Have my sights set on a Suburban or GMC Yukon for towing and comfort. What engine (5.3 or 6.0) (i/2 or 3/4 ton) does anyone recommend. Trailer and car are 6K. Any other comments are appreciated. Thanks Frank

 

bigger is always better... I'm content with the 5.3 but I wouldn't mind the 6.0.


:chug:

 

how often are you going to tow and how long of a distance? 6k are fine with the 1/2 ton and 5.3 engine. but as most will say - bigger is better if you plan on towing a lot
what years are you looking at also?

 

the 6.0 is an old engine... they only have a 6.2 now unless you are talking about the hybrids....

what years are you looking at? the 09 is the generally accepted ideal year as it added a lot of new important things, like the 6 speed auto, and integrated brake controller...

 

It doesn't have to be new. Budget restrictions. I just don't want to have to be pushing the 5.3 all the time on the highway. Towing is two long trips per year to Florida with car trailer. 3000 mile round trip each. Thanks Frank

 

Whatever one you get, make sure it has the hd cooling package. Dont be fooled by the term heavy duty trailering package, that only means hitch and 7 pin connector. I made that mistake and am in the process of installing an external transmission cooler. Also, the differential it is better to have the 3.42 than the 3.08 if your going to do much trailering. Things I learned after buying a used 2010 surburban and assuming heavy duty meant heavy duty. It means heavy duty if setup right.

 

WILL i be pushing the 5.3 constantly while towing? Frank

 

not really - the axle ratio could help in the situation. if you have the 4 speed transmission a 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratio will improve the towing a lot. if you have the 3.42 rear end then you may just be in 3rd gear quite a bit to limit downshifting depending on the terrain/wind, etc...

 

I wouldn't think so. just make sure the tow/haul switch is functional.


:chug:

 

Frank, if i was you i would hold out and look for a low milage newer 3/4 ton Burb. I was in the same situation as you and wanted the 3/4 ton. they are far and few in my area and $52 grand for a new one was out of the question. I searched cars.com for 6 months before i found mine. i drove 3 hrs. and picked it up and never regreted it. everything about it is HD. oill coolers, snow plow prep. pkg, towing pkg. etc. It will outperform the Ford excursion 6.0 that i dumped at the dealer to get the suburban. the 6.0 engine is old but tried and true, has tons of torque and has been super reliable.