Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 09, 2014

Max Trailer

I recently purchased a 2015 Yukon XL and am looking at upgrading a Pop-up to a travel trailer. Trying to find out what size I can get is pretty confusing. The Yukon is rated with a max towing of 8500. It also has a Curb weight of 5536 & GVWR of 7300 (leaving 1764 Max Payload).
I was always looking at the max trailer of 8500 when looking at a trailer (dry weight + trailer load). However, in looking at the stats, I see the real limiter as the GCWR which is 14000. If I take the GCWR of 14000 and subtract the curb weight of 5536 of the vehicle, I get the 8500. But if I figure in cargo in the vehicle & trailer, the maximum trailer gets much smaller. For example, if I assume 1000 lbs of people and luggage for 5 people and then another 1000 lbs of trailer weight, that leaves only 6500 pounds for the trailer.

I see another bottleneck as well. The GVWR is 7300. Subtracting the curb weight of 5536 leaves 1764 for cargo. If I use 1000 for 5 people and some cargo, it leaves about 764. However, does the hitch rating need to be added here? For example, if the Dry Hitch Weight is 891, then I've blown the GVWR limitation.

Am I looking at this correctly?
1. If a Trailer dry weight is 6267, and the rated cargo capacity is 1586, how much should I figure for the wet weight? 6267 + ???.
2. Does the Hitch weight of the trailer need to be added to cargo weight for the GVWR limit? This might be the biggest limiter if so since I may make it under the GCWR limit and blow the GVWR limit.
3. On my 2015 Yukon, I have the Max trailering package. However, I can't find the limit on the included integral hitch system. Should I assume that it will handle the MAX Trailer weight? Or where do I find the limit?

APT
Explorer
May 09, 2014
Your limit will likely be the receiver or payload. Verify your as equipped payload per this sticker on your driver's door post:

Your payload is probably in the 1500 pound range as equipped. If you actually have 1000 pounds of people and cargo in the SUV, your max tongue weight is only 400-500 pounds, which means about a 3000 pound dry RV.

You should also verify yours has the HD towing package with 3.42 axle and engine/trans coolers. Locate the sticker in the glove box and look for KL5 for GM's HD trailering package. KNP is the Trans cooler and KC4 the engine oil cooler.

You are he first owner of a 2015 GM SUV. Can you please look at the receiver for a sticker like this one? What are your limits?
rbpru
Explorer II
May 09, 2014
It looks like you have run up against the max payload limit which is often the limiting factor.

If your payload limit is 1764 lbs. and your family/cargo load is 1000 lbs. you have 764 lbs. of tongue weight available.

You also have to be careful that the Max towing applies to your model and extras. In my case my F-150 is advertised as 11,000 lbs. towing; however, that was for a select line of vehicles with the super spiffy towing package/motor combo, getting into the details I found that my specific truck options only allow a little more than 9000 lbs. Plus, the real limit was the max cargo of 1411 lbs. posted on the door sticker.

I would guess a 5000 lb. trailer is more in keeping with your vehicle ratings.
Bagger97
Explorer
May 09, 2014
Don't forget the recommended 17-20% safety margin in your weight figures for both hitch and max trailer weight. That will reduce it even more.
westend
Explorer
May 09, 2014
1.1000 lbs is a good ball park number.
2. Yes, the tongue weight of the trailer and the weight of a weight distributing hitch along with cargo and passengers is subtracted from the payload and is the usual limiting factor with light trucks or SUV's.
3.Look for a stamp on the vehicles hitch receiver. The number should also be in your owner's manual.