Start Towing with 114K miles on my Yukon?

[bigdog9191999]

as many have stated your mechanic is full of it. as long as maintenance I good and everything up to date (steering tight, brakes good ect) hook that thing up! as long as things are in good order miles is nothing, condition and being properly set up is everything!

 

[randyg]

Just my 02, First you are a short wheelbase which is not "optimal" for towing so just as important as the weight distribution is a "sway away " device. Also as mentioned earlier get ready to see a "minimum" of 3300 rpm when climbing. I would advise renting your choice of trailer and taking a road trip to utah ie' 75 mph speed limit on the I15. Find out what it is like before buying a TT.

We did rent a huge tent trailer awhile back (and the owner kindly filled it with water before we went up a huge incline in AZ from Phoenix to Payson and on!!). Looks like the trailer was a bit heavier than what we're considering. I try to stay off I-15 as SLC drivers are crazy for speed and the road is ALWAYS under construction. Is the Sway Away item you're talking about in addition to the weight distributing hitch? Thanks.

 

[randyg]

as many have stated your mechanic is full of it. as long as maintenance I good and everything up to date (steering tight, brakes good ect) hook that thing up! as long as things are in good order miles is nothing, condition and being properly set up is everything!

Thanks. Always kept up with maintenance, fluids, etc. New brakes and tires a few months back. Looking good so far, but probably need new shocks first.

 

[avalonandl]

Get Bilstein shocks... You will thank me later. AVOID RANCHO...they ride harsh

 

[12yukphil]

We have a 2012 Yukon SLT 4x4 with the larger tow package. I added internal airbags to the springs, upgraded my transmission cooler, which absolutely helps in warmer climates, and have a larger weight distribution hitch with sway control bar. I have Falken Wildpeak AT3W load range E tires as well. My trailer is a double axle TT weighing around 5k loaded. The max trailer weight for my Yukon is 8400. I added the load range D trailer tires with a 87 mph speed rating so I can keep up with traffic. The 5.3 likes the higher rpm‘s while towing. The MPG however are between 7-10.

 

[thompsoj22]

We did rent a huge tent trailer awhile back (and the owner kindly filled it with water before we went up a huge incline in AZ from Phoenix to Payson and on!!). Looks like the trailer was a bit heavier than what we're considering. I try to stay off I-15 as SLC drivers are crazy for speed and the road is ALWAYS under construction. Is the Sway Away item you're talking about in addition to the weight distributing hitch? Thanks.

HAUL-MASTER

Trailer Sway Control Kit

(253)
$29.99
Simple to install, An absolute must IMO. I could write paragraphs on the pro's and con's of RV'ing. You might as well buy your travel trailer and join the club!

 

[bobsburban]

Hi Randy. I'm coming to this party a little late but I'm another happy camper with a 2011 4WD Suburban 1500 LTZ which I bought last year with 231,000 on the odometer and lots of maintenance records. My 17' Winnebago weighs in between 4000 and 4200 depending on the length of trip and my wife's packing, which is a bit lighter than your target but I can say I don't know it's back there unless I'm in a real crosswind. That said, I've put some serious effort into bulletproofing it, even with those receipts for history. As others have mentioned, that started with ditching the air shock system and installing Bilstein 5100s all around. I also replaced the 1000 lb rear springs with 1250 lb Moogs (pretty sure they are the Z-71 spec springs) and set the ride height in the front to match the increased height in the rear from the stiffer springs. It is a wife-approved upgrade and handles the trailer very well.

Up front, I replaced a leaking radiator with a 3" Cold Case aluminum radiator and upgraded the stock HD transmission oil cooler with a Tru-Cool 40k, which is a monster, and finally, a bigger battery when the one that came with the truck gave up the ghost. It goes without saying we changed out all the fluids - brake, oil, full transmission service, T-cases, and diffs. New plugs and wires. I'm running 32-ish inch tires on 18" wheels and am starting to wonder if maybe 3.73s might not be a good idea. I'm also going to keep an eye on my engine temps on a long trip this summer and if I don't like what I see I may switch out the Tru-Cool for a Derale with fans that can be located somewhere other than in front of the radiator. But I'm hoping the oversize two-row Cold Case keeps things under control. When I upgrade to lithium batteries in the trailer, I'll get a big Mechman 250 - 350 amp alternator, but that's a year or so down the road. There's a few other mods that pertain to not getting caught out in the wilderness without gas or air or such, but they don't impact towing ability (you can see them in my signature).

As far as a hitch system, our dealer installed a Husky WDH with 800-1200 lb bars that take care of both equalizing the ride height and controlling sway. I've used the Haul-Master system above - years ago my family pulled a 30 ft. Holiday Rambler with a 3/4 ton International Travelall all over the west - and that's all we had back in those days. My personal feeling is the new designs which incorporate anti-sway with the weight equalizing function are superior but they both work.

We're headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for three weeks this summer and hope to make a three+ week circle through Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell in New Mexico, and back to Palo Duro Canyon from Chattanooga, hopefully as soon as this winter. We'll be packing 10 extra gallons of gas, 10 extra gallons of drinking water, plenty of tools, a big puncture repair kit for the tires and heading out without fear. No freeways at all - 2 lanes only. At 114K miles, yours is just getting broken in. Do the maintenance and the upgrades you think appropriate and go explore!

Bob

 

[thompsoj22]

Hi Randy. I'm coming to this party a little late but I'm another happy camper with a 2011 4WD Suburban 1500 LTZ which I bought last year with 231,000 on the odometer and lots of maintenance records. My 17' Winnebago weighs in between 4000 and 4200 depending on the length of trip and my wife's packing, which is a bit lighter than your target but I can say I don't know it's back there unless I'm in a real crosswind. That said, I've put some serious effort into bulletproofing it, even with those receipts for history. As others have mentioned, that started with ditching the air shock system and installing Bilstein 5100s all around. I also replaced the 1000 lb rear springs with 1250 lb Moogs (pretty sure they are the Z-71 spec springs) and set the ride height in the front to match the increased height in the rear from the stiffer springs. It is a wife-approved upgrade and handles the trailer very well.

Up front, I replaced a leaking radiator with a 3" Cold Case aluminum radiator and upgraded the stock HD transmission oil cooler with a Tru-Cool 40k, which is a monster, and finally, a bigger battery when the one that came with the truck gave up the ghost. It goes without saying we changed out all the fluids - brake, oil, full transmission service, T-cases, and diffs. New plugs and wires. I'm running 32-ish inch tires on 18" wheels and am starting to wonder if maybe 3.73s might not be a good idea. I'm also going to keep an eye on my engine temps on a long trip this summer and if I don't like what I see I may switch out the Tru-Cool for a Derale with fans that can be located somewhere other than in front of the radiator. But I'm hoping the oversize two-row Cold Case keeps things under control. When I upgrade to lithium batteries in the trailer, I'll get a big Mechman 250 - 350 amp alternator, but that's a year or so down the road. There's a few other mods that pertain to not getting caught out in the wilderness without gas or air or such, but they don't impact towing ability (you can see them in my signature).

As far as a hitch system, our dealer installed a Husky WDH with 800-1200 lb bars that take care of both equalizing the ride height and controlling sway. I've used the Haul-Master system above - years ago my family pulled a 30 ft. Holiday Rambler with a 3/4 ton International Travelall all over the west - and that's all we had back in those days. My personal feeling is the new designs which incorporate anti-sway with the weight equalizing function are superior but they both work.

We're headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for three weeks this summer and hope to make a three+ week circle through Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell in New Mexico, and back to Palo Duro Canyon from Chattanooga, hopefully as soon as this winter. We'll be packing 10 extra gallons of gas, 10 extra gallons of drinking water, plenty of tools, a big puncture repair kit for the tires and heading out without fear. No freeways at all - 2 lanes only. At 114K miles, yours is just getting broken in. Do the maintenance and the upgrades you think appropriate and go explore!

Bob

Ok, I like the read and enjoy hearing stories of the adventure and convenience of exploring/traveling with an RV.But to say "I dont even know it's back there unless im in a real crosswind" Is maybe "stretching it" a little? I get it, You like your rig and have made some real improvments but i promise i know from experience that if you are climbing "any" hill in excess of 5% you are at 3500 rpm or above and if you let off you will find yourself in 2nd for the remainder of the climb. It is the reality of the 5.3 and 342.

 

[bobsburban]

Ok, I like the read and enjoy hearing stories of the adventure and convenience of exploring/traveling with an RV.But to say "I dont even know it's back there unless im in a real crosswind" Is maybe "stretching it" a little? I get it, You like your rig and have made some real improvments but i promise i know from experience that if you are climbing "any" hill in excess of 5% you are at 3500 rpm or above and if you let off you will find yourself in 2nd for the remainder of the climb. It is the reality of the 5.3 and 342.

I hear you and I'm not arguing, but given that I first used a 2000 ZR-2 with the 262 ci V-6 to pull that trailer, I really don't feel much now. Talk about underpowered, undercooled, and underbraked...

 

[adventurenali92]

Hi Randy. I'm coming to this party a little late but I'm another happy camper with a 2011 4WD Suburban 1500 LTZ which I bought last year with 231,000 on the odometer and lots of maintenance records. My 17' Winnebago weighs in between 4000 and 4200 depending on the length of trip and my wife's packing, which is a bit lighter than your target but I can say I don't know it's back there unless I'm in a real crosswind. That said, I've put some serious effort into bulletproofing it, even with those receipts for history. As others have mentioned, that started with ditching the air shock system and installing Bilstein 5100s all around. I also replaced the 1000 lb rear springs with 1250 lb Moogs (pretty sure they are the Z-71 spec springs) and set the ride height in the front to match the increased height in the rear from the stiffer springs. It is a wife-approved upgrade and handles the trailer very well.

Up front, I replaced a leaking radiator with a 3" Cold Case aluminum radiator and upgraded the stock HD transmission oil cooler with a Tru-Cool 40k, which is a monster, and finally, a bigger battery when the one that came with the truck gave up the ghost. It goes without saying we changed out all the fluids - brake, oil, full transmission service, T-cases, and diffs. New plugs and wires. I'm running 32-ish inch tires on 18" wheels and am starting to wonder if maybe 3.73s might not be a good idea. I'm also going to keep an eye on my engine temps on a long trip this summer and if I don't like what I see I may switch out the Tru-Cool for a Derale with fans that can be located somewhere other than in front of the radiator. But I'm hoping the oversize two-row Cold Case keeps things under control. When I upgrade to lithium batteries in the trailer, I'll get a big Mechman 250 - 350 amp alternator, but that's a year or so down the road. There's a few other mods that pertain to not getting caught out in the wilderness without gas or air or such, but they don't impact towing ability (you can see them in my signature).

As far as a hitch system, our dealer installed a Husky WDH with 800-1200 lb bars that take care of both equalizing the ride height and controlling sway. I've used the Haul-Master system above - years ago my family pulled a 30 ft. Holiday Rambler with a 3/4 ton International Travelall all over the west - and that's all we had back in those days. My personal feeling is the new designs which incorporate anti-sway with the weight equalizing function are superior but they both work.

We're headed to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for three weeks this summer and hope to make a three+ week circle through Big Bend National Park, Carlsbad Caverns and Roswell in New Mexico, and back to Palo Duro Canyon from Chattanooga, hopefully as soon as this winter. We'll be packing 10 extra gallons of gas, 10 extra gallons of drinking water, plenty of tools, a big puncture repair kit for the tires and heading out without fear. No freeways at all - 2 lanes only. At 114K miles, yours is just getting broken in. Do the maintenance and the upgrades you think appropriate and go explore!

Bob

While I don’t discount your bilstein shock upgrade, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the factory air ride system. I don’t disagree that it has its limitations and it’s certainly known to fail. But I tow with the Z55 air ride suspension and absolutely love it. I love the auto level functionality, though I have added airlift helper bags in my rear coils for added level and stability. I have replaced my factory stuff with arnott suspension components and compressor but it all works quite well when I tow.