2500 suburban

[Merrellroofing]

I am looking for opinions and/or experiences towing with a 2500 suburban. I have a eagle 314, probably #9000 loaded. I have been looking at a few but can't decide if I want a 6.0 with 4.10 or just get the 8.1. So far the 6.0-4.10 is harder to find.

[lx22f/c]

I think you would be better off with the 6.0 and 4.10 set up.
That is the set up in my truck and i love it. I see alot of problems with the 8.1 engine and the parts are more expensive. ( auto technician)
The 6.0 is very dependable and just a little better on gas.

[29BHS ECO]

6.0 w/4:10's is the best ( gas) all around GM combo.as of now. Larry

[robo59097]

I may be wrong but I don't think the Yukon XL 2500 or the Suburban 2500 had the 4.10 option with the 6.0L. Even on the new builds only one transmission/engine option is available. When I check the past several years on Trailer Life Tow Guide they only list the stats for the 3.73 and that is the only tranny I could locate when shopping for mine.

[Swingrrr]

I think he's talking about pre 2007. Late 90's/early 2000's may have offered different engines and gear ratios.

[Dadof4Girls]

The 2001-2006 2500 had a choice of 6.0 with 3.73 or 4.10, and 8.1 with 3.73 and 4.10. The 2007+ only has the 6.0 with 3.73. The 2008+ had the 6sp transmission. The 2007 had the 4 sp.

The 8.1 will haul anything. My choice, if I can stay below 1000lb tongue weight would be a 2008+ with the 6.0, 6sp, and 3.73. It would get about 30% better fuel economy. But if you save $10k on the vehicle and afford extra fuel, then the 8.1 would be great.

I do not think there is much difference between the 6.0 and 8.1. And the 2001-2006 with the 6.0 and 3.73 was only rated for a trailer of 7900lbs.

[Rustic Eagle]

I "believe" the GM 8.1L engines had the Allison tranny bolted to it, which would be a plus on my list.

Bob

[Swingrrr]

If you do get a 2007-2013 3/4 ton burb, you can go to a RV hitch weld shop type of place and have them "beef up" the 1,000 lb receiver. I had Torklift in Kent, WA install a beef up on my receiver and it's now certified 1,400 w/WDH. I tow a jayco eagle with 1,400 lb tongue weight and 9,500 lb trailer and the burb tows it no problem. Powerful tow vehicle.

[robo59097]

I found the earlier thread that raised concerns on the hitch quality for the 2001-2006 burbs while towing a 314bhs


http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...Hitch-Concerns

[drfife]

I towed with a 2002 Suburban K2500 with an 8.1 ltr engine and 4.10 gears through all the US states. The trailer was 9K loaded.

I have 148,000 miles on it. I still use it to drive to work.

It has been a dependable and reliable car. I've had no engine issues. I replaced the AC at 80K, the U joints at 100K, and the brakes at 120K. Other than that, fluid changes.

I have been thoroughly pleased.

The Suburbans with 8.1 do not have an Allison transmission. They have a 4L85. Only the trucks with 8.1 had Allisons. The 4L85 is a great transmission.

[Dadof4Girls]

Originally Posted by Swingrrr

If you do get a 2007-2013 3/4 ton burb, you can go to a RV hitch weld shop type of place and have them "beef up" the 1,000 lb receiver. I had Torklift in Kent, WA install a beef up on my receiver and it's now certified 1,400 w/WDH. I tow a jayco eagle with 1,400 lb tongue weight and 9,500 lb trailer and the burb tows it no problem. Powerful tow vehicle.

I would love to see pictures of what they did to "beef up" receiver. The only reason I went with a Silverado was because of tongue weight. I miss my Yukon XL.

[Swingrrr]

I posted some pics in an earlier thread. Go to travel trailer section. Then go to page 4. Look under Eagle 334RBTS thread. There's a pic of the area where the spare tire used to hang. They did some sort of tic tac toe type of thing that's welded in some areas and bolted in others. They have a lot of experience beefing up the different class receivers and they put a new sticker on the receiver and gave me paperwork, both with the upgraded max weight of 1,400 lbs w/WDH. Only drawback is spare tire rides inside behind third row. But the wife insisted on tow vehicle being an SUV that fits in the garage.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by drfife

snip.......The Suburbans with 8.1 do not have an Allison transmission. They have a 4L85. Only the trucks with 8.1 had Allisons. The 4L85 is a great transmission.

A 8.1L with an Allison in the Suburban sure would have been a nice set-up.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

I "believe" the GM 8.1L engines had the Allison tranny bolted to it, which would be a plus on my list.

Bob

I "believe" your right..