Towing Capacity of a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban 5.3L Engine with 3.73 Gears

Updated 09/17/2018 | Published 09/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(1194)

$18.48

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2776)

$158.63

Question:

I have a 2003 suburban 1500 3.73 axle rating 5.3L with auto level shocks in rear. what is my max pulling capacity for RV trailer.

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for your 2003 Chevrolet Suburban with the 5.3L engine and 3.73 gear ratio, the towing capacity of the vehicle is 7,400 lbs if you have a 2WD or 7,100 lbs of you have a 4WD. In order to tow a trailer with your Suburban you will need a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and ball mount/hitch ball.

If you do not already have a trailer hitch then I recommend using the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 41930. The Ultra Frame is a custom fit and has a weight rating sufficient for the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle. It looks like most Suburbans came with a factory 7-way so if your trailer has brakes then all you would need is brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter part # 3015-P.

I have attached a help article on choosing the correct ball mount for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L