[underpowered]

the 8.1 is not LS based, it is still based on the good ol' BBC.

what about a powerstroke excursion? keep the diesel and get the SUV all in one?

i ended up with a powerstroke after looking for basically what you are. i wanted a 7.4 or 8.1 GM truck and had a very difficult time finding one that was not ragged out or over priced. but i did find more Suburbans than i did trucks when i was looking.

but to the actual question, if it was well maintained, i would have no issues with a 200k tow rig. my silverado i just got rid of had 220k on it, and every bit of the drive train was original on it. i would not hesitate on a well cared for high mileage rig.