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2013 Chevrolet Suburban
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Engine too tired for this?

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Old September 17th, 2014, 9:00 AM
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Default Engine too tired for this?

Hi guys,
We have a 2005 Suburban with 189,000 miles on it. It runs good but uses about a quart of oil every 5000 miles. We drive it a lot and hard.
Next June, I want to use it to pull a new 8500 pound camper to Missouri and back (about 1500 miles round trip) then in August I want to use it to drive our family to Florida (about 2200 miles round trip). In June I suspect we might have about 210,000 miles on it.

My husband seems to think the engine might be too worn out to take these trips, but I think it will be fine. Now, I tend to expect a lot out of my cars and don't mind beating them pretty hard anyway. I say drive it! Who cares if it's worn out to start with?! It'll be fun to make it work it that hard for so long! hehehe But I have been known to work engines too hard sometimes and have blown a few in my day. Ooops

What do you guys think?
Old September 17th, 2014, 9:17 AM
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1 qt/5000 miles is not bad, in my opinion. If you have maintained the engine well, did proper and timely critical fluid changes throughout the vehicle (engine oil, trans fluid, transfer case, diff. oil. etc.) and there are no other issues, I say go for broke! Good luck!
Old September 18th, 2014, 9:16 AM
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I'd have no problem with the age and mileage, but...
I just might with the GTW of your Camper.
Is your ride a 3/4, and rated that high ?
Old September 18th, 2014, 11:42 AM
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I'd have no issues or concerns hitching up my '01 Burb to my 6500-lb trailer and towing it across the country. It has the original engine and transmission and 191,000 on the odometer.

However, an 8500-lb trailer is another story. If your Burb is a half-ton, it's probably too much trailer. One of the reasons I bought my 08 2500 was because I broke several rear ends in the '01 because the trailer was too heavy. And twice, while on vacation with the family, did this happen.

The rear end is the weak spot of the Suburban - not the engine or transmission.

If your Burb is a 2500, I say you're good to go.
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