Towing 26' with a 2003 Yukon SLT 5.3L?

eazye wrote:
I have a 2003 Yukon SLT 5.3L (K-1500, 5300 V8, Engine Z).

Specs are:

GCWR: 13000
GVWR: 6900 (per door sticker)

GVW: 5036 (per VIN lookup)

This is the curb, not the actual weight
My Sub's VIN listed is 5,400 and the actual at the garden scales with
me (180), toolbox (+200), misc (+50) is 7,200

Max trailer weight rating: 7400 (per manual)

This is based/derived from the curb (the above GVW/VIN) will be pound
per pound less that your vehicle weighs over that curb

"Tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the trailer weight up to 1,000 pounds." (per manual)

2003, so a GMT800 and recommend changed it (if the previous hadn't
already) to a traditional receiver. They are in the $200 buck range, plus
about 1 hour to install

Wheelbase: 116"
Ratio: either 3.73 or 4.10 (still checking on this).

Tape a length of string on the drive shaft and note it's orientation

Roll the vehicle one tire rev using the tire stem as datum.

Count the full number of rotations and the fractional left.

If 3.73, 3 full string turns and .73. If 4.1, 4 full turns and .1

Swapping the TV is not an option for various reasons. I will be using a brake controller, WDH and swaybar (if not integrated).

'Swaybar', as WD Hitch component, or rear axle anti-lean bar?

I do not recommend adding a rear axle anti-lean bar...unless you also
increase the stock front anti-lean bar to keep the handling the same.

The OEM dialed in the understeer/oversteer characteristics and changing
the rear can have an oversteering TV that will have a greater jack knife
tendency...not a good thing

Now, I'm interested in a 2013 Wildwood 261BHXL trailer.

Dry weight: 4569 lbs (per sticker on trailer)

GVWR: 7500 lbs

Use this to figure, as it will weigh more than
dry when you take delivery...best to go and weigh it

Use the 'dry' tongue weight percentage of 'dry' weight and then use
that percentage using the GVWR for a real world tongue weight

CCC: 2893 lbs
26' box, 29' total length.

Published dry weight is 4314, so I suspect the 4569 is actual weight after factory options are installed.

We have 2 adults of average weight and 2 small children as passengers, plus cargo. I'd estimate our cargo will be lighter than some due to the style of camping we do, and the fact that we are coming from a much smaller trailer.

I'm inclined to think it is OK since the empty trailer is so light and we rarely travel with any liquid in the tanks. But I acknowledge it's pretty close. And, coming from a small trailer, it just looks so dang long just sitting there my eyes aren't sure they believe it.

What do you guys think?

I had a 1973 K5 Blazer (2 door Blazer/Yukon) and installed 1 ton
suspension (Dana 60 front and GM 14 bolt rear...new leaf springs front
and rear) and towed many trailers

It also had commercial class tires with a load range G sidewalls.

Not fun and was all over the place when passing semi's and even passing
a stationary TREE on the side of the road.