2022 Chevrolet Suburban Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban can tow a maximum of 8,300 pounds.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 8,300 lbs
• Max Payload Capacity: 1,759 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 7,600 lbs
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 15,000 lbs
• Curb Weight: 5,616 - 6,105 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class IV (2-inch receiver)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban's towing capacity varies based on its engine, drivetrain, and specific configuration. All towing capacities listed here are in accordance with SAE J2807 standards.

Note: Payload capacity can vary based on trim, options, and accessories. Always refer to the specific vehicle's door-jamb sticker for the most accurate payload rating.

Tow package contents

To achieve the maximum towing capacity, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban requires the Max Trailering Package (RPO code NHT). This package includes several essential components designed to enhance towing performance and safety:

• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Allows for seamless synchronization and control of electric trailer brakes from the Suburban's dashboard.
• Enhanced Cooling System: Includes a heavy-duty transmission oil cooler and an auxiliary external transmission oil cooler to prevent overheating during demanding towing situations.
• Trailer Sway Control: A feature integrated into the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, which automatically detects and counteracts trailer sway to maintain stability.
• Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: Provides a clear view of the trailer hitch on the infotainment screen, with guidelines that help align the vehicle with the trailer.
• Advanced Trailering System: Available through the infotainment system, this system offers custom trailer profiles, pre-departure checklists, trailer tire pressure monitoring, and trailer lighting diagnostics.
• 7-pin and 4-pin Trailer Connectors: Provides electrical connections for trailer lights, brakes, and auxiliary power.
• Automatic Locking Rear Differential: Helps to improve traction in low-grip conditions, which can be beneficial when launching a boat or traversing uneven terrain with a trailer.
• Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (available): Extends the blind zone monitoring to account for the length of a compatible trailer.

Even without the Max Trailering Package, all 2022 Suburbans come standard with a factory-installed trailering hitch platform, a 2-inch receiver, and a 7-wire harness with a 7-pin to 4-pin adapter.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban is a half-ton SUV and is not designed nor rated for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of hitches require a much heavier-duty frame and suspension system, typically found in heavy-duty pickup trucks (e.g., Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD or 3500HD). Attempting to tow a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer with a Suburban would exceed its structural limits and create a dangerous towing situation.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For trailers exceeding 5,000 pounds, a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) is generally recommended and often required. A WDH helps to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer more evenly across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. This helps to:

• Restore proper steering and braking control.
• Reduce sag at the rear of the Suburban.
• Improve overall stability and handling.

Consult your Suburban's owner's manual for specific WDH requirements and proper setup procedures. The maximum tongue weight for the 2022 Suburban is typically 10-15% of the gross trailer weight. For example, with an 8,300-pound trailer, the tongue weight would ideally be between 830 and 1,245 pounds. A WDH can help manage tongue weights within this range.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Check your tires: Ensure both the Suburban's and the trailer's tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures for towing. This is crucial for stability and safety.
• Load your trailer correctly: Distribute weight inside the trailer so that approximately 10-15% of the total trailer weight is on the tongue. Too little tongue weight can cause sway, and too much can overload the rear of the vehicle.
• Drive defensively: Allow for extra stopping distance, accelerate gradually, and avoid sudden maneuvers. The added weight of a trailer significantly impacts handling and braking.
• Monitor temperatures: Keep an eye on your engine and transmission temperatures, especially on long climbs or hot days. The enhanced cooling system in the Max Trailering Package will help, but vigilance is still key.
• Use tow/haul mode: The Suburban's tow/haul mode adjusts transmission shift points to reduce hunting for gears and provides more engine braking, making towing smoother and more efficient.
• Practice backing up: If you're new to towing, find an empty parking lot to practice backing up with your trailer. It takes practice to master.

Common towing-related issues

• Overheating transmission: This is a common issue when towing heavy loads without an adequate transmission cooler. The Max Trailering Package significantly mitigates this risk.
• Trailer sway: Can be caused by improper weight distribution, high winds, or passing large vehicles. Trailer sway control helps, but proper loading is the best defense.
• Reduced braking performance: The added weight of a trailer means longer stopping distances. Ensure your trailer brakes are functioning correctly and are properly adjusted.
• Sagging rear suspension: This can occur if the tongue weight is too high or if a WDH is not used for heavier loads, leading to reduced steering control and headlight aim issues.
• Electrical issues: Problems with trailer lights or brakes are often due to corroded connectors or improper wiring. Regularly check all electrical connections.

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