I had a 2500 Yukon XL with the 8.1. Awesome towing, and really miss the SUV. As a dad of four girls, and two dogs, a pickup is not the answer. (Although I did go to one last year, expecting that the two in college would stop camping.)
Issues I had with mine was the pump rub causing the hole in the transfer case housing, air conditioner, autoride sensors, power window regulator, and brake pads. Mine became my dedicated tow vehicle, and it sat for weeks. The rust on the rotors would destroy the pads.
Only other issue was fuel consumption. Was between 10-12 mpg.
