Towing Capacities and Gear Ratios

[HiHoeSilver]

Good looking out. My dad grew up in Oak Lawn, where that’s supposedly located. I’ll have to check that out. It’s substantially less than I was thinking about spending and looks great! This should be good to haul around my 6000 pound camper when I’m not using my 3/4 ton truck, right?

I was surprised by the price, too. I'm always watching by us. It's an 06, too, which is ideal imo. And an XL if you like the cargo space.

@swathdiver could speak to the towing prowess better than I.

 

[ejschultz]

Didn’t realize it was an XL. Hmm... that isn’t going to fit in my garage. It is nice with the extra space though.

 

[swathdiver]

Are these all for sale at this time? I thought those were total build numbers.

No, just a list I've compiled through internet searches. Many were or are for sale though.

Would I have to find a 6.2 Tahoe to get the 8200 pound towing capacity? I’d imagine it would be easier to find a Yukon Denali with that motor but I bet prices are higher for them.

'09 RWD 6.2 Tahoes are rated to tow 8500 pounds.
'09-'10 RWD 5.3 K5L Tahoes are rated to tow 8400 pounds.
'11-'14 RWD 5.3 K5L Tahoes all magically went to 8500 pounds.

'09 4WD 6.2 Tahoes are rated to tow 8100 pounds.
'09-'14 4WD 5.3 K5L Tahoes are all rated to tow 8200 pounds.

Now, can anyone explain to me why the 2010-2012 1500 GMT900s have a Weight Distribution Hitch Rating of 1100 pounds versus 1000 for those before and after? LOL
Don't even ask me how the 2500s are rated, whew!

It makes sense. The Denalis are AWD.

Not all of them, they could be had with RWD too.

I was surprised by the price, too. I'm always watching by us. It's an 06, too, which is ideal imo. And an XL if you like the cargo space.

@swathdiver could speak to the towing prowess better than I.

I'm sure it would tow just fine. @01ssreda4 Steve has one: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/yukon-down-awd-delete-headers-converter-etc.81191/

 

[ejschultz]

It’s safe to say that’s for the 2 speed transfer case Tahoe’s if they’re 4WD, right? I believe my 2010 I had a few years back was a single speed case.

 

[swathdiver]

It’s safe to say that’s for the 2 speed transfer case Tahoe’s if they’re 4WD, right? I believe my 2010 I had a few years back was a single speed case.

If my memory serves, yes, the 2-speed TC is a sign of having 3.42 gears on the 2009+ trucks.

Every singles speed TC of memory had 3.08 gears.

 

[ejschultz]

Cool. Thank you

 

[thompsoj22]

Didn’t realize it was an XL. Hmm... that isn’t going to fit in my garage. It is nice with the extra space though.

Just my opinion, But you really should drive a few of the XL'S before making your decision. If you are buying the vehicle to specifically tow than you absolutely want the longer wheelbase and extra tq/hp? I dont want to hack on the 5.3 as it is a bulletproof engine, However you put 8,200 pounds behind it and point it either uphill or into a headwind you are in for a white knuckle 3,500 rpm 6mpg seat of your pants experience. You can tow, but you cant relax while doing it. If you can keep the tow weight in the low 4k lb you can tour America with the 5.3. Here it comes, No disrespect intended to the 5.3 owners!

 

[swathdiver]

Just my opinion, But you really should drive a few of the XL'S before making your decision. If you are buying the vehicle to specifically tow than you absolutely want the longer wheelbase and extra tq/hp? I dont want to hack on the 5.3 as it is a bulletproof engine, However you put 8,200 pounds behind it and point it either uphill or into a headwind you are in for a white knuckle 3,500 rpm 6mpg seat of your pants experience. You can tow, but you cant relax while doing it. Here it comes, No disrespect intended to the 5.3 owners!

I agree, more torque would be nice. This is my one highway towing experience with my 5.3 (Post #455): https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/useless-information.97483/page-46

 

[ejschultz]

Hmm... I thought I was set. I can’t lower the weight. Empty and dry, my camper is about 5500 pounds.

 

[ejschultz]

Would a Suburban be sufficient or are they mostly 5.3 equipped?