Forum Discussion

Minor_Threat's avatar
Minor_Threat
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015

Happy Camper or Highway Nightmare?

We have a 2008 Yukon Denali XL AWD that we use to pull a 2000 Coleman Utah popup with great ease.

Lately we've been considering upgrading to a travel trailer and the Keystone Passport models seem to be really light.

Specifically we are looking at the 2770rb model.
Base weight: 5525
Carrying capacity: 1875
Hitch weight: 645

I'm hoping that with a good weight distribution hitch, we can make this happen.

Aside from potentially over stressing the drivetrain, is there a problem with these weights at 55mph on fairly level terrain? Thanks for any input.
  • petendoll's avatar
    petendoll
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    I put light truck tires on my Expedition and I bit the bullet and bought a Hensley Arrow hitch. What a difference it made. No sway at all. Very stable and you can make real tight turns too. Our vehicles are similar in rating. Hensley sells rebuilt hitches at about $1000 savings.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    I estimate 6500 pounds loaded with 850 pounds of tongue weight. That is well below your receiver limit and tow rating. You have plenty of power and gearing. Your payload should be near 1350 pounds, but check your tire and loading sticker on driver's door jam to confirm. So are the people and cargo inside less than about 500 pounds? You should be more than fine. Get a good WDH with integrated sway control and an inertia/proportional brake controller.
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2015
    I would prefer to tow something shorter & lighter. You are marginal on payload and definitely need a good sway control/weight distribution hitch.

    Why not go down a notch in size? Almost anything is going to be a huge upgrade over that pop-up.
  • intheburbs's avatar
    intheburbs
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    I pulled a similarly-sized trailer all over the country with my '01 half-ton Burb, including the Rockies.

    I'm guessing from that floorplan that it's just you and your spouse? In other words, no other family members to eat up your payload?

    Yes, you'll be pretty close to the limits, but that 6.2 should pull fine.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 01, 2015
    IF full water tank is going to cause concerns then trailer is too big/tow vehicle too small.

    Should be able to safely/comfortably tow with full fresh water tank......just because!!
    CGs do have water issues, power outages, broken water systems etc. NO water...you should have water.

    That's why RVs are self contained-------water propane battery.
  • Minor_Threat's avatar
    Minor_Threat
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    Thanks for the feedback. I don't think we would exceed 1000lbs of gear in the trailer. We would travel with the water tanks empty because everywhere we camp has water on site or nearby as well as dumping/cleanout station.

    I know this trailer would max out the TV but it seems a weight distribution hitch and maybe some stiffer side wall TV tires would help a little.

    We may be barking up the wrong tree so that's why I was asking.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Apr 01, 2015
    Depends on what your towing performance expectations are.. You'll likely exceed some weight rating on that Yukon when it's all said and done, but that's up to you to determine.

    If you don't mind revving the motor a bit, 8-10 mpg and some funky handling while towing, than that's up to you to determine.. ;)

    Mitch
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 01, 2015
    Trailer GVWR (base plus cargo)-------7400#
    Trailer tongue weight (13% of GVWR----962#

    Go weigh that Yukon camp ready (fuel/passengers/ALL stuff inside).
    Compare that weight against Yukon's GVWR & payload (GVWR minus scaled weight)......do you have enough payload left for that tongue weight??????
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    You are close to the 7900 pound limit, have tons of power and torque available in that engine. The overall payload of the Yukon will be what you have to watch. With just two people and the hitch and tongue weight you will be close to max for both Yukon payload and towing capacity.

    You will need a good brake setup for sure, and a good hitch.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,115 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 27, 2025