towing, how to increase weight spec. 6000ib

[DAVE FERENCZ]

I have a 97 6.5 suburban 4 wh dr. Factory says max towable is 6000ib I want a bigger trailer.What are some simple upgrades to increase towing. Seems like this thing could pull alot more.

[rjschoolcraft]

I regularly tow more than that with my Suburban.

I think the tow ratings for the diesel Suburbans are held low because of the engine problems that they have had (overheating, high egt, etc.) I know when I was shopping for my Suburban in late 1999 and early 2000 (I ended up getting a 95 in April of 2000), I checked the tow ratings for several different vehicles. A 1999 Suburban K2500 with 454 gas had a 10,000 lb. tow rating. Same vehicle with a 6.5 diesel had under 8,000 lb. tow rating. So, if you've addressed the chronic problems with the 6.5 (or if you are careful and watch your gages) you can safely tow at least up to the gas engine rating. My trailer weighs around 8600 lb. (or more) when fully loaded and the Suburban weighs right at 8600 lb. I've towed thousands of miles with this combination and all is well. Especially now that I've made some upgrades.

[DAVE FERENCZ]

Thanks for your reply. Iread your other posts to. Good info.

[MikeC]

My trailer is 9500# loaded. It is longer and taller than the one with my truck in the photo in the readers rigs section.

IMHO the trucks are limited by power and not by tow vehicle size or braking since they are big and the 3/4's have 1 ton brakes.

Mike