Tow capabilities

[adamstee]

My 2009 GMG Yukon XL Denali (with factory tow package) is rated for 7900 lbs.
If I adhere to weight restrictions and weight distribution upgrades, can I safely tow a trailer with a 7,038 lbs. dry weight? Thanks

[blt2ski]

LITEPHIL wrote:
I wouldn't. Every trailer I have bought new went straight down to the scales and every one was at least 400 lbs over the sticker and a couple were closer to 600 over.

How many of those trailers had dealer add-ons? Like an awning, roof top AC, larger addition LP tanks or batteries, generator......

Marty

[LITEPHIL]

I wouldn't. Every trailer I have bought new went straight down to the scales and every one was at least 400 lbs over the sticker and a couple were closer to 600 over.

[tim1973]

Replaced our mounts last year.

[Grit_dog]

^True story.

[jerem0621]

mkirsch wrote:
If you're breaking things on a regular basis, wouldn't that be an indication that the tow vehicle is NOT suitable for what you're using it to pull?

I'm all for pushing the numbers but things should not be breaking.

Most GM trucks of this era break motor mounts relatively often. We’ve changed them for others too. Many of these trucks with 130k plus a thousand probably have broken motor mounts. But yea, my friends are breaking way too often.

Chinamart is to blame. Not his Suburban.

Thanks!

[mkirsch]

If you're breaking things on a regular basis, wouldn't that be an indication that the tow vehicle is NOT suitable for what you're using it to pull?

I'm all for pushing the numbers but things should not be breaking.

[jerem0621]

Sure thing. Just tow slow and deliberate.

If you saw what my buddy tows “all the time” with his 2011 Suburban it would make many keyboards melt here. 😉

We are getting pretty good at replacing motor mounts. I suppose you will to.

Drivers side motor mounts are weak on these trucks and I guess yours is probably broke right now if you are over 130k miles OR tow heavy often.

Yea, I swore mine wasn’t broke either. I was wrong.

Have fun, set the hitch up right. Firm up the tires, get better shocks and struts and enjoy the ride.

Dialed in set up with my Zinger and my 2011 Tahoe that “can’t tow nothing”



WD hitch not set up right at all on this pic



Thanks!

Jeremiah

[tim1973]

Bionic Man wrote:
I had a 2011 Yukon Denali XL, and used it to tow a 7000 pound boat. Engine and transmission temps always ran high (would go over 240* in the mountains), and I never felt comfortable with the stability of the rig (read as the boat would push the SUV around). It was ok to tow at 65 MPH, but at 70, it would wander some. I never felt safe above 70 (which can make it tough to pass on a 2-lane road).

If you don't have mountains, and are using a WDH, you will likely be ok, but not ideal.

I currently run a 2011 Yukon Denali, pulling a 7200lb trailer. I live on the coast so no mountains. It does it, but it does tax the mechanics. Ive upgraded both the stock radiator and transmission cooler. Ive also installed a set of timbren helpers in the back, to give the air suspension some help. Ive been camping for a long time, had many different tow vehicles...both 3/4 and 1/2 ton.

Guess it all boils down to risk vs reward, the 3/4 ton will always tow better sure. But in my case, its more than just a tow vehicle, its a DD. So the other 95% of my driving I have to deal with the 3/4 ton beast. Good Luck!

[Me_Again]

It is always better to use the trailer GVWR and 10-12 percent of that for hitch weight. I do not think it is the right TV or trailer.

[Bionic_Man]

I had a 2011 Yukon Denali XL, and used it to tow a 7000 pound boat. Engine and transmission temps always ran high (would go over 240* in the mountains), and I never felt comfortable with the stability of the rig (read as the boat would push the SUV around). It was ok to tow at 65 MPH, but at 70, it would wander some. I never felt safe above 70 (which can make it tough to pass on a 2-lane road).

If you don't have mountains, and are using a WDH, you will likely be ok, but not ideal.

[Wishin]

My trailer is less than 6k dry but is close to 8k loaded. One reason I have decided to stay with my 2003 Suburban is that the 2007+ versions can only handle 1000 max tongue weight. My trailer tongue is in the 1200-1300 lb range anytime I have weighed it.

Mine is a 2500 model and it tows nicely. Very stable. I would be willing to give it a try with a 1500 model, but I would likely go over GVWR and rear axle ratings. It makes sense to target a lighter trailer. Maybe a loaded weight of 6500 which should keep your tongue weight under 1,000 lbs.

[valhalla360]

I'd be looking for something in the 7000lb GVWR range.

Also, worth taking the truck down to the CAT scale and find out what payload you've already used. Some of the big SUVs have so much stuff bolted on, they can eat up a lot of payload before you even load people and gear let alone hitch weight. Try to take it in with people and gear loaded as if you were going to hitch up the trailer.

Then with actual axle weights, you can check against the trucks ratings to see what you have available.

[APT]

7k dry TT means:

8000-8500 pounds loaded
1000-1200 pounds of tongue weight

I expect your Yukon would be exceeding the GVWR, GCWR, receiver rating, and rear axle rating when loaded up with people inside and TT connected. You have a lot of power and a good transmission. Suspension is your weakest link based on ratings when it was new. Towing with anything 10+ years old will depend far more on condition and how it was maintained.

I recommend sticking to around 6k dry TT for most half tons because of all the other ratings besides manufacturer tow rating.

[Grit_dog]

I would, if I didn’t have a bigger tow rig or a smaller trailer. But if you have to ask, I’d say no, because you don’t have a lot of experience towing and a 4 ton high profile trailer is about all that Burb will want.
Also depends on distance, geography and frequency.
Couple short tips to the state park in “home”, wherever that is, provided it’s flat and low altitude, sure.
Couple trips a month through the Rockies, Blue Ridge or Sierras, or cross country runs, you’ll be runnin that Burb real hard.
Mostly drivetrain and suspension. The LS3 has good power and is a good towing engine.