2001 GMC Yukon 1500 as TV

[tgunter101]

I've searched the forum for posts that would help answer my questions. While I found plenty of helpful info, I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. We're anticipating jumping into RV'ing, but want to try it out before investing too much, so I'm trying not to purchase a new TV until we know more. We have a very well-maintained, 1-owner, low mileage '01 Yukon with the towing package, including transmission cooler. I've researched how to calculate towing capacity for hours on end and have found multiple variations, the simplest of which is to use 80% of TV specified towing capacity. My Yukon states 5,000 lbs with a dead weight hitch and 8,800 lbs with a WDH, which seems to be a significant variance. Max tongue weight is 500 lbs dead hitch or 1,000 lbs with WDH. GCWR is 14,000 lbs, but GVWR is 7,000 lbs, so I'm confused about which tow rating to actually use. I've calculated a loaded vehicle weight of just under 6,000 lbs, which is conservative (only 2 passengers). Would that leave 8,000 lbs of total towing capacity (14,000 - 6,000), recognizing that I would want to stay at least 20% under that? I've added in hitch weight and have calculated tongue weight using 12% of GTWR. My trailer purchase decision is between pop-up (under 5,000 lbs) or trailer with GTWR of 6,400 lbs.

Thanks in advance for any help provided!

[blofgren]

Isn’t the Yukon XL the same wheelbase as the standard Yukon, just the body is longer?

We will only be towing our 18’ bow rider boat with our 2001 standard length Yukon so I’m sure it will be fine, or at least I hope so because we really love the Yukon which is in fantastic shape too!

[tgunter101]

Great to hear from others who have towed with similar vehicles. I have the long wheelbase, so at least I have that going for me! I've narrowed down to Rockwood Highwall pop-up or a Lance trailer that has a dry weight under 5k lbs. I'd be happy with the PUP, but doubt my wife would join me! With either, I'll add a WDH and if I go with the trailer, I'm prepared to add Roadmaster Active Suspension if leaf springs are weak. I'll also replace the OEM receiver. And yes, I understand that I just need to get out and do it, so to speak. Just trying to make informed decisions before committing the cash. And I agree re: truck prices - they are insane!

As always, all input is appreciated. This forum is gold!

[travelnman]

Sounds like you have the Tahoe version of the suburban or I call it the Stubby version. Not good wheel base is to short result you will experience sway. That's not fun because you can get stressed out and
your partner will wake up and say "are we there yet" Go with the regular Yukon or Suburban I think over all length is 220 inches. The
5.3 liter and 3.73 Rear End and higher is OK but 3.08 axel will not
move anything larger than a tent camper. I know I have the 5.3/3.73 axel and pull dry weight of 6,200lbs with a suburban 04. Very steep
inclines can be a problem with the air conditioning running, I usually turn it off in Branson, Mo for example. Flat ground it is a great combination. Gas MPG is 8-9 depending on wind. Change the transmission oil often and flush the radiator it will save in the end.
I'm looking for a tow vehicle but prices have put me on the side lines my old burbon is still running but with over 200,000 on it pulling 8,000 lbs it is time. If I can not find another vehicle in my budget we are going to quit. Looks like this administration wants another 15 cents a gallon and the states are all licking their chops.
It won't be long before we see four bucks again like it or not thats the future. Everyone wants electric. Premium gas is 80 cents more than regular so I ruled out the 6.2 liter Yokun which is really the best SUV to tow with. Best for trucks but Premium gas is recommended. Good luck with your search I will need it also but this camping is getting to be expensive fun and we used to look at it as the best least expensive venture for our family. Times are changing.

[LanceRKeys]

Sometimes you just need to stop calculating and worrying about it and go camping. Get a pop-up or hybrid used for cheap. Plan on using it as a trial basis for a couple years and selling it. You won’t lose much if you buy at a good price, and you will gain a TON of knowledge and have fun doing it. Aim for a dry weight of 4000-5000 lbs and get what looks like it will work for you. If you can rent, do that, or maybe you know someone with a trailer similar to yours you could drag around for a little while to see what you think. I have pulled a lot of campers from a tiny pop-up with a Ford Focus to a fifth wheel with a diesel truck. I didn’t even think about going to a scale or calculating load ratings till I got on this site. Some combinations were better than others, but they were all safe. When it is all said and done, post some pictures and a towing report to let us know how it went.

[1320Fastback]

If you guys aren't filling your water tanks you should take bottled water with or buy water when you get to your destinations. Wouldn't want to risk getting sick on a vacation!

[Heymon]

Just thought I'd add a thought: I towed for a number of years with a 2002 Yukon XL 2WD with 3.73 gears and a 6700 pound (on a scale) trailer. That vehicle was the best vehicle purchase I ever made. I towed in California, up and down mountains, and really had no trouble. There are 2 areas of concern I would point out. First is that the stock hitch is garbage. I replaced mine with a Curt. Bolt on, inexpensive, strong. Second is that my rear axle had too much weight (tongue was about 1000 lbs) and the back brakes overheated a couple of times on longer downhill curvy roads. However, I learned I was descending in too high of a gear (3rd once and 2nd another time). But that overheating was a gnawing problem for me. I replaced that Yukon with a 3/4 ton Yukon 8.1. I also go downhill on mountain roads (Big Bear, CA) in first gear now which works very well. I would have kept the half ton if I still needed a daily driver (the 3/4 ton ride is rough), but now I only tow and bring home furniture the wife keeps buying. Seems I alternate between camping and toting furniture every other weekend, but that is a problem for a different forum. Enjoy your camping!

Andre

[Thom02099]

I had/have an 03 Tahoe LT, with essentially the same set up as your Yukon, except being 4wd. Here's some observations and things that might be helpful.

If possible, take your Yukon and the Lance trailer you want to buy and take it to a scale to be weighed. Do several passes. 1 - the Yukon solo. 2 - The Yukon with the trailer hitched. 3 - The tongue of the trailer. Gives you all the exact, significant weights you'll need.

The owners manual recommendation for GCWR for my set up was 14400. The real world weight of both was 11780 at the scale, with all of my stuff, 50gal of water and 2 full fuel tanks. Trailer weight alone was just shy of 6000lbs.

If you don't need the 3rd row of seats in your Yukon, remove them. That's the first thing I did, since unnecessary. A bit of payload increase.

The slightly longer wheelbase on your Yukon should be an advantage. With my Tahoe and Outback combo, there was a LOT of porpoising on many roads, frequently on interstates. Not a pleasant sensation for miles and miles on end. I also have a WDH, and sway was rarely a factor, usually only when being passed by a semi or bigger MH.

Whenever possible, travel with no water on board. There may be times it is necessary however. I go to a lot of USFS CG here in Colorado, though they have common water, sometimes they do not have threaded faucets. Get one of those water coupler thingies from Amazon. Also, most of these USFS CG don't have dump stations so you'll need to haul gray/black water to a place to dump.

Recognise that you will not be going fast in the mountains. With my set up, and a lot of 7-12% grades, I would be lucky to be at 30mph. Put the flashers on, whenever possible, drive along the shoulder to let others pass on those 2 lane roads. and just don't stress about it.

Your fuel mileage WILL SUCK. That is a fact. Towing on the flats, I would get about 9-10mpg. In the mountains, 6-8mpg. With a 26 gallon tank, I would start looking for gas with 150 miles on the trip odometer. On the flats across eastern Colorado, Nebraska, or Kansas, I could get about 200 miles on a tank. In the mountains, I'd start looking at 100-120 miles, and top up frequently. Fuel stops are going to be few and far between in many mountain locations. One place I like to go, the closest fuel is about 50 miles in any direction. Get a good gas app and check it prior to travel for the day, to find good fuel locations along the way.

If you plan your trip to the PNW using interstates, this likely would not be as much of a problem. However, if you plan on using secondary roads, where towns and fuel stops could be signicantly far apart, then fuel stop planning becomes a necessity.

While I still have the Tahoe, as it is an excellent vehicle, I replaced it with a '07 GMC Sierra SLE (classic) 3500HD. Same trailer. A bit of overkill some would say. But I bought it prior to a trip to SW Colorado, the 4 corners region, and on to both rims of the Grand Canyon. I wanted something that would tow across vast stretches of highways and not have to constantly try to figure out where to get fuel. With my current set up of the diesel and the Outback, I get consistently 11-13mpg, whether on high elevation flats of northern Arizona or towing up and over Wolf Creek Pass.

Still love the Tahoe. Love the Sierra more for towing, though.

[tgunter101]

Words of wisdom! Glad to see I'm not the only one with a TV from the ancient past. I think that's what we're going to do - get the trailer we want and just take it slow. Thanks for all the advice!

[anw7405]

This is just my opinion. Pick the Buggy before the horse. We did the opposite and ended up switching both anyway. Buy the camper you want and try it with the yukon xl. The 5.3 and 4L60E tranny is very reliable. We just did a trip with my setup and my inlaws setup which is a 2000 yukon xl 4wd pulling a 5k loaded hybrid. Unless you change the tires on your TT most of them are only rated to 65mph. This puts your yukon right at about 3k rpms in 3rd gear with the 373 gears. I see no problems with your current truck to at least try it out. Even with a 6K trailer. Yes you will want more power and the mountains will slow you way down but it will do it.

My only suggestion would be to take off the current receiver hitch and get a heavy duty one. Those hitches are known to fail. Its peace of mind for a little over $100.

[parker_rowe]

Campfire Time wrote:
There is a lot to be said for having something that's paid for! I think you should try it. As said, unless you are doing a lot of mountains I think you'll be just fine. Even then, don't be in any hurry. There is this prevailing thinking on this and other RV boards that you've got to keep up with traffic going up 6% grades. I've done it at 45mph. Stay in the right lane, put your flashers on and relax.

If its a steep hill there will probably be a few big trucks to keep you company. I've had to take a few hills like that and its no big deal. At least it doesn't bother me.

[Campfire_Time]

There is a lot to be said for having something that's paid for! I think you should try it. As said, unless you are doing a lot of mountains I think you'll be just fine. Even then, don't be in any hurry. There is this prevailing thinking on this and other RV boards that you've got to keep up with traffic going up 6% grades. I've done it at 45mph. Stay in the right lane, put your flashers on and relax.

[blofgren]

OP, I too have a 2001 Yukon SLT 4x4 with the 5.3L. Given the weights you have outlined I would give it a go. You may not be the first to the top of the hill but I would bet it doesn't do too bad overall. Just take your time and enjoy the trips!

[tgunter101]

And sorry Grit - I misread your reply. Now I see where you are suggesting a more powerful vehicle for western travel. Unfortunately, I've come to the same conclusion. Feel like I'm trying to thread a needle instead of just admitting that the beloved Yukon probably can't do the job.

Thanks again for all the help and advice!

[tgunter101]

Great info from everyone and much appreciated! The suggestion of not traveling with water in the tanks is very helpful. I've still assumed at least 1 full holding tank, in the event that we don't have hookups at some point, and also gives me a cushion. I have included 700 lbs of "stuff" in my calculations - which is in addition to water, propane, batteries and WDH. I understand this is a swag, but believe it's erring on the high side. With this estimate, I'm at 78% of SUV towing capacity (6,066 / 7,800) and this assumes tongue weight is not distributed to TV. So I'm under the 80% guideline, but my overall GCWR is at 89% (11,508 / 13,000). How much of a concern is that? Oh - the SUV is 2WD. And our plans include a trip from TX up to WA to visit kids/grandkids, so I won't be able to stay on flat terrain. Think the Yukon can handle it? I know I'm pushing it. Just can't stand the thought of buying a TT AND a TV at the same time. Lots of cash to shell out and I love my pampered Yukon!