Thinking About a New Tow Vehicle - 2004 Suburban w/ 5.3

[RobertJ]

We have been pulling our boats for awhile with out 2000 Durango with the 4.7. It has been an awesome rig but the family is growing and we need room to haul the five of us plus a friend for each kid. I also need more space for the dog instead of his 70 pounds of labness on someones lap. Anyone have any experience with the burb and the 5.3. Our '07 LSV loaded is around 6 grand and we have hit the scales with the Durango and boat at 12 grand. I would really love to get a Denali with the 6.0 but I have a 16 year old and college is coming soon so we are trying to keep a reasonable budget.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions.

[rdlangston13]

Get a Denali with the 6.2. Teach your kid about sallie Mae

[mmandley]

We have been pulling our boats for awhile with out 2000 Durango with the 4.7. It has been an awesome rig but the family is growing and we need room to haul the five of us plus a friend for each kid. I also need more space for the dog instead of his 70 pounds of labness on someones lap. Anyone have any experience with the burb and the 5.3. Our '07 LSV loaded is around 6 grand and we have hit the scales with the Durango and boat at 12 grand. I would really love to get a Denali with the 6.0 but I have a 16 year old and college is coming soon so we are trying to keep a reasonable budget.

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions.

The 5.3 is a soild proven engine and a lot more popular then you might think. Give this a read.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...e/viewall.html

Now its not my first choice in a truck that big, or when loading it down and pulling a boat, but for our shorter summers and as long as your not making trips across the state i think it will hold up well.

How many miles are on this burb you are thinking of getting?

Heres a full spec sheet for the truck

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/sub...res-specs.html

[Suprahunter]

If your no slave to fashion look at the full size GM passenger vans. They are a Suburban frame and drive train with a box on top. I have a 05 GMC 3500 6L and 373 rear gear. Its definitely the red headed step child but it can safely hold 12 passengers and the dog . If you remove the seats it becomes a camper or box truck. Best of all because they are not popular you can get them cheap.

[KG's Supra24]

I have towed with both the 5.3 and the 6.0, both 04's. The 6.0 was noticeable better but the 5.3 (tahoe) wasn't a struggle to pull the 24.

I would take your time to find a well treated burb. I sold my 2004 6.0 last year this time because I was beginning to worry about the tranny with 160k and pulling all the time. I believe the nicer model burbs have airbags? That would be helpful towing.

FWIW, I like the cargo van recommendation.

[deerfield]

If your no slave to fashion look at the full size GM passenger vans.

RobertJ - I think Suprahunter makes a pretty interesting suggestion. My tow vehicle is a '99 Suburban that for now still serves its purpose but some day will be in need of replacement. Full size GM passenger van is something I will want to consider, especially if the price is less.

Bought our Suburban in '02 when the family outgrew a Volvo station wagon and I had my sights on a boat in the not too distant future. The K2500 with big block is more engine that I need for pulling the Outback, so if I had it to do over I would buy a 1500 Suburban with the small block engine. Better on the gas mileage.

Our boys are on the tall side: 6'7", 6'5", and 6'3". With friends, gear, dog, and boat in tow, Suburban pretty well handles the load and everyone is comfortable. Also have a roof cargo box for the times when there is just too much stuff.

Picture of the Suburban and boat is below. All in all, Suburban is excellent choice. - Deerfield

[kaneboats]

I tow the LSV with the Suburban. I have the 5.3L. It does fine. Take it easy on the hills but run 75 all the time. No problems whatsoever. 6 kids on board plus gear-- we fill every seat. Here's a pic getting ready to pull out on the way to the Sinclair Jam in 2010.

[sandm]

I surf with a couple that use a full size truck with the 5.3 to tow their sanger. they are selling it this spring to step up to a gm passenger van. holds more, bigger motor and great for camping instead of sleeping on the ground. they are not the most attractive things, but it's amazing what a nice set of rims, some window tint and a subtle graphics package will do for a van..

[bergermaister]

Besides the engine, take a look at the gearing. The difference between a 3.42 highway gear, 3.73 all around gears, and 4.10 towing gears makes a big difference as well. My poor '98 GMC is unfortunate to have 3.42's and it really works hard going up the hills and maintaining freeway speeds while towing. I tend to not settle for the slow lane so I'm rodding the piss out of it during the summer trips.

[KT Mobius]

hey Robert , if you get the scooby doo van Ill move.