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Freedom Law School Image

How Much Can These SUVs or Vans Tow Without Exceeding Ratings for a Family of Four?

armada-savana-autoWelcome to my exclusive one-of-a-kind web page showing a quick review of selected 2017 SUVs and 2016/2017 vans that include the important tow rating details. The realistic vehicle towing capacities shown represent a typical family of four with a pet and some gear in the tow vehicle. Additional tow rating resources for other vehicles is found in the "Tow Ratings" menu above. Read our article, Trailer Towing with a Van or SUV, for important information.

Important Notes:

  1. The vehicles shown below are base models without all the bells and whistles.
  2. Therefore, any of the fancy vehicle's tow ratings will be less than what is shown below.
  3. 4X4 vehicles will have lower tow ratings due to the added weight of additional components.
  4. I selected the model with best overall towing capacity within each brand having over 7,000 pounds TWR.
  5. All vehicles below require a Class IV (extra heavy duty) hitch.
  6. Realistic towing capacities are provided by RV Tow Check (set at 12% TW)
  7. For realistic vehicle towing capacity (RVTC), we calculated additional load as follows: cargo and a pet=200 lbs, four passengers=515 lbs.

Caution: All rating information was taken from published information provided by the manufacturer or other resources. Always verify vehicle ratings with the dealer. Ratings are subject to change by the manufacturer without notice. There may be slight differences between manufacturers online views and PDF files.

(Updated 1/10/17)
SUV, Auto Trans

Make/Model 1 Armada SV 2 Tahoe LS 3 Yukon 4 Expedition EL 5 Infiniti QX80 6 L.R. Discovery ‡ 7 Navigator L
Drive 4X2 4X2 4X2 4X2 4X2 4X4 4X2
Engine 5.6L V8 5.3L V8 G 5.3L V8 3.5L V6 EB 5.6L V8 3.0L V6 Diesel # 3.5L V6
Transmission 7 speed 6 speed. 6 speed 6 speed 7 speed 8 speed 6 speed
Wheelbase (in.) 121.1 116 † 116 † 131 121.1 115 † 131
Gear Ratio 2.937 3.42 * 3.08 3.73 2.94 3.21 4.10
Payload 1,724 1,669 1,690 1,659 1,680 2,149 1,600
GCWR 14,450 14,000 14,000 15,100 14,300 14,704 14,900
GVWR 7,300 7,100 7,100 7,500 7,300 6,989 7,700
Curb Wt. 5,576 5,356 5,379 5,841 5,644 4,916 6,060
TWR 8,500 * 8,600 8,500 9,200 * 8,500 7,716 8,500 *
RVTC by RV Tow Check
RVTC 8,159 7,929 7,906 7,866 7,841 7,716 7,708
Make/Model 8 Suburban 9 Yukon XL 10 Escalade 11 Land Cruiser 12 Jeep GC SRT 13 Sequoia SR5  
Drive 4X2 4X2 4X2 4X4 4X4 4X2  
Engine 5.3L V8 G 6.2L V8 6.2L V8 5.7L V8 6.4L Hemi V8 5.7L V8  
Transmission 6 speed 6 speed 8 speed 8 speed 8 speed 6 speed  
Wheelbase (in.) 130 130 116 † 112.2 † 114.8 † 122  
Gear Ratio 3.42 * 3.08 3.23 3.31 3.70 4.30  
Payload 1,678 1,610 1,579 1,320 1,350 1,370  
GCWR 14,000 14,000 14,000 14,400 12,600 13,600  
GVWR 7,300 7,300 7,100 7,385 6,800 7,100  
Curb Wt. 5,586 5,665 5,521 5,815 4,875 5,730  
TWR 8,300 8,100 8,300 * 8,100 7,200 * 7,400  
RVTC by RV Tow Check
RVTC 7,699 7,620 7,199 7,124 7,010 5,458  

* Requires available maximum trailering package or varies by configuration.
† Avoid long trailers with this short wheelbase (Read reason here)
‡ 7 seat model
# Optional V6 gas, TWR is 8,201

Passenger Van, RWD, Auto Trans, Engine Gas=G, Diesel=D

Make/Model '16 Savana
3500
Express &
Savana 2500
Express &
Savana 3500
'16 Savana
3500 Ext.
Express &
Savana 3500 Ext.
NV Passenger S
3500HD
Engine 6.6L V8 D 6.0L V8 G 6.0L V8 G 6.6L V8 D 6.0L V8 G 5.6L V8 G
Transmission 6 speed 6 speed 6 speed 6 speed 6 speed 7 speed.
Wheelbase 135 135 135 155 155 146.1
Gear Ratio 3.54 3.42 3.42 3.54 3.42 3.54
Payload 3,481 2,492 3,471 3,461 3,168 2,711
GCWR 17,000 16,000 16,000 17,000 16,000 16,000
GVWR 9,600 8,600 9,600 9,900 9,600 9,500
Curb Wt. 6,919 6,108 6,129 7,239 6,432 6,864
TWR 9,900 9,600 9,600 9,500 9,300 8,690
RVTC by RV Tow Check
RVTC 9,366 9,177 9,156 9,096 8,853 8,421

SUV and Van Conversion Companies

As you see above, the RVTC is low for families of four. For most larger families, or when a crew cab truck does not meet the family's needs, a conversion SUV or Van may be the answer to the problem. Some companies can convert your current vehicle, or you may be able to buy one ready to meet your needs. Check out these companies below.

MASHmotors Inc.
Duramax Subruban's
Dave Arbogast Conversion Vans

If you know of a reputable SUV or van conversion company and it is not listed above, please send us an email.


Additional notes:

  1. Conventional trailer tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of total loaded trailer weight and not exceeding the installed hitch assembly. The addition of trailer tongue weight must not cause vehicle to exceed rear gross axle weight rating (RGAWR) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
  2. The towing vehicle's brake system is rated for operation at the GVWR - NOT GCWR. Separate functional brake systems should be used for safe control of towed vehicles and for trailers weighing more than 1,500 lbs. when loaded.
  3. These ratings can be found on the certification label located on the driver door or door frame.
  4. Read "Before You Buy RV..." for additional information.

Our Apps

8Muddypaws says that the RV Tow Check App should be called the "RV Sales BS Detector."

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