Towing Dutchman BH15 with Suburban 1500

[Stonecreek]

Last summer we bought a Coleman/Dutchman BH15 and towed with a 04 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with 4.7, 5 speed manual, 3.55, a canoe, and the family of 4. Tows good up to about 50 mph then struggles, so looking for an affordable replacement.

I've been looking at 95 to 99 Suburban K1500 and K2500s. Not sure a 2500 454 is needed, but I don't want to go from barely adequate to just mediocre towing performance with a 1500. Does anyone have experience towing a small 3900 lbs trailer with a 1500?

Thanks.

[kayakcrazy]

Hello Stonecreek and welcome to the forum. I think most of us have been in the same place you are. When we purchased our Kodiak we were using a 2010 Chev with the 5.3 engine. Worked really well here on the prairies but as soon as we reached the mountains the power just wasn't there. Now do I spend quite a lot of money to upgrade to the bigger engine for the two times a year that we head west into the Rockies or do I make do with what I have. I could easily do 60 mph and that's what the manufacturers were recommending as the ideal towing speed. I had a sweet spot at 60 where my gas milage was good and the tranny didn't overheat. Now that all changed when a young man out joy riding decided to reshape my truck and I was forced to buy a new one. I purchased my new truck with the bigger engine but have not gone out west with the camper. There are some very knowledgeable people that can better help you with this. Some of the best times we had as a family were when we were out camping. Happy camping.

[ewarnerusa]

Subscribed to hear about burb towing.
My TV is marginal for our TT and I think I want a full size SUV if we ever upgrade. Suburban seems like what I want.