Posted by Brett on July 15, 01 at 22:13:56:
In Reply to: Lower gears necessary for hauling? posted by David on July 15, 01 at 18:59:13:
Nix on towing that much weight w/ 3.42s (or with a 1500 period). Shame on the salesman for not taking the opportunity to really shine and put you in the right rig, which would be a 2500 with the tow package.
Please, for your sake, and mine if I'm in oncoming traffic when a emergency situation presents itself, look for a 2500 with a towing package. As important as the weight, is where the weight is at on your horse trailer (up high). Plus, most RVers (people that do a LOT of towing) will recommend staying below 70-80% of the tow rating to avoid those white knuckle experiences. http://www.rvsafety.com/towrate98.htm. http://www.trailerlife.com/towratings/tr_index.cfm A 1500 is rated for 6500 lbs, WITH the 3.73 gears, and you will be pushing that, especially if you have more people and equipment in the burb.
I can see where towing frequency enters the equation as far as vehicle durability is concerned, but not safety.
Good luck with your search (I'm in the same search for a '98-'00 2500 to tow my 7000-8000# jeep trailer)
Brett
: I am looking at purchasing a 98 Suburban 1500. In addition to normal driving, it will occasionally (three times a year or so) pull a 6000 pound (loaded) horse trailer. The truck is geared at 3.42, and is equipped, so the dealer says, with the "towing package." My questions:
: 1. Will the 3.42 gears haul this weight, or do I need 3.73's (we will not be hauling over mountains)?
: 2. Would this vehicle actually have the towing package, or would that automatically have 3.73 gears?
: 3. How can you identify a towing package on this model?