Cherokee 274dbh and 2011 Yukon Denali 6.2 403 hp 407 torque

[Jerheye]

Looking for input Can I safely pull this camper? I will have wdh and two friction sway controls, tv has transmission cooler, oil cooler 6.2 403 hp 8200 towing capacity
3:42 rear rear end. Family of two with small dog going to Charleston sc from Indiana. Appreciate any input. Also automatic air suspension leveling. I tow it to local campground (23 ) miles with no problem but never had it on freeway with very hilly roads between here and there. Thanks.

[bridgekev]

I'd check your vehicles Max tongue weight with a wdh and find a cat scale to make sure.

[prof_fate]

no...
I don't have the specs but you can get them -

GCWR of your TV - that's on teh door panel. it's the TOTAL WEIGHT of everything rolling down the road - TV, TT, cargo in TT and TV, people, etc.

The 8200 is based on a 150lb driver and nothing else in teh vehicle, and often no options so the TV is as light as possible. Every pound you put in the TV you reduce the tow rating - see GCWR above.

My silverado has a tow rating of 9600 lbs and my TT is 6300lbs..and I'm at or maybe even OVER the TV's GCWR and GVWR.

it's 7000 gvwr, but scales at 5400. Put in 4 REAL people (nearly 700lbs) and the dog (50lb), the hitch (40lbs) and we're left with 800 for tounge weight...a bike or firewood in the TV and we're at the limit for the TV.

Now the GCWR is 14,400 - we're well short of that. So safe? Sure. Gonna create durability issues on the TV? Maybe. Depends on how much we tow and where (kansas vs rocky mountains, 50mph vs 80 mph)

As for how it 'feels' on the road - you'll probably get used to it. Went from a TV with 10 ply tires to one with P rated 4 ply..first few trips felt liek the truck was made of jello. We towed over 1200 miles last summer with no issues, been over the appalachians with no issues (up or down the hills) with a/c on and 90F days. BUT our TV was less than 50k miles...150k on it may be a very different issue.

[ctsam]

I researched this upside down and inside out. I have the 274dbh. Current tow vehicles 2010 Silverado 110,000 miles 5.3 auxiallry transmission and oil coolers and 3.42 gears and the same setup on a 2013 Yukon xl, previously towed by a Tahoe with the same setup. The codes are in the glovebox and your Denali is set up to tow. Most likely has a z82 code and a gu6 code meaning it's ready. I confer with the previous poster as to what you add in extra needs to be managed as to not exceed recommended towing capcity. Just like him I live in Appalachia and have town mine with the high mileage truck all over. Anywhere from 150-450 mile trips one way without any issues. Another consideration is proper transmission service, oil changes and last but very important monitor your transmission temperature. Most gm models have that feature in with the odometer settings. It will get hot while towing and opinions vary as to what's safe or not. Just load properly, service vehicle properly and you will be just fine.

[jughrad]

The 8200 is mostly due to gear ratio. It will be tougher on the tranny than the suspension. If you had 3.92:1 you would be rated over 10,000. Don't let it shift on hills and keep the rpm's high, it moves the tranny fluid faster.
Yukon is a strong chassis but setup for comfort so the rear suspension is soft and may squat a bit. Put less weight in the TV and more in the rear of the TT of you lift the front more than an inch. 2nd generation Yukon Denali should have trans temp in digital and tow/haul. You will be over gross on the rear axle but if you only do this a couple times a year I think you are OK.

The Cherokee line claims to be 1/2 ton and large SUV towable, it's the rear passenger load that breaks the bank.

I have towed a Cheerokee 264L(28ft box/31.9ft) with a Durango no problem but my gear ratio is better. I also tow with a Sierra Denali 6.2L and it is a very comfortable tow. I have no issues at 8% sustained climb and descent, no sway at all with a sway arm. I am over gross TV rating on with passengers on both vehicles but don't worry too much, I sag 1/2 inch with no rise in the front. I am aggressive on the WDH and set tongue to 750 lbs(10%).

Yukon Denali is the best 1/2ton SUV for towing except for the gear ratio. Change the granny fluid every year, and again, don't let it shift much and keep the rpm's high.

[jughrad]

Granny fluid is hard to find, I suppose tranny fluid is a better choice, LOL.

[prof_fate]

If you're playing with 'tranny fluid' make sure you have the appropriate bathroom handy!

Originally Posted by jughrad

Granny fluid is hard to find, I suppose tranny fluid is a better choice, LOL.

[jughrad]

GMC publishes a great trailering guid for each model year. It really helps to understand the differences in the suspension packages, gear ratios and engines.

Search 2011 GMC Trailering Guide. I can't attach it from my phone. Lucky for me, I am camping!!

[Jerheye]

Thanks