Yukon Denali and Coachmen 292 BHDS

[rouk10]

Originally Posted by 67L48

Technically, Dodge stopped making trucks about a decade ago. The Ram has, from what I can tell, a class exclusive Mega Cab. This is a more spacious crew cab, 4-door configuration. I haven't been lucky with Chrysler products, so tend not to consider Ram in my shopping list. But, that's not a knock against the brand, just a reason that I'm not as familiar with the offerings.

I liked the Ford interior better than GMC. It was more refined and larger. (Ford F350 Lariat vs GMC 3500 Denali).

But, definitely do some web searching on the Mega Cab, watch some YouTube videos, and see if that's a good option for you.



Good luck.

Very interesting! I didn't know about the last option! We've never had a Ram so I'm very conflicted too. We do have a friend that said we can borrow his to make sure we like it though.

[JohnD10]

I have a couple of friends with the newer Ram quad-cabs and the back seats fold down flat like a bed.

They both have dogs and makes that space much easier to deal with pets back there.

One of them says he uses it to take naps when travelling without the trailer in tow.

[rouk10]

Originally Posted by JohnD10

I have a couple of friends with the newer Ram quad-cabs and the back seats fold down flat like a bed.

They both have dogs and makes that space much easier to deal with pets back there.

One of them says he uses it to take naps when travelling without the trailer in tow.

That's pretty nice!

[AV8RJohn]

I've got a 2013 Denali pulling a Rockwood 2507...absolutely no problems. Pulling in Colorado through the mountains

[alvinmb]

I am towing an Apex 300bhs, thats 34 ft long with a 2012 Escalade ESV with the 6.2 . When I brought the rig home it was scary. Later I found the dealership had filled my water tank (50 g) and tire pressures were not right for the TV and the trailer. We just completed a 1000 mile trip to S Cal over the Thanksgiving weekend. Towed pretty good, no sway issues. Only one time the veh struggled going uphill but I saw bigger vehicles struggling also. We only plan 2-3 trips a year. Getting a big diesel or a truck does not make sense for us as we need a large suv more than a truck. I was using the basic Husky round bar hitch and weight distributing at the time. Just installed an Anderson hitch last month. Our next trip will be during Spring Break so will see how much better it tows.

[alvinmb]

The upgrades I have done were installing a larger transmission cooler, colder thermostat, airbags on the rear for a better firmer ride. Temps are really good and the upgrades are worth the money. Gets the job done for now.

[babock]

Originally Posted by alvinmb

I am towing an Apex 300bhs, thats 34 ft long with a 2012 Escalade ESV with the 6.2 .

Your vehicle is basically the Suburban with the 130" wheelbase. Apples and oranges to the OP's 116" wheelbase Denali which is basically a Tahoe.

[alvinmb]

True, that is why I chose the ESV version. This is a hard topic due to a lot of folks saying get 3/4 ton or be dangerous on the road. 1/2 tons get the job done when you need. We cannot get a 3/4 or 1 ton due to a lot of reasons. Just use common sense, be safe, and enjoy what we have decided to purchase.

[D.B. Doud]

we have a 2005 Keystone Sprinter 314BHSS that was difficult to tow with our 2000 Ford Excursion. We added the Reese Dual Cam sway control and when tires needed upgrading on Excursion we went up to "e-rated" tires and between those two things it settled it down a lot. I have heard of others with that same Sprinter model having sway control issues.

[Gunnar72]

I pulled a slightly larger trailer with my Denali. I loved the air ride set up. Mine did not sway unless I was carrying water in my tank. It was all in how it was loaded but I had to learn that. I would love to have a scale to verify the setup.

[johnnyice]

Originally Posted by rouk10

We have the regular. Purposefully bought it in August after giving up my suburban for more of a towing capacity.

You gave up your Suburban for a Denali to increase towing capacity? Denali has a shorter wheel base liked stated in a previous response .

[007matman]

In their defense..

The Denali has the 6.2 V8 versus the 5.4 V8 that likely came with the Suburban. Also, depending on the towing chart you're looking at they rate the shorter wheelbase truck with higher capacity since it's lighter than the Suburban.

Those of us that experienced with this all know that the longer wheelbase truck is preferable when towing. However, looking at just the numbers you may be led to a different conclusion.

[upflying]

Originally Posted by Ron045

There are 3/4 ton suburbans out there but they are Fleet vehicles and you have to buy them used. Big price tags too.

Probably all black, once used by the Secret Service.
May be equipped with armor.

[Ron045]

Originally Posted by upflying

Probably all black, once used by the Secret Service.
May be equipped with armor.

This looks like one mean towing SUV.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=223064629

[luker0]

Having towed with a 2002 Suburban 2500 w/ upgraded 4.11 rear gear I can say it is the cats meow of TVs. Wish I could have kept that one going now or replaced since it towed so well plus avoids a lot of the pickup registration and annual inspection issues we have locally. Sigh.

[babock]

Originally Posted by luker0

Having towed with a 2002 Suburban 2500 w/ upgraded 4.11 rear gear I can say it is the cats meow of TVs. Wish I could have kept that one going now or replaced since it towed so well plus avoids a lot of the pickup registration and annual inspection issues we have locally. Sigh.

They are good other than the weak engine.

[luker0]

Originally Posted by babock

They are good other than the weak engine.

The 6.0L V8 that was in mine was not weak. As in anyone that wanted to "walk me" at a red light learned. Not that that ever happened.

[babock]

Originally Posted by luker0

The 6.0L V8 that was in mine was not weak. As in anyone that wanted to "walk me" at a red light learned. Not that that ever happened.

I had that exact engine in my 2001 Suburban. It was pretty weak and didn't pass many gas stations. Had to rev it to get any power hence the reason you had to put 4.11 gear ratio in it.


2002 Chevy 6.0
320 hp @ 5000 rpm
365 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm


Compared to my current 2018 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
375-horsepower @5000 rpm

470 lb-ft. torque @3500 rpm

[Shamrockthecasbah]

Looking through the previous 8 pages I read some references to a "Denali" as if it's a vehicle. Not to be picky, but Denali is a GMC trim level just like Lariat or Platinum is for Ford. A Denali can be an Acadia, Terrain, Sierra or Yukon, etc.

I realize the OP has a Yukon Denali, but other posters in this thread refer to their "Denali" and its not clear what vehicle they refer to.

[Shamrockthecasbah]

Originally Posted by babock

They are good other than the weak engine.

Keep in mind that there were two engines available in the 2001-2006 Suburban 2500 line, the 6.0 and the 8.1


I have the 8.1 in my 2004 and, while it's thirsty, and will not hold a candle to modern diesels, it is still a very strong towing engine. The 8.1 makes over 400lb or torque from about 1200 rpm up past 4000 rpm.


With the possible exception of the diesel or V10 Excursion, the GMT-800 big block Suburban may be the best towing factory SUV ever produced. The Yukon XL, Suburban, and Avalanche with the 8.1 and 4.10 had a tow rating of 12,000 lbs and a door-jamb payload of around 2100 lbs.


2002 8.1 specs:
340 hp @ 4200
455 LB-ft @ 3200