Greetings,

New Tahoe owner here. Just purchased a 2000 Tahoe LT for the expressed purpose of towing a boat also just purchased. Don't worry I already did all the GVWR, Trailer weight, tongue weight, payload weight calcs, I should be good to go in this area. Boat and trailer only weights about 5250lbs. Boat is on a tandem trailer. The Tahoe has the 5.3l engine and 3.7 differential. (no 4.1s in my area).

I am just looking for some generally advice on towing. First off I have looked at and am thinking of buying a weight distribution/sway control device that mounts to the trailer. Do i need this? How much will it improve handling?

Also I was reading up on the tow/haul switch on the gear shift. Should I engage this when towing anything or just loads close to the max listed weight of 7900?

My first trip with the boat will be to pick it up in VA and drive it back to Ohio, a 400 mile trip through WV mountains. Wife is nervous as h*ll.

The trailer is being given a serious over haul by the current owner to check brakes, bearings, and lights.

Any advise is appreciated.

R.

 

- 100% yes on the weight distribution bars. I have used them with our 4500 lbs travel trailer and they make a world of difference, though the trailer has a lot more wind resistance vs a boat. it will still help the overal feel/handling.
- and 100% yes on using tow/haul mode.

 

Welcome to the forum rcaw

Something to consider is adding a aux transmission cooler and a trailer brake controller if the trailer has brakes
When towing its best to do it in 3 and use the tow haul mode if your vehicle has that feature...

Also remember to down shift to a lower gear on downhills to avoid overheating the brakes, let the engine do some of the braking for you