We have a '07 tahoe with 4.10 rear end gear ratio and the 5.3L motor. Though it is rated for 8500lbs, I do not like towing more than 5k with it. But that is just me.
This is our 5th tahoe, 1st being a '97 with 5.7L motor, 3.73 rear end. All of them being 4X4.
We had towed our '95 245 sundowner with the first tahoe, it did ok.
The latest generation has greatly improved the chassis and it tows/haul 5k much better vs. the older versions.
Now for the little 5.3L motor, I am not a big fan of it for a towing much. Granted I tow in the mountains vs where most of you guys tow near sea level, which make a difference. It is a fine motor to haul the base vehicle around, but when you put that much weight behind it..........
07H200SS, if your going to wait for a bit to save money, do your self a favor and save that little bit more and get the 2500, when your towing 5k with the family the 2500 platform handles the weight much nicer, especially in panic situations, will have heavier trans, brakes, and suspension for a longer lasting tow vehicle. While the little half tons 'can' do it, it seems to stress to the limits and at times is a white knuckle drive.
I personally tow with a 1 ton crew cab long bed, but once a year we will tow the jeep on a car hauler trailer with 1/2 ton tahoe (which is very closely related to the 1/2 trucks of GMs) and yes it does it, but I sure dont like as well vs a 3/4 or 1 ton ride.
Good luck with your search, my next truck will also be a GM crew cab. Really like the GM interior vs the ford or dodge. I am now getting to the age that I could care less about looks of the vehicle and want comfort while on the long drives. Heated and A/C seats, XM radio, and smoothest 1 ton ride, IMO.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
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