Forum Discussion

ice2fire's avatar
ice2fire
Explorer
May 29, 2013

Surely Enough ??

You may have seen my postings over the last few days/weeks, about how we wish to terminate our relationship with our current Chevy Trailblazer (TB), 4.0L, 3.42 axle ratio.

After lots of humming and hawing we are now considering a 2012 Yukon SUV 5.3 L, V8 Flex Fuel, 6 speed automatic, 3.42 axle ratio, 4x4, 2 speed transfer case, HD trailering package, GVWR of 7100lbs, Max Gross trailer weight of 8,200lbs, max payload of 1,606lbs, wheelbase of 116 inches (9' 8"). Loaded with other electronics. Apparently it was used by a GM Executive for a year. Receiver shows no scratches, so I suspect it never towed anything. We would remove the third row of seats. It would be loaded with "stuff" on the way down and back, (ON to CA to AZ and AZ to ON), but only DW and myself in it.

The 19" TT weighs 4,000 lbs loaded (personally weighed last year). The hitch weight is 450lbs. It has one axle. We use it to travel to and from Ontario to Arizona, doing side trips on the way, and side trips during our stay in Arizona.

This year we are contemplating going from Toronto to Sacramento OVER the mountains, i.e. Salt Lake City, Reno, Sacramento. Then down to Phoenix.

Will this Yukon have sufficient power to go up the mountains, and against 40mph winds on the flat without the transmission overheating (as would the Trailblazer). ?? Is it also reliable ? ( Which the TB was not.)

All comments and opinions welcomed.
  • CKNSLS wrote:
    lpxguy wrote:
    ditto on the diff. ratio...no less than 3.73!


    Are you aware what the 6 speed actually gives him in regards to gear ratios?

    Just asking?



    HUH ?????!!!!! What does this mean ??

    Does anyone have a table of gear ratios from a 6 speed ?

    Thanks for responses so far ! Making me feel better !
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Hitch up and go camping. No worries, you're fine with that rig.
  • lpxguy wrote:
    ditto on the diff. ratio...no less than 3.73!


    Are you aware what the 6 speed actually gives him in regards to gear ratios?

    Just asking?
  • That TT is so light you will be fine with what you are considering.
  • 3.42 with a 6 speed is all you need. It'll be so far above and beyond the Trailblazer. The TT IS only 4000lbs loaded for petes sake people!
  • You should have the power for it, though the axle ratio is less than ideal for towing. Can't answer as to reliability; it IS a GM, after all. ;)