Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

[ChrisW23]

We have a 2WD Chevy Tahoe with a 4.8L V8, ltd slip rear differential and the tow package. Tow rating as equipped is 6,700 lbs. We have used it to tow our Sea Ray 18' bow rider (~3,000 lbs with fuel and gear) for many years with few problems. In fact, the only trouble we have really had was due to the poor condition of the ramp, rather than the Tahoe. That said, the drag on the Tahoe is definitely noticeable when pulling off the water and up the ramp.

We are looking at trading up to a 20' Sea Ray Bowrider. I estimate the total additional weight, including bigger fuel tank and bigger trailer at ~1500 lbs, or 4,500 total pounds.

Anyone out there have experience with this combo; 2WD Tahoe and 4,500 lbs of boat/trailer? Am I asking for problems on the ramp?

I appreciate the input.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

All depends on the ramp as far as traction goes. I tow with a 2wd Ram pickup with no issues, but we have good ramps. Weight wise you should be well within your tow rating.

 

[MJG24]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Not sure what you mean by 'noticable drag'.

That Tahoe should hande the new boat fine.

 

[ChrisW23]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Not sure what you mean by 'noticable drag'.

That Tahoe should hande the new boat fine.

Just saying that I notice the weight. My perspective may be off a bit with this; years ago we had a Silverado 1500HD with the 6.0L and it hauled our travel trailer like it wasn't even there...

 

[gtochris]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

I would just pick ramps wisely- We have the same truck but 4x4 and most of the time I just pull up the ramps in 2WD mode.

 

[MJG24]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Just saying that I notice the weight. My perspective may be off a bit with this; years ago we had a Silverado 1500HD with the 6.0L and it hauled our travel trailer like it wasn't even there...

Well, pulling with anything out of the water, you're gonna notice the wieght. I have an F-150 with a tow rating of 9,000+ pounds and I 'notice' my 4,000 lb. boat coming out on the ramp.

 

[QC]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

You'll be fine. Moving to towing section.

 

[Levinz11]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Your Tahoe should be fine with the larger boat. It's that slush-box 4L60E tranny that is the weak link.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

I have a 04 2WD Avalanche (similar as a Tahoe with a bed) with a 5.3 and tow 7,600lbs, Never a problem at my ramp or on the road, Handles it nice.

LK

 

[kawakx125]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

you should be fine, maybe try changing the way you pull off the ramp. your trying to pull up a steep grade that is wet with 4k behind you, traction can always be an issue. i take it slow and maintain traction, the wife on the other hand guns it and smokes my tires damn near all the way up. spinning tires do not equate to forward motion. you didn't mention whether or not you were having traction issues. as far as ''noticing the drag'', as i said before you have the weight plus the drag of the trailer being in the water you'll notice it regardless of tow vehicle. as long as your well within tow specs for that vehicle you should be good

 

[ChrisW23]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

I would just pick ramps wisely- We have the same truck but 4x4 and most of the time I just pull up the ramps in 2WD mode.

Agree 100%. The 2 main ramps I use are in generally good shape. However, there are a couple of others that create big time issues for anyone that does not have 4WD.

 

[ChrisW23]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

kawakx125 - No traction issues to speak of. I do as you, slow and steady all the way up the ramp. My wife handles putting the boat on the trailer, I handle the driving. So no issues with her on the ramp.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

I have never had any problem with 2wd rear drive vehicles with open differentials at normal pitched ramps, have used cars and pickup trucks. Though you need to put more power "down" to get up the ramp the way gravity works the towed item puts more weight on the rear wheels, that seems to even it out some. A light touch on the brakes and throttle is the key.

I do use a ramp now that is a lot steeper and is all gravel until right where the ramp starts. It is a bit of an adventure, I would not attempt that with anything other than 4wd. As you back down the front tires will slip on the gravel when braking and it rolls a little farther than you would like, not a pleasant feeling. I use wheel chocks to hold it when going solo.

 

[kawakx125]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

mainly what you're feeling is gravity and the drag of the water, nothing your tahoe can't handle

 

[QC]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

what you're feeling is gravity and the drag of the water

Ya know that stuff gets in the way of so much. Darn it!

 

[cribber]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Low and slow up the ramp and you'll be fine. You are well within your tow rating so you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Just saying that I notice the weight. My perspective may be off a bit with this; years ago we had a Silverado 1500HD with the 6.0L and it hauled our travel trailer like it wasn't even there...

You are comparing a 6.0 liter (366 cubic inch) engine to a 4.8 (292 cubic inch) engine and expecting similar performance??? Check the axle ratio. If you have anything less than the 3.42 you can have the ratio changed to take care of any issue due to the added weight. I too question that you are having an issue pulling up the ramp. You will have a traction problem before you have a power issue.

 

[Cobalt232]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

My 232 Cobalt dwarfs my V8 4Runner. It has no problem pulling it out at 6200#. Unless you have traction issues you have to use more throttle when you double the weight of your vehicle with a trailer.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

You should be fine. Will you notice the weight when you pull out ???? absolutely. If you don't then likely the hitch has disconnected. Pull ours out with our Trailblazer. Noticeable yes, issues No. We also pull our 26ft travel trailer with the Trailblazer. Noticeable, absolutely. Issues No.
Anything 50% or more of your tow capacity that tows like it is "not there" most likely is not.
Just my thoughts though.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Trouble towing with 2WD Tahoe...

Agree 100%. The 2 main ramps I use are in generally good shape. However, there are a couple of others that create big time issues for anyone that does not have 4WD.

This made me reflect- a few years back we helped a family member setup a new 26' Pontoon trailer and it involved backing the Tahoe in until the back rims were wet... we pulled it all out with the 4WD on and everyone was shocked how confident it was- I just would never allow myself to be in that situation with a 2wd truck. (our last TV was 2WD)
Even with 4x4- if the trailer falls of the end of a ramp you can just as well be stuck- best to always exercise caution.