SUV Question

[Ynot0323]

I currently have a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab, Long Bed with a 5.2L and run a small scrap metal business, which requires me to tow around 3000 lbs about once a month..

Only problem with this, is when i hook my trailer up ( around a 5x10 trailer ) with the weight distributed throughout the trailer, the trucks rear bumper and hitch bar drop DRASTICALLY... The manual for the truck, states the truck can trailer around 5,500 lbs..

I am looking to get rid of this truck, and get something a bit newer and that can haul more weight, without becoming a low-rider..

Here is what i am looking at , please give input if you own one, and tow around the weight i do...

Chevy Tahoe
Chevy Suburban
Chevy TrailBlazer
GMC Yukon 3/4 ton

I would also use this same vehicle to tow my 17' Pro Line which boat, motor, trailer weighs around 2000 lbs.. AND i am upgrading to a 6x12 trailer, so i can haul (3) ATV's out to our riding spots..

ANY INFO WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED..
 
THANKS,
Tony

[PLAYBOY_400]

HEY TONY. I HAVE A 99 GMC YUKON THAT TOWS EVERYTHING JUST FINE. I KNOW THAT THIS ISNT AS MUCH WEIGHT AS YOU WOULD USUALLY TOW BUT I HAVE A 6X12 TRAILER THAT I HOOK UP 3 BIKES ON AND YOU DONT REALLY FEEL IT. BACK DROPS A LIL BIT BUT THATS NORMAL. ITS DOESNT SCRAPE THR GROUND THOUGH.

[MachineDog]

Try transfering more weight to the rear end of the trailer to bring more weight off the tongue. You want most of the weight to be put on the trailer axle and not on the tongue. Also, are you using a heavy duty trailer? Most 5x10s I've seen aren't designed to haul 3000lbs.

[Fox17]

get a toyota sequoia. we have one and pull a 7x14 enclosed trailer with 2 bikes and 2 4wheelers. its a 2wd though. we have tundra too. its 4x4. it pulls the trailer like there is nothing back there. we pull over 3000 puonds too.

[backwoods boy]

FORD super duty diesel we got an 04 w/ the turbo diesel n it gets 16-18 mpg in 4wd we pulled a semi w/ a crane on it out of a ditch n can still fit 6 adults in it we might be selling it pm me if your interested

[Fox17]

DONT get a ford. they suck!!!

[MadMudder]

FORD super duty diesel we got an 04 w/ the turbo diesel n it gets 16-18 mpg in 4wd we pulled a semi w/ a crane on it out of a ditch n can still fit 6 adults in it we might be selling it pm me if your interested

Read pulled semi w/ a crane out of ditch...... But to anwser the real question of the topic, my dad has a 99 silverado 1/2 ton and we pull a 7,000 pound camper down the road just fine. But he has added a set of Helwig overload springs and they drastically help towing capacity and it doesnt slouch as much as it used to. So im with Sombch, just modify what you have cause the big suv's will have a ginormus gas bill and you mindas well stick with what u got if u go with the trailblazer..

[Ynot0323]

i dont really like the truck as much anymore, and the Trail Blazer has a V6, so it would get better gas mileage then my V8, right?!?!

I do not tow ALL THE TIME.. but want something i can tow the boat with and it may be pretty often, who knows..

THANKS,
Tony

[Ynot0323]

What do you all think of the Chevy Trailblazer or the Tahoe even in a 1/2 ton, and then i do some heavier springs in it..

For some reason i do not like the truck anymore.. I want something a bit smaller, but that still tow..

The 4x4 is just a plus for the boat ramp, i dont plan on taking it off roading or anything like that..

Does anyone know where i might be able to find a USED Suburban 3/4 ton.. If i can get it with the small v8, like my buddy has..which doesnt get bad gas mileage..

Tony

[Fox17]

most big v6 turcks and suv will pull a decent size boat and the trailer for your business. the nissan xterra and fronteir both have 265 hp and like 5500 pound towing capacity.

[gtnwood]

I own an 04 Trailblazer wit the in line six yeah it's got 275hp and good torque but like previously mentioned it dang sure sucks the gas like no small v8 if your in the throttle.

[NPRVinson]

My wife has a Ford Expedition w/ 5.4 V8, we pull a 16' tandem w/ three utes and and all of our gear and it does fine. Also has factory air bags in the rear so when you put a load on it they pump up and level out the truck. It's a little rough on gas but the new 5.4 does alot better on gas. Doesn't sound like a Ford crowd though.

[tileman]

i won't tell you what to buy, but i will tell you i have have  3/4 ton chevy with a 6.0 liter gas. It pulls and hauls like a horse but only get 9 pulling and 11 empty.  good luck

[Chevy1500z71]

out of those id get the gmc yukon... but y not go with a deisel truck....

[Ynot0323]

i dont care for the diesel..

i am looking for something that i can save some gas with.. i wont be towing the 3000 lbs ALL THE TIME..it is about a 10-12 mile drive from my house to the scrap metal place.. if i go fishing, i would tow from here to the water, bout 5-7 miles ( depending on which ramp )

I may take a look into the Suburban 2500 with the small block v-8..

Tony

[backwoods boy]

diesel get better mpg our F-250 gets 17-18 n my bronco only gets 9-11 n youll get better mpg towing cuz the engine doesn't have to work as hard

[Fox17]

buy a real hummer (not a h2 they suck!!) they had cummins diesels and they made an suv version. not sure bout gas mileage but they are cool.

[Ynot0323]

i will NEVER buy a Hummer, at least not the H2 or H3.. They look like Tonka toys..

only one i would buy would be the older military style one..

Tony

[Fox17]

thats what im talkin bout. i would NEVER buy any gm vehicle. i like the old ones. the original ones. they are awesome.

[Ynot0323]

I am thinking of either getting a NEWER ( 98-up ) Ford F-150 and put air-bags in it, so it can handle the load i need to haul.. Or possibly a Chevy 1500 or if i could find a 2500 that isnt all that expensive.. The GMC Sierra 1500 does not look all that bad either..

I guess i will stick with a truck after all, since i can haul stuff in the bed AND tow what i need at the same time..

Would anyone on here know of any place or person selling any of the above vehicles... I would prefer 4x4 if at all possible, but i guess will settle for 2wd..

THANKS,
Tony