Towing with 1/2 ton SUV NEED ADVICE
I own a 2011 Yukon, 116" wheelbase, 5.3L, 3.42 ratio, with HD tow package, tow rating of #8,500. I'm looking at buying a TT but am unsure about how much of a trailer my vehicle can safely handle. I am...
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2008 Yukon Denali HD tow pkg. With 3.42 gear ratio...rated at 7900lbs. New Apex 279RLSS coming next month at about 5500 lbs dry. The Apex has a 28 ft shell and 3 ft tongue. Pulled a Crossroads Slingshot 26 ft 3700 lbs dry. a number of times in the Smokies. Never had a issue on 6% grades. Will check the new Apex in the mountains this spring.
We travel light, pretty much empty tanks, remove 3rd row seats. Just me and my wife and 3 small dogs.
As to breaking when going down on grade...I found that in tow/haul mode and on cruise, the tranny would systematically shift down and provide engine braking. I would sometimes shift down to 3rd or 4th. Never felt as though I was taxing the vehicle other than high rpm's. The 6.2 L is a beast. I didn't check brake temps, maybe I should, but I did very little breaking down hill. Let the tranny and engine keep the speed under control.
Now, with the heavier TT, will have to see how it does in the Smokies. If marginal, I will look at the newer Sierra or Silverado with the newer 6.2 L 420 HP, 460 Ft pounds of torque...rated at 9600 up to 10800 lbs towing depending on gearing.
We travel light, pretty much empty tanks, remove 3rd row seats. Just me and my wife and 3 small dogs.
As to breaking when going down on grade...I found that in tow/haul mode and on cruise, the tranny would systematically shift down and provide engine braking. I would sometimes shift down to 3rd or 4th. Never felt as though I was taxing the vehicle other than high rpm's. The 6.2 L is a beast. I didn't check brake temps, maybe I should, but I did very little breaking down hill. Let the tranny and engine keep the speed under control.
Now, with the heavier TT, will have to see how it does in the Smokies. If marginal, I will look at the newer Sierra or Silverado with the newer 6.2 L 420 HP, 460 Ft pounds of torque...rated at 9600 up to 10800 lbs towing depending on gearing.
