Actual Payloads on 23 and 24 Tahoe with Max TOW package

[Big Mama]

Perhaps consider a Suburban or Yukon XL. With the 3rd row in place there’s very little storage room in a Tahoe. I think it’s easier to find the hauling and payload limits you’re looking for in an XL but If you go with a Tahoe and the bench seat your family will fit in 2 rows. I guess it all depends on how often you need extra storage and if your young ones can sit next to each other on long rides.

 

[iamlegion]

When you say payload is your concern more than towing it might help to elaborate on that a bit so we can help holistically.

From what I read I’m assuming when you’re pulling the camper you’re planning on having the car packed full of people and stuff. You seem to have a good understanding of this stuff so I assume you already know loading the trailer with some of your stuff instead of the vehicle will help payload. Balancing the load in the trailer and having proper hitch height/weight distribution can be just as important as max payload.

Other than that what’s the extra payload weight coming from you are concerned with?

 

[Beniskickbutt]

Perhaps consider a Suburban or Yukon XL. With the 3rd row in place there’s very little storage room in a Tahoe. I think it’s easier to find the hauling and payload limits you’re looking for in an XL but If you go with a Tahoe and the bench seat your family will fit in 2 rows. I guess it all depends on how often you need extra storage and if your young ones can sit next to each other on long rides.

I was actually thinking about this now with the storage space. Originally with Tahoe my thought was if i really need more cargo too, I can always flip either the double or single space down in the back. Then I got to thinking about why not just go for more space. My only annoyance there would be now you are really at the length where you stick out of parking spots more.

When you say payload is your concern more than towing it might help to elaborate on that a bit so we can help holistically.

From what I read I’m assuming when you’re pulling the camper you’re planning on having the car packed full of people and stuff. You seem to have a good understanding of this stuff so I assume you already know loading the trailer with some of your stuff instead of the vehicle will help payload. Balancing the load in the trailer and having proper hitch height/weight distribution can be just as important as max payload.

Other than that what’s the extra payload weight coming from you are concerned with?

The reason i'm more concerned about payload stems from the weight that gets added from the tongue weight. I have some trailers in mind that would do well now but IF we hit the point where we decide we really do want a bigger trailer, I want to maximize the odds that we dont also need to go buy a new car as well. I come from a family that tends to keep to keep cars until the car "dies" which is something i also subscribe to.

Theres also just the bonus of having that extra payload means if the kids have cousins in town we can worry less about throwing more bodies in the car. They'll also continue to weigh more as time goes on. My parents also hooked us on camping when we were young but neither were really able to retire (yet). They enjoy coming along on vacations as well to spend time with the kids and also to just get away. I am a little more fortunate financially so I am happy to include them in all of our trips for both the baby sitting aspect and to payback for all they've done.

Overall its just trying to get a better picture of what I can attain so I can set my expectations correctly. The last car I purchased cost $15k so this is a much bigger investment, I like to plan ahead, future me usually ends up being grateful

 

[Big Mama]

When you go to the dealer test drive a Tahoe and a Suburban. Drive them how you drive daily. Go to your house, a grocery store, anywhere you’d normally go.
If you have a garage try putting each one in there. Don’t let the salesman cut your drive short.

 

[Geotrash]

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.

 

[Big Mama]

Nice work! I had no idea about RC scales. ! I’ve traveled from Virginia to Baja in my RV a few different ways and have never seen a weigh station that required me to pull in. Guess I should pay more attention.

 

[Geotrash]

Nice work! I had no idea about RC scales. ! I’ve traveled from Virginia to Baja in my RV a few different ways and have never seen a weigh station that required me to pull in. Guess I should pay more attention.

The only ones I've seen that require RV's to stop are outside of tunnels. They want RV's to stop to make sure the propane bottles are turned off.

 

[Big Mama]

Hmm interesting but makes sense I guess. I wonder if an RV ever explored in a tunnel? I’ll have to do some digging. You’re right though. My travels west have never taken me through a tunnel of any substance.