Can a Suburban tow a travel trailer?
By
Elaine Knight
In this guide, we will explain: Can a Suburban tow a travel trailer? We will discuss the towing capacities for a Chevy Suburban and our general impressions of this car model.
Can a Suburban tow a travel trailer?
A Chevrolet Suburban can successfully tow a trailer, as long as you follow the 85% and the weight of the vehicle being towed doesn’t exceed the kerb weight of the car. The new Chevrolet Suburban has an impressive towing capacity of 8300 lbs (3760 kg), which should cover any fully-loaded trailer and the weight of the passengers.
Below, you can see the towing capacity for the 2021, 2020 and 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. We have selected these models to give you a general idea, but you can bet that older generations would do just fine.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban Towing Capacity (lbs)
| Engine | Drivetrain | Standard Tow Rating | Max Tow Rating |
| L84 5.3L V8 | 2WD | 7,900 | 8,300 |
| L84 5.3L V8 | 4WD | 7,700 | 8,100 |
| L87 6.2L V8 | 2WD | 7,800 | 8,200 |
| L87 6.2L V8 | 4WD | 7,500 | 7,900 |
| LM2 3.0L I6 | 2WD | TBD | 8,000 |
| LM2 3.0L I6 | 4WD | TBD | TBD |
2020 Chevrolet Suburban Towing Capacity (lbs)
| Engine | Axle Ratio | GCWR | Suburban 2WD | Suburban 4WD |
| EcoTec3 5.3L V8 with Max Trailering Package | 3.42 | 14,000 | 8,300 | 8,000 |
| EcoTec 5.3L V8 | 3.08 | 12,000 | 6,300 | 6,000 |
| EcoTec3 6.2L V8 | 3.23 | 14,000 | 8,100 | 7,900 |
2019 Chevrolet Suburban Towing Capacity (lbs)
The 2019 Suburban is quite impressive, and with that max towing capacity of over 8,000 pounds, it can out-how many trucks. Surprisingly, all the configurations offer impressive performance. The 5.3-litre engine is the standard engine for all trim levels and the 6.2-litre engine is available on the top Premier trim.
| Engine | 2WD Towing | 4×4 Towing |
| 5.3-Liter Engine | 6,300 | 6,000 |
| 5.3-Liter Engine(Max Trailering Package) | 8,300 | 8,000 |
| 6.2-Liter Engine | 8,100 | 7,900 |
Chevrolet Suburban: the story
In the era of the most notorious bank robbers in the history of the United States, Bonnie and Clyde, Chevrolet had already begun to produce one of their best-known models. The year was 1936, and the model was called Suburban.
But the legend began in 1911 when Swiss racing driver Louis Chevrolet joined forces with General Motors founder William C. Durant to elevate the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. 95 years later, the famous Suburban was the main inspiration for the new Chevrolet HHR. It is, more precisely, the Suburban of 1949.
Chevrolet Suburban 2021, a versatile and luxurious SUV
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban – and its short version, Tahoe – are true to that pillar of practicality. Its new generation grows only 1% throughout but optimizes the volume inside. There is 19% more cargo space behind the first row and 21% behind the second. The wheelbase is increased by 105mm to improve legroom.
If you’ve ever sat in the back row of a Suburban, you remember how your knees almost hit the front seat. It’s not like that. This 12th generation has three rows perfectly suitable for passengers of any size, without the restriction of head or leg space, although still a little across the width on the bench to the rear. Access is easy; the top of the range integrates electric seat folding.
A better finished and well-equipped cabin.
The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe improve their quality considerably. Virtually all visible parts are padded or lined in leather — ish, and in the case of the RST, with contrasting red stitching. This sporty-looking version also adds a specific 22 “wheel design, black badging and a blacked-out grille.
No matter where you sit, there will always be a space to place objects. Simply out front are three-door panel trays, a pair of jumbo drink-safe cup holders, a space to place your phone – cordless charger included – and a huge compartment in the armrest, with a tray to organize drinks. objects.
The RST version is not at the top of the range. It falls a step below the High Country, however, the comfort equipment is very similar. At this level, it already includes a panoramic roof, electric heated front seats, Bose 9-speaker sound, hands-free opening trunk, internet connection through OnStar, 10 “screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (the latter is wireless), and forward collision alert with autonomous emergency brake and pedestrian detection.
Chevy suburban: An SUV that surprises with its smoothness
The Suburban surprises with its level of comfort, and I mention it because it is an SUV faithful to the original concept of an SUV, that is, derived from the chassis of a pick-up. It doesn’t ride the Magnetic Ride suspension – unique to the High Country – but it still doesn’t get as bouncy as a work vehicle. Chevrolet achieved a degree of comfort typical of a passenger car.
It was conceived for the endless straights of the United States, and that is where it shines with great acoustic insulation and a suspension that at times gives the impression that asphalt is a carpet.
This RST version carries the “small” engine, that is, a 5.3-litre V8, capable of generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, associated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Power is just what you need to move without difficulty. It does not become explosive or feel fast, but it does not appear to be lacking in oomph. Maybe with all the seats taken if it goes a little tight.
If you are looking for a more explosive response, to the degree that your back sticks to the backrest when accelerating, you will have to go to the top of the range. The Tahoe and Suburban High Country are powered by a 420-hp, 460-lb-ft 6.2-litre V8 engine.
Conclusions
When we think of Suburban or Tahoe, we tend to think of them as “luxury trucks.” With all the load of technology and comfort that they can have, they are, but it should not be confused with a premium proposal.
Before chasing after customers looking for refinement, Suburban goes after those who want the ultimate practicality an SUV can give you without sacrificing equipment. Yes, the price treads the terrain of the premium, but its purpose is another.
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FAQ on Can a Suburban tow a travel trailer?
Are Suburbans good for towing?
Suburbans are not just good but great for towing. A Chevrolet Suburban can tow up to 8300 pounds which should be more than enough for a family who wants to go on a trip!
What is the best 4×4 towing vehicle?
The best 4×4 towing vehicles are the following: Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Defender, Audi Q7, VW Tiguan, WV Tuareg, or Skoda Kodiaq.
Can you tow a travel trailer with an SUV?
Most SUVs are great for towing a trailer, as they have a high towing capacity for both unbraked and braked caravans and trailers. You should consult the owner’s manual for details such as torque, towing capacity and kerb weight of the car.
What SUV can tow 3500 lbs?
The following SUVs can tow up to 3500 lbs: Volvo V90 Cross country, Subaru Outback XT, BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne or the Toyota Land Cruiser.
