Yukon, Tahoe, and Suburban towing question

[mvedepo]

Ok. I am looking at getting a new Yukon XL 1/2 ton. My dilema is that its going to be the wifes everyday driver so there are some features she wants/needs. My dilema is that the only ones with those features don't have the Heavy Duty Trailer package (tanny cooler, oil cooler, and larger raidiator). It does however have the 3.42 gearing.
I am interested in seeing if anyone here has any experience towing with a 1/2 ton Yukon, Tahoe, or Suburban minus the HD trailer package. Currently I have a 16' 3 place enclosed.

Thanks!

 

[maddog24]

I would go with 3.73 rear end and tow package. just my .02 cent Thats what I have had in previous Silverado.

 

[mvedepo]

In order to get the 3.73 I would need to get the 6.0L. There are none to be had within 300 miles of me. :-( If we had time I'd hold off but I have 2 weeks to close the deal to take advantage of the 0% financing. Never can seem to get exactly what I want. :-/

 

[polarisrider1]

You asked and maddog24 delivered. Go with the 3.73 gear and 6.0L. If your dealer wants to make a sale he will find you one. Have the dealer find one and do the deal, you do not have to recieve the ride during that time, you just need to buy it during that time. Play hard ball. The dealers are starving.

 

[mvedepo]

Good point. I will just have to keep looking. Or maybe look at the Suburbans. I really don't want to spend $50000 on something that won't work for me.

 

[tomxc700]

I have a 2008 suburban 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive and have no problems towing my boat with it. I actually got better gas mileage towing with it than my 2000 3/4 4x4 gmc 6.0 with 4.10 gearing. The boat, trailer, and gear weigh over 5500 lbs (give or take a few 100lbs) and the boat when on the trailer is over 9 1/2 feet tall (lots of wind drag). When hooked up to the suburban the only time that you know that it is back there is when you need to stop quick or when it is windy out. They have lots of power now. I think that you will be ok with a 1/2 ton I love mine and am really happy with the mileage. Loaded for camping and pulling the boat across the state to Traverse City down 72 (gotta love them hills) it got 12 mpg, unloaded it will around 18 mpg highway if you leave your right foot at home and use the cruise. m8man bought one this year as well he posted a thread about it I don't remember what year his is. It also handles the snow very well with the auto 4 wheel drive, traction control, and stability control you will have a very tough time getting it to do bagels in a parking lot. My wife doesn't seem to be bothered to drive it in the snow with the kids in it. Before we got it, we had a car and she hated driving in the snow anytime in that. If you have any questions ask away.

 

[eao]

I think its going to be hard to find a 6.0L model.

I agree 3.73 would be the preferred ratio but you might want to consider a Yukon XL Denali AWD with 6.2L engine. The 400+ hp should make up for the 3.42 ratio.

I see one close to you;
RHINELANDER CHEVROLET OLDSMOBILE CADILLAC PONTIAC BUICK GMC

http://www.rhinelandergm.net/VehicleDetails/500819543

* YUKON XL DENALI - AWD
* ENGINE 6.2L VORTEC V8 SFI
* 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
* White Diamond Exterior Paint
* Cocoa/light Cashmere

MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE $63,720.00
STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE <font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font>,935.00
Options installed by Manufacturer
INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE
CONTROLLER
$ 200.00
SUN,ENTERTAINMENT & DESTINATION
PACKAGE INCL:
NAVIGATION SYSTEM-TOUCH-SCREEN
WITH CD/DVD PLAYER
(REPLACES 6-DISC CD CHANGER)
XM NAV TRAFFIC - NAV TRAFFIC
FEE EXTRA, 1ST 3 MONTHS INCL.
REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM
REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM
POWER SLIDING SUNROOF
$ 4,790.00
SUN, ENT & DEST PKG SAVINGS
$ -900.00
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
$ 500.00
FRONT HEATED & COOLED SEATS
$ 650.00
WHITE DIAMOND EXTERIOR PAINT
$ 995.00
3.42 REAR AXLE RATIO
NO CHARGE
THIRD ROW DVD SCREEN
$ 600.00
GVW RATING - 7,400 LBS
NO CHARGE
TOTAL OPTIONS $6,835.00
TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS $62,770.00
DESTINATION CHARGE $950.00
TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE*** $63,720.00

I know the total price is high but they should easily be able to take $10g of that if not more.



STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Items Featured Below are included at NO EXTRA CHARGE in the Standard Vehicle Price Shown at Right
***MECHANICAL*<font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font> YEAR/100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS
* ENGINE 6.2L VORTEC V8 SFI
* TRANSMISSION, 6 SPEED AUTO WITH TOW/HAUL MODE
* ALL WHEEL DRIVE
* AUTORIDE SUSPENSION PACKAGE
* SELF-LEVELING REAR SHOCKS
* AUTOTRAC TRANSFER CASE
* DIFFERENTIAL, LOCKING REAR

***SAFETY & SECURITY***

* AIR BAGS, DUAL FRONTAL
* HEAD CURTAIN SIDE AIRBAGS, ALL SEATING ROWS
* PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM
* 1 YR ONSTAR DIRECTIONS W/TURN- BY-TURN NAVIGATION(ASK DEALER ABOUT GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE)
* ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM 4 WHEEL DISC
* STABILITRAK-STABILITY CONTROL W/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
* THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
* RR DOOR CHILD SECURITY LOCKS
* POWER DOOR LOCKS, PROGRAMMABLE
* REMOTE VEHICLE START
* PWR WINDOWS-DRIVER EXPRESS DN
* DRIVER LOCKOUT PREVENTION
* REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY
* TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM
* ULTRASONIC REAR PARK ASSIST
* DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS

*** EXTERIOR***

* ASSIST STEPS
* TRAILERING EQUIP, HEAVY-DUTY
* 20" CHROME WHEELS
* UNDERBODY MOUNTED SPARE TIRE
* LUGGAGE RACK-SIDE RAILS WITH CROSS BARS
* REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER & WIPER
* POWER LIFTGATE W/LIFTGLASS
* SOLAR-RAY DEEP TINTED GLASS
* FRONT FOG LAMPS
* AUTOMATIC HEADLAMPS
* RAIN SENSING WIPERS
* PWR HEATED/FOLDING OUTSIDE MIRRORS W/AUTO DIMMING & TURN SIGNALS

***INTERIOR***

* FRONT LEATHER APPOINTED BUCKET SEATS 12-WAY PWR DRVR/FRT PASS SEAT
* 2ND ROW LEATHER APPOINTED BUCKET SEATS
* HEATED 2ND ROW SEATS
* 3-PASSENGER, 3RD ROW SEAT
* REAR AUDIO SOUND SYSTEM CTRLS
* TRI-ZONE AUTO AIR COND
* POWER ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
* AUX REAR HEAT & AIR COND
* AM/FM STEREO WITH 6-DISC CD CHANGER
* BLUETOOTH FOR PHONE
* BOSE PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
* PREMIUM ACOUSTIC PACKAGE
* XM SATELLITE RADIO-SERVICE FEE EXTRA. 1ST 3 MONTHS INCL.
* HEATED STEERING WHEEL
* CRUISE CONTROL
* UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE
* FLOOR MATS, 1ST & 2ND ROW
* INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR - WITH AUTO DIMMING
* VISOR MIRRORS, LIGHTED
* DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER

***OTHER***

* COMMITMENT PLUS PRIVILEGES -COURTESY TRANSPORTATION -24 HOUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE

 

[jamiedesmet]

As far as towing goes you will get plenty of power to tow a 16' enclosed with the 5.3 motor. The current 5.3 liter puts out more HP and almost the same torque as the 6.0 from 5 years ago. Also I wouldn't worry about the 3.42 gear ratio because you will be towing in 3rd gear and you will have your engine RPM's in the sweet spot anyways. A towing package is a must but an HD tow package isn't required for the recreational tower.

Now with all that stated I would recommend the suburban over a tahoe for towing every time. There is a huge difference with rig stability between the two vehicles due to the wheel base length difference. Good luck!!

 

[arcticgeorge]

YOU are not listening......YOU do not have to keep looking, if the dealer wants to sell he get will off his stool and find you one. (or go on line to the next closest dealer) your dealer will still service it. This IS a buyers market.

 

[harvest1121]

A dealer will not always go 300 miles to get a truck to make nothing. The 5.3 will be fine I have towed with both. Every 6.0 used a lot of gas compared to the 5.3. You can see if Chevy have a 2500. With the 0 percent I do not think you will be able to get 10 k off.

 

[m8man]

I did buy an 07 half ton Suburba-SAURUS I think back in May.<font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font> does have the towing package, or at least a tow/haul mode that you can select on the shifter.. I haven't towed anything besides my sled on an open trailer but it sure rides like a dream.. My wife uses it for her everyday driver and we've put about 10K on it since I bought it.. I love it.. I think it would do just fine towing your trailer and in fact I'd buy a trailer before I tried towing it, that's how confident I am.. I think the longer wheelbase of the XL will make towing a bunch easier also.. I would like to offer you a run around with mine but you're in Madison I believe, if by chance you're in the Keweenaw yell at me and you can give it a whirl.. I LOVE THE VEHICLE!

m8man

 

[mvedepo]

I will look into the Suburban when I get home. As for the discounts. I can get $10000+ off of sticker but not with 0%. I appreciate all your input!!

 

[snowlover]

So they do not make the 5.3 liter with 3.73 gearing in a Yukon XL or Suburban anymore?
I could swear my 2003 had 3.73 gears with the 5.3L This set up pulled my boat(4000 lbs) and enclosed 27ft inline trailer and skid steer with no issues. I now have a 2003 1500HD with 6.0 and 3.73's and is even better. I am not with the new motors but I would have to say the 5.3 with 3.42 gears should work pulling your trailer.

 

[harvest1121]

I use to order the cars for a dealership they would change how you could order them every year. They will force you to get a 3.42 for the fleet mpg. Our motto was if it makes sense they will do it different. They do make a 1500 suburban with a 6.0 that might be an idea for you. Or they did 2 years ago when I sold cars.

 

[srxsrule]

I have a 05 Z71 Suburban with tow pkg,5.3L and 4.10 gears. The 4.10 gears work great for pulling my 24ft enclosed race car trailer. Pull it 100 miles a week all summer long and average 12mpg with it towing. Not towing I get around 16 and as good as 18-20 on trips.

Bought it new and will be keeping it for a long time to come

Eric

 

[ezra]

do you realy want a 6.0 for a every day driver?gas will not be under 3bucks for ever.I have pulled a 4place enclosed with 5 sleds in it a few times with a 5.3z71yeah truck is working but not that hard.a better ? why buy a chev and support there irresponsible biz practice.you could not pay me to drive a new obama GM.go excursion

 

[rooney11979]

Yeah and then you will have to buy another vehicle cause you excursion is always being RECALLED. Stick with the GM.

 

[ssdsts24]

I had a 2000 tahoe with 5.3 and 3.73 and the 4 speed auto was great for towing the enclosed trailer. A freind pull my enclosed trailer with 5.3 and 3.42 and the 4 speed auto trans. the trans was always shifting and poor mpg. I just bought a new GMC with the 5.3 and 3.42 and the new 6 speed auto trans it pulls the trailer just like the 5.3 with 3.73 with the 4 spped tran. When GM came out with the 6 speed trans they did the gearing trough the trans to get the best towing gear and the best mpg. I think you would be happy with this new way of gearing. If you are working with a dealer who wants to make a sale they should let you hook up your trailer to see if you like how the Tahoe handles your trailer. Let us know what you buy and why please.

 

[mvedepo]

Ezra,
Thanks for the input. But I am unloading a Ford. I have an 2005 Expedition with 80,000 miles. Lets see, the tanny clunks bad on downshifts, I am on my second tailgate since the first one started to rust. The paint is pealing off of my hood due to iron contamination on the aluminum at the factory. Ford changed my "Corrosion" warranty to rust ONLY so its not covered. It sounds like a diesel when it runs. i could go on and on. I have NOT been happy. I REALLY wanted a Sequoia. I have a 2007 Tundra Crewmax and its the best all around vehicle I have owned. However, Toyota isn't running anything worth a crap for incentives. I did test drive an Expedition just to see if there is anything vastly improved and I wasn't impressed. Not to mention the ride quality of the shorter wheel base compared to the longer on on the Yukon XL was very noticable. Now that being said, I always did like the Excursion. Its unfortunate that they quite making it.

 

[harski]

mvedepo,

Go with the GMC Yukon XL or Chevy Suburban LTZ. As others have stated, these trucks have designed to handle heavier towing with the trans without having to lower the rear end gears. I took a look at the original MSRP sticker on my '04 Suburban and it has a 5.3 with 3.73 gears, towing package and is rated to pull 7200lbs. I have to assume that the towing package has the tranny cooler, 7-plug wire and "tow mode" on the trans. I was told by a mechanic that the "tow mode" basically holds the tranny in the lower gears for a longer period at slower speeds to reduce stress and increase torque(?)(someone can expand on this that has better knowledge but I know I'm close). Anyway, 7200lbs capability is well over a 4 place enclosed with 4-5 sleds! I wouldn't sweat it!

Save some every day gas $ and get the 1500 series GMC or Chevy. They definetely ride a lot nicer than a Ford!

PS. Don't forget to color match your truck to that sweat looking new trailer!

Harski