06 Burb hard pulling camper

[gregp]

We own a 2004 Suburban (not 06 as title mentions) and have previously pulled a 2002 Coleman Pop Up camper (about 2100lb) Never had any issues towing. Able to hit 70mph at 2000rpm all day, 8hrs to Disney World, well we have since upgraded our camper and now have a 2006 Dutchman Travel Trailer (about 4400lbs) We just towed it to Myrtle Beach for 4 hours, it pulled like it was towing 20,000lbs. It would constantly run 65mph at 3-3,500rpm when it went into O/D the tacometer would settle to 1,800rpm but then would roll back to 60mph and wouldn't hold 60, add a slight hill, it would be like we were crawling up the hill. (Tow control ON)
The Suburban drives like a dream around town with no load, is the smoothest and quietest motor I have ever owned.
Specs: 2004 Suburban, 1500 Vortex 5.3lt
196k, "tow package" rated to 8900lbs
Dutchman Travel Trailer 4400lbs (Dry) currently 4500-4600lbs
Weight distribution system.

What needs to be done? What needs to be looked at? What needs to be changed?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Greg P.

 

[BeachBourbon]

We own a 2004 Suburban (not 06 as title mentions) and have previously pulled a 2002 Coleman Pop Up camper (about 2100lb) Never had any issues towing. Able to hit 70mph at 2000rpm all day, 8hrs to Disney World, well we have since upgraded our camper and now have a 2006 Dutchman Travel Trailer (about 4400lbs) We just towed it to Myrtle Beach for 4 hours, it pulled like it was towing 20,000lbs. It would constantly run 65mph at 3-3,500rpm when it went into O/D the tacometer would settle to 1,800rpm but then would roll back to 60mph and wouldn't hold 60, add a slight hill, it would be like we were crawling up the hill. (Tow control ON)
The Suburban drives like a dream around town with no load, is the smoothest and quietest motor I have ever owned.
Specs: 2004 Suburban, 1500 Vortex 5.3lt
196k, "tow package" rated to 8900lbs
Dutchman Travel Trailer 4400lbs (Dry) currently 4500-4600lbs
Weight distribution system.

What needs to be done? What needs to be looked at? What needs to be changed?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
Greg P.

It sounds like Gearing. The number suggest the rig transmission and/or rear differential are not compatible with this weight. If you have a transmission guy you trust, I would have a chat about this and see what he says.

 

[zora]

no expert on trailers but I would assume it has a built in braking system. If so have you jacked up the trailer and checked it for any binding brakes or bad wheel bearings? I assume you have no check engine light on?

 

[gregp]

The check engine light is ON but just had it looked at. Heater element has gone bad.
About to replace fuel filter/air/oil eliminate one step at a time. Give it a good tune up seeing it hasn't had one in a while. Will look at the camper too. Brake system doesn't display anything odd. Trans is working just fine and motor is still as sweet. My tech thinks its just being starved so we are starting with a full tune, tow it to HELEN GA next month and see if it improves. If not gonna take a full look at it when we get back.
Thanks for your replies.
Cheers
Greg P.

 

[VanGo]

I'm no expert either, but I was always told never to tow in OD.