We have a 2016 Suburban LT that when towing our 22ft boat, we experience a jerking motion. Our suburban can tow 8,600lbs with a hitch rated for 10,000lb towing. The boat with full gas and trailer combine is 5,400lbs. We can tow a full regular 12ft utility trailer without any jerking but only have the jerking motion when towing our boat. What could be causing the jerking motion when towing?

 

Could it be caused by your trailer brakes?

 

Don't think it is the trailer brakes. We can tow the boat with a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder without any problems. We specifically bought the Suburban for towing purposes for family vacations.

 

When lifted off the ground, do the trailer wheels spin freely? Possibly bad wheel bearings in the trailer or they might just need greasing. Are the trailer axles slightly bent?

 

The boat tows perfectly fine when using our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. No jerking, no problems. When towing with our suburban, the jerking motion happens. Everything is level, tow mode is engaged but we just don't know why we are experiencing the jerking motion.

 

Try towing out of towing mode setting. Wonder if the more aggressive shift algorhitm is affecting the pull. What's the boat weight??

 

The boat with gas weighs about 5,400 lbs.

 

Any idea on tongue weight; I assume surge brakes, not electric?

 

Surge brakes and roughly 500lbs tongue weight.

 

Jerky all the time or only flat cruising? Curious if you feel it going up a steady incline, or worse going downhill.
I will be watching this one as very interested what you finally figure out, good luck!