I currently drive the Z71 and looking at buying a Yukon. My truck can barely handle my dad's RV and I am wondering if dropping down to the shorter wheel base Denali is going to hurt my towing capability in a material way even with the bigger engine? I believe the loaded weight of my dad's RV is right at about 8,000 lbs. This link says the Yukon can barely handle it. I can't find a similar link for my current truck to be able to compare.

http://www.gmc.com/yukon-denali-luxury-suv/features-specs/capabilities.html

And if it matters, my truck is a 2005 year model and the Yukon I am looking at is a 2008.

I wouldn't do it, but I guess it all depends on how often you tow and for how far.

I think the specs you posted are from the 2012. The 2008 is about the same, showing 7,900.

Your 2005, properly equipped, can max 8,700. http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/silverado-1500/2005/features-specs.html?sub=extended-cab&style=100380656



[This message has been edited by mm98 (edited 4/11/2012 10:48a).]

[This message has been edited by mm98 (edited 4/11/2012 10:48a).]

Get a boooooost

/ib4every1wholovesboost

So I am losing 800 lbs of towing capacity... Hmm, I think I need to include a trailer tow as part of my test drive.

Get a MaxTow Ecoboost to tow your Denali and travel trailer

If you're going to be towing something that big, opt for something that's meant to tow something that big, not that can just barely do it.

I agree with Rob. If you’re towing at max load often, it will beat up the truck. If I were you I’d be looking at trucks that can town in the 10,000# range, or perhaps even a used diesel if it’s in your budget.

I tend to agree with Rob. 8k is getting pretty heavy, and a 0.75 ton may be a good bet. You could score an like an 02 v10 f250 just for towing...

I would rarely tow this unit long distances. We are talking towing from an RV park in Bryan to my tailgating spot in College Station. Then twice a year I might be the one who has to tow the unit from Bryan 200 miles to my dad's ranch. If necessary, my dad would make the long tow. And I am not getting rid of my truck yet, this Tahoe is replacing my wife's car. I was kind of hoping I wouldn't have to worry about getting a vehicle capable of towing with my next purchase when I replace my truck so I can avoid having 2 gas guzzlers.

Then you need to install some NAWSSS for when you need the extra oomph!

Ala Fast Five:

I pulled a 7500 lb trailer up and down the Smoky Mountains for a week with a 5.3 suburban.

For occasional use, taxing the truck a little bit isn't going to kill it.

If you'll pull it more than occasionally, a 3/4 ton is the way to go.

The Denali with airbags added to the rear should be fine for occasional towing. The engine is a lot stronger than your 5.3 and the airbags will help with the rear end sag.

Stability when towing is the key. What most above have said is correct in my opinion, the 3/4 ton tow vehicle would be better if you are towing a lot under various conditions. I tow a 34' bumper-pull of similar weight with a 2500 Duramax. For a tow across town I wouldn't purchase a new Denali to do it, the Z71 is fine. 200 miles into the hill country might be another issue, get your dad to tow. Get rid of one of the gas guzzlers and buy your wife a Prius or a TDI.