Upgrade to Yukon xl Denali...super happy

[jcgib81]

So this season I upgraded from my 2007 Chevy Suburban 5.3 liter with tow package to my 2011 Yukon xl Denali 6.2 Liter. The difference in towing is night and day.
I knew I was close with power and the weight as my trailer comes in at 7455 lbs loaded for camping. The suburban was struggling to say the least and I had it for three years from Virginia to Maine.

If anyone is looking at the Yukon xl Denali, I would recommend it for the amount of people it can hold and I was not prepared how strong the 6.2 Liter is. Night and day towing. The transmission even down shifts when in tow/haul mode to help slow the trailer, something the Suburban never did. We just returned from a 1100 mile trip from Virginia and Gettysburg and only averaged 9.2 mpg but I didn't buy it for mileage. The auto ride suspension is great, no airbags needed which I did have to get rid of the squat in the Suburban.
I asked a few members on here before I actually towed with it to get an idea how it would be but no replies. Even the comfort of driving was awesome. Just my opinion.
Happy camping everyone.
PS I cant have a pickup due to the custom security work that I do driving certain clients. Had to keep SUV for both.

2011 Bullet Premier 31bhpr, Equalizer hitch.

[martinto]

I believe the 2015 XL may come with the 8 speed tranny.

[kvangil]

Thanks for the report on the XL Denali. We are looking at that as a potential replacement for our current TV next year. Either a used Denali XL, or a newer '15 Yukon XL.

[martinto]

I have the 2008 6.2l Yukon Denali...not the XL. I pull a 28 ft Apex loaded at about 6300 lbs. The engine is a beast. Live close to the NC mountains and I don't sweat the steep grades. The tow haul mode provides a safe feeling with the auto downshifts (just tap the brakes). The auto ride feature is a big plus. Looking to upgrade to a 2014 Sierra Denali as we are planning a cross country trip and the longer wheelbase vs the shorter Yukon plus it's utility appeals to me. I like the XL, but newer ones are not so easy to find and they are pricey.

[boshog]

The 6.2 liter engine is standard on the Denali trim.

[jcgib81]

My truck is a 2011 Yukon xl Denali. The Denali has the 6.2 liter but I believe it is still considered in the 1500 class.
The Denali has autoride suspension which is great when not towing, and worked great when I was towing.
Like I posted I was pleasantly surprised how the truck downshifted pretty aggressively when slowing down with the trailer.

[MARK_VANDERBENT]

Considering this combo myself thanks for feedback

[jerem0621]

Is yours a 2500 series or a 1500 series Yukon XL? I would love to get my hands on a 6.2 GM...even for a test drive.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[jerem0621]

Great report! Thank you for sharing.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[BenK]

When did GM install the 6.2L gasser into a 8.6K GVWR ?