Yukon XL 2500

[TomP]

I might be able to get a good deal on a GMC Yukon XL 2500 (the 3/4 ton heavy-duty version). It has a 6.0L engine with heavy duty towing package. With a 3.73 rear axle ratio it is only rated to tow 7,600 pounds. With my 5,500 pound boat, I would probably be close to maxing out the towing capacity with trailer, gear, etc. However, with an 8.1L engine and a 4.10 rear axle ratio this type of vehicle can tow up to 12,000 pounds, which means it is a sturdy enough platform to tow much heavier loads than 7,600 lbs. In the past on this forum I have seen advice that says that you should leave plenty of cushion with regard to how heavy your trailer is compared to the towing capacity of the vehicle. However, it seems like this Yukon that I might be able to buy is limited by its drive train (engine and gears) and not by its ability to safely haul and stop heavier loads. With that in mind, I would appreciate some thoughts on whether on not this Yukon might be a good tow vehicle for me or not.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

my main concern is the wheel base length. possibly a tail wagging the dog effect. may need anti sway bar. Gary H can tell you more. i tow with a surburban.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

tom; something dosnt sound right. i tow with a yukon xl 1500 5.3 and 3.73s
its rated at 7600 lb tow
that 2500 with 6.0 should be a lot higher than that
my boat and trailer weigh 7000lb across the scale and i get along with it just fine. a lot of my towing is on mountan roads and interstate. mine came with the tow package and sway bay. all wired up and hitch installed

tashD the XL is the same wheel base as the surburban. the yukon is the short WB one

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

then he should be OK.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

Should be fine with it.My Tahoe tows great once i got my trailer tounge weight adjusted right.
The tow ratings are lower with 4 wheel drive but the 2500 series should do fine.
My travel trailer loaded is around 7000 pounds,my boat is over 5000 and it does a good job.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

OK i went out and checked my owners manual and a 6000 V8 3.73 4WD is rated at 8,000 lb 8,300 for 2WD. states you do need the engine oil cooler and heavy duty trailering package on the 2500 with the vortec 6000

 

[TomP]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

Guys, thanks a lot for your comments. I value your opinions. Whether it's rated for 7600 lbs or 8000, it sounds like I should be OK if I end up getting this Yukon XL. I should also mention that it comes with the self-leveling Autoride suspension, which should make it better for towing too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

with the autoride system, i found it better to have the truck running, when connecting and disconnecting the trailer, so the system can correct at that time.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Yukon XL 2500

I would have expected a higher rating than that. I almost purchased a 2500 GMC with a 6.0, and assumed the tow rating was very similar to the F250 I got instead. My guess is them just being extra cautious with that rating.