All terrain towing - what's my limit? '03 3/4 6l 4.10 burb

[Innkeeper3]

More accurately, I have the 2003 GMC Yukon XL K2500 6.L 4.10 with Quadrasteer. Stated towing capacity of 9,300 lbs and a GCWR of 16,000 lbs. Looking for a travel trailer for me and better half.

I would like to be able to boon dock / dry camp as well as tow the tt in all areas of U.S. and eventually up to Alaska. Been looking at Northwood Manufacturing lines, ranging from 27 feet in length (including hitch) at 6,600 lbs. fully loaded to ones closer to 31 feet in length weighing 8,400 lbs fully loaded. Trailer height ranges from 10'11" to 11'7".

With a proper WD Hitch with sway control (suggestions on which one?), and with an installed transmission cooler (suggestions on which one?) can I safely tow those limits, especially in context of mountains and a trip to Alaska in mind?

Any help much appreciated.

[BenK]

Read this thread on the GMT800 receiver

do I have the dreaded weak GM OEM hitch? 3 pages

[carringb]

I would go for the Nash simply because its a Northwood product. It won't fall apart the minute you drive off the lot.

PS - If your current hitch receiver is a round tube with a gusset connecting to the bumper, its the problematic OEM version.

[Innkeeper3]

This newbie thanks you for the replies! Some great advice! I'll remember that about the Quadrasteer. I spent some time in Ketchum.

A couple of things: Both APT and BenK warned me on the OEM hitch receiver. I don't know if its original though do know that I DID NOT have it replaced. Five years ago, I towed my 5,200 lb. boat around Florida without a hitch ;-), but if there is history of failure, I definitely want to replace it. Any suggestions there?

None of the tts I'm looking at have a dry weight over 6,860. The #1 I'm focusing on has a dry wight of 6,600 lbs after options and i'm assuming 1,700 lbs (of water, batteries, fuel, gear and 20-30% margin) to a total of 8,300lbs. Yeah, doing the math again as I write this makes me cringe. I really like this floor plan due to the rear window seating and not a high TV but its 31 feet with the hitch which is a bit long. I think I would do it if it was only an issue of length, but I don't want to get in trouble with weight.

My second candidate has a dry weight of under 6,000 lbs and is a little over 28 feet. I have to give up the window and TV location of the #1 preferred tt, but still a nice unit.

Lastly, there is a Nash unit that has even less windows that has a dry weight of 5,200 lbs. and is a foot shorter. I hear 1/2 tons often tow this one.

I hope there is some more wiggle room in your figures mkirsch for a safe and comfortable tow.

I know I'm suppose to choose the trailer I like and then get the TV to match, but I already have the GMC and its got less than 70k miles on it with not much towing. I like the vehicle and its cargo space, and zi', not sure there is economic sense to upgrade it as a TV.

I start a road trip soon but I'll get my truck weighed.

In the meantime, any advice on a good receiver/brand for my GMC?

Any additional thoughts on the towing capacities of my preferences 1, 2, and 3?

You all have a nice weekend. Thanks again.

[mkirsch]

I would shoot for 7000lbs loaded, personally.

It's one thing to put up with a heavy rig for a couple hours on a trip to the family's favorite campground, but rolling from Minnesota or Florida to Alaska you want a comfortable rig to drive. Less will definitely be more.

[BenK]

2003, so a GMT800 platform and that POS receiver

Minimum is to change out the OEM receiver if it hasn't been yet. About
$200 bucks for a traditional designed receiver and about 1 hours labor

Read this thread over at the TV section of this portal:
Door sticker says never exceed 1263 lbs of cargo/passengers

Go out and weigh your Sub fully loaded ready to go camping and then
do the simple math to figure out your 'true' MTWR

You have a small block, so it won't weigh as much as my GMT400 & 7.4L,
but the Quadrasteer will weigh more than my rear axle

Mine has a published MTWR of 10,000 and GCWR of 16,000, but my Sub
actually weighs in around 7,200. So 16,000 - 7,200 = 8,800 lb MTWR,
not the published 10,000 MTWR....similar issue to your published 9,300 MTWR

Also, if you are going deep and tough terrain...note to disconnect the
WD Hitch system. They do NOT like the angles that will be imparted
on them and they might break...the OEM receiver will FOR SURE break
no matter WD or not out there

The trailer lengths you are contemplating are whales (as are any Sub)
out there in the boonies. So a limiting factor. I can't make it to
my secret place up in the Idaho Panhandle Wilderness with the Sub.

The Quadrasteer has a weakness out there in the boonies...and is the
steering tie rod on the back side of the axle assembly. If you back up
and hit something...they are known to bend to mess up the rear axle's steering.

[APT]

I would look closer to 7k dry. You'll add 2000 pounds of stuff for a long trip like you have planned. Change all the fluids in the truck, as well as the OEM receiver if it still has it.

I highly recommend a WDH with integrated sway control. Equal-i-zer 4pt, Reese Strait Line, Blueox Swaypro are in the $500 range. Propride and Hensley are $2-3k. I do not recommend $300 for a basic WDH with friction sway bars.