Hello, I'm new, but looked around but couldn't find an answer.
Currently I have a 2016 Chevy Tahoe LT, with the towing package. Previously I had a 2014 Chevy Silverado with the towing package. I also have a 25 ft Travel Trailer that I used to tow with the Silverado, and now with the Tahoe. The Tahoe works 'fine' for towing, but I definitely think that the Silverado 'felt' better when towing. You're going to ask what do you mean by that, and I'm not totally sure I can answer that. I certainly didn't feel as much effects from wind or semi trucks going by and it just felt easier, but it's hard for me to quantify more than that. But, I learned that I wasn't a Truck guy, I was an SUV guy and while the Silverado is a great truck, I just love my Tahoe more.

My wife would like to go on some long distance camping trips, like to the Grand Canyon which is 1,000 miles away. I think the Tahoe could make it, but I don't know how well it would do vs the Silverado where towing felt easier. Being an SUV lover, does anyone have an opinion on whether a Suburban would 'feel' better with towing with its increased size. I know the max towing weight, and axle ratios, and all of that are a factor in towing, but those numbers are very close with a Tahoe and a Suburban. For comparisons sake assume either a 2016 Tahoe + 2016 Suburban or a 2021 Tahoe + 2021 Suburban.

Thanks!!

 

longer wheelbase of a sub would help reduce sway.

 

Longer wheelbase directly translates to a smoother, safer, and more stable tow. I had a similar opportunity to compare back-to-back, my Suburban and my Sierra Denali. The Denali has a 14-inch longer wheelbase, but the Suburban is 1000 lbs heavier. Which would do better towing a 6x12 enclosed single-axle trailer weighing ~4000 lbs?

No comparison - the Denali was a much smoother and stable tow. Wheelbase trumps everything else.

If upgrading your vehicle is not an option, a Hensley Arrow or ProPride will make a huge difference. They both eliminate sway.

 

Tires also make a big difference. I had an F150 that came with essentially passenger tires. Load range B I believe. I changed to load range E and the ride while towing was much better. I really did not notice a stiffer or harsher ride while not towing. The load range E tires take out a lot of rear end bounce. You do not have to run them at full pressure (80 psi). Somewhere around 65 is usually sufficient to carry the load.

 

@tech2 @monstershow @intheburbs Thanks a lot for the feedback.

My original Silverado had a wheelbase of 143.5
My current Tahoe has a wheelbase of 116 (huge difference)
The 2021 Suburban has a wheelbase of 134.1
(for reference, 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 120.9 )

So, a brand new suburban would be much closer in wheelbase than my Tahoe. By quite a bit. Do you think that's 'enough' to make the towing feel similar to my old Silverado? Is that a 'little difference' or 'man, that's a game changer!!' ?

Thanks again.