Yukon vs YukonXL towing

[Paul Spencer]

So, I/m looking at 2017 or newer.  I currently have a 2005 YukonXL.  I pull a 21' travel trailer, full loaded at 6500#.  My current YukonXL does ok, for a 4 speed.  I know the newer 5.3 and newer transmissions will do much better.  My question is: will I notice a difference between the smaller Yukon vs the XL version?  I just don't want to take the smaller Yukon and regret not having the better wheelbase and footing on the ground.  Thx

[Havasubum]

I tow a 24' pontoon boat that ends up being 28' on the trailer.  It weighs about 6k lbs.  I have found it much easier to back the boat with the shorter wheelbase.

[Paul Spencer]

It is a 21' Jayco Travel trailer, probably 24' over all.  It's the wind resistance that starts coming into play, getting pushed around where I am somewhat concerned that the std Yukon might lag?

[Mandalorian]

A longer wheelbase will help slightly with towing, but either vehicle is more than capable. 

[ppvtahoeguy]

IMHO...the longer wheelbase XL/Suburban is significantly more stable for towing. It is simple physics. I have been towing classic cars for too many years and a RV traveler (over 38 years). I use a Chevy Suburban 2500 (AKA Yukon XL). The K2500 GM truck has a larger engine, rear leaf springs instead of coils and HD components more suitable for HD towing than a 1500. The only positive to a short wheelbase is the backing....and how many miles do you do in that gear/direction??? If you need tight backing use a front bumper spotting hitch. Towing a boat is much easier than a travel trailer due to axle placement and tongue weight ( 10-15% minimum of any trailer weight must be on the ball). If you have a imbalanced travel trailer (tail heavy) it will push your truck around on the highway and on exit ramps. I rarely tow without a load equalizing/weight distribution hitch which transfers part of the trailer load to the front axle. I frequently tow full size Tahoes and Suburbans on my car trailer. An auxiliary anti-sway bar is also very handy. BTW...if you use LT (light truck) tires instead of P (passenger) tires you will carry heavy loads more safely due to their higher load ratings & stiffer sidewall construction which eliminates tread wiggle. "LT" is standard tire on a 2500 series GM truck. 

 

You don't want a "wiggle wagon" for towing. The "tail should not wag the dog". Take no chances with your RV or family. TRUST ME.... IF YOUR TRAVEL TRAILER STARTS TO SWAY ON THE HIGHWAY YOU WILL BE IN VERY BIG TROUBLE. If you go with the regular Tahoe/Yukon for towing get a lower rear differential gearing (higher numerically ie: 3:73 etc) and use LT tires with the load equalization hitch. The gear ratio rRPO code (GU4, GU6 etc.) is in the glove compartment on the broadcast/build sheet. Inside you drivers door is the GVWR placard refer to that too. Your owners manual and "Trailer Life" magazine (in you local library) will have a annual "towing issue" with tons of info for each model year. All these trucks are NOT created equal. Some are much better for towing heavy loads than others.

 

I hope this helps....the PPVTAHOEGUY