What is the maximum towing capacity of a Suburban?

The maximum towing capacity is 8,300 pounds when the Suburban is equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 and the Max Trailering Package; other engine options offer lower maximums.

The Suburban’s towing rating depends on engine choice, drivetrain, axle ratio, and optional equipment. The final figure is listed on the vehicle’s window sticker and in Chevrolet’s official specifications for each model year.

Engine options and towing limits

Here is how capacity varies by engine configuration, with the maximum shown for each setup (where applicable) and the Max Trailering Package noted where required.

• 6.2-liter V8 with Max Trailering Package: up to 8,300 pounds


• 5.3-liter V8 with Max Trailering Package: up to about 8,000 pounds


• 3.0-liter Duramax turbo-diesel: up to about 7,700 pounds

Note: These figures assume proper equipment and configuration (including the Max Trailering Package in many cases) and can be affected by axle ratio, drive type (2WD vs. 4WD), and trailer features. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle.

Max Trailering Package details

The Max Trailering Package typically adds enhanced cooling, a higher-capacity hitch, improved transmission and engine cooling, and trailer-sway control to support heavier loads. For Suburban models, selecting this package is usually required to reach the top listed capacities.

Other factors that influence towing capacity

Beyond engine choice, several variables can shift the practical towing limit for a given Suburban.

• Drivetrain and axle ratio (2WD vs. 4WD, and rear axle gearing)


• Hitch class and trailer braking requirements


• Vehicle payload capacity (passengers and cargo) relative to gross vehicle weight rating


• Trailer weight, distribution, and braking efficiency


• Overall vehicle condition and proper trailer setup (weight distribution, load balance)

For safest operation, tow within the official rating and maintain proper trailer setup and braking systems. A safety margin is recommended for real-world towing scenarios.

How to verify your Suburban’s exact rating

To confirm the precise towing capacity for your Suburban, consult the official sources and your vehicle documentation.

• Check the window sticker (Monroney) on your Suburban for the exact tow rating


• Refer to the owner's manual or Chevrolet’s official towing guide for your model year


• Use Chevrolet’s Build and Price tool or contact a dealer to see specs for your specific configuration

Always verify the rating for your exact vehicle, since year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and optional equipment can change the tow limit.

Model year notes

In recent years (notably the 2021–present generation), the Suburban’s top-capacity figure is 8,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and Max Trailering Package. Other engines deliver substantial capacity as well, but with lower maximums. Because ratings can vary between model years and configurations, check the exact specification for your vehicle before towing heavy loads.

Summary

The Suburban is built to tow sizeable trailers, with a peak rating of 8,300 pounds when equipped with the 6.2L V8 and the Max Trailering Package. Alternative powertrains offer lower maximums, typically in the 7,700–8,000-pound range, and sometimes less without the trailering package. Always confirm the precise figure for your vehicle from the window sticker and official Chevrolet documentation, and tow within those limits using proper equipment and safe towing practices.

In the end, the exact maximum depends on your Suburban’s year, trim, engine, drivetrain, and optional towing package—and verifying the official specification remains essential for safe, reliable towing.

What is the Suburban Max trailering package?

The Chevy Suburban's Max Trailering Package (RPO code NHT) includes features like an integrated trailer brake controller, an enhanced cooling radiator, and Hitch Guidance with Hitch View to increase towing capacity and enhance safety. It provides an upgraded towing experience, including features like Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (on Premier and High Country trims) and an Advanced Trailering System with custom trailer profiles. This package helps the Suburban achieve its maximum towing potential, which can be up to 8,200 pounds or more, depending on the specific model and engine.
 
This video shows a walk-around of a 2023 Chevy Suburban Premier with the Max Trailering Package: 57sBob Pulte Chevrolet, Inc.YouTube · Sep 20, 2023
Key features of the Max Trailering Package

• Integrated trailer brake controller: Provides control over trailer brakes directly from the vehicle's dashboard. 
• Enhanced cooling radiator: Helps keep the engine and transmission cool during heavy towing. 
• Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: Uses the vehicle's camera to assist with aligning the hitch and trailer. 
• Advanced Trailering System: An in-vehicle system that can store custom trailer profiles and assist with towing. 
• Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert: Alerts the driver to vehicles in the trailer's blind spot (available on Premier and High Country trims). 
• 2-speed transfer case: Includes a heavy-duty two-speed transfer case on some 4WD models to improve performance in various conditions. 

How it maximizes towing capacity

• Engine and axle upgrades: The package often includes upgraded rear axle ratios, a heavy-duty radiator, and a more powerful alternator and suspension components. 
• Increased towing potential: By equipping the Suburban with the Max Trailering Package, you can reach its maximum towing capacity, which can be up to 8,200 pounds or more depending on the configuration. 
• Overall enhanced performance: The upgraded components work together to make the vehicle more stable, responsive, and safer when towing heavy loads over long distances. 

How to identify the package

• Check the RPO code: Look for "NHT" (the Regular Production Option code for the Max Trailering Package) on the vehicle's build sheet or window sticker. 
• Look for physical features: The package includes several visible features, such as the integrated trailer brake controller on the dashboard and a special camera on the hitch. 
• Consult a dealer: A certified dealer can help you identify if the package is installed on a specific vehicle. 

What is the 80% rule for towing?

The 80% rule for towing is a safety guideline that recommends the weight of a fully loaded trailer should not exceed 80% of a vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This provides a safety margin for unpredictable conditions and reduces stress on the vehicle's engine, transmission, and brakes, helping to ensure better handling and a longer lifespan for components.
 
How it works

• Calculate your vehicle's limit: Find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. 
• Calculate 80% of the limit: Multiply the maximum towing capacity by 0.800.800.80 to find your safe towing limit. For example, if your vehicle can tow 10,00010 comma 00010,000 pounds, your limit is 8,0008 comma 0008,000 pounds. 
• Account for all weight: Ensure the total weight of the fully loaded trailer, including cargo and passengers in both the vehicle and the trailer, stays below this 80% limit. 

Why it's important

• Safety margin: It provides a buffer for real-world factors like hills, curves, and sudden stops. 
• Vehicle longevity: It reduces strain on key components like the engine, transmission, and brakes, which can extend their lifespan. 
• Handling: Maintaining a margin helps ensure your vehicle can be steered and controlled effectively, even under load. 

What Suburban has the highest towing capacity?

The Chevrolet Suburban with the highest towing capacity is the rear-wheel drive 5.3L V8 model when equipped with the Max Trailering Package, which can tow up to 8,300 pounds. This is the maximum towing capacity for the Suburban line, with other configurations (such as four-wheel drive or different engines) having slightly lower ratings. 

• Highest capacity: 8,300 pounds (5.3L V8, 2WD, with Max Trailering Package) 
• Other configurations:
  • 6.2L V8: Up to 8,200 pounds (with Max Trailering Package) 
  • 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel: Up to 8,100 pounds (2WD, with Max Trailering Package) 
• Key requirement: To achieve the maximum towing capacity, the Max Trailering Package is required. This package adds features like an integrated trailer brake controller, a heavy-duty radiator, and Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. 

Can a Suburban tow 10,000 lbs?

Can a Suburban tow 10,000 pounds? No, a Suburban cannot tow 10,000 pounds when properly equipped. The current Chevrolet Suburban is capable of towing up to 8,200 pounds1 when operating at its maximum potential. This is often only possible when using a 5.3-liter V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive.