Towing 6355lbs/Yukon designed to pull 7,300 - Need advice

[Samanthahhi]

Hey All....really could use some "non-salesman" advice here.

I have a 2009 Yukon SLE, 4WD that the yellow sticker says it can pull 7,300lbs and up to 8,400lbs max (includes weight of driver only) and yes, it has a tow package with cooling whatever.

I currently pull a 2014 Skyline Nomad 241 that is dry weight of 4700lbs....easy, breezy to tow. I don't have to think twice about weight and how I pack.

I am about to sign on a deal for a 2016 Forest River Wildwood 27RKSS that is a dry weight of 6,355. Dealer says they wouldn't be allowed to sell me a trailer my tow vehicle couldn't pull, but...I am nervous, because I know i am up there on the weight. I realize I will need to tow with little to no water and mind my cargo load.

We tend to travel for a straight 5 weeks out of the year staying one to two nights per a location. We hit every kind of terrain. I love the space this new trailer could afford us, but I am concerned about engine strain.

I've tried running through all of the calculations and my mo=ind is boggled. I am turning to the forum for words of caution and experience. I am done running the numbers...so please don't suggest that.

Is this too close on weight limit or am I over thinking it and will be fine?

Thank you!

Samantha

[Samanthahhi]

LOL...thank you, Grit Dog!

[Grit_dog]

Same question that gets posted here almost daily. Answers will range from you're fine to you need a dually.
Bottom line is you will be fine, if you're experienced at towing. Remember, despite what the 6 pages I haven't read said, but trucks don't magically fall apart as you near the mfg published capacities. Know that they have to stupid proof to the best of their abilities for liability sake just like the don't stick you hand under the mower and don't take a bath with your toaster stickers!

[klx400kev]

I guess everybody's definition of safety and comfort is different.

[Samanthahhi]

APT > I am out of town, not near TV, but it is like or is the Tekonsha

[APT]

IS there any kind of writing on the brake controller? Something with a brand and model number would be great. It may look something like this one.

[Samanthahhi]

Bikendan > good to know, but is there anything I am supposed to use that value for?

APT > What is a WDH?

I have the kind of sway bars you hook in from underneath and secure with chain and also a resistance sway bar. Very solid setup. Oh...hWDH means Weight Distribution Hitch. I have that!

I do have a brake controller, but it is like a little dial that I nudge ever so slightly to get the right resistance. I am guessing you are suggesting something stronger?

So...with this setup and given the other info...under 6K will be a safe, non-white-knuckling experience?

Samantha

[APT]

I have never seen a GM half ton SUV with over 16000 pounds of payload. I'm sure some exist, but that seems more like a web site number. Looks for this sticker near the location of the one listing 7300 pounds.



6k dry is reasonable. That will likely be closer to 7500 pounds for a longer trip. You need more than suitcases of clothes. You need food, cooking/eating-ware, towels, bedding, probably some chairs for campfire, and any other recreational things.

Get a WDH with integrated sway control and proportional brake controller.

[bikendan]

Samanthahhi wrote:
Thank you for catching that, Bikendan.

Dave > The payload on my TV is 1,830lbs. How does this factor in?

Samantha

that's not bad for a SUV. that is what your Yukon can carry, including driver, passengers, cargo and hitch weight.

[Samanthahhi]

MPond...I see what you are saying. I do understand. I am fully trying to understand this complex issue. I've posted things in the past (in this and other forums) and had the topic diluted into other issues as people got heated about stuff...so I was trying not have it veer off topic.

My apologies, if I, myself, came off as sounding rude.

Samantha

[Samanthahhi]

Thank you for catching that, Bikendan.

Dave > The payload on my TV is 1,830lbs. How does this factor in?

Samantha

[bikendan]

Samanthahhi wrote:
Thank you...I need a slap of reality. I need to let it go.

Those is the info you were asking...

...my Yukon yellow sticker says 7,300. Max rating is 8,200.

Dave asked the payload capacity on the yellow sticker, not the numbers above. the 7,300 number is no way the payload capacity.

Payload capacity will run out way before towing capacity.

[MPond]

Samanthahhi wrote:
PLEASE..let's not get into questioning others!!

I am asking for random advice...let's not start a debate on other's "humble opinions"...which is why they are offering "humble opinions". They are their own peronal opinions based on experience and preference.

I appreciate everyone's ongoing advice and would prefer this thread to remain focused and...well...kind to one another.

That's just how I roll 😉

Samantha

I'm all for being friendly - nothing in my post was offensive or rude. But I am genuinely concerned when someone comes to these forums, someone who is in need of towing advice, and is given what I consider to be unsound advice.

And rather than attacking, I wrote an open-minded comment that started with "I don't understand...", leaving it open for additional explanation in case I missed something.

Discussion and even friendly debate (without attacks) leads to sharing of ideas, and usually better outcomes to threads like this. But that's not possible without questioning others...

[Samanthahhi]

Thank you...I need a slap of reality. I need to let it go.

Those is the info you were asking...

...my Yukon yellow sticker says 7,300. Max rating is 8,200.

[DaveF-250SD]

Samanthahhi wrote:
So...my Yukon yellow sticker says 7,300. Max rating is 8,200.

I found a lighter trailer that I like, but the GVW/Dry Weight yellow sticker is 5,946 - no GVWR given. I do have a strong tow setup.

I don't pack too heavy on my long road trips. Figure 3-4 suitcases weighing about 50lbs each, plus food, usually 2-3 passengers, water tank 1/4 full and 2 full large propane tanks.

I figure - and YES, I know I need to weigh, but that's not going to happen right now - I am adding an additional roughly 1klbs.

Is this a doable tow or will I be straining my engine when I hit inclines or declines?

FYI...I am looking at the SunValley S293RKSS SunValley S293RKSS

Samanthahhi, the Sun Valley trailer you are looking at has a GVW of 8,750 lbs. Far beyond your tow rating. The empty weight, without options is right about at 6,000 lbs. When ready for your trip, it will be over 7,000 lbs. easily. Combine that with it being over 30 feet long, at you will not have a comfortable or safe situation. The tail wagging the dog, so to speak. What is the payload rating on the yellow sticker of your Yukon?