Hey folks, I recently bought a 2017 Yukon Denali, and plan on getting a TT around 23-25 feet. I would expect that it won't exceed 5,000 lbs. or so. My questions are: 1. Should I get a weight distribution hitch or just rely on the self leveler. 2. Is there a reason GM advises on not using the adaptive cruise control while towing? Thanks in advance for any advice or experience you can share!

Hello,Congrats on the new Truck! Yes, you will need a weight distribution hitch. The self leveling system will level out the rear end but does nothing to help restore the lost weight off of the front tires. Also, as far as the adaptive cruise control. When you tow you have a vehicle that pivots in the middle, I can see how the adaptive cruise control could cause issues with this, possible causing a sway event or even a loss of control. I would definitely stay away from adaptive cruise control or any other auto pilot feature, heck, cruise control in my vehicle is not used while towing. I want to be 100% in control all the time. Thanks!Jeremiah

Definitely get the WDH, can't hurt anything and can only help - just check the manual, as mine specifically says I can't use any hitch devices (weird land rover thing). Adaptive cruise probably has a couple issues - one of which is the fact that it (normally) brakes the vehicle if required. Using an electronic brake controller, I'm not sure if it'll activate the trailer brakes. Actually yours almost certainly has an integrated brake control system, but I'm still iffy on it allowing adaptive-cruise to modulate trailer brakes. Trans shifting and hunting is probably also a big problem. On mine I can use command shift to lock in a certain gear and still use cruise control, but on a 10hr trip I only used it for a couple minutes. Like the last poster said, I feel way more comfortable being in control. Plus it's always good to have your foot near the pedals. Also almost any change in incline or speed required a gear change and totally different throttle, so I really couldn't let cruise do much of anything in command shift mode anyways. In auto w/ cruise it would almost certainly downshift one extra gear more than it needed to EVERY time there;s a speed change, which gets old really fast. Also you might want to check the break-in periods and requirements in your manual since it's so new. Even though that's not a super large trailer, it'll definitely be the first work your SUV has ever had to do. :)

My TV is similar and TT is 5,100 pounds wet/loaded. YES on the weight distribution hitch. I believe I stop better with the weight shifted back up front. And twice I've had to stop fast for left turners. I do use cruise in dry conditions despite GM's recommendations. I'm not an expert but have had no problems and like having my speed monitored by a computer. Full control, Jerem, without watching speed.

GM normal cruise does just fine if you put the vehicle in tow haul mode, I've done ~10,000 miles so far this year, 99% on cruise. It handles 6-8% grades fine, with 7-8% downhills being perhaps not agressive enough at downshifting. The only time I've decided it was being bad enough to override was in the 40 mph downhill twisty parts in the Keibab National Forest the other day, it's likely I'll also go manual in the Bighorn Mountains next week. Other than those rather extreme situations I'd rather be using my attention to focus on other things like traffic, animals along the road, temps, etc rather than speed.

Rob, Gross trailer Weight (the weight of the trailer plus all the stuff you carry inside it ) Tongue weight (TW) , usually 10-15% of the gross trailer weight can cause the rear of the truck to drop and the travel trailer (TT) nose to drop . This will remove weight from the front wheels of the tow vehicle (TV) . Traction and steering of the TV will be affected. If the TT has too little TW , this can cause trailer sway where the TT swings back and forth. These two factors is the reason to use a weight distributing hitch (WDH). Generally speaking,the WDH puts back that weight onto the TT and trucks axles and wheels and the combo will appear to be back to level. The spring bars used have to be close enough to match the real scaled TW of your loaded up TT. Having a little extra spring bar rating on the WDH is not going to hurt you. (ex: if your real TW is 950#, a 1200# spring bar will work fine as will a 1000# bar, but i would prefer the extra 1200# bar because your TW will shift depending how much stuff you carry and how you pack the TT) The times when you would NOT need a WDH is when your TV is stout enough and the TT is light enough that the TW does not have any impact on the truck. Most people towing TT's with 1500 trucks and SUV's usually have to use a WDH due to TT weight . You can buy a SHERLINE TW scale $140, go to a public scale or use the bathroom scale method (google it) to measure your real TW which might be double your dry TW. (dont be shocked :E)You need to know the real scale weights of both TT and TV all loaded up for a trip. SET up your hitch properly. All you need are sockets and a tape measure. Do it yourself and don't allow a dealer to do it for you. RV dealers have a broad range of talent and for some reason sometimes they allow the less talented to set up hitches. It will take a few hours time but its worth it, do it right and your towing experience will be a good one. Your TV should feel like it's in control of the TT. If not, you need to fine tune the WDH. I use the following WDH set up because its a universal set up that covers the basics. You can also use your specific WDH mfg suggestions for fine tuning the set up. But get the basics down first.WDH set up .

Advice on towing with Yukon Denali | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 06, 2017
My TV is similar and TT is 5,100 pounds wet/loaded. YES on the weight distribution hitch. I believe I stop better with the weight shifted back up front. And twice I've had to stop fast for left turners. I do use cruise in dry conditions despite GM's recommendations. I'm not an expert but have had no problems and like having my speed monitored by a computer. Full control, Jerem, without watching speed.
EstorilM
Explorer
Aug 06, 2017
Definitely get the WDH, can't hurt anything and can only help - just check the manual, as mine specifically says I can't use any hitch devices (weird land rover thing).

Adaptive cruise probably has a couple issues - one of which is the fact that it (normally) brakes the vehicle if required. Using an electronic brake controller, I'm not sure if it'll activate the trailer brakes. Actually yours almost certainly has an integrated brake control system, but I'm still iffy on it allowing adaptive-cruise to modulate trailer brakes.

Trans shifting and hunting is probably also a big problem. On mine I can use command shift to lock in a certain gear and still use cruise control, but on a 10hr trip I only used it for a couple minutes. Like the last poster said, I feel way more comfortable being in control. Plus it's always good to have your foot near the pedals. Also almost any change in incline or speed required a gear change and totally different throttle, so I really couldn't let cruise do much of anything in command shift mode anyways. In auto w/ cruise it would almost certainly downshift one extra gear more than it needed to EVERY time there;s a speed change, which gets old really fast.

Also you might want to check the break-in periods and requirements in your manual since it's so new. Even though that's not a super large trailer, it'll definitely be the first work your SUV has ever had to do. :)
jerem0621
Explorer II
Aug 06, 2017
Hello,

Congrats on the new Truck!

Yes, you will need a weight distribution hitch. The self leveling system will level out the rear end but does nothing to help restore the lost weight off of the front tires.

Also, as far as the adaptive cruise control. When you tow you have a vehicle that pivots in the middle, I can see how the adaptive cruise control could cause issues with this, possible causing a sway event or even a loss of control. I would definitely stay away from adaptive cruise control or any other auto pilot feature, heck, cruise control in my vehicle is not used while towing. I want to be 100% in control all the time.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

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