Comments towing with a recent Yukon 6.2L?
I am looking at the 2015 'i' model year Yukon Denali with 6.2L 420 HP and 460 ft/lbs torque. We are a family of 6 and are looking at the K-Z S322BHK which has a GVWR of 8800. The Yukon says max towing...
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Thanks everyone for your feedback, especially the photos. We have a 2001 7.3L F250 now but the issue of cramming 6 people in two rows is driving us towards an SUV. I actually started out looking at a 3500HD dually Chevy pickup but shockingly there is only a lap belt in the front center position. After researching safety I came to realize having any child in the front row, even with a shoulder belt (only Ford has the front center shoulder belt out of GM/Ford/Dodge) is a really bad idea due to the airbag possibly injuring/decapitating a child. I even considered converting a 6 door 350/3500 truck http://www.customautosbytim.com/ but that cost would be at least $73K+ (~$40K for a 2013 used F350 and $33K for the conversion to 6 doors) and the length of that vehicle would preclude it being used as a daily driver. That is too much to invest in something that is only occasionally used. I mentioned the full size van thing but the wife quickly shot that down.
>> Unless its an XL your six people will be really cramped inside. That third seat is really for looks
Yes we are looking at XL. I was under the impression the only difference between non-XL and XL was the rear cargo area. I could be mistaken.
>> 1/4 tank of gas and one 150 pound occupant reduces your trailering payload.
>> the real world I think about 75% of factory tow rating is the max for a COMFORTABLE tow.
Thanks, this is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Yesterday I ended up looking at a Ford Expedition EL with the Ecoboost V-6 twin turbochargers (365HP/420 ft lb torque). Its tow rating is 9100 lbs with 4WD so it is significantly higher than the Yukon XL. The engine seems a lot more refined than the GMC 6.2L and pulls very nicely with a broad torque curve. It also has an available rear leveling system.
So our current thinking is go with the Expedition and downsize trailer to closer to the 7000 lb range so we can have that safety margin. The third row seat is advertised as adult-capable and I verified that by trying it out (6'+ 240 lbs) - it would be OK for an adult at least for short distances. Of course I will have children in those seats.
>> empty is 6800lbs. Loaded I figure I am at about 7500-7700
If I can keep my trailer cargo down to 800 lbs that should mean the trailer will be ~7800 lbs. GCWR is 15,300 and 6103 curb weight. If I count 600 lbs people, that leaves me 800 lbs for fuel and cargo. It will definitely be right on the edge so I will keep looking for a trailer that is about 1000 pounds lighter so I can have that safety margin.
>> Unless its an XL your six people will be really cramped inside. That third seat is really for looks
Yes we are looking at XL. I was under the impression the only difference between non-XL and XL was the rear cargo area. I could be mistaken.
>> 1/4 tank of gas and one 150 pound occupant reduces your trailering payload.
>> the real world I think about 75% of factory tow rating is the max for a COMFORTABLE tow.
Thanks, this is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Yesterday I ended up looking at a Ford Expedition EL with the Ecoboost V-6 twin turbochargers (365HP/420 ft lb torque). Its tow rating is 9100 lbs with 4WD so it is significantly higher than the Yukon XL. The engine seems a lot more refined than the GMC 6.2L and pulls very nicely with a broad torque curve. It also has an available rear leveling system.
So our current thinking is go with the Expedition and downsize trailer to closer to the 7000 lb range so we can have that safety margin. The third row seat is advertised as adult-capable and I verified that by trying it out (6'+ 240 lbs) - it would be OK for an adult at least for short distances. Of course I will have children in those seats.
>> empty is 6800lbs. Loaded I figure I am at about 7500-7700
If I can keep my trailer cargo down to 800 lbs that should mean the trailer will be ~7800 lbs. GCWR is 15,300 and 6103 curb weight. If I count 600 lbs people, that leaves me 800 lbs for fuel and cargo. It will definitely be right on the edge so I will keep looking for a trailer that is about 1000 pounds lighter so I can have that safety margin.
