Quote:
Originally Posted by JoelandMimi
Thanks for worrying about the weight and safety but I checked it all out before purchasing, even talking to GM rep that I work with in the area. With the weight distribution hitch and Air Lift 1000 Series Air Spring Bags everyone says I am well with in the safety zone. It does not hurt that I am OSHA certified construction safety man, that makes me a little picky about those things.
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I'm glad you're satisfied with the GM rep's response. They must be well versed in trailering mechanics, model specific capacities of 14 year old Yukons, and safety regulations that guide RV fitment to tow vehicles. If your TV is the 3/4 ton variant with a 20,000 GCWR and mated to either the 8.1L big block or 6.0L Vortec small block, you're probably in the "safety zone". Read no more.
If, however, the TV in question is the more common 1/2 ton 5.3L, 13,000 lb GCWR, with a payload cap of around 1,400 lbs, you're most definitely towing in unsafe territory and you should take a serious look at the numbers. Your tongue weight ALONE will be at approx 13% of your trailer's 9,500 lb GVWR (1,200 lbs), almost 88% of your payload capacity. Include things like a WDH, batteries, and propane and you'll be over capacity before adding TV occupants and cargo.
Remember, adding/changing components such as airbags, shocks, springs and light truck tires do nothing to "increase a truck's capacities". That is a common misconception.
I'm a big proponent of 1/2 ton vehicles pulling trailers WITHIN the specifications of the TV. Many on here discount any 1/2 SUV for pulling a trailer larger than a PU or hybrid. I towed with my Yukon XL Denali (properly equipped) a trailer that was 2,000 lbs lighter on GVW and lighter on hitch weight. The HP, torque and stout 6 speed 6L80 tranny exceeded the HP, torque, and 4L60-e performance by significant margins. It towed good even on long, mountainous trips. But I was close to limits in payload, GAWRs, and hitch capacity. I would never fathom pulling (with the Denali) a trailer heavier than the Bullet I currently own. A Hensley hitch made the world of difference but took away another 80 lbs of payload.
So, my DW and I talked about an upgrade. My Yukon's driveline was 9 years old with 100K on the clock. With several long distance trips ahead of us, I recently decided to replace the Denali and pull the trigger on a 3/4 ton RAM. I would have kept the Denali longer if the RV trips were local and short. But I was in search of mechanical reliability. Didn't want a fuel, oil, or water pump going out 1500 miles away in Yellowstone NP or up the east coast in Prince Edward Island. Plus my children are getting bigger and requesting more "take alongs" than when they were toddlers...another serious hit on payload.
Again, if you're sporting a 2500 series Yukon, take my comments above just as review rhetoric for future forum members who need some perspective on towing capacities. On the other hand, if you're comfortable towing your fully loaded trailer with a popular 2004 grocery getter variant, stop at the scales next time out. You just may be in for a rude awakening.