Your Hybrid Tow Vehicle...some help needed

[Northstar]

New to the boards here and soon will be a first time Jayco owner. We are upgrading our old Coleman Bayside pop up to the x23f. My question is in regards to towing. Currently we have a 2012 Tahoe that does just fine now and am sure could handle the x23f, but will it comfortably or will it it be screaming down the highway.

Considering a new TV...either Silverado 1500, 2500, or Suburban. Just not sure exactly what we "need" or if we even need to make a change. Thoughts? And what is your TV?

[DocBrown]

What engine? If you have the 5.3 you should be fine. Aside from a slightly higher towing capacity (depending on cab configuration), the Silverado 1500 has pretty much the same drive train. You couldn't go wrong with a 2500, but if you like your current Tahoe, I see no reason to replace it.

The good news is that you'll be well within your rated capacities. Use the Tahoe and if you don't like the performance you can always replace it later. There is no urgency to replace it now.

[Northstar]

Tahoe has the 5.3, 3.42, and hd towing package. If we don't have to upgrade to the Silverado we will probably still look at trading for a Suburban just to add more room. Love the Tahoe, but it sure doesn't have much room in it.

[Jagiven]

Have you looked up the towing capacity on your Tahoe? Personally I would call Chevy (not the dealer) up with your vin number, they will look up the OEM specs on the build of you particular vehicle and tell you all the specs. Then ask how that is calculated. Typically it is calculated with an average size driver (170 lbs) and a full tank of fuel and absolutely nothing else in the vehicle. Each person and item added to the vehicle will then decrease the tow capacity. Ask if it has the transmission cooler, it should with the HD package.

Personally with everything you noted in your posts you should be go to go. Comfort level of the TV maybe a different issue, but you should not need to rush out and buy a n new TV just for the HTT.

Congratulation by the way on the new 23F.

[Northstar]

It does have the tranny cooler and the towing capacity is 8200.

[matsoap]

Similar set up to yours and no issues....I'm usually in the 10-12 mpg range. My next TV will probably be a Suburban.

[Tunce the traveler]

I tow my Hybrid EXP21M 4,750lbs + with a VW Touareg TDI that can tow 7,700 lbs. I get 33 mpg. Without and 23 with the trailer, with lots of big hills like Northern California I'll get no lower than19. You should just take a look at it and a drive.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Northstar

Love the Tahoe, but it sure doesn't have much room in it.

I've always called the Tahoe a castrated Suburban. BTW, I've owned 3 'Burbs over the years.

Originally Posted by Jagiven

Have you looked up the towing capacity on your Tahoe? Personally I would call Chevy (not the dealer) up with your vin number, they will look up the OEM specs on the build of you particular vehicle and tell you all the specs.

No need to call. All of this info is in the manual, and options are listed on the RPO sticker in the glove box.

[kvangil]

You should be fine. I made the same move last year from a pop-up to a 23b with my same tow vehicle, and I have less spare capacity than you do. It's definitely slower, and eats much more gas (15 mpg with pop-up, 10mpg with the 23b), but if you take your time and respect the size difference between what you had and what you have now, you should be ok.

[Northstar]

Originally Posted by kvangil

You should be fine. I made the same move last year from a pop-up to a 23b with my same tow vehicle, and I have less spare capacity than you do. It's definitely slower, and eats much more gas (15 mpg with pop-up, 10mpg with the 23b), but if you take your time and respect the size difference between what you had and what you have now, you should be ok.

What's your tow vehicle?

[kvangil]

2005 Nissan Pathfinder with a 6000lbs tow rating. The X23b is rated GWV at 4950lbs.

[DocBrown]

Nevermind. Move along...

[roving legrands]

The only difference you might notice with a new 1500 chevy would be the 6 speed tranny, I love the new set up pulling my 23b, and I've pulled through some decent hills in Kentucky,Tenn., and Alabama..

[WASABI]

I just bought a Suburban 1500 last week. Next weekend will be our first camping trip out with it. I'm pretty excited since my CX9 was struggling a wee bit but in all fairness, she was pretty close to maximum. I'm pulling a x17z right now, so that shouldn't be an issue with the Suburban but we are looking at moving up to a x23b ASAP. I think she will pull just fine.

I actually took the Suburban out for a long drive this weekend and I was surprised how good she was on gas! That "active fuel management" really makes a difference.

[kvangil]

Good choice. It should handle your 17z and the future 23b just fine.

[Aepowell]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

I tow my Hybrid EXP21M 4,750lbs + with a VW Touareg TDI that can tow 7,700 lbs. I get 33 mpg. Without and 23 with the trailer, with lots of big hills like Northern California I'll get no lower than19. You should just take a look at it and a drive.

I'm going to have to check that out. I ve never seen any vehicle get more that 10 to 12 pulling a full front travel trailer. Your not pulling our leg are you?

[howie]

Originally Posted by Aepowell

I'm going to have to check that out. I ve never seen any vehicle get more that 10 to 12 pulling a full front travel trailer. Your not pulling our leg are you?

I do believe his VW is a diesel. I don't think Tunce would pull our paw.

[Aepowell]

I saw a video tonight that showed that thing dragging a chevy duromax with its duellies smoking. WOW! I'll try to find it again and post it.

[Mpking]

Went and found it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k62gW3Se5e0&feature=kp

The Chevy bounced, which mean's it lost it's grip. Not really a demonstration of pulling power, but more who had a better grip.

[Aepowell]

I was watching it on my phone. I sure thought it was a dually. Still pretty impressive.