Air/no-air suspension on Yukon XL for pulling Toy Hauler?

[ddeblois]

Hi guys,

I have a Yukon XL Denali (07) and just purchased a toy hauler RV (29 ft) which from what I can see, has a tongue weight of 1200lbs. My shocks are shot and the compressor for my air suspension is also not working. Didn't bother me before but now with the Toy Hauler, I need to do something. It looks like replacing the air suspension would be quite costly. Any of you know if just changing the shocks and the putting it harder coils will be enough to carry that weight? Right now, the truck is hanging quite low in the back when pulling the RV. I would like it to look normal...

 

[Tahoe14]

You may want to post in the 07 section as this is the 15/16 section. Good luck.

 

[undertaker]

are you using weight distribution? makes a huge difference.

I'd say put regular shocks off a non air ride suburban/XL onto the truck, or get your air ride working.

Airbags in the coil springs could help you for when you have the trailer on it, but weight distribution should be your first step.

 

[ddeblois]

I do have weight distribution bars. My big question is whether hard coils and regular shocks will be enough to lift the back end back up or if I should investigate air suspension further. I assume that if I go with air suspension, I can keep my softer coils but then need to also replace the compressor which appears to be very costly.

 

[OHSIXX]

Check out Arnott industries....rear shocks and and a compressor can be had for around $550.....then you should be good. I use my air ride/auto level pulling my fishing boat and utility trailer. Its the worth the $ to fix IMO. I had a travel trailer for a little bit and the weight distribution bars made a huge difference as well.

 

[scryfst]

Replacing the rear auto ride components are not that expensive. The compressor with a dryer rebuild kit and both rear shocks can be ordered for around $500.00

Regardless of fixing the rear suspension you really should not be towing that much weight with a Yukon/Tahoe. You are severely overweight. If your 1200 pound tonque weight figure is accurate, on a bumper pull tongue weight is around 10%, that's 12K of trailer and 50% more than your vehicle is rated to tow! Not to mention 1200 pounds of tongue rate exceeds class IV hitch ratings, the ball ratings and the ball mount ratings (at least anything you can pick up at the local auto store).

I'm not trying to be a dick, but I tow everyday - 20,000 plus miles a year, a 29' tag behind a yukon/tahoe is just flat unsafe. With today's legal ramifications there's no way I'd put that behind anything smaller than my Diesel F350. Even then, that truck is rated at 11.5K gvwr and 23K gcvwr. She weights 9200-9500K unloaded with fuel and three passengers + 1200 tonque wieght = 10,400 - 10,700 gvw and 22000 plus gcvw with a 12K trailer. My F350 would be within limits of the truck capacity put probably very close if not over limit on gcvwr.

 

[undertaker]

I have to agree with this statement having towed with my 3/4ton heavy, halftons like my tahoe, as well as buddies 3500 and 450 diesels you probably want to look into a real truck at this point....

 

[ddeblois]

Replacing the rear auto ride components are not that expensive. The compressor with a dryer rebuild kit and both rear shocks can be ordered for around $500.00

Regardless of fixing the rear suspension you really should not be towing that much weight with a Yukon/Tahoe. You are severely overweight. If your 1200 pound tonque weight figure is accurate, on a bumper pull tongue weight is around 10%, that's 12K of trailer and 50% more than your vehicle is rated to tow! Not to mention 1200 pounds of tongue rate exceeds class IV hitch ratings, the ball ratings and the ball mount ratings (at least anything you can pick up at the local auto store).

I'm not trying to be a dick, but I tow everyday - 20,000 plus miles a year, a 29' tag behind a yukon/tahoe is just flat unsafe. With today's legal ramifications there's no way I'd put that behind anything smaller than my Diesel F350. Even then, that truck is rated at 11.5K gvwr and 23K gcvwr. She weights 9200-9500K unloaded with fuel and three passengers + 1200 tonque wieght = 10,400 - 10,700 gvw and 22000 plus gcvw with a 12K trailer. My F350 would be within limits of the truck capacity put probably very close if not over limit on gcvwr.

Thanks for your advice. However, I believe the gross weight of the trailer is 6500 lbs. Do you still believe it to be unsafe?

 

[scryfst]

Thanks for your advice. However, I believe the gross weight of the trailer is 6500 lbs. Do you still believe it to be unsafe?

If the trailer is indeed only 6500 lbs LOADED (the trailer is stamped with gvwr) For conventional trailers with ball-mounted hitches the proper tongue weight is roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight. So: 650-975 lbs if loaded properly.

6500 lbs and those tongue weights are within reason. My 2011 rwd Denali has a tow rating of 8300 lbs and I believe the 07's where slightly less than 8000 lbs.

If you're not sure about proper loading or actual tongue weight you can purchase a tongue weight scale.
http://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Sherline/5780.html?gclid=CL3ovM6zkcoCFZIWHwodTdkB7Q

If you plan on towing often, or just for personal knowledge, I would recommend you take a trip across a local truck stop scale (your county landfill will also have a scale) with your tow vehicle without the trailer and then again with the trailer (loaded as you would haul her). This way you can compute actual trailer weight, vehicle weight and gross combined weight.

 

[scryfst]

Does your Yukon have the factory tow package (with the factory 7-way)? If so, the addition of a brake controller is a very simple 30 minute install.

I run this in my Denali when towing my trailers.
http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html