Towing capacity help

[bpowell590]

We are in the process of getting a travel trailer. We really like the Sportsmen Show Stopper that ways 4,500 dry. My tow vehicle is a 2013 GMC Yukon XL 4x4 with a 5.3 motor. I've done a lot of research and can't get an accurate traliering capacity for my vehicle but the RV dealer said it is 5,000. My question is will I be good towing a trailer with those numbers and does anyone have experience doing so?

Thanks for any input,
Brian.

[bpowell590]

Thanks everyone

[APT]

No cross posting.

GM rates those SUVs at about 5000 pounds with 3.08, 5500 pounds with 3.42, and 8000 pounds with 3.42/HD trailing package. GM never offered the 3.08 with HD trailing package, but I would feel comfortable at 6000 pounds with the 3.08 and a trans cooler in addition to the other towing equipment you have to buy anyway, brake controller and WDH.

[MFL]

misterpowertools wrote:
No doubt it's the 3.08 final drive ratio lowering the towing capacity. That by itself won't make towing unsafe...unless you have a breakdown from straining the rest of the drivetrain. You could re-gear both ends and be okay towing that TT which you will be adding about 1000 lbs to when it's loaded to camp. Less if you don't carry water. Regearing may be cheaper than trading in and a Yukon XL should be a fine towing machine for that trailer.

Yes, this and lack of extra cooling is the reason for 5,000 lb. tow rating. If you had 3.42 gears, with added cooling, same vehicle otherwise, the rating jumps to 8,000 lbs.

It would be a strain on the drive train, but not necessarily unsafe to tow as is. As a minimum, I would add better cooling capability, and tow in whatever gear allows the engine to rev freely.

Jerry

[misterpowertool]

No doubt it's the 3.08 final drive ratio lowering the towing capacity. That by itself won't make towing unsafe...unless you have a breakdown from straining the rest of the drivetrain. You could re-gear both ends and be okay towing that TT which you will be adding about 1000 lbs to when it's loaded to camp. Less if you don't carry water. Regearing may be cheaper than trading in and a Yukon XL should be a fine towing machine for that trailer.

[tomkaren13]

bpowell590 wrote:
If I go by the GVW of the RV I will be 1000 lbs over on my Yukon trailering capacity. Will that be okay?

No. You need a bigger tow vehicle. You and supplies are also included in as part of the vehicle towing capacity

[NC_Hauler]

bpowell590 wrote:
If I go by the GVW of the RV I will be 1000 lbs over on my Yukon trailering capacity. Will that be okay?

I wouldn't want to tow 1,000# over my trailering capacity...You either need another TV to handle the load safely or look for a lighter TT...it is what it is...At least you're asking before jumping in...good decision,

[bpowell590]

If I go by the GVW of the RV I will be 1000 lbs over on my Yukon trailering capacity. Will that be okay?

[bpowell590]

Now that I looked up an a/c condenser it looks like it could be that. How do I know if I have a transmission cooler?

[NC_Hauler]

bpowell590 wrote:
We are in the process of getting a travel trailer. We really like the Sportsmen Show Stopper that ways 4,500 dry. My tow vehicle is a 2013 GMC Yukon XL 4x4 with a 5.3 motor. I've done a lot of research and can't get an accurate traliering capacity for my vehicle but the RV dealer said it is 5,000. My question is will I be good towing a trailer with those numbers and does anyone have experience doing so?

Thanks for any input,
Brian.

#1...Do yourself a HUGE favor and forget dry weight, unless you're going to tow it completely empty...highly unlikely......use GVW of the unit to get a "real life" idea of how much you'll more than likely be towing, and get a more accurate tongue weight....Remember, safety first.

Also, its possible that with a WDH, your tow weight might go up some..3.08 gear ratio will not help if towing in the mountains at your max capacity..

[mbopp]

Two radiators, or a radiator and air conditioning condensed?

[Bumpyroad]

4,500 dry will grossly exceed your 5,000 lb. rating.
and dual posting is not desired.
bumpy

[bpowell590]

It has the 308 code GU4. How do I determine the cooling capacity? It has two radiators under the hood.

[lbrjet]

On your glove box door you will see an axle code. Look that up and report back. If you have the 3.08 axle that will limit you downward. Axle code and cooling capacity is what you want to find out.

[bradyk]

Do a search as we have been through this up many times in the pickup/trailer threads. Make sure on your payload numbers as you will probably run out of payload before the towing capacity......