Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

[NYBo]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

If you cannot climb a slippery grade with a front wheel drive car, turn around and back up the hill. Instant fix.

That would have been quite a trick on this particular grade, but I would have tried it if my other tactic didn't work!

Rim size isn't the issue, outside tire diameter is.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Funny you should mention traction control. My wife and I were leaving a lakeside B & B this morning in her 2012 Malibu with traction control. As we climbed the steep shale driveway and reached a particularly slick spot, we lost all forward motion. The traction control did us in. We backed down and tried again at a higher speed. We came to a stop in the same spot. The only way we could make it up that hill was to back down, disable the traction control, and use the throttle to maintain speed. The wheels slipped but we made it. Yes, I know this is a front-wheel-drive car and we weren't towing a boat, but I think the issue would be the same.

You make my argument...you were driving with TC! Shale is not slick, while it's loose, and can cause slip, it's not at all like snow/wet boat ramps...A locker would've been the best thing...unfortunately, that's not an option on a Malibu!! Momentum is the what you used to overcome gravity and loose shale...I was raised 4 wheeling, momentum is your friend up-hill..downhill, it's all about traction and avoiding momentum!

 

[jkust]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

People also tend to ignore rear axle ratios when buying a tow vehicle.

So true. It's as though the majority of suv buyers buy them not for their intended purposes as evidenced by my used shopping experiences. Eventually I would have to ask for a build sheet before even asking anything else. I've never bought a new vehicle so I'm not sure if people are simply buying off the lot or what.

 

[jkust]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

jkust,

I can agree that traction control doesn't work as well as locking diffs or limited-slip diffs, but most of the basic vehicles have some form of traction control (brake based). I would bet you a dollar to a donut that a 2wheel drive Tahoe with an electric locker are slim, 4WD, slim still, but probably not as rare as a 2WD. I would argue a point you make about a locker, they are not design/installed for towing, they are designed to be used in slick, off-road situations (I would agree on a boat ramp being both those!). Both my Toyota's have lockers and they are limited to 4 low and below 5mph (Again, I would still say that's appropriate for a boat ramp, but a 2WD Tahoe will not have 4low or 4high for that matter!?). If I were given the option of traction control or electric (or pneumatic) locker in a boat ramp setting, I'd more than likely have the traction control. With a locked rear end on very slick surfaces you get both wheels spinning, then, that's the end of forward momentum as they just become 2 spinning, slippery skis! Where as with the TC one wheel would still be trying to slip and the other would stop and repeat...It happens very quickly (almost imperceivable?)

Used to have traction control on my Land Rover Discovery II, worked so well in the snow (I had 17" wheels with very wide tires) granted, it was all wheel drive, but very, very stable. I rented a GT Mustang (2005) in Boston over a Thanksgiving weekend, snowed the morning of...drove from Boston to Rochester with traction control, was surprised how very little slip I experienced...had no trouble getting around the secondary streets. I had previously owned a '97 GT Mustang without TC...when it snowed, I left it in the garage. I've owned a few cars with lockers and in snow, they're pretty much useless for hills/ice. They work great in rocks, mud, general off-roading and fresh snow, but ice...no way.

Anyway, most likely a moot point as he's most likely got unlimited slip rear end with (or without traction control). Just a point to consider!?

~Brett

All good points. A Tahoe that old can only have an Eaton mechanical locker if it has any OEM locker at all..it's a big GM thing that they still tout today. A rear wheel drive truck with out a locker or 4wd is a 1 wheel drive with an open diff. The worst possible scenario. I've lived the exact scenario where all I had was a 2wd and brake based traction control and looked like a fool smoking the tires up the ramp and had to shut the old school traction control off in order to spin my way out.

I once rented a Mustang in West Virginia because it's all they had left back around 2007. It had snowed and was slippery but the Mustang did surprisingly well. Coming from MN of course we are indoctrinated with bad weather and back in my day rwd and seatbelts and that's it. I asked a local why everyone was going so slow and his response was because even if you are a great driver, if you go off the road, you go off a cliff. I slowed down after that.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

I once rented a Mustang in West Virginia because it's all they had left back around 2007. It had snowed and was slippery but the Mustang did surprisingly well. Coming from MN of course we are indoctrinated with bad weather and back in my day rwd and seatbelts and that's it. I asked a local why everyone was going so slow and his response was because even if you are a great driver, if you go off the road, you go off a cliff. I slowed down after that.

Local conventional wisdom...LOL!
As kids we used to drive with my dad (in a 1978 Jeep CJ-5, golden eagle) from Tacoma to Yakima...over I90, back in the day, they had no barriers for the drop-off...talk about scary as heck drive during a snow storm 4WD or otherwise...many trips in snow!

 

[jkust]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Local conventional wisdom...LOL!
As kids we used to drive with my dad (in a 1978 Jeep CJ-5, golden eagle) from Tacoma to Yakima...over I90, back in the day, they had no barriers for the drop-off...talk about scary as heck drive during a snow storm 4WD or otherwise...many trips in snow!

I was a bit younger back them on a business trip thinking I was Hot Sh*t passing everyone up in my sweet rented Mustang with my Minnesota driving skills I brought with me. Sometimes you have to listen to the locals.

 

[Nobody785]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

So true. It's as though the majority of suv buyers buy them not for their intended purposes as evidenced by my used shopping experiences. Eventually I would have to ask for a build sheet before even asking anything else. I've never bought a new vehicle so I'm not sure if people are simply buying off the lot or what.

I bought mine used as a hand me down from my grandmother (she had hip surgery and couldn't get in and out of it). She sold it to me for $10k w/ 10,000 miles on it. I couldn't turn that down. Unfortunately it is the bottom of the line 2004 model and has the small engine, lowest axle ratio. At the time that I bought the SUV (6 years ago), I had no towing need. In fact I only had a hitch put on it this week.

 

[jkust]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

I bought mine used as a hand me down from my grandmother (she had hip surgery and couldn't get in and out of it). She sold it to me for $10k w/ 10,000 miles on it. I couldn't turn that down. Unfortunately it is the bottom of the line 2004 model and has the small engine, lowest axle ratio. At the time that I bought the SUV (6 years ago), I had no towing need. In fact I only had a hitch put on it this week.

The bummer is that to add a locker or change the axle ratio, you really need to replace the whole rear end with one from a salvage place. It is cost prohibitive otherwise but practically nothing when new. Hey at least you have an suv and aren't looking to tow with a crossover or minivan. Sounds like your grandmother had an suv because she liked to sit up high.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

no reason to replace the whole axle housing to change gearing.... he MIGHT need a different carrier depending on if there is a ratio break or possibly there may be a thick gear set available to use the carrier from higher ratios.... as for adding a locker that is usually a carrier swap so again no need to swap the whole housing assy.... it IS pricey tho

honestly from reading your posts, maybe you should just sell it and get something that better fits your needs... not that it won't work but you just might be happier in the long run with a different vehicle

 

[NYBo]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

With all the hoops to jump through to make sure this vehicle would be up to the task, I agree that selling the Tahoe and getting a more appropriate vehicle is a better idea. It would probably cost less when you factor in the sale of the Tahoe.

You make my argument...you were driving with TC! Shale is not slick, while it's loose, and can cause slip, it's not at all like snow/wet boat ramps...

Actually, when the shale is worn away and the dirt underneath has turned to mud from the rain the previous night, it IS slick! :redface: And just as jkust stated, TC stopped us dead when the going got to this slick spot.

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Actually, when the shale is worn away and the dirt underneath has turned to mud from the rain the previous night, it IS slick! :redface: And just as jkust stated, TC stopped us dead when the going got to this slick spot.

Well then yes, in that case a locker might have been beneficial?! Sounds like you had the skills to get through it...which in my mind means you're an experienced driver and didn't need no new fandangled technology...
So, you're gonna add a locker to the Malibu? :laugh:

 

[Nobody785]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

With all the hoops to jump through to make sure this vehicle would be up to the task, I agree that selling the Tahoe and getting a more appropriate vehicle is a better idea. It would probably cost less when you factor in the sale of the Tahoe.

Actually, when the shale is worn away and the dirt underneath has turned to mud from the rain the previous night, it IS slick! :redface: And just as jkust stated, TC stopped us dead when the going got to this slick spot.

Well the boat I'm looking at now weighs over 500 pounds less dry, and holds less fuel, so maybe I will give it a go with the Tahoe for awhile and see how it feels. I should definitely be within rated spec with the slightly lighter boat.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Well the boat I'm looking at now weighs over 500 pounds less dry, and holds less fuel, so maybe I will give it a go with the Tahoe for awhile and see how it feels. I should definitely be within rated spec with the slightly lighter boat.

That's a horse of a different color!

 

[Lou C]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Keep in mind that if its a 4x4 you have to regear both the rear and FRONT diff if you are changing from a 3.42 to 3.73 or 4.10s
I'd consider looking around but if you find a good 4x4 shop it may be fine to keep your current vehicle, add a True Trac or similar limited slip a the same time. Also, add the biggest aux trans cooler you can fit and a P/S cooler if you can fit one as well.
I added much the same stuff to my old 98 Jeep (Bilstein shocks, Air Lift air bags, B&M trans cooler, LT rated tires) and it tows very well for a 4.0 six.
When I got my 07 Jeep I made sure to get the biggest engine (Hemi) tow package (trans cooler, PS cooler, hitch+wiring) and the best 4x4 system (Quadradrive II, full time automatic 2 speed transfer case, electronic locking rear and FRONT diffs). Tows like the Super Chief......

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Keep in mind that if its a 4x4 you have to regear both the rear and FRONT diff if you are changing from a 3.42 to 3.73 or 4.10s
I'd consider looking around but if you find a good 4x4 shop it may be fine to keep your current vehicle, add a True Trac or similar limited slip a the same time. Also, add the biggest aux trans cooler you can fit and a P/S cooler if you can fit one as well.
I added much the same stuff to my old 98 Jeep (Bilstein shocks, Air Lift air bags, B&M trans cooler, LT rated tires) and it tows very well for a 4.0 six.
When I got my 07 Jeep I made sure to get the biggest engine (Hemi) tow package (trans cooler, PS cooler, hitch+wiring) and the best 4x4 system (Quadradrive II, full time automatic 2 speed transfer case, electronic locking rear and FRONT diffs). Tows like the Super Chief......

Come on now lets be realistic. The OP has stated that he only going to tow about 10 miles on relatively flat ground. While there is nothing wrong in making the modifications you suggested it is totally unnecessary for him. As Americans we have become brainwashed by macho marketing schemes. The answer is not always in $$$ but sometimes it is in understanding the dynamics of what you have and just using common sense.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Keep in mind that if its a 4x4 you have to regear both the rear and FRONT diff if you are changing from a 3.42 to 3.73 or 4.10s.

Way back in post #3, the OP stated it''s rear wheel drive.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Well the boat I'm looking at now weighs over 500 pounds less dry, and holds less fuel, so maybe I will give it a go with the Tahoe for awhile and see how it feels. I should definitely be within rated spec with the slightly lighter boat.

Give it a go. I think you will be more than fine. Open or locking axle, just pick a good ramp and don't back in too far. For all the times I towed with the 4.8L tahoe, I only used 4x4 a few times as a preventive measure when the lake was real low, the 4.8L has a good amount of torque for getting going. I pulled a few very heavy 25ft + boats local with it and up ramps without a hiccup or wheel spin.

Being you said you JUST installed a hitch- (since you didn't get the factory tow package), only thing I WOULD add is an auxiliary Transmission cooler.

If anyone else hadn't noticed, many manufacturers are substituting Traction Control for the Limited Slip feature in today's vehicles- Try getting a Limited Slip in a current Expedition (not possible) or previous Generation Explorer... Or better yet- A new Grand Cherokee Limited with Quadra Drive but not the off road 2 package... My 4Runner doesn't have one either- just traction control and 4x4.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

In my opinion for your stated purpose it will be fine, just watch your loaded weight while towing proximity to the total Gross Combined Weight rating. If you need to expand that scope then I think a different vehicle would be the best approach. A good factory tow package includes more than just axle ratio, receiver hitch and wiring. There are also heavy duty engine and power steering and transmission cooling components, suspension augmentation, and sometimes trailer braking controllers and bigger brakes. Many of those items are not easily integrated into an existing "bare" vehicle.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

If it was me I would tow the 10 miles without worry. Just do not use overdrive and keep an eye on the transmission light. I definitely would not spend money on a trans cooler and gearing for a 9 year old truck. As said you can easily sell it and buy one with a tow package later if you don't like the way it tows or decided to make longer trips.

 

[jkust]

Re: Can my Tahoe haul a 21ft Sea Ray and Trailer - Owners Manual says 5700 lbs max

Come on now lets be realistic. The OP has stated that he only going to tow about 10 miles on relatively flat ground. While there is nothing wrong in making the modifications you suggested it is totally unnecessary for him. As Americans we have become brainwashed by macho marketing schemes. The answer is not always in $$$ but sometimes it is in understanding the dynamics of what you have and just using common sense.

Funny you say that. I realized how much overkill trucks are the season I bought my sig boat and towed it with a 180hp minivan. 3500lb capacity 4000+lb trailer weight. 45 degree ramps and I only needed to idle out. 180hp is a joke of course when discussing tow vehicles that frequently have 400hp and 400tq but really surprisingly capable when asked to do some work. Of course three v8, fully loaded suv's later and what makes a tow vehicle really capable is all the other stuff we've been talking about along with the truck frame. Where a good tow vehicle really counts is in the emergency maneuver situations on the highway. Like actually truly needing your 4x4, it's the 1% outlier situation where you are counting your stars that you had the right vehicle for the job. Just the fact the OP has an actual body on frame vehicle puts him in a good spot despite lacking some of the other stuff.