Yukon John
Full Access Member
I had a bunch of stuff to move this weekend so I called Enterprise and reserved a pickup for the weekend. Just prior to picking it up Enterprise called me and explained that the pickup they had for me was damaged in an accident and offered me a 2017 Yukon XL at the same rate with unlimited mileage and I took it.
I rented a 6x12 U-Haul enclosed trailer to make up any difference in room.
The first thing I noticed with the XL other than the smoother ride that the XL provides over my standard wheelbase Yukon is the larger vertical opening at the rear. The XL has about a 3"~ 4" lower floor load height the rear and I can't understand exactly why. It may have something to do with the relative distance of the third row seat to the rear axle. In any case...when loading large objects and cargo in the rear...it offers a distinct advantage over the standard wheelbase model.
After driving my 3.42 geared Yukon with the Diablo Tuner for 17K plus miles, the difference between it and a Factory tuned 5.3with 3.08 gearing is striking !! Also...the handling of the standard wheelbase model is much more nimble. The tight turning radius and ease of parking plus the ability to maneuver my boat trailer around in tight places gives me great advantage over the XL model or a standard wheelbase pickup.
In summary...if I were a younger family man that also towed a boat or a camper, I would definitely look for a Yukon XL or Suburban with the Max Tow option that would get the 3.42 gears plus the added seating/cargo room that the XL wheelbase offers. Add an aftermarket tuner and you have yourself a great performing Family Hauler.
For our use...being a semi retired couple that rarely if ever will use the third row seating and towing a 7500 lb boat...our Yukon with standard wheel base and Max Tow option works well for us.
I rented a 6x12 U-Haul enclosed trailer to make up any difference in room.
The first thing I noticed with the XL other than the smoother ride that the XL provides over my standard wheelbase Yukon is the larger vertical opening at the rear. The XL has about a 3"~ 4" lower floor load height the rear and I can't understand exactly why. It may have something to do with the relative distance of the third row seat to the rear axle. In any case...when loading large objects and cargo in the rear...it offers a distinct advantage over the standard wheelbase model.
After driving my 3.42 geared Yukon with the Diablo Tuner for 17K plus miles, the difference between it and a Factory tuned 5.3with 3.08 gearing is striking !! Also...the handling of the standard wheelbase model is much more nimble. The tight turning radius and ease of parking plus the ability to maneuver my boat trailer around in tight places gives me great advantage over the XL model or a standard wheelbase pickup.
In summary...if I were a younger family man that also towed a boat or a camper, I would definitely look for a Yukon XL or Suburban with the Max Tow option that would get the 3.42 gears plus the added seating/cargo room that the XL wheelbase offers. Add an aftermarket tuner and you have yourself a great performing Family Hauler.
For our use...being a semi retired couple that rarely if ever will use the third row seating and towing a 7500 lb boat...our Yukon with standard wheel base and Max Tow option works well for us.
