Should I tow a 30' 7" 5820lb trailer with 2005 Yukon Denali XL?
Hi all, I'm looking for anyone that has had experience with my vehicle or just has a good general opinion of whether or not I should consider buying a camper that weights 5,820lbs dry.
My Vehicle:
2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali
158k miles (transmission and axles serviced every 30k miles since new).
6.0L vortec w/electric fans (335hp/375lb/ft torque)
Towing Capacity: 7,900 lbs
Trailer I'm considering:
Coleman 30' 7" trailer
5,820 lbs
I'm trying to avoid a situation where I have to bump up to a 3/4 ton for various reasons. The first reason and biggest reason is that I have a family of 6, finding a 3/4 ton vehicle like the Yukon I already have is difficult to find and really doesn't offer much over what I have if I add anti sway bars and hitch equalizer. It seems like most of the 3/4 ton burbs are older anyway, and have tons of miles.
I considered "upgrading" to the Expedition EL Ecoboost, but it's still just a 1/2 ton frame I believe. It would offer better power but marginally increase the safety otherwise. I could also potentially get an F150 ecoboost or something similar (3/4 ton), but finding a bench in the front to seat 6 is proving difficult, and expensive.
Am I nuts to try to tow a trailer of that size with the Yukon I have? Dealers all tell me it'll be fine, but research and some experience towing tell me I should be careful.
I'm a very careful/slow driver, and if I did tow with the vehicle I have I can't imagine going much over 55 or 60mph with that large of a trailer in tow.
Any suggestions/thoughts appreciated.
My Vehicle:
2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali
158k miles (transmission and axles serviced every 30k miles since new).
6.0L vortec w/electric fans (335hp/375lb/ft torque)
Towing Capacity: 7,900 lbs
Trailer I'm considering:
Coleman 30' 7" trailer
5,820 lbs
I'm trying to avoid a situation where I have to bump up to a 3/4 ton for various reasons. The first reason and biggest reason is that I have a family of 6, finding a 3/4 ton vehicle like the Yukon I already have is difficult to find and really doesn't offer much over what I have if I add anti sway bars and hitch equalizer. It seems like most of the 3/4 ton burbs are older anyway, and have tons of miles.
I considered "upgrading" to the Expedition EL Ecoboost, but it's still just a 1/2 ton frame I believe. It would offer better power but marginally increase the safety otherwise. I could also potentially get an F150 ecoboost or something similar (3/4 ton), but finding a bench in the front to seat 6 is proving difficult, and expensive.
Am I nuts to try to tow a trailer of that size with the Yukon I have? Dealers all tell me it'll be fine, but research and some experience towing tell me I should be careful.
I'm a very careful/slow driver, and if I did tow with the vehicle I have I can't imagine going much over 55 or 60mph with that large of a trailer in tow.
Any suggestions/thoughts appreciated.
