:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
That is really, really, really, really a sore point for me.
I think (know in my heart) that the ID manager for the GM truck line (really a single person
making over $500K/year and manages several 'marketing' teams) has decided they don't want
SUVs to look like trucks anymore.
Part of that thinking is to reduce the amount visible or hide the receiver.
That started with the round tube receiver which was trying to lessen the visual aspect of what a
TV (tow truck) is all about...that receiver for the tow bar and WD (weight distribution) hitch
assembly.
There are lots of threads on that round tube receiver. I'm so disappointed in GM's
engineering, but also understand that marketing is the lead in all things from a product team.
Unless their program manager has a strong engineering or technical background/values /belief/etc.
That round tube design is not a traditional method of transfering the tongue forces to the
TV. It uses the bumper as the main stressed member and no longer uses the receiver cross tube
as a torque tube.
Now they have gone farther away from a traditional receiver design in this body era and
have hidden the receiver all together.
In integrating the receiver into the bumper like this, they have now gone into the crash and
crumple zone requirements of the bumper. Where as a traditional receiver does not have that
requirement. Because of that, the receiver bracket welded to the Suburban frame rails has
notches, which are stress raisers to fold over in a crash.
That begets a 1,000lb max WD tongue weight, so the trailer size is now limited by the receiver,
not any of the GVWR/GAWR/GCWR (ratings).
PS...I'm not driving my Suburban much, what with the price of fuel and how thirsty the 7.4L is. Am
looking for a mini van and it is between a Siena and Odyssey. Will always have a 4x4 SUV and hope
to keep my Sub a loooooooooong time. It might become an EV in the process some where down the road.
Told everyone wasn't going to use any treatment on the new Bridgestone Revo's...but...can't stand
\the looks without treatment of some sort, even this early in it's life. 303'd them yesterday...