Im looking at getting my first family car which i'd also like to double as a towing vehicle. Been cramming kids in a hatchback for too long. My target travel trailer is a 20' and I have no concerns about the towing capacity, just payload.
Does anyone know what actual real world payload capacities are actually obtainable with the 2023 or 2024 tahoe? I've asked various dealers as well as support on the chevy site it self and nobody can give me an answer of what ranges to even expect for payload. Having a tough time finding sample payload stickers online as well.
I've seen a ~1,900# number quoted in various places for payload on the Tahoe, wondering if theres any chance of actually getting something close to that...
The only "required" option/addon is the Max Trailering Package. Im still debating with AWD vs 2WD so i'd shave off another ~100# there if i went AWD. If I could land close to 1,800# in its factory state, I would be quite happy. If I miss it, not the end of the world but want to know what I am getting into.
EDIT: I am also actually pretty indifferent to yukon vs tahoe. A car is a car to me and I just want something that can tow and haul my kids and their friends around. The yukon and tahoe both seem pretty similar in capabilities so I really wouldnt prefer one over the other. If I get a min of 8,000# towing capacity, uber close to 1,900# payload and min of 7 seats, my life is complete. I wish those suburban 2500s still existed... Thats technically over kill but i'd never have to worry.
Also a little worried that I wouldnt be able to get an order in for a 2024 Tahoe and the payload appears to be going down. 2023 looked slightly higher than 2024 and the 2024 higher than the 2025..
Another option to consider is to hold out for one of the unicorn 2016-2018 Suburban 3500 HD's that are finding their way into the used market now from fleets. Most of them are LS-trimmed, but you can occasionally find an LT that's been loved. I found a 2018 LT this year and jumped on it. And the payload and rear axle weight ratings are 2,000+ lbs MORE than a 1500.
Now, the next thing out of some people's mouths will be: "Bbbbuuutttt they only have a 3,000 lb towing capacity." Hogwash. Yes they were designed to be armored and sold to large fleet buyers, but that only means that GM didn't bother to conduct the
J2807 towing test on it. It DOES NOT mean that it's not capable of safely towing 10,000+ lbs, because from an engineering standpoint, it ABSOLUTELY is. It has the same frame and drivetrain as the 2014 Suburban 2500, but it has the larger rear axle, brakes and suspension of the 3500 SRW pickups.
Next up: "Bbbbuuutttt what about if you get stopped at a weigh station or have an accident?!?!" RVs do not need to stop at 99% of the weigh stations in North America, and those stations that require it have signs to say so. And if you DO get stopped, the ONLY thing they will care about is whether or not you are within the GAWR front and rear, and payload for the tow vehicle and trailer axles - because that's what the law says, and that's what the placards on both show. They have NO IDEA what the official towing capacity of the truck is, nor do they care. Yes, if you have an accident, the insurance company may try to use the published towing capacity as a reason to deny your claim, but there is nothing in the laws to support that, and any competent attorney would piss all over that argument and win.
Ergo, if you want to haul a bunch of people and gear, and haul a trailer, with modern comforts and conveniences, a Suburban 3500HD is the only safe way I could find to do it.