Greetings! I am looking to purchase a used Suburban, and want to get the best "bang for my buck" in towing capacity. I'm doing more research than I probably need to, but am finding a dizzying array of options. Was the HD trailering package available in all these models? How much does axle ratio matter? Does it matter? And then there's the question of trailer brakes and AAArrrgh! Input would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

I know 2009 added a built in brake controller if that helps.

You can also get a 2500 suburban, which tows more than the regular 1500 suburban.

 

Does the 2500 have the same trademark Suburban smooth ride? I'm finding that 2500s in good condition are very have to come by, or very expensive.

 

any 2500 will have a harsher ride when empty vs a 1500. When loaded the 2500 will be much more capable than a 1500. 2500 trucks are built better, stronger. 4.10 rear end is ideal.

how heavy is your trailer? Some people like having more truck than they need...others load the 1500 right to the max. if you have heavy trailer and long haul go big. If your use is once in a while, short trips with a small trailer go small. I have towed 6000 lbs range with both 1500 with a wd hitch and 2500 without wd hitch. the 2500 is much more controlled...tows so much better.


the newer models with factory brake controllers incorporate sway control...using the factory abs/stability system. Its a great feature if you can get it. the factory controller also is built into the dash resulting in a cleaner, no knee bashing clearance issues. If you go aftermarket controller; tekonsha proportional controllers are fantastic. I have a primus iq controller

 

Right now we don't have a trailer. We had an '02 Suburban and a 5000lb 29' camper, but they were both totaled in a storm. We're replacing the Suburban first, and I want to have enough towing capacity to give us options when camper shopping time begins.

Is there a difference in capacity between the 3.73 and the 4.10 in, say the 2007 2500?

 

The 2007+ (GMT900) trucks were not available with the 4.10 axles. 3.73 is the best you can do; I guess GM thought the 6-speed offered enough different ratios.

The 2000-2006 2500 trucks were the ultimate tow vehicles, the trucks with the 8.1 engine were the true unicorns - almost 3000 lb payload, 12,000 lb trailer rating, 19,000 GCWR. In those trucks, there is quite a large difference in the ratings with the 4.10 vs the 3.73.

My 2008 2500 has a 2100-lb payload, 9200-lb trailer rating, and 16,000 GCWR. I'm maxed out with my family of five and a trailer weighing 8600 lbs.

Ride quality? My 2500 rides as good, even better than my '01 half-ton. No harshness whatsoever.

Current rig, 35-ft trailer:


The 2500 trucks are deceiving because they share the same body as the half-ton trucks. Most folks think the 2500 is just a slightly beefier half-ton. But once you look under that body, you're seeing a completely different truck. Everything is different and larger - frame, axles, engines, transmission, transfer case, brakes, suspension, steering etc. Almost nothing under the body is common between the two trucks. I will own a 2500 Suburban until the day I die. I'm actually contemplating the purchase of another one, a '12 or '13 (the last year), to put in storage until my current one finally dies. Current truck is all-original, has 185k miles, everything works as it should, and I've beaten the snot out of it.

 

One could always install 4.10 gears after the fact...

 

I'm wondering if it's worth it. I've been reading other posts, that it's rather pricey, and some argue that the added capacity can't justify the decreased mileage.

We're looking at an '07 2500 with the 3.73 axle ratio. So when it comes time to buy a trailer, we'll just keep it under 7500lbs.

Now this should come with all the things that the 1/2 ton calls "heavy duty trailering package," right?

 

yep, and with the 2500 its all bigger and better, you get a better trans, engine (the 5.3 with afm on the 1500 for 07 could be oil burners)

 

Alright, all. Looks like I found a 2012 2500. Getting excited... :-)