Can a GMC Suburban pull a horse trailer?

[Erin]

We are lookin to buy a family/trailer pulling SUV. Unfortunately a truck doesn't have enough seating and I am wondering if there is any SUV strong enough to pull a horse trailer? OR if there is a truck with at least 5 seats. My best guess for the SUV was something like a Suburban.

 

[Molson02536]

We are lookin to buy a family/trailer pulling SUV. Unfortunately a truck doesn't have enough seating and I am wondering if there is any SUV strong enough to pull a horse trailer? OR if there is a truck with at least 5 seats. My best guess for the SUV was something like a Suburban.

Suburban will be fine for what your looking for and there are different options on engine sizes that you can order. Just don't forget the addition electric trailer brake controller installed to help you stop the trailer unless you buy a 2011 suburban which is a standard feature.

Good luck and keep us posted and you can also use a Yukon to get the job done.

 

[Beaucefus]

Re: pulling a horse trailer

My friends have a 1500 series with the 5.7L engine. It pulled 3 horses nicely in my all steel bumper pull trailer. I just bought a GMC Suburban myself a few days again. It has the exact same 5.7L ( 350 ) engine. The only difference with my new/used 1999 vehicle is it has the 2500 series frame, trans, and trans. cooler for ( the whole towing package.) They are rare birds to find but this is what was recommended to me. Not only will I be able to tow 3 horses I may get a wee bit better gas milelage when towing and much better when I'm not.
I also thought about getting the 7.L 2500 series but it gets horrific gas mileage. You can find them a dime a dozen if you don't mind paying up the whazzo for gas. I keep you informed as to how mine does.

 

[Z15]

I had a 'burban at work and pulled trailers as well as had the back loaded to the max with Survey Gear. We were given 1500's and they were not strong enough to do the job. My last one (retired) was a 1999 K2500 on a K3500 chassis (special gov't fleet purchase) and that burban could pull all day and you would hardly notice 6,000lbs trailer.

get a 3/4 ton
this one had 9600gvwr
4x4
skid plates
4.10 rear axle open, non-locker
350 V8
HD shocks
special LS interior trim (note-not available to general public in base model but special allowance for fleet)
power locks, tilt, cruse, a/c
Special fleet pkg for gov't (non-police) that had a 1 year lead time from date of order. Ordered on Nov 1 2007, built in Sept of 2008 at Janesville, 1 of approx 100 in several fleet colors.

went to auction in 2003 with 150,000 miles and the only thing ever replaced was brakes.

 

[86454]

I have an 86' 2500 with the 7 liter engine and towing package. She had her first tow a week or so ago. Pulled a boat, trailer and 170 gal of fuel. Total weight around 9100 lbs. No problem pulling, whatsoever. Stopping was a different story. Trailer has surge brakes, not electric brakes.

The Suburban pulls the trailer better than pickup BUT the pickup stops better than the Suburban.

 

[961kyle]

I have a 94 1500 suburban with the 5.7 engine i bought from my father in law. For 5 years he used it to pull a 12,000 lb. camper. He took it easy and didnt try breaking any speed records and it pulled it fine. I use it now to pull a camper that weighs roughly 6,000 lbs and it pulls it nicely. Has 184,000 miles on it, burns a little oil, other than that routine maintence and i love it. I would recommend one to anyone. As for the amount of room in one, that might be my favorite part. Comes in handy for so many things. Its just me and my wife with one kid so i just leave the back seat out. Use it all the time. I recomend you go for it. Doubt you would be dissapointed.

 

[86454]

One caveat I will mention; Check the ratings stamped on the hitch. If the stuff you are towing exceeds the rating on the hitch or the GVWR, and you have an accident, it will be the OUT the insurance company uses to deny the claim.....

 

[AndyC]

Horse trailer

We are lookin to buy a family/trailer pulling SUV. Unfortunately a truck doesn't have enough seating and I am wondering if there is any SUV strong enough to pull a horse trailer? OR if there is a truck with at least 5 seats. My best guess for the SUV was something like a Suburban.

My Girl friend's Mum used to pull a hourse trailer with a Triump 2000 sedan. This was in England. {big cars/trucks are very rare in England} Only had a 2 liter engine. This car was less than half the size of a suburban. They never had an accident. A suburban will be plenty big and stong enough!