31' Excella 500 with GMC Denali TV ??

[DesertRat]

I have a 77 Excella 500 31 ft. I am looking at a GMC Denali for the Tow Vehicle mainly for the engine size (6.0L V8) Does anyone have experiance with the Denali.

Thanks in Advance
DesertRat

[thecatsandi]

Oh that is just not going to work ;-) Must have a Ford Diesel.
Seriously 6.0L V8 Gas? My be a stretch.

[ScottW]

A denali...is that a 1/2 ton? If so, you'll need to upgrade to something larger. If it is a 3/4, you'll probably be ok. Check all the wts and do the math. As Michelle said, a Ford diesel is better...but then, I'm also a little prejudiced.

[Big Dee]

The 6.0 can pull a '31 beautifully. All depends on what year the Denali is. My Denali has a tow rating of 10,000# but the new model went down to like 8,000#. The rear axle isnt as HD in the new ones because no more Quadrasteer. But I have towed my '31 with the Denali to the top of the Rockies and up and down Death Valley passes with no problem. No better tests then those two.

[Big Dee]

Originally Posted by SCOTTW

A denali...is that a 1/2 ton? If so, you'll need to upgrade to something larger. If it is a 3/4, you'll probably be ok. Check all the wts and do the math. As Michelle said, a Ford diesel is better...but then, I'm also a little prejudiced.

My Denali is a 1500HD which really means its a 3/4 ton. All the same components.

[LI Pets]

I think it's to small engine wise. Phil Goby has a Avalanche with a 5.4 he says that it doesn't cut it with his 31'.

We were driving in the Smokey mtns, he had his pedal to the metal and was not cutting it up those hills, I was way ahead.

Granted that was a 5.4 not a 6.0, you need the right size TV to relax and enjoy the ride with reserve cap to get out of the way of something or pass a truck, get on to a highway with speed etc.

If you can find a leftover 8.1 with an Allison trany if not get the diesel.
I think you weight >7100lbs, you need a 20% safety margin or 9-10,000 tow cap.

I know Big Dee said "The 6.0 can pull a '31 beautifully." That may have something to with driving style or not trying a big block engine to tow????

Since the 8.1 are scarce, you need to look at the diesels IMO.

[Silvertwinkie]

The Denali, regardless if it's 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton will have few issues as the vintage units typically weigh less than newer units.

If the unit is at or around the 7000lb mark, I think either 1/2 or 3/4 would do, particularly if the rear gears are good (3.73).

If you'd said new Airstream, I'd say 3/4 ton without question due to the larger hubs, brakes, suspension, trans, etc.

The 6.0L, if that is what is in the Denali you are talking about is more than up to towing around 9000lbs in 3/4 configurations.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

The Denali, regardless if it's 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton will have few issues as the vintage units typically weigh less than newer units.

If the unit is at or around the 7000lb mark, I think either 1/2 or 3/4 would do, particularly if the rear gears are good (3.73).

If you'd said new Airstream, I'd say 3/4 ton without question due to the larger hubs, brakes, suspension, trans, etc.

I'm onboard with da Twink and especially Big Dee's practical experience. A '77 31 footer came off the line from 5005 to 5070 pounds; I don't have the carrying capacity but I'd guess it wouldn't be 2000#. A new 31 Classic weighs 7050 pounds empty and has a GVWR of 10000 pounds -- this would absolutely demand a 3/4 ton.

[DesertRat]

Thanks for the info I'll take it all into consideration. I like the Denali but , I am now leaning towards a 3/4 t sub.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by DesertRat

Thanks for the info I'll take it all into consideration. I like the Denali but , I am now leaning towards a 3/4 t sub.

Though not required in your case, few folks that have a 3/4 ton can say:

Their tow vehicle has too much power

Their tow vehicle is far too stable

Their tow vehicle is far too safe

And the #1 thing all folks that tow can say:

It gets too many MPGs (miles per gallon).

[CanoeStream]

Yet in similar drivetrain & load situations there just isn't much difference between fuel consumption of a 1/2- or 3/4-ton TV.

[jcanavera]

I'm pulling my 31' slide out with a 6.0 liter engine. I also have a 4.10 rear axle that puts my rated capacity at 9,900 lbs. I've been extremely pleased with the power this engine puts out and with the 3/4 ton chasis and bigger transmission, it makes a fine tow vehicle.

Gas mileage while towing is between 10-11 mpg. Same as my old half ton van with the 5.7 liter engine and 3.73 axle in which I couldn't use OD.

Jack

[Phil Gobie]

It may also depend on where you tow and what you want to carry in the TW. One of my primary reasons for wanting to upgrade my TW to a 2500 from my 1500 5.3 is the big difference in ball hitch hight from heavy load (motorcycle in the back) and empty load. I have to re-do the whole WD hitch set up because the movement of the hitch hight is so different. The rig can handle most situations although like Bob mentioned in the mountain passes it lacks power. It did make the steep grades but it took everything it had to barley do the speed limit. My biggest motivation to up grade is to have more load capacity without having to re set the whole set up each time the load changes to keep the load level.

[Wharf Rats]

Hey Desert Rat, I assume you're not talking Denali XL. We towed our 04, 30' classic s/o with my wife's 03 denali to the Keys a couple of times. It seemed to have plenty of power, I just didn't like the short wheelbase even with a ha ha. (hensley). Also I would've liked a little higher idle for backing. I've since sold my '94 suburban and got an '06 4x4 d/a crew cab sierra. The difference is like night and day. I have friends that tow 26' to 30' heavy center console boats (contender etc.) with 2500 HD 6 liter with no problem, but this is Florida.

[DesertRat]

No Warf Rats, I was looking at the yukon xl denali package which does have a long wheel base.
I'm not doing any high mountain towing so mabe the Denali will work. Though, the 3/4 ton does look pretty good.

Thanks for the advice.

Desert Rat