a 2007 or newer GMC Yukon XL DENALI version. Has the length wheelbase for your trailer and with the new for that year 6.2l engine with 380hp and 417 ft-lbs of torque.
We pull our 6500# fully loaded TT like nothing. Fully loaded you will be in the area of 7000 lbs. On the new GMT-900 platform the Denali level adds a 6 speed transmission, different suspension and auto rear leveling.
This 1/2 ton Denali version with the trans/hp/torque is actually better than an older version 3/4 ton Suburban/Yukon XL (2006 and below) and has more torque than a truck pulling with 4.10's.
We get 14 around town and average 10 towing on ours.
Just another one to "research" - i'm sure i'll get flamed for recommending a 1/2 ton though :-).
I won't flame you for recommending a 1/2T - but I will for recommending a rear steer. If you are going to be towing heavy loads - steer clear of the Denali with 4 wheel steer.
An I have a friend that has the 3/4T with 6.0L and 4.10 gears. Max trailer rating is reduced to 9600# on it. I wouldn't tow more than 7200# with it.
2006 Four Winds 29Q-GS <-thanks FEMA! DH - Chris
2004 GMC 2500HD 6.0L w/4.10 gears
FWIW, we pull an 8,000 pound (empty) travel trailer (11,000 GVWR) with a 2006 Suburban 2500. The 'burb has the 8.1 engine and 4.10 axle, and it has no trouble at all with the trailer, even up and down mountains. 2006 was the last year for the 8.1 engine, with the 2007+ models only offering the 6.0.
Lots of people will tell you that you need a one ton dually diesel to tow anything larger than a pop-up. Don't believe them. As long as your TV is rated by the manufacturer to pull the GVWR of your trailer, and you can do so without exceeding the GVWR or rear axle rating of the TV, you'll be fine.
Given your size trailer, I think you'd get by just fine with a new Expedition EL (max tow rating 9,000) or a 1500 Suburban 6.0 (max tow rating 9,600 pounds). The new (2008+) Suburbans have a very nice 6 speed trans, and the suspension was completely redesigned for the 2007 model year to provide much more secure and comfortable ride and handling.
We bought our 2006 just a few months ago used because we wanted the ability to pull a really heavy trailer, and the 2007+ models just don't have that capability. For a trailer of the size and weight you're talking about, though, a 2008 or 2009 Suburban or Expedition EL would be fine.
chrisncary wrote: I won't flame you for recommending a 1/2T - but I will for recommending a rear steer. If you are going to be towing heavy loads - steer clear of the Denali with 4 wheel steer.
An I have a friend that has the 3/4T with 6.0L and 4.10 gears. Max trailer rating is reduced to 9600# on it. I wouldn't tow more than 7200# with it.
The new Denali's do not have the rear steer or 4 wheel steering. They have AWD but that's it. As far as the Quadrasteer - they don't make the cars with them anymore.
The new GM trucks and SUV's - the yukon/yukonXL and Suburban are on a new GMT-900 platform. We tow 6500's with our Denali and it doesn't even hiccup. The 6.2l engine and the high torque and lots of horsepower is impressive in these new trucks. The shortfall though, of the 1/2 ton is the cargo capacity of the truck itself. On that I will agree. BUT....the Yukon XL also comes in a 3/4 ton version so as well, so he's not limited to the 1/2 ton version by any means.
Stay away from the Ford 250 diesel with the 6.0L engine. I had 2 different ones; both lemons - big engine problems. Notice they changed that engine after only a few years.
Me ('57)
DH ('55)
3 kids (18, 20, 23)
Chipper (lab, 11) and Duke (boxer, 6)
2007 Dodge 1500 V-8/HEMI; 3.92 axle; WDH with Dual Cam
2007 Keystone Passport Ultralite 285RL
havedreamwilltravel wrote: The new Denali's do not have the rear steer or 4 wheel steering. They have AWD but that's it. As far as the Quadrasteer - they don't make the cars with them anymore.
Yup. 2005 was the last year for Quadrasteer, and that's a real shame. Quadrasteer was an excellent system that worked very, very well. Unfortunately, it was just too expensive (about $2,000) and wasn't marketed very well.
My ultimate TV would be a 2006 3/4 ton Suburban 4x4 with the Duramax/Allison and Quadrasteer. GM never made such a beast, but I'm sure someone out there would build one for the right amount of money.
havedreamwilltravel wrote: The new Denali's do not have the rear steer or 4 wheel steering. They have AWD but that's it. As far as the Quadrasteer - they don't make the cars with them anymore.
Yup. 2005 was the last year for Quadrasteer, and that's a real shame. Quadrasteer was an excellent system that worked very, very well. Unfortunately, it was just too expensive (about $2,000) and wasn't marketed very well.
My ultimate TV would be a 2006 3/4 ton Suburban 4x4 with the Duramax/Allison and Quadrasteer. GM never made such a beast, but I'm sure someone out there would build one for the right amount of money.
I hear the quadrasteer was amazing in backing and parking a trailer and just parking period. Never drove one and when I was in the market for a 2005 'Burb - just to find those were few and far between. I accidently ran into an '05 'Burb with 4:10's and locking diff - and even that was difficult to find - and I completely stumbled upon it and ended up buying it. It's been a GREAT car and I love it - hasn't been in the shop except for service and oil changes - couldn't say that about my Honda Pilot - it lived at the shop and just camped out a day or so here and there here at home
We have an '01 Suburban 2500 8.1L 4.10 4X4 pulling our KZ 289KS. It does it with absolute ease, as our trailer has a GVWR of 7000lbs (probably 6500lbs loaded).
We had a Ram 1500 Quad 4.7L that 'did the job,' but I was a bit worried about the long term longevity of the truck.
If you can find a 2500 'burb or Yukon you'll be happy with it. We have 3 boys and a dog, so the ability to give them their own space is very nice indeed.
That said, we almost pulled the trigger on a MegaCab, and if the salesman hadn't started the negotiations with the wrong 'sticker sheet,' we probably would be in it right now.
So, if that hasn't further confused you, then I don't know what will!!
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