I am considering a new North Trail tt. I am deciding between 2 models and am not sure what my 2003 Tahoe can pull. I currently have a 27ft tt weighing right at 5,000 lbs dry. I am deciding between a 28 ft weighing 4900 lbs dry vs a 31 ft weighing 5400 lbs dry. We prefer the 31 ft but are concerned about length (more so than the weight). Both will trailer better than my boxey 2000 Timberland. What is more important....weight or length??? According to what I can see, weight shouldn't be an issue with either option. All serious advice is appreciated.
John and Taryn Johns
2003 Chevy Tahoe 5.3V8
2000 Timberland 27BH
What's most important out of the gate is what your TV will safely pull, so "Weight" is the top priority to worry about. That 5400# weight on the 31' is probably a "no option" weight and everything from soup to nuts (AC, Propane, upgrades, etc) can easily add a thousand (or two) pounds to that empty weight. IMHO 5400 Pounds for a 31' trailer is really low, so expect the actual curb weight to be considerably more unless you order the most basic bare bones model.
Add in another 1000# of contents, and you can find that 5400# trailer grossly exceeding your tow vehicles ratings.
Of course, you'll have to look into what your truck is rated to tow. This will vary based on engine size, gearing, etc.
Thanks so much for the advice. We are looking at North Trail 31 QBS and it is very light, especially at that length, but that is by design. The ONLY other option that will weigh anything more is the A/C. I think we are ok on weight. Our TV is rated at 7400#. I dont want to blow up my 2003 Tahoe 5.3 V8 so I am concerned, but think I am ok. Any other thoughts?
Checking the details on that model it has a GVWR of 6900 Pounds and a remarkably light empty weight as you mention.
One must remember that the empty weight however doesn't include anything that you might consider normal. Things like propane and a full freshwater tank can add alot of weight right there that is never included on the published empty weight. Also remember that the weight of passengers and gear in your truck also subtract from your tow rating.
All that said, so long as you don't load heavy you should technically probably be OK, but you'll be very close. The "don't tow beyond 80% of your rated capacity" club will think otherwise, though.
The other thing to consider is your wheelbase's suitability to towing a long trailer like the 31' you listed, which is actually 33' in reality. There are better experts here on that matter that can offer their suggestions on that topic.
As for overall size there are tradeoffs - some national parks have length limitations that will prevent you from camping there, and other smaller parks might simply have sites that are too small for you to maneuver into. Typically you'll have no problems, but occasionally you will - it depends alot on where you intend to camp, and your flexibility or sites, and skills at maneuvering.
We bought a North Trail 28 BHS earlier this year. We tow with a 2008 Chrysler Aspen. I say the weight is no problem, but I think we are pushing the length limits. My trailer has some sway, but nothing white knuckling. I was apprehensive about a 28 foot trailer, I would ask you to seriously reconsider a 31 foot, towing with a Tahoe. I don't want to make the decision for you, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with anything longer than my 28 footer. I would love to have the extra room, but it's not worth it.
Keep in mind it is our first trailer and my first experience towing anything so we don't have anything to compare to.
I am sure you will love the North Trailer, whichever one you get.
Good Luck.
I have same Tahoe and pulling a 4600 lb TT. It walks down the road easy, haven't loaded it down yet. I had an equalizer hitch on it and sure makes a difference. shouldn't be a problem. Staying about 1000 lbs under max is what I was told especially if making long trips. short trips you could pull a lot more.
What is a problem is the Soft Rear coil springs.....need to add air bags and E rated tires.........5.3 liter has more than enough power and torque......where you are lacking is wheelbase and suspension.
Throw a ProPride hitch system on yet...........and you are really good to go!!
For peace of mind, I would go with the 28' TT. It weighs less and is shorter, which is something you want with your Tahoe. What WDH do you have right now?
2006 Hornet 28BHDS-Bunk House, Dual Slides
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
Reese Brake Controller, WD Hitch and Sway Bar
Weight in NOT the most important thing, you guys need to get that straight....it is only one of several factors that affect towing stability. If weight was the only concern, I could tow your trailer down the road with my lawnmower if it had the right gearing. Not very fast mind you, but it would tow it...
A 31' TT behind a Tahoe is an accident waiting to happen IMO. The longer the TT the more sail area that the sides create, and the more sway input the trailer will provide to the Tahoe as it gets buffeted by crosswinds. Side and frontal square footage is equally important to weight when matching a TV and TT. the longer the wheelbase on the truck, the better it can control the trailer.
The third important component is the stability of the truck itself. As was pointed out, soft coil springs and P-rated tires don't provide the firm ride you need to control trailer sway input. This is somewhat of a weight issue also...the suspension components of the Tahoe (and any truck) are designed to handle the truck when loaded to it GVWR. The big issue with SUVs is that the tongue weight of the trailer, combined with the weight of the truck occupants and cargo, will exceed the GVWR of the Tahoe before you reach it's "tow rating".
Going to a trailer with a lighter tongue weight is not a solution, because unless the trailer has 12-15% of its total weight on the tongue, it will sway like mad.
You don't mention how many in the family. I would suggest that you load up the Tahoe with family and cargo, take a trip to the scales and see what it really weighs. Then subtract that from the GVWR and see what's left over for tongue weight. Divide by 15% and that will give you the max TT you should tow.
You'll find that the Tahoe will tow any of the trailers you're looking at, the only remaining questions are how safely, and for how many miles before the tranny or rear blows up.
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