Towing with a Tahoe PPV?

[pokey162]

I'll post pictures and details when I get one found...if you know any sources in southeast area let me know.

---------- Post added at 11:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:04 PM ----------

I haven't found one yet except I can get one from GM new but it would be rather pricey. I have a few sources in this area I will try next week. GM did tell me that the straight metal bumper piece you can see in the picture can be removed and replaced by the OEM piece, which is why I am thinking it will be more plug and play.

 

[aggmeister2010]

I wanted to re-open this thread, as I'm looking to tow with my PPV as well. The difference is, I'll be towing our department's antique Chief's vehicle to events, which weighs 3500 lbs + 18ft trailer.

First off, the hitch below is built SPECIFICALLY for the GMT900 PPV. It's $130, so there you go.

http://www.amazon.com/CURT-13161-Cl...TF8&qid=1442938204&sr=8-1&keywords=curt+13161

HOWEVER:

The PPV (not rated for towing) has a 3.08 gear in the differential, and is rated to 140 mph. The SSV (rated for towing) has a 3.45 gear in the differential and is only rated to 110 mph.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that is why the PPV is not rated for towing. The rear end sits 2" lower from the factory, giving it less "squatting room," and the gearing is too wide, thus putting extra strain on the drivetrain.

With that said, I have seen PPVs with factory hitches...

Thoughts? I'd love to be able to tow stuff with it on occasion, but I don't want to blow anything up!

 

[CrashTestDummy]

It is a 18' enclosed or open trailer? An enclosed might be a bit of a workout, but given that these trucks come with aux. oil and transmission coolers, it's something that might be doable. You may want to add bags, and if it's an enclosed trailer, may want to opt for a load-leveler hitch.

Then, watch the trans temps. With the proper bluetooth monitor and a smart phone/tablet, I think you can also monitor oil temps. I know I can with my '12 Caprice, so would expect that to be available on a '13 Tahoe.

I don't think the differential would be an issue here, but the load on the transmission. Watch the trans temps, and you should be okay.

I haven't tried towing with our '10 yet, but do want to at least try it with our 18' open trailer and 2800# race car. Just in case something happens to our usual tow vehicle.

 

[992dr]

What year is your PPV?
Mine is an 07 with 3:73s and TruTrac LSD. Maybe the newer 6 speeds came with the lower gears.

That hitch is NOT something I'd want to tow very much with. Maybe a lawnmower or yard waste but not a 3500lb vehicle.

You need to find one from a yard. They are referred to as "rebar". Look at car-partsdotcom and browse through there site or call local yards.

I towed an 18' enclosed trailer with my 07 and it was a workout. It was empty one way and with my loaded tool box the way back. I'd guess it weighed around 600lbs. As long as I was on level road it was great, uphill was most definitely a chore. Surprisingly, it didn't squat at all.

I wouldn't be worried about towing anything, especially if its only on occasion.
Like said, you can always get helper bags to level things out if the load is going to be bigger than usual.

 

[aggmeister2010]

What year is your PPV?
Mine is an 07 with 3:73s and TruTrac LSD. Maybe the newer 6 speeds came with the lower gears.

That hitch is NOT something I'd want to tow very much with. Maybe a lawnmower or yard waste but not a 3500lb vehicle.

You need to find one from a yard. They are referred to as "rebar". Look at car-partsdotcom and browse through there site or call local yards.

I towed an 18' enclosed trailer with my 07 and it was a workout. It was empty one way and with my loaded tool box the way back. I'd guess it weighed around 600lbs. As long as I was on level road it was great, uphill was most definitely a chore. Surprisingly, it didn't squat at all.

I wouldn't be worried about towing anything, especially if its only on occasion.
Like said, you can always get helper bags to level things out if the load is going to be bigger than usual.

Mine is a 2013 with the 6 speed. No towing package, of course, but the trailer light hookup is pinned under the bumper.

I'll keep an eye peeled for the hitch you mentioned. If I can find one, I'll consider using my Tahoe - if not, I'll head over to Home Depot for one of their trucks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

okay am i not mistaken but every PPV spec sheet that ive ever seen shows that a towhitch is standerd

---------- Post added at 04:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:12 PM ----------

What year is your PPV?
Mine is an 07 with 3:73s and TruTrac LSD. Maybe the newer 6 speeds came with the lower gears.

That hitch is NOT something I'd want to tow very much with. Maybe a lawnmower or yard waste but not a 3500lb vehicle.

You need to find one from a yard. They are referred to as "rebar". Look at car-partsdotcom and browse through there site or call local yards.

I towed an 18' enclosed trailer with my 07 and it was a workout. It was empty one way and with my loaded tool box the way back. I'd guess it weighed around 600lbs. As long as I was on level road it was great, uphill was most definitely a chore. Surprisingly, it didn't squat at all.

I wouldn't be worried about towing anything, especially if its only on occasion.
Like said, you can always get helper bags to level things out if the load is going to be bigger than usual.

actually the new PPVs come standered with much higher gear ratios the 2016 comes standerd with a 3.08 rear axle ratio

---------- Post added at 04:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:15 PM ----------

i suppose thats why they have a bit higher topend speed

 

[992dr]

Mine is a 2013 with the 6 speed. No towing package, of course, but the trailer light hookup is pinned under the bumper.

I'll keep an eye peeled for the hitch you mentioned. If I can find one, I'll consider using my Tahoe - if not, I'll head over to Home Depot for one of their trucks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I believe that is why you have the 3:08s, because of the 6 speed.
Yes, I'm almost positive they all have the provisions for trailer lights.

Keep an eye out, you may be able to find one for short money.

okay am i not mistaken but every PPV spec sheet that ive ever seen shows that a towhitch is standerd

---------- Post added at 04:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:12 PM ----------



actually the new PPVs come standered with much higher gear ratios the 2016 comes standerd with a 3.08 rear axle ratio

---------- Post added at 04:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:15 PM ----------

i suppose thats why they have a bit higher topend speed

I'm not positive but I think its specific to the department whether or not they had hitches. All the ones out here don't have them.

That's due to the newer 6 speeds.
IIRC, final drive is the same as the 4 speed, someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[CrashTestDummy]

992dr, I believe you're right. All of the City of Houston PPVs look to have them, and the 10 we got came from a department in the Tampa, FL area, and all of the ones I saw from there had receivers. It looks like it would provide a convenient tow hook hookup spot on the back of the truck should the truck get stuck in the mud, which is a common issue around here.

It seems some folks see PPVs local to them that don't have them, so yeah, it's probably a line on the order sheet and the department has their standard selections. IIRC, single or dual spotlights are also optional. Our truck has a single.

 

[aggmeister2010]

I found a factory "impact bar" at a local dealer for $300. Not too bad. That should be able to handle pulling a car, as long as the gearing supports it!

GM part number for anyone interested - 25938524


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[992dr]

Good find aggmeister

Here's a link from GMparts http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oe-gm/25938524


Thanks for sharing, hopefully this will help others who don't have a hitch get one