RedRocketZ28
TYF Newbie
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2018
- Posts
- 8
- Reaction score
- 3
Hello all. I am looking to get a 2009+ SSV Tahoe within the next few months. I have read the sticky, read some threads, and still have a few questions.
For some background, I have always been a GM guy and have owned several LS powered vehicles over the years and still have my turbo Camaro (hence the username). Recently I've had a 2002 Avalanche, 2004 Buick Rainier 5.3, 2003 Silverado 1500HD, and just recently sold a 2003 Suburban 2500 8.1L (I know, not an LS).
Anyway, I am looking for a full size SUV that I can still tow my boat and car trailer with. The boat is a 1999 Mariah Z252 that has a dry weight for 4250 lbs that sits on a tandem axle trailer. I am guessing the total weight is around 6200 lbs. after accounting for fluids, gear, and trailer. I've had the boat hooked up to all the vehicles, but didn't tow it any distance with the Rainier for obvious reasons. The Avalanche struggled with the 5.3/4L60E combo but did it. The Silverado also struggled with the 6.0/4L80E combo but if I left it in 3rd it would hum right along. I bought the 8.1 Suburban strictly for towing duties and while it does a fantastic job, it's more than I need I think. Neither the Avalanche or Silverado would hold OD while towing the boat, but did fine with my Camaro on an open trailer. The Suburban would hold OD and pick up speed whenever I wanted. It also got the best MPG towing the boat out of all the others but unloaded it only improved 1-2 MPG.
With that being said, I have also towed the boat 6 hours one way with a 2013 Tahoe LTZ. It towed better than all of the other vehicles except the Suburban. One thing that concerns me with the SSV Tahoe is that it won't have the air suspension to level the truck back out. This brings me to my first question of adding airbags to the SSV springs, or will it not sag enough to worry about it? The car trailer adds the most tongue weight. Also, is the K5L HD cooling package really needed? I always add an aftermarket trans cooler to my tow vehicles anyway, and an oil cooler really isn't needed IMO.
Next question, adding the DIC buttons. It's really as simple as cutting out the hole for them and plugging it in? I assume the existing wiring is behind the dash and easy to get to?
Any other nuances I should be aware of? I like the idea of the vinyl seats and rubber floors as I have two kids. The only other thing I might consider doing is adding remote start, a full center console and third row seats but I am guessing that is pretty straightforward too.
Here the place I am currently looking to purchase from when the time comes. This is an example of what I would like to have as well. It has all the options I would want (GU6, G80, AP8, Z82, etc.) outside of the K5L. If the K5L isn't a deal breaker then I won't necessarily look for one with it.
http://chicagomotors.com/114307/2009-Chevrolet-Tahoe-LS-4WD
Lastly, some pics of the boat behind the Rainier and Suburban.
Thanks for any help and I look forward to picking one of these up in the near future.
For some background, I have always been a GM guy and have owned several LS powered vehicles over the years and still have my turbo Camaro (hence the username). Recently I've had a 2002 Avalanche, 2004 Buick Rainier 5.3, 2003 Silverado 1500HD, and just recently sold a 2003 Suburban 2500 8.1L (I know, not an LS).
Anyway, I am looking for a full size SUV that I can still tow my boat and car trailer with. The boat is a 1999 Mariah Z252 that has a dry weight for 4250 lbs that sits on a tandem axle trailer. I am guessing the total weight is around 6200 lbs. after accounting for fluids, gear, and trailer. I've had the boat hooked up to all the vehicles, but didn't tow it any distance with the Rainier for obvious reasons. The Avalanche struggled with the 5.3/4L60E combo but did it. The Silverado also struggled with the 6.0/4L80E combo but if I left it in 3rd it would hum right along. I bought the 8.1 Suburban strictly for towing duties and while it does a fantastic job, it's more than I need I think. Neither the Avalanche or Silverado would hold OD while towing the boat, but did fine with my Camaro on an open trailer. The Suburban would hold OD and pick up speed whenever I wanted. It also got the best MPG towing the boat out of all the others but unloaded it only improved 1-2 MPG.
With that being said, I have also towed the boat 6 hours one way with a 2013 Tahoe LTZ. It towed better than all of the other vehicles except the Suburban. One thing that concerns me with the SSV Tahoe is that it won't have the air suspension to level the truck back out. This brings me to my first question of adding airbags to the SSV springs, or will it not sag enough to worry about it? The car trailer adds the most tongue weight. Also, is the K5L HD cooling package really needed? I always add an aftermarket trans cooler to my tow vehicles anyway, and an oil cooler really isn't needed IMO.
Next question, adding the DIC buttons. It's really as simple as cutting out the hole for them and plugging it in? I assume the existing wiring is behind the dash and easy to get to?
Any other nuances I should be aware of? I like the idea of the vinyl seats and rubber floors as I have two kids. The only other thing I might consider doing is adding remote start, a full center console and third row seats but I am guessing that is pretty straightforward too.
Here the place I am currently looking to purchase from when the time comes. This is an example of what I would like to have as well. It has all the options I would want (GU6, G80, AP8, Z82, etc.) outside of the K5L. If the K5L isn't a deal breaker then I won't necessarily look for one with it.
http://chicagomotors.com/114307/2009-Chevrolet-Tahoe-LS-4WD
Lastly, some pics of the boat behind the Rainier and Suburban.
Thanks for any help and I look forward to picking one of these up in the near future.
