I found this (on trailers.com):
Year | Make | Model | Engine | Tow Capacity |
1994 | Chevrolet/GMC | Suburban K1500 (4WD) | All | 6000 lb |
| Notes: Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio. Requires Z82 Trailering Special Package._Requires automatic transmission._ Requires engine-oil cooler._ Requires transmission-oil cooler._ Requires weight-distributing hitch._ A higher tow rating is listed for pickups that tow fifth-wheel trailers._ | | | |
Remember that your tongue weight counts against payload. If your GVWR is 7200, and the truck is roughly 6000, then you've got 1200 lb of payload. That includes passengers, cargo, etc (and however much of 'you' weighs in > 150lbs).
Generally, TW is about 12-15% of total trailer weight. So...if you know your trailer is 5300 (and we won't go into 'dry' vs. 'wet', right now), 15% of that is almost 800lb (could be lighter, but that's about the max). So... 800# off the 1200# you have... 400# left for family / gear.
I'd say with water, battery, propane, food, etc... you might be right about at the tow capacity of the truck. Will it pull more? Well, you drove 4000mi, with it, so you know...lol. I'd definitely be using a WDH, and a trailer brake controller would be a good idea, too.
Some more info from another site... (all in lbs, unless noted)
Curb weight: 5148
GVWR: 7200
(so, subtracting the first from the second, you have 2,052 payload.)
And, finally, from the GM Heritage site, I found specs for the '95 Burb K1500 (essentially similar)
Max trailer weight is 6000, max tongue 750
(pg 24 of: )
Assuming all is the same between the two years, add your 7200 GVR to 6000 Gross Trailer Weight, and you have... 13,200 GCVWR
Subtract your 11,300 scale weight, and you were 1,900 *under* maximum
(but you're right at the max on the trailer, so store any addn'l 'extra' gear from this point out in the Burb, if you're worried about liability concerns from a potential accident, etc.)
Check your axle ratio - you should see 'GT4' on the glovebox label (3.73).
If you have 'GU6' (3.42), ALL of the specs above are out the window (and you were definitely overweight)
'G80' is locking diff / posi
Also from the Heritage site, I saw your trans is coded 'M30', meaning that's a 4L60e.
If you don't already have a tranny cooler on it, get it now. (if you have RPO Z82, as listed above, you may already have a factory cooler)