Towing 13,000lbs with a 3/4ton Suburban

[64rovr]

Obviously a new hitch and brake controller would be needed, so I know that much. But what else would you guys reccomend to be modified on a 3/4 ton Suburban ('99, 454/4L80E) in order to safely tow that much?

[66CJdean]

I would want a mag tec cover for the rearend to help keep it cool of one. Also I would say E rated tires are a must. As far as the brake controllers go I use the Prodigy one and it works great! A little spendy for a controller $100+ but worth it.

[jaluhn]

Just be careful. That's alot of weight behind you, and I wouldn't expect the sub to be too heavy duty, either. What's your gvw? Light weight? That's alot of weight for a bumper pull, and with a 3/4 ton, too. I would definetly be wary, but I'm a bit paranoid, too. The biggest thing I'd worry about would be the trailer pushing you around, and overloading the rear end. The drivetrain should pretty much be up to it, as long as you don't hammer it. Oh, and I'm sure you'll be about 4-6000# over gcwr. So don't get caught.
-John

[u2slow]

What's your gvw?

I think they're 8600lb... also, the 454 gets you the 14FF with 13x3.5" drums.

[Eric]

Our 8.1L Vortec Sub is rated at 12,000 lbs and the GVWR is 8,600 lbs.

[randii]

Modifying the GCWR would be the hardest part!

If you're gonna bypass the legal ratings, use a good controller, a stout hitch, weight-distributing bars, tires with appropriate ratings ... and maybe a pair of pilot vehicles.

Randii

[jasonmt]

Originally posted by randii
Modifying the GCWR would be the hardest part!

If you're gonna bypass the legal ratings, use a good controller, a stout hitch, weight-distributing bars, tires with appropriate ratings ... and maybe a pair of pilot vehicles.

Randii

The GCWR is considered a legal rating down there?

[Titanic]

My 94 sub, 454 3/4 ton 4x4 has tow rate of 10,000. I've gone over this a good bit. I would put a Motorhome/RV shift kit made by B&M or Transgo. Install tranny temp gauge abd replace tranny cooler with a much larger one-perhaps even one with it's own fan if you are going to do alot of stop and go traffic. B&M also has a deep dish tranny pan that holds 3 extra quarts of fluid. I believe in using the synthetic trick shift but I'm sure other brands are fine. Get the load distributing class 5 hitch with sway control. Brakes on both trailer axles if possible. Be sure to load trailer so you have 15% on tongue-(A must with the 13K). Keep load as low as possible on trailer. Don't go over 60-65mph and if shift kit is installed tow in regular overdrive. The manual says to tow in 3rd gear but my engine would be turning 3,000rpm at 60 and tranny temps would go up cause engine temp would be higher. Just downshift when approaching incline before engine loads up by just hitting gas pedal. 60 psi in E rated tires a must

[pmurf1]

Originally posted by 64rovr
But what else would you guys reccomend to be modified on a 3/4 ton Suburban ('99, 454/4L80E) in order to safely tow that much?

A new truck with a gooseneck. That's a lot of weight, why risk it?

[rob]

I have towed 7000 lbs in my 91 3/4 4x4 4l80e sub with a 350 and it was effortless.13k is definatly up there but with good coolers and correct gear I can't see it being a problem.I pulled the load from Canada to the Con and barely even noticed in fact it rode nicer with the load.

[afroman006]

"Normal" i.e. half ton and some 3/4 ton suburbans have a GVWR of 7000 pounds with some 3/4 tons (such as my 91 3/4 ton 4x4 with a 4L80E) have the 8600 pound GVWR. A load distributing hitch with anti-sway bars would be an absolute must.