2015 Yukon Denali, Escalade, or similar?

[Hogfan]

The new Expedition (regular & long) with heavy duty tow pkg has a 9200 lb tow capacity and 15,000 lb GCWR and 900 lb tongue capacity before weight distribution. Semi-interesting.

I will definitely read up on the new 1/2 tons vs older 3/4 tons too! Thanks for sharing!!

[2012FB]

Originally Posted by rostam

Just curious 2012FB, what happened to your ML?

When we upgraded to the 30' Bunk I reluctantly and I mean reluctantly decided to go back to the 3/4 Diesel. If we did not live in Colorado and constantly pull the high mountain grades I would have stayed with it. I still think it is overall the ultimate tow vehicle. We have not decided if we will keep it. I want to but my wife would prefer a smaller daily driver.

[2012FB]

Originally Posted by remphoto

I guess the exhaust note is a matter of personal choice. I like the sound of the Denali's and Caddy's with that honking big Corvette-based motor. But to each his own…

I too loved the sound of it driving around town especially the back-off rumble but pulling a long grade at full tilt was way too much. My wife and kids would just go crazy.

[Pat Cassity]

Hogfan, the 2015 Sierra is a 1500 with the Max Trailering Pkg., thus giving it the 373 rear end. I know the 2500 has an incredible fan base, but I have to tell you, the entire towing experience is so improved compared to Yukon that I couldn't be happier!


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Hogfan]

Thanks Pat!!

2012FB, what is the ML?

[2012FB]

Originally Posted by Hogfan

Thanks Pat!!

2012FB, what is the ML?

2014 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec (V6 Turbo Diesel) with CanAm reinforced hitch.

[SSquared]

We have a 2010 Yukon Denali (short wheelbase) and a 25FB. We consider this vehicle a compromise; more manuverable and car-like than a 3/4 ton truck, or even a 1/2 ton; it fits in our (short) garage; great seats; good highway ride unhitched; it pulls strongly, though it can't maintain the speed limit on Colorado's big passes. But it is not as stable on the road when towing when we like (and we're on our second WD hitch, and have weighed on the CAT scales many times).

I believe Pat Cassity when he says his 1/2 ton pickup is a more stable towing platform.

What's right for you is a matter of what compromises you want to make.

[Jwestman]

The 2015 Yukons are a totally new animal. You won't hear an exhaust note.. in fact you won't hear much at all unless the radio is on. I have made the mistake of getting out of the truck forgetting to shut it off. My son just drove a 2007 suburban a few hundred miles for a client and he thought the difference was amazing - '07 has a much rougher, louder ride. Take one out for a test and see what you think.

[andreasduess]

Of all the traditional body on frame SUVs, the Expedition has the most sophisticated suspension setup.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by Hogfan

I just read as mentioned earlier that GM has "confirmed" the Suburban 2500HD will be back for 2016 model year, but may be limited to fleet and commercial only. Hum...... If we could get our hands on that, we'd buy it immediately!

Part of our hesitation with like an F250 or large 2500 truck is that we have two senior citizen labradors that travel with us and it's already hard to get them in and our of an SUV, a big truck will be even harder I think.

Nothing to stop you from buying one. Go to the dealership with the long row of white trucks or order one. The old dogs will still have trouble getting into a Suburban. The current generation sits higher than the previous generation.

[ktgsmokey]

We towed our 1974 Overlander 27' with several Yukon XLs over the years, last with the Denali and the 6.2L V8. Never had a problem at all until we switched to a 2011 Flying Cloud 30' unit at which point it was definitely under powered and at the very extreme of the tow weight rating. Switched to a 2015 Ram 2500 mega cab which we absolutely love and just finished a trip through the mountains of Tetons and Yellowstone. While I think you will be fine with the SUV pulling the 27' unit, you might look at the mega cab which actually provides more legroom for the driver and the rear passengers, and works great for hauling along three dogs. We put a bed cap on which works great for camping equipment, and palace for the pups when we have human passengers.

[Chucke]

I have a 2015 escalade. Plenty of power and tow option switch on transmission. Only issue is no set up for trailer brake.
I use a Tundra instead.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by Chucke

I have a 2015 escalade. Plenty of power and tow option switch on transmission. Only issue is no set up for trailer brake.
I use a Tundra instead.

How does power between the Escalade and Tundra compare?
Comparing my Tundra 5.7 (381 hp and 401 ft. lbs. torque) to my boss' Silverado 6.2 (425 horsepower) the Tundra feels stronger. It may just be the way the gas pedal is sprung or the way the computer is programmed, but the Tundra feels stronger and quicker/more responsive. The Tundra also feels stronger, more responsive/quicker than the Nissan Titan or Ford F150 EcoBoost twin turbo V6. I haven't driven a Ram 5.7 for comparison, but the word is the Ram is stronger/more powerful.
Also, how does the back seat room compare between the Tundra and the Escalade? The Tundra backseat seems bigger than anything else besides a Checker Cab or 60's Cadillac limousine. I also love those big ole mini van-sized doors that open to a full 90 degrees as opposed to the normal 45 degree opening rear doors. We use the Tundra when we need to haul 5 big tall grown people.

[ZBoater]

Originally Posted by Chucke

I have a 2015 escalade. Plenty of power and tow option switch on transmission. Only issue is no set up for trailer brake.
I use a Tundra instead.

I'm hoping you can wire one (trailer brake) because that's what I got to tow with. I understand they are pre-wired. Will be finding out soon!

[subfan1]

All GMT 900's (2007 - 2014) GM suv's are pre-wired. The harness is located near the firewall under steering column under the hood. CW has the harness that goes from fuse block under the dash to your brake controller.

[ZBoater]

Originally Posted by subfan1

all gmt 900's (2007 - 2014) gm suv's are pre-wired. The harness is located near the firewall under steering column under the hood. Cw has the harness that goes from fuse block under the dash to your brake controller.

cw?

[Hittenstiehl]

Camping world

[ZBoater]

Well, I called my dealer and they said they show no part for a 2013 Escalade, so they can't do it. Sigh.

Colonial Airstream offered to do it for $300. I seemed fairly easy to do but I'd rather leave it up to a professional. So I am going that route.

[DaddysBus]

Originally Posted by ZBoater

Well, I called my dealer and they said they show no part for a 2013 Escalade, so they can't do it. Sigh.

Colonial Airstream offered to do it for $300. I seemed fairly easy to do but I'd rather leave it up to a professional. So I am going that route.

2017 Escalade owner here! Installing the trailer brake controller was literally a breeze. There are great videos as well on it on YouTube (under Suburban and Yukon) but the box etc are all in the same place. I ordered the Tekonsha P3 with the cadillac (GM) adaptor and it was a plug and play. You literally take one end of the adapter and plug it in the fuse box and the other end in the back of the unit and are good to go from there. I'll try to post some pics this weekend if time allows.

Have yet to pull with the Escalade yet. Our 27FB Serenity is coming off the line 6/29 and going to see how it goes before committing to a more robust TV, which will cause me to get rid of my 911 for a pick up as a daily driver, and effectively end the midlife crisis!

[FCStreamer]

Well, I have been towing my 30' FC for a year with my '13 Escalade and have no regrets. Plenty of power, stops fine, and the brake controller Colonial installed works like a champ.