Should I tow a 30' 7" 5820lb trailer with 2005 Yukon Denali XL?

[jlrosine]

Hi all, I'm looking for anyone that has had experience with my vehicle or just has a good general opinion of whether or not I should consider buying a camper that weights 5,820lbs dry.

My Vehicle:
2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali
158k miles (transmission and axles serviced every 30k miles since new).
6.0L vortec w/electric fans (335hp/375lb/ft torque)
Towing Capacity: 7,900 lbs

Trailer I'm considering:
Coleman 30' 7" trailer
5,820 lbs

I'm trying to avoid a situation where I have to bump up to a 3/4 ton for various reasons. The first reason and biggest reason is that I have a family of 6, finding a 3/4 ton vehicle like the Yukon I already have is difficult to find and really doesn't offer much over what I have if I add anti sway bars and hitch equalizer. It seems like most of the 3/4 ton burbs are older anyway, and have tons of miles.

I considered "upgrading" to the Expedition EL Ecoboost, but it's still just a 1/2 ton frame I believe. It would offer better power but marginally increase the safety otherwise. I could also potentially get an F150 ecoboost or something similar (3/4 ton), but finding a bench in the front to seat 6 is proving difficult, and expensive.

Am I nuts to try to tow a trailer of that size with the Yukon I have? Dealers all tell me it'll be fine, but research and some experience towing tell me I should be careful.

I'm a very careful/slow driver, and if I did tow with the vehicle I have I can't imagine going much over 55 or 60mph with that large of a trailer in tow.

Any suggestions/thoughts appreciated.

[wowens79]

The engine will be ok, but you will slow down on the hills. I've got the 2002 version of that engine, 300hp, 260 ft'lb, also I have the 4spd trans. My trailer is about 800lbs heavier dry. You will have to turn 3000-4000 rpms on the hills, but it is designed to do that. I've got 204k miles on mine.

Your issue will probably be your payload and axle capacity. With 6 people, gear, and tongue weight I'd bet you will be overloaded.

[DownTheAvenue]

Roadpilot wrote:
Here's a Coleman trailer that sounds very close to what you want to buy.

Trailer

It is 30' 7" long. Has an average shipping weight of 5,789
and a cargo capacity of 1811.

So the max. weight of the trailer (and the weight you should plan on towing) is 7,600 pounds.

That'll give you a tongue weight of around 1,000 pounds.

This is very important information. The average shipping weight has nothing to do with real world weights, let alone the wind drag and dynamic forces exerted on a tow vehicle by a trailer that size.

By the time you add a battery or two, full propane tanks, and just minimal everyday stuff like kitchen equipment, canned food, clothing, bathroom supplies, sewer and water connections, even some on board fresh water, you will be more like 7000 lbs.

[Roadpilot]

Here's a Coleman trailer that sounds very close to what you want to buy.

Trailer

It is 30' 7" long. Has an average shipping weight of 5,789
and a cargo capacity of 1811.

So the max. weight of the trailer (and the weight you should plan on towing) is 7,600 pounds.

That'll give you a tongue weight of around 1,000 pounds.

[dodge_guy]

I always say to add 1500lbs to a trailers dry weight. this will get you close to its loaded ready to travel weight. that would put a 5800lb trailer at a loaded weight of 7300lbs with 12.5% tongue weight of approx. 960lbs (you will need to load the trailer properly to arrive at this number).

As far as towing at 55-60, that will not be practical. you will get run off the highway at those speeds. I`ve run at 70 on occasion and it still isn't fast enough for most people. the 6.0 can handle it. I would think you will be OK. if your willing to get a new Tow Vehicle then why not tow with it to see how it does. then you can decide if you want something different. and with as many people that will be in the trailer you do not want to go smaller!

[troubledwaters]

Why a 15% buffer? There is nothing wrong with towing up to 100% of your vehicle ratings as long as you don't exceed any rating. That is what a "maximum" rating is for, it already has a factor of safety built in. Do some research here.

[jlrosine]

Thanks all.

I did calculations on a site that takes in to account the trailer tongue weight, my rear axle specs/weight, GVWR and about 8 other factors.

I think with a 15% buffer it said I could safely tow a trailer that is 5600lbs. So if I'm being super cautious I may just want to find a smaller trailer if I don't want to change my vehicle (bummer).

Thanks for all of the input.

[ktosv]

I see you are in Colorado, here in Michigan that set up would have plenty of power to tow that trailer, even if that is the empty weight. You are limited on payload. With a family of six and with 12-15% tongue weight you will exceed the rear axle weight rating and some of the other weight ratings.

A 2010 or newer GM van with the 6L/6speed would tow even better than your Denali. Some people prefer the Ford vans but you probably would want to look for a V10.

[SouthpawHD]

If it's a 6.0L, is it a 2500?

[George_H]

Is that 5280 lbs. the GVW? I have an 05 mid-size GM suv rated to tow 6500, not sure I'd want to test that out though.

[Lwiddis]

What is payload of your Yukon? Weight of all passengers minus 150 pounds for you? Tongue weight of TT fully loaded? Weight of all stuff you plan to carry in Yukon is? If using a WDH, it's weight is?