Sheila, you publish a nice little magazine. I especially enjoy the letters, the complaints and advice.

Really after towing for 35 years you think you have read everything. Re the overload problem. I would suggest that this is a common problem here in BC. Vehicles are licensed by net weight (kerb weight). It's a thing one does not think about until you license a new vehicle.

The Tahoe\Yukon I insured cost $120. Could not believe it, so I weighed the vehicle and received $50 rebate. My Suburban gave me a clue, GVWR 7500 lbs, net 1959 lbs at $90. My advice is check. ICBC do not appear to have a list of model weights, if they do, someone is slipping.

Most trailerists do not consider whether a tow vehicle has the power, beefed-up springs, let alone axle ratio. and engine torque. I was interested this year as the Tahoe had a trailer package, although it was not my intention to tow with it, although specs mention 6800 lbs GVWR, the engine horse-power 255.@ 4000 rpm.

The Suburban is a 454.230 hp @ approx. 3000 and the torque is in the lower range too. Average fuel consumption 13 mpg towing or not. The 350 which is now 5.7l tr. solo about 17 mpg but in the region of 9 mpg towing.

So draw your own conclusion.

Mike Read
Peachland BC
mread@silk.net