Towing Basics - 2005 Yukon XL 2WD

[norcalboon]

Considering a new travel trailer with GVWR about 1,000 lbs under stated limit (8400#) - what should I do to prep my rig to tow this load? Appreciate comments and suggestions.

 

[01ssreda4]

Big trans cooler, possibly some air lift helper bags in the rear, a rear end gear swap to 4.10s or 4.30s, anything to help power - cold air intake, exhaust, headers, a good tune.

 

[Rivieraracing]

Good thing you have the XL, longer wheelbase is a plus! Trans cooler is a must, bigger the better! Also, what motor do you have?

 

[mals]

Considering a new travel trailer with GVWR about 1,000 lbs under stated limit (8400#) - what should I do to prep my rig to tow this load? Appreciate comments and suggestions.

I purchased my '05 expressly for towing a travel trailer that we picked up last spring. Here are a few things that either came with my Yukon, I have already done, or plan to do before we head out again next season:

• HD Transmission Cooler
• Transmission Temp Gauge
• Weight Distributing Hitch w/ sway control
• Electric Break Controller (Tekonsha 90195 P3 with Tekonsha 3015-P Adapter for GM was a direct plug & play)
• Upgrade front Brakes to NNBS 07+ Rotors & Calipers (I'm planning to use these ACDelco 18A1705SD)
• Upgrade to Stainless Brake Lines
• Purchase **** 10800 Towing Mirrors
• Install Backup Camera

Feel free to ask me anything else. I spent a lot of time making this the best tow vehicle I have ever had. I take it across the country with my trailer in tow without hesitation if I had the chance.

 

[norcalboon]

I purchased my '05 expressly for towing a travel trailer that we picked up last spring. Here are a few things that either came with my Yukon, I have already done, or plan to do before we head out again next season:

• HD Transmission Cooler
• Transmission Temp Gauge
• Weight Distributing Hitch w/ sway control
• Electric Break Controller (Tekonsha 90195 P3 with Tekonsha 3015-P Adapter for GM was a direct plug & play)
• Upgrade front Brakes to NNBS 07+ Rotors & Calipers (I'm planning to use these ACDelco 18A1705SD)
• Upgrade to Stainless Brake Lines
• Purchase **** 10800 Towing Mirrors
• Install Backup Camera

Feel free to ask me anything else. I spent a lot of time making this the best tow vehicle I have ever had. I take it across the country with my trailer in tow without hesitation if I had the chance.

Thanks for the info. We actually went with a slightly smaller/lighter TT than initially considered. It'll be approx. 5500# loaded. I have the SLT with a 5.3 and 3.42 rear end. Planning on the tranny cooler, brake controller, and hitch w/sway immediately and then want to drive it on short trips and feel the load. Likely do the brakes & air intake next then consider rear suspension, exhaust, and tune.

What trans cooler did you use? Is the temp gauge separate and mounted - or can it be integrated with dash monitor? How much are you towing?

 

[norcalboon]

Good thing you have the XL, longer wheelbase is a plus! Trans cooler is a must, bigger the better! Also, what motor do you have?

5.3 with 3.42 gear ratio 2WD

 

[mals]

Thanks for the info. We actually went with a slightly smaller/lighter TT than initially considered. It'll be approx. 5500# loaded. I have the SLT with a 5.3 and 3.42 rear end. Planning on the tranny cooler, brake controller, and hitch w/sway immediately and then want to drive it on short trips and feel the load. Likely do the brakes & air intake next then consider rear suspension, exhaust, and tune.

What trans cooler did you use? Is the temp gauge separate and mounted - or can it be integrated with dash monitor? How much are you towing?

I don't know if it was all part of the Denali package or if whoever ordered my Yukon originally spec'd it out pretty well for towing. I have the KPN option for the HD external transmission cooler, the VR4/Z82 trailering packages, a 3.73 rear, and a trans temp gauge in my cluster.

If I didn't have the factory temp gauge I would use a Scangauge II to easily display it an other helpful information while towing.

I think you have a good plan for tackling the upgrades. My stock brakes with a 5000 pound trailer are fine. I only plan to do the brake upgrade since my front brakes will need to replaced soon, and it is not a big price jump to do the upgrade using stock NNBS parts.

 

[norcalboon]

So picked up the TT last weekend. Has the WD hitch with sway installed, Tekonsha Prodigy 2 controller and had already swapped out my cluster with a newer version (http://www.ebay.com/usr/digital-dash-solutions) w/ a trans temp gauge - which is great aside from trans temp gauge, it really added a 'new' look to the panel. Also had already upgraded the stereo head unit and rear view camera. Had a local reputable trans shop perform a flush and rear diff + posi service and they indicated tranny looks good - no metal in the pan anyway.

Dry wt. is 5,280# and it was full of water so another 400+. On short trip home got to go up a few decent grades. Had it in 3rd w/ Tow Haul mode engaged and could definitely feel it behind me. At 50 MPH around 2300-2500 RPM the Yukon could maintain speed but not gain with pedal mashed - but it also didn't downshift into 2. At 60MPH, closer to 3,000 RPM could maintain and gain as needed without fully depressed. Although outside temp was mid 50's the trans temp never got higher than about 170.

Going to do some more shorter trips and continue to get a feel. Trans cooler still on the docket for later in the spring. Need to do my rear brakes and likely going with Power Stop K2047-36 Z36. Fronts OK for now but will probably match once needed. I could definitely use some extra HP so would be curious in some opinions of real life experience with K&N drop in air intake, for example K&N Performance Cold Air Intake Kit 57-3050, as well as Flowmaster exhaust. I really don't want a 'beefier' sound but would like the add'l power - if it would make a difference. Also interested in tuning information.

 

[01ssreda4]

. At 50 MPH around 2300-2500 RPM the Yukon could maintain speed but not gain with pedal mashed - .

That would drive me smooth nuts!!!!!