My thoughts on towing with the new Suburban.

[Topkicker]

I made the final trip from NE Indiana to St. Louis, MO yesterday. The 1/2 ton Suburban was loaded down inside with all the items I need to get through the work week before moving into my home next weekend. I also had the trailer loaded with my tools, power washer, Stihl trimmer, blower, and chainsaws. Pretty much all the items I don't trust the moving company to handle. Didn't weigh the trailer so not a lot of technical info to give. The trip was mostly all interstate and kept my speed between 65 and 75. The tow-haul mode was on for the trip also. Not sure it was needed with the half loaded trailer, but with the six speed tranny I didn't want it gear hunting between 5th and 6th. I averaged 16 mpg on the 400+ mile trip. I'm very happy with these numbers. Not too bad for such a large SUV with the rear cargo area loaded up to the second row, my dog, Lynnerd holding down the center bench, and a half loaded 20ft trailer. The comfort of the ride on long trips is amazing thanks mostly to the leather heated front buckets w lumbar. Had the tri-zone climate set to 70 degrees and the back heat on high while the Bose speakers was cranking out my favorite Country tunes from the I-Pod dock inside the center console. I think the Chevy Suburban is a perfect balance of luxury and workhorse. :thumbsup:

 

[Code54]

That sounds like great mileage - heck even empty that would not be bad!

 

[JJZ 109]

That sounds like great mileage - heck even empty that would not be bad!

Kinda what I was thinking. Heck, my new F150 with 5.0 is only doing 17-18 in everyday local driving. But it's only got a couple thousand miles on it will will hopefully improve some after break in.

 

[paulharvey]

Kinda what I was thinking. Heck, my new F150 with 5.0 is only doing 17-18 in everyday local driving. But it's only got a couple thousand miles on it will will hopefully improve some after break in.

My work truck is 4wd 2012 f150 5.0 reg cab short bed, it gets ~18 with mostly state road driving, less on inter state, it doesn't like 70+ MPH. 25,000 miles.

My 2005 Chevy 2500hd 6.0 gets 12 MPG unloaded, and the funny thing is the 5.0 is rated higher HP and torque

2002 Dakota 3.9l 2wd gets around 18 MPG, and all if abiut 200 HP.

 

[JJZ 109]

My work truck is 4wd 2012 f150 5.0 reg cab short bed, it gets ~18 with mostly state road driving, less on inter state, it doesn't like 70+ MPH. 25,000 miles.

My 2005 Chevy 2500hd 6.0 gets 12 MPG unloaded, and the funny thing is the 5.0 is rated higher HP and torque

2002 Dakota 3.9l 2wd gets around 18 MPG, and all if abiut 200 HP.

2013 F150 STX 4x4 Supercab/6 ft. box for me. I really have no complaints. It's certainly better than the 2013 Ram 1500 with hemi that I ditched to get back into a Ford.
But to get back to Topkicker's post, I think I'd be satisfied with that mileage. Especially pulling a 20' trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

That seems too good to be true. I could do that with my diesel but all of the 15 or so gas tow rigs I have owned never did above 12 mpg.

Is it a 20' enclosed trailer or flat bed car hauler? Also, is that the dash info or hand calculated?

Chris

 

[3930dave]

One other nice thing about towing with a Sub is that SUVs tend to get targeted less for trailer enforcement, at least around here (Ontario, Canada).

I'm no fan of unsafe towing, but as I personally know people who have been hit with nuisance trailer tickets (no mechanical faults), it is nice to fly under the radar when you can.

Sounds like a good trip ! Rgds, D.

 

[Topkicker]

That seems too good to be true. I could do that with my diesel but all of the 15 or so gas tow rigs I have owned never did above 12 mpg.

Is it a 20' enclosed trailer or flat bed car hauler? Also, is that the dash info or hand calculated?

Chris

Should have specified "open trailer". An enclosed would make a big difference. Dash says 16.3 mpg. Calculated was 16 even. The terrain had a lot to do with the numbers also. Indiana is very flat and was half the trip. I would never see these numbers in the winding roads of the N Georgia mountains where I'm from.

 

[timswi]

Should have specified "open trailer". An enclosed would make a big difference. Dash says 16.3 mpg. Calculated was 16 even. The terrain had a lot to do with the numbers also. Indiana is very flat and was half the trip. I would never see these numbers in the winding roads of the N Georgia mountains where I'm from.

I don't doubt that MPG...Got similar mileage with a 16' car hauler loaded going through Ohio (flat)...Where I live in PA is a whole other story.

 

[Topkicker]

I don't doubt that MPG...Got similar mileage with a 16' car hauler loaded going through Ohio (flat)...Where I live in PA is a whole other story.

What's up, Tim.. Wish they offered the 6.2L in the Burb like you have in your truck. The 5.3 does good w the 3:42's and six speed. The 6.2L would do great. The crazy thing is you can get a Tahoe LTZ w a 6.2L....not the Suburban. Sometimes I question what the "shot callers" at GM are thinking. I love your truck. Rare opt machine you have.