New to this forum. Just purchased a 2010 Tahoe 4wd with factory towing package K5L. Need to tow a 30-ft travel trailer weighing 7900#. The owners manual says that's OK, some other forums and 'experienced' trailer people have said do not try this because of the short wheelbase. I have towed this with a Silverado easily.

Opinions/advice from this group would be appreciated

 

I admit that having a shorter (vehicle) wheel base, causes better (more responsive) situations when parking/backing. But, it's more an application of "common sense" when operating any rig. Properly weight distributed and a well maintained vehicles are more important.

Sounds like you're within the GTW of your ride... enjoy !

 

The rule of thumb I've seen across the interwebs is you want at least 110" of wheelbase for a 20' trailer and add 4" of wheelbase for every foot of trailer. I've never tried to tow anything substantial with anything other than my burb so I'm not sure how much truth there is to that rule of thumb but my guess is anti-sway bars will be your friend, especially when a trucker is passing you on the highway.

Putting wheelbase issue to the side, adding to the "common sense" theme, knowing how my burb handles under my 5700# boat/trailer combo, I would never want to tow much more, let alone come anywhere close to the max tow rating.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Well, I can only offer my experiences.....frankly, with modern anti-sway trailering hardware, wheelbase is the least of your concerns.

I towed a 5500-lb 30-ft travel trailer with my Suburban 1500. I broke stuff - specifically, two rear axles. I logged about 15,000 miles towing with that rig.

I upgraded to a Suburban 2500, and I now have a 28-ft 6500-lb trailer, and I'm right at my weight limits.

Do you know your GCWR, GVWR, RAWR and FAWR? What's the tongue weight of the trailer? How much payload can your Tahoe take?

If you're talking about pulling the trailer 30 miles to a lake once or twice a year, you might be fine. If you're talking about pulling it on a long road trip, you might want to think twice.

Towing is more than "how much can I pull?" Manufacturer tow ratings are total BS. Google SAE J2807 for some light reading.

PS - If you're wondering - I'd be hesitant to pull your trailer with my 2500 Burb.

 

I totally agree, I "can" do 8100#, but I wouldn't dare.