So I've towed my 28ft TT (6000lbs with E2 WD hitch) for the past year and a equipment float and Jeep (pintal) for 4 years with my 2003 Yukon Denali XL. Its awesome. Everything feels great. Even with my cheap brake controller I almost for get I'm towing. Stable, pulls and stops well.That said my Denali has gremlins. Lots of electrical issues and getting up to 250 000 KM so I'm starting to consider replacing it.I like the bigger vehicle but it seems to be significantly more money to find one in the used market. Technically the Yukon/Tahoe has a slightly higher towing capacity but I'm wonder if the shorter wheelbase will be noticeably less stable. Besides my recreational use towing 5-10 times a year my daily drive is 3km each way. So gas mileage isn't all that significant and we're a family of 4 with a dog so the not having extra space of the XL probably isn't going to bother me much one way or the other.Comments? Looking to buy something the 2009-2012 range.

I've towed a lot of trailers with a Suburban and really liked the way the handled. A lot of the towing was on snow and ice where they handle nicely due to the longer wheel base.Bill

Since you're looking at 2009-2012, you should note that somewhere in that range they transitioned from the 4-speed to the 6-speed - I think it was 2009 or 2010 for the Chevy, but not 100% sure. If I were looking within those years, I'd definitely opt for the 6-speed. It gets better mileage on the highway and is nicer to drive than the 4-speed.With regard to wheelbase - I've had both Tahoes and Suburbans, and I really like the longer wheelbase for towing.

If you want a GM full sized SUV, I highly recommend a 2009+ with the 6-spd. If you can find a 2007+ GMC Denali, you'll be really happy. with performance.

Am assuming you are comparing half ton's right? There is no comparison between the half ton Sub & Tahoe vs 8.6K GVWR Suburban'sIf half ton Sub, then the only difference is the length.I've owned a K5 Blazer (now called a 2 door Tahoe) and have towedwith my K5 and a 4 door Tahoe. For towing...the Sub wins hands down in every category I care aboutAs the trailer gets bigger (longer, heavier), the Sub edges out the Tahoe even more

For a family of 4 with a dog, if you are used to the space of the long wheelbase and you now switch over to the short Tahoe, I think you will regret the decision. Just my opinion.

Yukon XL (or Suburban) vs Yukon (Tahoe | Good Sam Community

Trackrig
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2014
I've towed a lot of trailers with a Suburban and really liked the way the handled. A lot of the towing was on snow and ice where they handle nicely due to the longer wheel base.

Bill
MPond
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
Since you're looking at 2009-2012, you should note that somewhere in that range they transitioned from the 4-speed to the 6-speed - I think it was 2009 or 2010 for the Chevy, but not 100% sure.

If I were looking within those years, I'd definitely opt for the 6-speed. It gets better mileage on the highway and is nicer to drive than the 4-speed.

With regard to wheelbase - I've had both Tahoes and Suburbans, and I really like the longer wheelbase for towing.
APT
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
If you want a GM full sized SUV, I highly recommend a 2009+ with the 6-spd. If you can find a 2007+ GMC Denali, you'll be really happy. with performance.
BenK
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
Am assuming you are comparing half ton's right?

There is no comparison between the half ton Sub & Tahoe vs 8.6K GVWR Suburban's

If half ton Sub, then the only difference is the length.

I've owned a K5 Blazer (now called a 2 door Tahoe) and have towed
with my K5 and a 4 door Tahoe. For towing...the Sub wins hands down in
every category I care about

As the trailer gets bigger (longer, heavier), the Sub edges out the Tahoe even more
Fast_Mopar
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
For a family of 4 with a dog, if you are used to the space of the long wheelbase and you now switch over to the short Tahoe, I think you will regret the decision. Just my opinion.
srgallant
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
Yeah, just comparing 1500 series versions. 2500 would be nice but that is very limited in the used market in Canada. I suppose I should do a little searching in the US as well.

I added Airlift air bags into the rear coils of my current Yukon XL and its a pretty nice balance between the ride quality of coils and the stability of the leafs you would get in the 2500. Really my 03 1500 Yukon XL tows great so far so I don't think I need to go 2500 series.

Thanks for the comments. So far it sounds like my original thoughts are confirmed that both will tow it fine but the longer wheelbase will be noticeably better.

Steve
fx2tom
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
You will absolutely notice a difference towing with a Suburban over a Tahoe
PCronin68
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
Just bought a Class A and if you want to drive to Rhode Island I have a 2007 Yukon Denali XL for sale cheap...lol I used it for 5 years pulling a 29ft TT with no issues
srgallant
Explorer
Dec 11, 2014
How much salt do they use on the roads in Rhode Island.

Gas prices are down so might be a nice road trip. Then again so is the Canadian dollar.
wintersun
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2014
I did a lot of towing with my 4-door Tahoe and it was not unstable at all. The Suburban was 24 inches longer but half that was aft of the rear axle and not a longer wheelbase. Having a tighter turning circle is a real blessing when towing.