Late model 2500 Yukon XL 2500 TV, How good?

[evsjr]

I have reached verbal agreement with nearby GMC dealer for a 2009 Yucon XL 4x4 2500 SLT. It is nicely equpped. The Yukon must serve as my daily driver. I live on top of a mountain in western NC, hence 4WD is required. I do a lot of woodworking so that the large interior is handy. I will be towing my 27 FB Classic on extended trips both in the hills and the flatlands. The specs on the Yukon are 8600 GVWR,4180 FAWR, 5500 RAWR, 9300 Tow capacity, about 2000 NCC, about 6500 wet vehicle weight, 6.0 liter engine, 352 horsepower, 382 ft-lbs torque (nice "flat" curve). I do not know what rear end the vehicle has. It has the 6-spd transmission with tow mode. Gas milage is what it is.

Typical trailer weight at the scales runs 6400 to 6600 lbs NOT counting about 800 lbs on the tongue. (My TV for these weights was an Escalade and I was very careful not to overload.)The trailer is rated (from memory) up to 9000 lbs.... I don't believe I will ever approach that.

I was recently considering the Tundra, but shifted to the Yukon 2500 XL to be (a) totally enclosed and (b) more robust running gear, paper specs notwithstanding.

I will be puling the trigger on this deal in a couple of days.

I would appreciate the comments from anyone out there.

[hookedonclassic]

Sounds like it should be a pretty good set-up. However, find out what the rear-end gear ratio is before you purchase. I would want at 3.73 or possibly even a 4.10. The higher the number the better for towing but worse for daily driving in most cases. Others will surely give their input as well.

[SteveH]

You say "nicely equipped", but don't state if it has the towing package, which is something I would want because along with the lower rear end gear, you also get increased engine and transmission cooling, and wiring for the brake controller.

[ROBERT CROSS]

The dealer can do a VISS (vehicle inquiry system summary) check.
The build summery will give you all the options/codes. Claim history, all the warranty repairs. All options will also be on the w/sticker, no codes though. I was looking at the specs the other day at work for the 09 Burbs and was surprised to find a GCWR of 16000k. I scaled out at 15940 with the 03 25' Classic. Really happy we got ours when we did.

I believe the option code for the 3:73 is GT4. Six speed tranny w/tow haul would indicate that It does have the tow package, but check the window sticker to be sure.
If the one your ck'ing out has the 4:10 gearing you should be good to go. The Auto-Ride on the 3/4's makes for a super ride, and unlike the 1500's, don't have the auto leveling feature. They have to be one of the best driving large TV's out there. You should be able to get a great deal in today's environment.

[SafariSS]

With the powertrain they have on the 09s I think one would have to have the 4.10 gearing especially if you lived in a moutain area. I have had both rear ends now in Suburbans a 6.0 w 3.73 and a 8.1w 4.10s, and I have to say the 6 liter is a very nice motor however the 3.73 was the achilles heel. I cannot say enough how nice the Autoride is on the three quarters ton models, takes any buck out of the rear end and just feels planted.

As far as the GCVW, 16k would just barely get me by with my Safari 30 (8400 max GVW), I would guess the Burb is around 6500 lbs dry?

[Silvertwinkie]

Sounds like a great vehicle. I'd pick that up in a heartbeat. I have an 04 Suburban and it's been a very reliable, well constructed virtually problem free vehicle. I too won't hit the 9000+ tow capacity, but I am very comfortable knowing it's there.

You won't be disappointed with this truck.

[evsjr]

Dear all, OK, I bought the new 2009 Yukon 2500 XL, 4x4, with trailer towing package plus other bells & whistles. It has the built-in brake controller. My question is how good and smooth is the GMC controller? ( I still have the little used Prodigy controller from my Escalade which was totalled.) The owners manual has an approach for selecting the amount of gain or "boost" to select. My tow is a 2007 27 ft FB Classic weighing in at about 7400 lbs +/-.

Has anyone out there put a late model GMC built-in controller into use and what do you think of the device?

Thanks for any input, evsjr (Bud)

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by evsjr

Has anyone out there put a late model GMC built-in controller into use and what do you think of the device?

Thanks for any input, evsjr (Bud)

07 3/4 Silverado towing car trailer, once the controler was set it worked fine over a 1200k trip FWIW.

[Alumin8]

EVSJR,

I am not sure about the automatic brake controller but I have a 2005 GMC Sierra Denali with the same engine. It has the tow package which consists of a button on the end of the gear selector. I tow a 1973 Excella and live in Morristown, TN. I have no problem but don't live on the top of a mountain. I use a Prodigy controller and the truck was prewired for plug and play. The whole package is a dream. I use the standard Airstream issue load leveling arngement without and sway control and never feel the wind, passing trucks or any sway. I try not to go too fast but seem to always reach 70 mph and the truck is very comfortable. On my last 750 mile trip coming up from Florida, I got 13.6 mpg with the trailer packed with stuff the we were moving. I have gotten 22 mpg on the highway driving 55 mph for about 20 miles when I picked up the new axles.

I thinkk you'll be bery happy with the choice. Keep us posted on your personal results.

[romap]

I find that the GM intgrated brake controller works better and much smoother than the Prodigy that I had in my previous TV. BTW, if anyone wants my Prodigy, send me a message with your offer.

[Toothpuller]

Although not the same vehicle, I have a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD with tow package and the built in controller is very nice, I kept my old control in case the built in unit was not great. Bottom line, you still need to keep on top of the brake situation when towing, I still set my brake force manually.