[subie-jeep]

payload capacity and towing capacity are different, my 06 sierra 1/2 ton is rated for 1700 payload and 5000 towing.look inside the driver door,there is most likely a sticker there that will tell you.

[orangello]

Maximum towing capacity is 8100 lb for the Suburban 1500, 9700 for the 2500.

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-chevrolet-suburban.htm
Thats for the 2008 model. I bet that have the same info on whatever year his is.

It also mentions the bit about the suburban 1500 being a "half ton" while the suburban 2500 is a "3/4 ton".


EDIT* Saw the 1999 in your post: http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/suburban/1999/features-specs.html

Exterior
Maximum towing capacity: 7500 lbs.
Maximum payload: 2003.0 lbs.

[ctshooter]

Lets not forget brakes!!!!! The brakes are larger on a 2500 series. If you put heavier springs and such in and load the truck with that much weight you stand a real good chance of over heating the brakes.

[Cinderocka1989]

Basically lift the cab off your Suburban and set it on a 3/4 ton chassis. I also think, could be mistaken that the 3/4 ton Suburbans had 4 bolt mains, the 1/2 ton only had 2 bolt....

So.... Sell it and buy a 3/4 ton?

[bobski]

how much does a typical 5 ton tractor trailer weigh? and what size ball is considered standard for it?

[austin92]

Originally Posted by bobski

how much does a typical 5 ton tractor trailer weigh? and what size ball is considered standard for it?

The semi by it's self is around 18,000lbs. They use a 5th wheel which doesn't have a "ball" and they can roll 80,000lbs down the road before they have to have an oversized load banner and escort along with additional driver training

[Jpyle]

Originally Posted by bobski

bingo...the guy mislead me. he told me his 1500 suburban was 1/4 ton. so its 1/2 ton great!
i thought it was when i saw his tow package in back.
he wants to tow a truck on a trailer with it. sorta like what i want to do with my 2500 gmc. i know mines 3/4 ton and can do it, but i wasnt sure about his. i know avis or uhaul wont let him rent a trailer...they say its not powerful enough and that the trailer would be pushing him down the road.

now ive seen farmers pulling 5 ton trailers with tractors on them on those 3/4 ton 2500's. but i know that tractor is more than 3/4 ton! whats the way you determine payload safety?

Its not only payload, you need to consider tongue weight. If the suspension isn't up to the task you front wheels will skip down the road.

[Cinderocka1989]

Originally Posted by bobski

how much does a typical 5 ton tractor trailer weigh? and what size ball is considered standard for it?

Wait, wait, wait... I thought we were talking about a Suburban. That doesn't classify as a tractor-trailer... And as mentioned before, with a tractor trailer you'd use a 5th wheel. I think you're confused. What are you trying to do?

[lbwar15]

Originally Posted by Cinderocka1989

Wait, wait, wait... I thought we were talking about a Suburban. That doesn't classify as a tractor-trailer... And as mentioned before, with a tractor trailer you'd use a 5th wheel. I think you're confused. What are you trying to do?

I think he is trying to pull the trailer with a suburban instead of a tractor. BTW bob that's not going to happen with a 1500 suburban.

[Cinderocka1989]

Originally Posted by lbwar15

I think he is trying to pull the trailer with a suburban instead of a tractor. BTW bob that's not going to happen with a 1500 suburban.

Get a real truck. Not a soccer Mom SUV.