $4000 at an auction in SAC and he said the expeditions were going for $8000 :idea:

I've got a 2001 Tahoe that I tow with. I tow a 21.5' boat and a 18' carhauler w/ my '85 4 Runner. We ordered the Tahoe w/ 4.10 gears to help tow with and installed an aux. tranny cooler. The Tahoe is acceptable as a tow vehicle, but is not great. For my family it is a good compromise between a daily driver/grocery getter/tow vehicle for now. Its extremely comfortable it does get the job done.

Personally I would go with a 4wd Tahoe or preferrably Suburban.

3.42s and open is what I prefer. Those who want steeper gears like paying for gas and don't know how to use the tranny. L/S is crap.

Having towed with both (tahoe only once) the sub is much more stable. Plus 8 seats come in handly with kids.

1/2 ton will work though a 3/4 ton (2wd is ok in 3/4 ton as 1/2 2wd have small wheels and tires which sucks unless you want a low rider, 3/4 you get same tires) is obviously a better thig to tow width.

The vortec GM engines are great towers and get good mileage on the highway (got close to 20 on sub highway if I went slow, even at 80 it would get 18).

Ron