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FlyingBison's avatar
FlyingBison
Explorer
Aug 18, 2017

Tow vehicle question - Chevy 6.0L questions

I have been looking and looking to find distinct differences between the various vehicles in the Chevy lineup that have the 6.0L and it is very challenging. First let me start by saying what I have right now and what I would like in the possible future. I currently own a 27ft flagstaff bunkhouse with a GVWR of 6450. I tow it using my 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer, 3.73 gears 5.4L 2V. What I have been trying to figure out is the differences from a 2005 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.0L and a Suburban 2500 6.0L. Near as I can tell, they are very similar except for the Suburban having the beefier 2500 frame and suspension. I Need a new tow vehicle. The Expedition is a little gutless despite it advertising a tow capacity of 8650 on mine. I've heard good things about the 6.0L. I don't want a diesel, shouldn't need one. I tow this thing maybe 6-10 times a year with my family (wife and 3 small children). I need to third row for a possible 4th. I would love to get a truck but not enough room. I have found a lot of the Denali's available in my area but the 2500 suburbans are very rare. I really don't want to go with Ford again, specially not the newer 3V 5.4L with all the issues that they are having and not real keen on the Excursion. My only real options are something with the Chevy 6.0L. I have been looking for weeks on this site, other forums and I can't seem to figure out if the Denali would suit my needs just fine or if its really worth looking for the Suburban 2500. Anyone knowledgeable on their major differences in towing this size trailer would be very helpful. We are currently trying to sell our Expedition so that we can move into something that can handle towing a little better. I shouldn't say that it tows poorly because on a good day it does fine, if there is any kind of wind or hills, it just drags. Living in the midwest, there's plenty of wind, and where we live, plenty of hills.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2017
    The 2500 burb should be a fine towing vehicle for you.
    The Yukon, unless it is an XL is the same as a Tahoe. Which is basically a short 1500 with seats.
  • Jacksons's avatar
    Jacksons
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    I had an 2005 yukon denali XL with the 6.0, the 6.0 is a great engine. I would go with the 2500 sub if the yukon is not an xl. if you could find a newer with the 6 speed tranny even better
  • FlyingBison's avatar
    FlyingBison
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    My biggest problem with the 2500 burb is that they are extraordinarily hard to find. There are only 3 for sale in a 500mi radius or where I live. There are plenty of the Denali 6.0L and Denali XL 6.0L to choose from. What I'm wondering is if I get the Denali XL, would it be a huge difference in towing my trailer over the 2500? I would buy the 2500 if there was a better selection available to me but there just isn't much to choose from unfortunately. There is only one that I would consider, it has 196k mile on in it and is a 4hr drive away from me. The Denali's are everywhere it seems, I would like to know if it would really be worth the difference in towing even though they have the same engine. Are the transmissions the same? Does the 2500 burb have the 4.10 axles or are the axle ratios the same?
  • TomG2's avatar
    TomG2
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    Yours is a perfect example of a good place for the 6.0 GM engine. Some people are towing much more weight than your are suggesting with them. They love gasoline but will get the job done.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 18, 2017
    Yukon Denal XL and Suburban are EXACTLY the same vehicle. The difference is trim. The Denali being basically the top of the pile. Read that as heaviest to begin with. But I do not remember ever seeing a Denali 2500. So I would be cautious buying one without verifying it is in fact a 2500 and not a 1500.
  • FlyingBison's avatar
    FlyingBison
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    donn0128 wrote:
    Yukon Denal XL and Suburban are EXACTLY the same vehicle. The difference is trim. The Denali being basically the top of the pile. Read that as heaviest to begin with. But I do not remember ever seeing a Denali 2500. So I would be cautious buying one without verifying it is in fact a 2500 and not a 1500.


    That's exactly what I was wondering about the Denali's. I cannot find conclusive evidence that they are the same and can't find much info comparing them. I have found numerous Denali XL's and would buy one if I could only find more info what the big differences are between it and the 2500 burb. It's really made choosing a new vehicle a headache.
  • ndrorder's avatar
    ndrorder
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    Edmunds.com is a good resource for features and specs. FYI, in 2005 GMC produced the Yukon XL in 3 flavors 2500, 1500, and denali. Maximum tow capacity for each vary from 12000 lbs to 7900 lbs.
  • FlyingBison's avatar
    FlyingBison
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    Well it's not just tow capacities I'm wondering about on these vehicles, I'm wondering how well they tow. My Expedition is supposed to be well within the range to tow my camper but it really struggles sometimes so I was hoping to get some first hand experience on the Denali XL and how well it tows. I can look at numbers all day like I did with the Expedition and still not know that it doesn't tow all the well in conditions less than optimal.
  • ndrorder's avatar
    ndrorder
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2017
    " What I have been trying to figure out is the differences from a 2005 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.0L and a Suburban 2500 6.0L. Near as I can tell, they are very similar except for the Suburban having the beefier 2500 frame and suspension."

    Just trying to give you a source to answer this. I'll stop now.

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