Camping Camper

Question:

Dennis, It might help to compare apples to apples. The Tahoe/Durango/Expedition are in the same class with Dodge at the small end and the Exped at the top in size. The Suburban/Excursion are in the same class. That said, I own a ‘99 Tahoe and pull a 4000lb TT, I have a neighbor that pulls a boat between Lake Shasta and Portland OR with an 01 Tahoe. I also have a friend with a 1/2T pickup that tows a 25′ ski boat all over Oregon and Ca. Another neighbor let her leased 97 Tahoe go back and bought a used Durango – she likes the gas milage – but misses the room – she doesn’t tow with it. In fact all of the Durango owners I know don’t tow with them. While it seems that they have the drivetrain to handle the load – they are a bit low in the weight department and could get caught in a tail wag the dog situation. Being a GM fan – I would look at a Tahoe/Yukon with the 5.3L engine and 3.73 gears. The 01 models have an active suspension that auto-levels under load – I can see where this would be nice with a boat trailer that does not have a weight distributing hitch like my TT. Randy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

Response:

RE/ >I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: >Chevy Tahoe

Dunno how much this matters in the context of a brake-equipped trailer, but I’d characterize the brakes on my ‘98 as downright inadequate. Last year Consumer reports commented on the so-called ‘improved’ brakes on the ‘99 or ‘00  GMs and I think their description was something along the lines of "marginal". Pete Cresswell

Response:

I have been towing boats for the last 4 years with ford and chevy, The Ford was an 83 Bronco full size towing a 21 ft Mark Twain (old ugly but reliable) no trailer brakes and usually 2 trailer tires needed air. ( the marina is less then 5 miles from my driveway) The Bronc pulled like a dream and in 4 lo it never got above 2000 rpm to get out of the water. On the down side I hated backing the boat into the water because the trucks wheelbase was so short if you twitched the steering wheel backing up you completely screwed up your approach. The Suburbans ( 2wheel and 4wheel) tow nicely and pull the boat out of the water without any problems, the 2 wheel drive one would grunt a little at the ramp but it would always do it, once I pulled a guy off the ramp with his boat on the trailer, and my boat on the trailer at the time, just connected a rope from my trailer to his frame.  the 4×4 suburban is an exceptional tow vehicle, it tows nice and backs up nice the only draw back is that I have to open the barn doors when I back up the empty trailer to see what I am doing. Just my experience with towing  good luck

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> RE/ >I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: >Chevy Tahoe > Dunno how much this matters in the context of a brake-equipped trailer, but I’d > characterize the brakes on my ‘98 as downright inadequate. > Last year Consumer reports commented on the so-called ‘improved’ brakes on the > ‘99 or ‘00  GMs and I think their description was something along the lines of > "marginal". > Pete Cresswell

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

Try a All Wheel Drive(AWD) Astro/Safari. they can tow abourt 5500lbs. and are very verstile for cargo/people carrying. The penalty for AWD versus 2WD is only about 1mpg. I have a 93 Safari with 220,000 km. on it.

Response:

Richard, Can’t comment on salt water but I’ve had electric brakes on several trailers used for fresh water boats with no problems. The original post indicates that Dennis might be new to this towing thing and surge brakes have three characteristics that I don’t like. They are hard to adjust  properly, for example, when you have to tap the brakes on the highway they tend "hang" longer than brakes driven by the truck’s braking system; they also tend to come on suddenly, letting you know the trailer is behind you. They are a giant pain in the butt when backing up, especially if you have to back up going up a slight incline. And last, surge brakes don’t work at all when backing up, in fact, you have to ease up when backing up so you don’t engage them. This is only a big deal when you are launching a really big boat on a steep, wet ramp; I’ve see people skid their tow vehicles into the water and not know why. With electric brakes and a good controller, I often have to look in the mirror to make sure the trailer is still behind me. Surge brakes never let you forget. Dean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I agree with Dean , however I wonder about the remark recomending electric > brakes for a boat trailer application.  Isn’t electric brakes a problem with > salt water and submersion in general? > I have never heard of anyone recommending electric over surge brakes in this > application.  Tell me why they are not prone to failure.  What are the > tradeoffs? > Dennis, > Regardless of the vehicle you choose, I suggest you get the "towing guide" > from the manufacturer before you order the truck and be certain that you get > the towing package for the GCWR you require. Where many folks go wrong is > estimating the weight of the vehicle and trailer with load. You must weigh > them, including the people, toys, camping gear, tool boxes, etc. to > accurately establish the actual weight. I would also lose the surge brakes > and get electric brakes for the trailer and a decent brake controller for > the truck. The factory tow package wiring harness will make wiring in the > controller a breeze. > Dean > > I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > > about 6,000 lb. > > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > > Dodge Durango > > Chevy Tahoe > > Ford Excursion > > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > > Chevette a long time ago) > > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > > also. > > Thanks > > Dennis

Response:

I agree with Dean , however I wonder about the remark recomending electric brakes for a boat trailer application.  Isn’t electric brakes a problem with salt water and submersion in general? I have never heard of anyone recommending electric over surge brakes in this application.  Tell me why they are not prone to failure.  What are the tradeoffs? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Dennis, > Regardless of the vehicle you choose, I suggest you get the "towing guide" > from the manufacturer before you order the truck and be certain that you get > the towing package for the GCWR you require. Where many folks go wrong is > estimating the weight of the vehicle and trailer with load. You must weigh > them, including the people, toys, camping gear, tool boxes, etc. to > accurately establish the actual weight. I would also lose the surge brakes > and get electric brakes for the trailer and a decent brake controller for > the truck. The factory tow package wiring harness will make wiring in the > controller a breeze. > Dean > I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

Response:

The tahoe will work. I have two ‘tow’ vehicles. 1) 1990 chevy pickup truck full size 5 liter engine 3.73 rear 2 wheel drive 2) 2000 chevy pickup truck extended cab short bed 4 by 4 6 liter engine 3.73 rear I have 6500 pound 25 foot boat with tandem axle trailer surge brakes ..totaling 8000 pound load on road. Both vehicles pull it but the older truck is limited to 7000 pounds and other will do 8800 pounds not using weight distribution. Beware of specifications for weight carrying and weight distribution. Get  bolt on receiver and solid draw bar [rated 10000+] and you probably have largest trailer ball but change it to larger diameter shaft [ small cost]. Get engine bigger than 5.0 and 3.73 rear or better. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

Response:

Dennis, Regardless of the vehicle you choose, I suggest you get the "towing guide" from the manufacturer before you order the truck and be certain that you get the towing package for the GCWR you require. Where many folks go wrong is estimating the weight of the vehicle and trailer with load. You must weigh them, including the people, toys, camping gear, tool boxes, etc. to accurately establish the actual weight. I would also lose the surge brakes and get electric brakes for the trailer and a decent brake controller for the truck. The factory tow package wiring harness will make wiring in the controller a breeze. Dean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

Response:

My Father-In-Law has a 25′ Bayliner Trophy. His tow vehicle is a Chevy 1500 series pickup. The boat is on a tandem axle trailer as well and when towing or braking the load was barely noticeable. Prior to getting the Chevy he had a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8. This vehicle had enough power for pulling but the trailers weight was muscling the Jeep around a bit when turning or braking. I think the Durango would be in the same predicament as the Jeep was. The Tahoe is a nice choice if properly equipped. The Excursion is more than capable but BIG!! I personally like the Navigator or Escalade for that other 95%. Peace

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

Response:

I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at about 6,000 lb. I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: Dodge Durango Chevy Tahoe Ford Excursion Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a Chevette a long time ago) I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input also. Thanks Dennis

Response:

I know this is a Chevy group, but of that group I can only speak for the Durango.  My folks have one, they love it for towing their 26′ travel trailer.  On a trip last summer they met a guy who is an RV dealer and had taken a trailer exactly the same as my folks in on a trade.  The guy happens to have a Durango and thought it pulled so nice on his trip that he was considering selling the truck and trailer together.  My folks test drove the Tahoe and thought it rode too much like the truck it was based on (old style). Again, I realize this is a Chevy board, but check out www.durangoclub.com , there are some VERY informative folks there with a forum to ask questions (even for non-members).  As the son of a member of the club I’ve had the honor to accompany the group on a tour of the Durango assembly plant.  Not only was the tour fun but meeting several of the folks in the club from the northeast was great.  We spent from 8 until 11 one night in the parking lot of the hotel just talking about the trucks.  The members are a great group of people. On the Ford, looking at it, I think it’s just WAY too big.  I like the looks of the Tahoe.  However, as I said before, the only vehicle I can make somewhat intelligent comments about is the Durango.  I personally have a Jimmy, and if you wanted to wait until the fall I’d tell you to look at the TrailBlazer with the new I-6 engine, I hear that’s going to be a lovely tow vehicle, and can even beat a Durango down the track, empty, unloaded… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at changing vehicles and in the process, up-sizing so I can > also tow my boat.  The boat is a 25′ sitting on a tandem axle trailer > equipped with surge brakes.  I put the gross weight including trailer at > about 6,000 lb. > I’m looking at 1999 or 2000: > Dodge Durango > Chevy Tahoe > Ford Excursion > Can’t go for a pickup due to other needs for the vehicle – you know the > other 95% of the time…..I don’t expect it to be towed much, maybe 4-5 > times per year for distances of only 50-80 miles. > Any comments on the 3 SUV’s or towing suggestions in general?  I’ve > never owned a Ford, GM or Chrysler (only Nissan…well ok I had a > Chevette a long time ago) > I’m doing some due diligence now but would appreciate anyone’s input > also. > Thanks > Dennis

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