i transported a 2018 3500HD to a dealer, they do exist. only rated for 3k lb towing for some reason
Prep/leaving room for armor is the reason. All K2XX 2500/3500s are very special order, but they do exist.i transported a 2018 3500HD to a dealer, they do exist. only rated for 3k lb towing for some reason
I was wrong above, the 2500HD/3500HD use the old GMT900 body. Their purpose is pretty much just to be armored vehicles though.
After 2006 I understand why. They dropped the tow rating by about 2500 lbs +- a little. Solid platform but a sub-10K tow rating after 2006 really didn't help. A 20 MPG Expedition could pull 9,200, even though a 2500 burb was more stable.. 2500 Suburban's never sold well new
As a more serious reply:
There are some 2500 suburbans out there, mostly from ex govt uses, they used to be a lot cheaper but may still fit into your desired price range. They will be reliable, durable, thirsty, and great at towing. Chicagomotors usually has a few.
In my area, prices are insane, much like elsewhere I suppose.Was looking hard at the 2012 LTZ 5.3 but my options are open. Some are avail with lower mileage and in good condition.
Pricewise, trying to stay under $20K, $15K is more realistic if possible.
Doubt I will find a 2016 for $20K but never know. Honestly looking for reliable factory options such as motor/trans combo.
GMT900: 2007 had the most AFM and electrical issues. Have heard myths to avoid the 2008-2010 years cause those were the GM bankrupt years during recession an quality went DOWN !! Been told 2012-2014 were much better quality ?? I had a 2007 LTZ burban TONS of little issues that added up, replace outer door handles, oil pressure sensor, had to rebuild trans (4L60E) twice and it did have the driver motor mount issue also.
Seeing how I'm in "The Great West" and see 6,000 to 9,000 foot mountain passes with my 2018 Silverado w/the 5.3-yea your post is an exaggeration. I tow a 29 foot -5,000 pound travel trailer. Unless one has a big gas motor-a half-ton should only tow more than around 5,000 pounds-so your correct on that. Payload concerns come in to play (unless max tow pkg.) at much over 5,000 pounds anyway.Plus 1000
I would not even consider 5.3L for towing, unless it's something relatively light, a few thousand, under 5K. The vehicle itself is heavy and struggles even when empty. Okay, it's an exaggeration, but. I tuned my 5.3L in Tahoe to run only on 93 Octane and it made a world of difference. Still, towing with 1500/5.3L you are severely limited, 2500 series is much better. You get 8-lug heavy duty axle versus light truck axle with 6 lugs.
That's right on the money. Have a 2008 Tahoe and the quality is questionable all over. The drivetrain seems to be solid (other than I had to turn off AFM as it was drinking 1 quart / 1000 miles, completely unacceptable, what a shock from major corporation, sounds like something college students would cook up in their garage)
I think my 1993 Caprice was of much higher quality than 08 Tahoe.