2.7 EcoBoost for towing? Anybody have one and can comment?

[MED]

What is the axle gear ratio on your suburban? You might be able to fix your problem with a gear swap. The RPO in your glove compartment starts with an F, let me know. I can look it up. Unless you just really want a new pickup.

[Gman]

...and then you begin affecting highway efficiency when you're not towing, so there are trade-offs. The transmission still would be a concern. The OP didn't mention the model year of the Suburban or the engine. My guess would be 5.3l V8 Vortec. The engines are damn near bullet-proof, but they're not very good for pulling a load, particularly with the older versions. Summit Racing does have a number of performance upgrades for them, but they're not 'cheap'.

[MED]

...and then you begin affecting highway efficiency when you're not towing, so there are trade-offs. The transmission still would be a concern. The OP didn't mention the model year of the Suburban or the engine. My guess would be 5.3l V8 Vortec. The engines are damn near bullet-proof, but they're not very good for pulling a load, particularly with the older versions. Summit Racing does have a number of performance upgrades for them, but they're not 'cheap'.

It just depends on what he has in it, which is why I asked for the RPO. If it is higher than 3.73s, it won't pull a load for shit with a 4L60 trans.

[Martinjmpr]

...and then you begin affecting highway efficiency when you're not towing, so there are trade-offs. The transmission still would be a concern. The OP didn't mention the model year of the Suburban or the engine. My guess would be 5.3l V8 Vortec. The engines are damn near bullet-proof, but they're not very good for pulling a load, particularly with the older versions. Summit Racing does have a number of performance upgrades for them, but they're not 'cheap'.

It just depends on what he has in it, which is why I asked for the RPO. If it is higher than 3.73s, it won't pull a load for shit with a 4L60 trans.

Current vehicle is an 04 Suburban 1500 LT, 4x4, 5.3 with 3.73 gears.

Currently at 186k miles. It's in decent shape overall and I've put a lot of work into it (mild lift, 33" tires, dual battery setup so I can run a refrigerator, stereo with Bluetooth and a big TruCool transmission cooler.)

The 5.3 is a reliable engine, no doubt, but in terms of power, it's marginal at best, especially when towing at Colorado altitudes. We camp 14 - 16 times a year and most of those trips require climbing a high pass.

I don't necessarily mind sitting in the slow lane when climbing a pass but when VW buses are whizzing by me it's a little embarrassing.

The 4L60 transmission isn't much help.

Much as I like the 'Burb (and I do), I really think it's time for a new truck. I bought this one 3 1/2 years ago with 136k on it but I really need to get something with low miles and then my plan is to keep it at least until I retire which is about 7 years away (and ideally longer than that.)

As I said, right now it's pretty much between the Ram 1500 with the V8 and the F-150 with the Ecoboost 2.7.

Funny, I used to be a Toyota guy but the Tundra doesn't appeal to me at all. Ditto for the Nissan Titan.

[00tec]

I agree that an aux trans cooler would be a recommended mod. I saw 220 degrees at one point last weekend. It will get a cooler before next trip.

As far as the condensation issues, I believe that any forced induction motor should get a catch can installed, especially the direct injection motors.

[Martinjmpr]

I'll just add that if you look at the Ram option, opt for the 33 gallon tank. You probably don't need the towing package as the towing mirrors will exclude the option of power folding and 360 surround cam (you may not care about those, but I wouldn't go without them). The optional integrated trailer brake controller is all you probably need.

Dumb question maybe but how can I tell what tank it has? I'm buying used, not new, so I likely won't have a window sticker. GM vehicles have RPO codes that show all the options the vehicle was assembled with, does Ram have anything similar?

[BPTactical]

There is no replacement for displacement.

Sweating fuel mileage while towing is an exercise in futility.

[DFBrews]

Force induction the suburban after a set of rings and some new bearings
you didn’t say what year but if its not a LS drop one in then repeat above and make it your tow pig.

Then buy a sporty little ranger with the 2.3 (which aren’t little these days it’s bigger than my taco)

[Irving]

The awesome gas mileage you guys are talking about in these new trucks makes me excited. Until I remember how much they cost.

[ray1970]

The awesome gas mileage you guys are talking about in these new trucks makes me excited. Until I remember how much they cost.

Imagine the kind of mileage a new mini van would get.