Well I have been trying to figure out how much trailer I can pull with this beast. Right now she`s stock, will get an exhaust, triple gauge pod, PMD relocation, extra tranny cooler, and upgraded cooling system before she tows.

But thru research it seems my 2500 4x4 suburban is only rated at towing 8000lbs. I have my eye on a 31` Jayco BHDS travel trailer that has an empty weight of 7475 and a GVW of 9200 lbs. I have been trying to get as much info as I can on the net to teach myself more about towing with these truck.(I have towed many military things like howitzers but they use pintal hooks and many vehicles get overloaded.)

I was reading about weight distibution hitchs and it seems they can make a vehicle tow more then its rated for by tranfering weight to the front tires thru the frame. The Class 5 ones are rated at 1200 lbs tongue and 12000lbs pulling. Would this work on a suburban. Also they have helper springs that go in your leaf pack to increase load, but can the axle handle it or the tires.

I understand that braking can be an issue but if the trailer brake is properly set up then the trailer should stop its weight and the truck its own weight in theory.

Any advice would be great, not too many floorplans in smaller trailers that would acomadate out family of 5, with three youngsters aged 5,3,2. Looking for a big trailer to grow into as we all get older.

You are into upper range for the Suburban. I pulled a 33' and a 27' both around 9000-10000 lbs. loaded OK with my Suburban with 3.73 axle, just had to be careful in the hills. A 4.10 was an option for several years. What axle ratio do you have?

First, the 2500 has 5 good leaf springs, better than some 2500 trucks- use a Class V equalizer hitch and you'll do fine for the hitch weight support.
Remember don't crank up the springs too tight- you can actually take too much weight off the rear axle causing slippage going up/down hills.

Second, pulling- the stock 6.5 will OK on the flats, but any kind of major hills will be a strain on the transmission. I'd definitely recommend the transmission oil cooler and temp gauge and maybe a performance chip for the 6.5. Drive to keep the temp below 220, 230 max. The weak link is the transmission.

Stopping- Use a good electric trailer brake controller, there are many good ones out there for ~$100-150. Good luck.

Search over in the 6.5 forum. You may also ask turbine doc.

Thanks for replies. I only have the 3.73,s, and yes a chip will be in order from heath. Just trying to figure if the tow chip or max performnce chip is the way to go.

There will be hills and some mountain driving, but i'll be keeping it slow and steady, no race driving with a load. Gauges are for making sure she stays cool, as well as the biggest trans cooler I an fit. A intercooler would be nice but wil be some work.

And yes I'll link this to the 6.5 forum but was curious what the tow gurus thought about weight distrubution hitch's and wheelbase concerns(but suburbans have truck wheelbases no?)

If you have the 8 lug full floating axle, it'll take what ever you can throw at it, the tires will go long before you hurt it. I've had more in tongue weight on goosenecks than your talking about pulling, dually of course.

Get a good equalizing hitch, trailer brakes and keep her cool. I think you'll be fine.

If you have a problem with sagging on the rear, you could add a leaf or air bags to keep your smooth ride when empty.