Tow question

[TTNewbees]

I don't get the whole towing ratings. Of course my dealer looked up my SUV then proceeded to show us trailers. The wife was certain the one we bought was the one but I again questioned the load situation. So we went for it, and while stocking trailer, I was all about being light. Well first trip no issue with equalizer, air ride rode level, zero sway and no issue towing at 65 mph flat land.

Here is the question:

Why is it a simple 1/2 ton truck with a 5.4 liter engine is capable of towing a 9,600 - 10,000 lb trailer but the tow rating on a Yukon Denali with a 6.2 liter is capable of 8000 lbs. The other day reading car and driver showed a 3.5l Eco boost ford can tow 11,000??

Is there anything I can do to increase the tow rating on my Yukon? Change rear gear(has 3.73), modify transmission, springs, anything?

So far it's not a issue but its weighing on my mind going to Jackson hole next summer.

[M109Rrider]

I imagine it's less because of wheel base and curb weight. Longer wheel bases tow better and trucks are lighter compared to suv's.... which means curb weight of the tow vehicle contributes less to combined gross vehicle weight thus allowing a heavier trailer. Also, I would think SUV manufactures build SUV's for the masses.... and the masses don't tow trailers, they haul people. They want ride quality for and sacrifice tow ratings. Softer springs, P metric tires and softer shocks. Can't legally increase tow capacity but you can do stuff to make it "tow better"... Like HD shocks, airbags, overload springs... etc...

[Dave_Monica]

I wish there's another way to say without seeming blunt, but it really appears that you've put the 'cart before the horse'.

I don't think you're going to get the support you're looking for in your decision to be pulling a 34'10" camper with a 116" wheelbase Denali. The dry weight of this camper is probably understated at 7098 lbs...the real dry weight is probably closer to 7500 lbs. It shows a carrying capacity of 2500 lbs so it's GVWR must be in the range of 9500 to 10,000 lbs.

I don't know if this was a case of listening too much to the salesman, but clearly that is too much camper for your Denali.

Dave

[TTNewbees]

You might be right, seems to tow ok so far. The delivered sticker is 6979 and I weighed everything put into it at 636 lbs. The GVWR is 15,500. I am certain I am legal, just seriously considering downgrading my tow vehicle to a truck( no offense) but the cart is not in front of the horse as I can by 2 of them for the price I paid for the Yukon Denali XL. Kind of my original thought, if it don't work, buy a truck, saves a couple bucks.

[Rebel702]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I wish there's another way to say without seeming blunt, but it really appears that you've put the 'cart before the horse'.
...
I don't know if this was a case of listening too much to the salesman, but clearly that is too much camper for your Denali.

Dave

x2

We started shopping looking to pull with our Yukon Denali as well. Every salesperson confirmed that we could pull 34" to 35" units that we really liked. I was not convinced and finally had one sales manager tell me no way on the model we liked. I realized we were not going to be happy in less "cart" so I went "horse" shopping. I made sure my horse could handle it when we decide to upgrade or full-time in the future. Air suspension for ride comfort and short wheel base are not meant for towing bigger or longer units. Still have the Yukon in the stable for hauling Gkids and road trips w/o the trailer because it is a great ride.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by TTNewbees

I don't get the whole towing ratings. Of course my dealer looked up my SUV then proceeded to show us trailers. The wife was certain the one we bought was the one but I again questioned the load situation. So we went for it, and while stocking trailer, I was all about being light. Well first trip no issue with equalizer, air ride rode level, zero sway and no issue towing at 65 mph flat land.

Here is the question:

Why is it a simple 1/2 ton truck with a 5.4 liter engine is capable of towing a 9,600 - 10,000 lb trailer but the tow rating on a Yukon Denali with a 6.2 liter is capable of 8000 lbs. The other day reading car and driver showed a 3.5l Eco boost ford can tow 11,000??

Is there anything I can do to increase the tow rating on my Yukon? Change rear gear(has 3.73), modify transmission, springs, anything?

So far it's not a issue but its weighing on my mind going to Jackson hole next summer.

The answer to the first question is that there is no set standard among manufacturers. At least that was true, but has changed with the SAE creating a new standardized test to determine towing capacity for large pick-ups as announced this summer (SAE J2807). Until now, truck manufacturers each designed their own arbitrary test to measure tow capacity and these tests were all different from each other and were, usually, highly optimistic. Toyota changed to the new standard for the Tundra and the others are following or hopefully will adopt the standard in the next year or two. Then a comparison can be more easily made when shopping.

The answer to your second question is "no" you can't change your tow ratings by doing modifications yourself. The mods you listed might help but they do not change your vehicle's tow ratings.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by TTNewbees

downgrading my tow vehicle to a truck( no offense) but the cart is not in front of the horse as I can by 2 of them for the price I paid for the Yukon Denali XL.

The price you paid doesn't equate to it's ability as a tow vehicle.

Dave

[TTNewbees]

Agreed, we will try it and if needed downgrade our tow vehicle. None of it still makes any sense to me but I am not an engineer. Comments so far are on wheelbase. Yukon XL 130", 143" on silverado hd 2500, obviously makes a huge difference. May have to get a 3.5 l ecoboost before next summer, gives me a reason to go to auto show.

Thanks!

[M109Rrider]

If I was in the market for a 1/2 ton it would be an eco beast

[CliffP]

In 1976 my parents ordered a Olds Cutlass Supreme station wagon with a 455, put air adjustable shocks on and used a weight distribution hitch (no sway bars then) to pull a 28' stick and tin tank of a camper from WI to OR and the long way home with no problems. Now my 1/2 ton isn't "heavy enough" to pull a lighter camper. Hmmmmmmm?

[TTNewbees]

Sounds like a good time!

[Taranwanderer]

Originally Posted by CliffP

In 1976 my parents ordered a Olds Cutlass Supreme station wagon with a 455, put air adjustable shocks on and used a weight distribution hitch (no sway bars then) to pull a 28' stick and tin tank of a camper from WI to OR and the long way home with no problems. Now my 1/2 ton isn't "heavy enough" to pull a lighter camper. Hmmmmmmm?

You can thank all the CARB regulations and the never-ending EPA mandates for more fuel efficient (and therefore lighter) vehicles. More government intervention in our lives, folks, and it's only going to get worse.

[18CrewDually]

Originally Posted by CliffP

In 1976 my parents ordered a Olds Cutlass Supreme station wagon with a 455, put air adjustable shocks on and used a weight distribution hitch (no sway bars then) to pull a 28' stick and tin tank of a camper from WI to OR and the long way home with no problems. Now my 1/2 ton isn't "heavy enough" to pull a lighter camper. Hmmmmmmm?

Higher torque from a 455 made it possible getting about 7 miles to the gallon. I wouldn't tow anything but a small boat with a little half ton p/u. Nothing beats the stability of a dually.

[dretired]

When looking at what a "loaded " F 150 ecoboost crew cab will cost.... .3.5 engine , max tow pkg, Max payload pkg (8ft box) in a XLT or Lariat model..4x4 ?? or not... at least a 3.73 rear axel.. you may well be in the price range of a F 250.. that should have 12,000 lbs of towing capability and 3,000 lbs of payload capacity

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I

I don't think you're going to get the support you're looking for in your decision to be pulling a 34'10" camper with a 116" wheelbase Denali. The dry weight of this camper is probably understated at 7098 lbs...the real dry weight is probably closer to 7500 lbs. It shows a carrying capacity of 2500 lbs so it's GVWR must be in the range of 9500 to 10,000 lbs.

I don't know if this was a case of listening too much to the salesman, but clearly that is too much camper for your Denali.

What Dave said !!

I have tried to stay away from being the length and weight police recently, but that combo has brought me back into the mix.

IMHO, a 116" vehicle should not be pulling a 35' conventional travel trailer. A 23 footer with the proper setup....yes, but not something way over 30.

And I would forget about a 1/2 ton truck to replace the SUV. With a listed tongue weight of 953 lbs., that figure is going to be in the neighborhood of 1200 lbs. camping ready. That tongue weight is going to exceed many 1/2 ton hitch ratings, as well as maxing out the GVWR of 1/2 ton trucks. Yes, you may be able to stay under the GVWR with the trailer only, but load the family and some gear in the truck and I betcha it will be over the max.

A big engine, low gear ratio (high number), long wheelbased 3/4 ton truck is needed for that trailer.

If you weigh the Denali with the trailer hooked up, camping ready with all passengers in their seats, I believe you find that you are way over the GVWR of your SUV.

[Dave_Monica]

Originally Posted by TTNewbees

Yukon XL 130", 143" on silverado hd 2500, obviously makes a huge difference.

I missed the fact that your Denali is an XL at 130" wheelbase rather than 116" and I apologize.

I wouldn't, however, change my opinion in regards to it's suitabilty to tow your camper.

Dave

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I missed the fact that your Denali is an XL at 130" wheelbase rather than 116" and I apologize.

I wouldn't, however, change my opinion in regards to it's suitabilty to tow your camper.

Dave

I will stay with my post, also. With a 130" wheelbase SUV, a 26' travel trailer should be about the maximum length. The LaCrosse weight also remains a problem.

[lbrjet]

Originally Posted by TTNewbees

Agreed, we will try it and if needed downgrade our tow vehicle. None of it still makes any sense to me but I am not an engineer. Comments so far are on wheelbase. Yukon XL 130", 143" on silverado hd 2500, obviously makes a huge difference. May have to get a 3.5 l ecoboost before next summer, gives me a reason to go to auto show.

Thanks!

When you are coming down that mountain if you want a cast iron block engine, heavy duty transmission, heavy duty frame, heavy duty brakes and a full floating rear axle (all designed) to absorb all that stress then get a 3/4 ton pickup. If not get a 1/2 ton. There is more to consider than just tow rating.

[GASPEDDLER]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

When you are coming down that mountain if you want a cast iron block engine, heavy duty transmission, heavy duty frame, heavy duty brakes and a full floating rear axle (all designed) to absorb all that stress then get a 3/4 ton pickup. If not get a 1/2 ton. There is more to consider than just tow rating.

Very good point.

[TTNewbees]

Originally Posted by 87CrewDually

Higher torque from a 455 made it possible getting about 7 miles to the gallon. I wouldn't tow anything but a small boat with a little half ton p/u. Nothing beats the stability of a dually.

Now we need a dually, lmfao! I am definitely limited in experience when it comes to towing a TT, however at 41 years old I have been towing boats and four wheelers since 2mos of my 16th birthday, so have some experience. I think the small boat thing is way over the top, I pull my tandem axle, 5000 lb boat through the ozark mountains at 80mph blowing by that dually.

Thanks for the realistic replies, and the weight issue has confirmed my thoughts. I will weigh the whole setup on my way to Tennessee and if we are borderline and tv struggles I will look at getting a 2500 suburban or truck b4 next summer. (probably not a dually though, the wife may struggle getting that into the parking garage at work.)