Choosing the correct Suburban

Help needed in choosing the correct Suburban. I'm looking for a used Suburban as a second vehicle and pull a 10,000lbs boat for a few miles each year using a boat ramp to launch and remove it from the water. Presently I have a 1990 Suburban 2500 2WD with a 454 engine and gets 12 mpg. I have to get something that will get better mileage and preferably with a 4WD. Q. Do I need a 2500, will a 1500 do the job and did they make a HD model around the 2000 to 2003 with better braking capability. Many thanks for any suggestions.

I presume you're talking 12 mpg WITHOUT the trailer attached!

I have a 1990 1500 2WD with a smog-legal 383 that produces 250 pounds of torque at the rear wheels on the chassis dyno. I think this is comparable to your 454.

And it gets 16 mpg highway when not towing, with K & N air filter, Edelbrock TBI intake and headers, 3.73 Posi and a Crane RV cam.

I just remembered, your 454 only came with a 3-speed automatic, no overdrive like the small-blocks. The 700R4s are not as strong, perhaps a Gear Vendors overdrive behind your trans might be the best way to go.

I prefer the '73-'91 body for its greater front seat room (no airbags in dash) and larger cargo area.

I've found this link immeasurably helpful when I was looking for a truck to tow a horse trailer. Trailer Life magazine puts out a towing guide each year, but this link gets you the guides for past years, back to 1999:

http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175

Off hand, I'd say a 2500 will be your only choice for you since the suspension will be better suited for heavier loads. Also remember you'll be hauling not just the boat but people, lunch, and other gear.

Glancing at the 2000 edition, the Burban 2500 with the Vortec 6000 V8, heavy duty tow package, and 4.10 gear will tow 10,500 lbs...the 4wd version drops that by 400 lbs.