posted 04-26-2002 07:48 AM ET (US)            

So you think the 20 is too big. I assume an 18' Outrage would be no problem, right, especially a pre-1992?

For what it's worth, I installed a K&N high-flow air filter ($55), which supposedly gives an extra 10HP and increases mileage by ~2MPG. I can confirm the increased mileage, and it now rarely shifts out of overdrive going up hills when towing my 1500 lb 15' Super Sport.

posted 04-26-2002 04:08 PM ET (US)         

I'd suggest small block V-8 power with 4-wheel disc brakes. Also, make sure that the hitch is an adequate size. The most important issue for towing on grades is torque and cooling capacity, for both the engine and the transmission. A transmission cooler is essential.

posted 04-26-2002 10:34 PM ET (US)            

Hey Seabrook, I switched from a Chevy Tahoe to a Ford (first one, Lincoln Nav)after a starter every 18 months (3 total) and an alternator, my tow vechicle was getting towed more often than I cared for. Come to think of it I went through a few starters and an alternator with my full sized Blazer before the Tahoe. Quite honestly, so far, I am pretty impressed with Ford concerning the tow package and tow set up on this truck. The tolal cooling capicity is tremendous for the engine and tranny.

posted 04-27-2002 07:26 AM ET (US)            

The have hauled the boat 750 miles in a day with this set up. It has no problem pulling and stopping the trailer.

The Suburban has two things in its favor (as compared to your Jeep Cheeroke): wheelbase and cubic-inch displacement.

An important consideration is the rear axle differential gear ratio. For example, in the Suburban line you normally get a 3.23:1 rear axle. This gives better highway gas mileage for Soccer Moms driving to practice, but it cuts 1000# off the tow ratings.

If you get the "tow package" the rear axle goes to 3.73:1, and the tow rating goes up 1000#. Your gas mileage suffers a bit.

You can special order a 4.11:1 rear axle, and it is included on some of the really monster-tow rating Suburbans (like those with 8000-10,000# ratings).

Our Suburban is only 2-wheel drive. This also increases the tow rating 500#. We only use the truck in summer, and we generally use paved ramps, so lack of 4-WD is not a problem.

Thus two small variations (rear axle ratio and 2WD/4WD) have a 1500# swing on the vehicle's tow rating.

The tow package also adds a bigger radiator and a bigger transmission cooler, as well as another cooler for engine oil. These are important additions which can be expensive to retro-fit.

The Class III draw bar is rated for a tongue weight of 500#, so we don't need a weight distributing hitch.

I have not accurately weighed the trailer with boat, but I estimate it to be about 4500#. Thus we are typically towing at about 65% of the maximum rating of our truck. I think this is a good place to operate if you want long-distance hassle-free towing.