i've been doing a little digging myself; i need some towing ability. Ideally i'd like to build my own square suburban 3/4 ton, but just don't have time right now. i am aiming for 2013-2017 as these gm certified used/carmax units will need no work and come with warranties.
It's very confusing, but here's what i have so far:
1) You can't get a 6.2 in 2014-18 suburbans/tahoes, so there is no "MaxTow" for these suvs.
a) There is, however, a "max trailer package," or "heavy-duty trailering package" (depending on which year) available for the suburban/tahoe.
b) IF equipped with this "max trailer package/heavy-duty trailering package," The Tahoe actually has a higher tow capacity than suburban: 8500 vs. 8,100 for '14, 8,600 vs. 8,300 for '15 and later. i'm assuming because the Tahoe is lighter?
2) The 2013 3/4 suburban has maximum tow capacity of 9,600 lbs. Now, the 6.0 engine was available for suburban at the time, but since the current 5.3 makes about the same power now, as the 6.0 did in '13, i would like to assume that the higher tow capacity of the 3/4 ton was due to suspension/axle, not engine? At any rate, the newer improved 1/2 tons still don't quite match a 3/4 ton.
If a TRUCK has "MaxTow," then one big clue is if it has tow mirrors. Also, the code "NHT" will appear on the glove box sticker; This is code for the MaxTow package. However, how can you tell if a suburban or Tahoe has the heavy-duty trailer package? Most dealers do not list this on their websites. i don't feel like driving 80-100 miles or more just to find out it's a no-go. i think one possible clue is if it has a trailer hitch installed, but this is not 100% guaranteed as the previous owner may have installed it.
