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Topic: Towing Chevy Suburban (Read 892 times) previous topic - next topic

Towing Chevy Suburban

Would someone please advise if it is possible to flat-tow a 1995 Suburban 2500 4x4? I have a Blue Ox towbar but would probably need to add an auxilliary brake system. I only need to tow 30 miles over flat ground.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #1 –
Don't know about a 1995 but I previously towed a 2004 Z71 4x4 and am now dragging around a 2011 Tahoe 4x4.
If the 4x4 has a Neutral position, or if the front wheels have hubs that disconnect, that should disconnect all 4 wheels from the driveline and you should be good to go.  Don't forget to keep the steering wheel unlocked, probably need to keep the key in the ignition where it is unlocked.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #2 –
OK thanks. Will check the vehicle and documentation, but do not believe that the FWD has a "neutral" position. This will be easy to verify.

Thanks!

P.S. Checked and yes, Txfr case does have Neutral position. Manual says tow with key OUT of ignition, which I found odd—how do front wheels handle turns??
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #3 –
A 95 K2500 Suburban has about 5700 lb curb weight.  Assuming you have a 6000 lb towing capacity, you will be right at limit empty by the time you add a tow bar and baseplate. You will definitely need a braking system.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #4 –
Thank you for this information. I was wondering about the weight with a rig this size.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #5 –
Quote from: RandallBrink –
Would someone please advise if it is possible to flat-tow a 1995 Suburban 2500 4x4? I have a Blue Ox towbar but would probably need to add an auxilliary brake system. I only need to tow 30 miles over flat ground.
This only goes back to 1996, but plug in your info using 1996 and see what it says: Store : Remco 

"Notes
No Base Plate available from Blue Ox for this vehicle. May be Custom Application.
Vehicle can be flat towed if it contains a Manual Transfer Case. Follow procedures in Owner's Manual to flat tow correctly. If vehicle has an Electronic Transfer Case then it will require A Drive Shaft Coupling (Disconnect) to tow. Remco Industries no longer sells the Drive Shaft Coupling. If interested in a Drive Shaft Coupling, please contact Just for Towing (SW Driveline Service | Remco Products) or David at Drive Shaft King (800-442-6329)."

Store : Remco 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #6 –
Randell,

I have a base plate for an older Chevy.  Don't know if it will fit your vehicle but if you need one and it will fit you can have it.  Just need to pick it up or pay shipping (it's heavy).

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #7 –
Quote from: RandallBrink –
P.S. Checked and yes, Txfr case does have Neutral position. Manual says tow with key OUT of ignition, which I found odd—how do front wheels handle turns??

With the key out can you still turn the steering wheel or is it locked in one place?  My bet is when key is out you can still turn the steering wheel.  If not then you will need to leave key in so the steering wheel will turn freely.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #8 –
how often will you be towing ?
if just occasionally i would just get a tow bar from harbor freight or a farm supply store. actually stronger than a adjustable bar,just not as handy to hook up. $150.00 vs. 1500.00,

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #9 –
I second that suggestion.  Some folks have and still do use these for their toads.  Work well, just a little more finicky to hook up as alignment is fixed.
Thinking out of the box now, but why not drive the suburban 30 miles and let Uber bring you back?  No tow bar, baseplate, brake system, modifying wiring harness for taillight operation, converter for the FT brake light setup to conventional etc. 


"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #10 –
Chuck,

Exactly what I have decided to do, as I would not tow the Suburban any distance, over passes, etc.

Thanks!
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #11 –
Thanks very much to all who replied. As with many ideas that seem to solve a short-term problem, this one turned out to be not worth the trouble and expense,
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #12 –
If my memory serves me transfer case in neutral, auto trans in Park, or manual in gear. Key in the unlock position, not on.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #13 –
I have towed '80s-'90s full size 4x4 GM products thousands of miles with no problems.  I made tow brackets that replace the tow hooks found on most of those  vehicles.  Use an old U-Haul solid tow bar.

TOM
SOB (Some Other Brand) division
1995 Wanderlodge WB40
8V92 :D

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #14 –
All that fuss for a 30 mile trip? How about a taxi, Uber, friend or just grab a gas can and hitchhike.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Towing Chevy Suburban

Reply #15 –
I hooked my previous toad (Jeep Liberty) behind my current toad (Jeep Wrangler) using my old tow bar which had a bit of slop in it.  I towed it only about 80 miles and it was one harrowing trip.  The tail was definitely wagging the dog.  I should have taken Slim's advice, left the Wrangler at home and brought the Greyhound back. 
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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