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Gator11's avatar
Gator11
Explorer
Jul 16, 2014

2013 GMC Yukon towing capability

Hey all-

I was wondering if my 2013 Yukon that has a 8100 lb. towing capacity would be able to handle a Heartland travel trailer WD3175 RE? This trailer is 6995 lbs and has a 630 lb. hitch weight. It is also almost 36 ft. long. (total length) This would make me about 1100 lbs. less than my max tow capacity. I will only be towing 2-300 miles and mainly staying in a seasonal campground. I would never be in the mountains and would not have to bring water or anything extra heavy. If this would not work....what would be the max weight trailer you would suggest? Thanks for your input in advance!!

Gator

15 Replies

  • Thanks for all of the responses. I will probably be moving it once a year. I do have access to a F510 supercrew w/9100 tow capacity and trailer tow package. I think this would be better, but I am not sure if this is enough either.
  • When you say mainly staying at a seasonal campground, how often do you expect to be moving the trailer?
  • The other thing you don't want to exceed is the GCWR, that is the total allowable weight of the tow vehicle and trailer. In your case, if you have the 5.3l and K5L HD Cooling Pkg, and 3:42 gears, your GCWR is 14000#. Sound like a lot. The curb weight of that truck is around 6k# and the GVWR of the trailer is 8600#. That exceeds the GCWR of the truck. Even if you pack really light, you'll be right at 14,000#.

    You'll want a trailer that's at least 2000# lighter than this one.

    Since its going to be a seasonal, why not pay to have to towed to the site? Then all this weight stuff is moot.
  • The weight you give for the Heartland WD3175 RE is the curb weight- not so much as a pair of socks in it. Your planning number must be gross weight, in this case 8600 pounds. Link to trailer specs
  • First of all - welcome to the Forum.
    Now for the bad news!..........
    Unless you plan to tow that trailer empty with an otherwise empty truck, you will exceed your trailer and probably your payload ratings.
    Empty trailer weights are meaningless, you have to figure out the LOADED weight along with the loaded tongue weight.
    Most people add 1000- 1500# to the trailer. That alone will put you over.
    Bear in mind your trailer rating is REDUCED by any weight in the truck over a 150# driver.
    Then figure out how much weight you have in the truck (driver, passengers, full fuel etc.)
    Add the hitch weight and the tongue weight to see if you are under your payload rating. Read the "Occupant and Cargo" rating on the yellow label on or near your driver's door.
    Good luck