03 Yukon SLT / Suggestions on performance please!!!!!

[Bryguy1822]

Hello - I just picked up a 2012 Keystone Passport Ultra light Travel Trailer. It's rated at about 4,800 lbs empty. I grabbed this one because it's light and the Yukon stats showed it could pull it without any issues. Yukon showed around 7,800 lbs towing capability.....give or take a few. Well, my 2003 Yukon SLT is a flipping turd. It struggled on a 2 hour trip mostly flat roads in IL. When there was any sort of incline it just plain out SUCKED!!! One thing to note is I did have my 22's on it...And I run 20's in the winter. Truck is lowered so 20 is the smallest size i will go. I know that impacts the towing, but the engine just seemed to be working A LOT harder. And it appears I burned oil because after several years of owning this Yukon, and keeping up with maintenance, I got the check oil light for the first time after my trip. I have brand new plugs and plan on swapping all fluids shortly....

Question: Do I drop $ into this thing for performance upgrades in order to pull this trailer or do i get rid of it? I really love this yukon, but need something powerful enough to tow my trailer and SAFE for my family.

Suggestions on types of programmers or upgrades I should do to get more pulling power. I'm not looking for speed....All I have on it is a Spectra Intake.

Thanks in advance.

---------- Post added at 10:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 AM ----------

I should add that I am not looking to drop $6K into this Yukon...nothing like a supercharger or anything like that. It's a 2003 with 114k miles.

Diesels are sounding good right about now. lol

 

[mmeachem]

Idk but if you get a pickup I say a ram or silverado

 

[Big O]

how fast were you towing?

 

[big_b_in_PA]

Gears are going to be your biggest noticeable upgrade. Other than that programming, cai, exhaust, if you haven't done that already.

 

[mmeachem]

Gears are going to be your biggest noticeable upgrade. Other than that programming, cai, exhaust, if you haven't done that already.

What he said

 

[ezdaar]

read my post here http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33729

 

[chip]

1. Gears
2. Intake & Exhaust.
3. BB Tune.

 

[hoe]

4.10 - 4.30 gears.
Get the CEL off too.

 

[screamin86]

Idk about you but my 03 Yukon xl pulls great and does well on trips. I've got full bolt ons and tune and factory 3.73's a friend of mine has a 02 Yukon slt fully loaded stock with intake and he pulled his open car trailer with my Yukon xl on it when I blew up the gov loc and it pulled with no problem! Worst case swap in a 6.0.

 

[Bryguy1822]

Thanks all. I have a Spectra Intake and am going to toss on a Gibson Swept Side and add the BB Tune after that. Looking at a trans cooler as well.

@ Big O - 60-65 mph tops. Was up the slight inclines that were making my 5.3L work overtime.