How Much Can I tow?

[rpgerstner]

My wife and I purchased a low mileage 2013 Yukon XL with a 5.3L engine. We would like to tow our camper with it. Before we purchased it, the dealer stated it could pull 8,000 pounds.

How do I know if it has the HD cooling etc, so I can pull that much? I have tried VIN decoders without much luck...your help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Gavenger]

Some people, I have seen on other forums, have had luck going to a Chevrolet dealer and having them retrieve a Window Sticker or Build Sheet using the VIN #.

Assuming the vehicle is rated for 8000#, how heavy is your camper that you are worried about it? Not sure about the 2013's but most HD trailering packages not only come with the transmission cooler, but a shorter gear ratio for the final drive as well.

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

Do the NNBS trucks still have RPO code listings in them?

If so Just Use the code listings and decode them . Also 8000 pounds would be absolute max with that without wearing and tearing on it

 

[White knight]

I think the heavy duty towing package comes with the trailer brake controller, which is right below the headlight and 4wd controls?

 

[wildwest450]

How much does the camper weigh? Don't forget about the weight inside the vehicle(effects tongue and rear axle weight) and all the camping accessories, the average family of four hauls 900-1000lbs in a camper. Modern trucks have inflated towing capacities, I see a lot of ding dongs towing way more than is really safe. If you travel long distances I wouldn't tow over 6,000k empty trailer weight.

 

[BirchyBoy]

There should be a sticker on the door or door jamb that has all of the relevant information. It's more than just the advertised trailering capability. You have to figure in what your axle weights are and your payload inside the vehicle, then you can calculate what is safe to tow.

If you peruse some camper sites, you'll soon read that people recommend going to a truck stop and getting your vehicle weighed 3 times:

#1 - vehicle with occupants and payload. This will give you the 2 axle weights.
#2 - vehicle with occupants, payload and loaded trailer with weight distributing hitch engaged. This will give you the vehicle axle weights as well as the trailer weight.
#3 - same as #2 except with the weight distribution bars removed. This will give you the tongue weight (IIRC).

So, with all of that said, look at the weight stickers first to find out what your capacity is, then look at the manual to see what your max tongue weights are. Mine has a 500lb/1000lb capacity. The first number is the normal tongue weight, the second is the tongue with with weight distribution.

Here's a picture of my weight calculation I did once I weighed my rig. I'm towing a 25' Keystone Passport 238ML Ultralight with my '99 Yukon 4wd.