Tow Vehicle 1997 Yukon vs. Suburban

[Gael79]

Hello All,

I am looking at a 1997 Yukon to pull my 31' 1971 Sovereign. I am pulling it now with an extenede cab P/U. Wondering if the shorter wheel base will be a big deal?

Any thoughts???

Thanks to all,

[Foiled Again]

With a 31 foot long trailer I would choose a 3/4 ton Burb over a Yukon. Longer wheel base keeps you sure footed. Bigger backside - while not ideal on my carcass - is great for stowing stuff inside out of the wet.

Pulling the Yukon would probably be okay, braking the tail could wag the dog.

Paula

[silverleeper]

I agree with Paula. A longer wheel base will give you more stability and usually a nicer ride. It's been my experience that with a short wheel base and a big long trailer you get the feeling of being pushed around by the trailer. Not fun.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I'm biased.....Burb-it.

The wheelbase does make a difference, especially with the length of your trailer.

[SailorSteve]

I have a '97 Yukon 4WD with a 350 and recently picked up my '96 Safari 25 in New Jersey and pulled it back to Indiana. I have a load-leveling hitch but no anti-sway. There was a wicked cross wind most of the way back and on the straight and level the rig was fine except for when some of the big semi's passed me. Coming down the mountains, I had a couple of times when it felt like the tail really was wagging the dog but a gentle bump on the brake controller got it under control. For anything larger than a 25, I'd like to have a Burb, preferably a 2500. Have even looked around a little for one for myself but decided I have too many good miles left in what I have and it's paid for.

[SARGE/AF]

If you are going to use a Yukon make sure it is the HD not the LT, with the LT you could have some issues with suspension, Trans, rear end.
I can testify that the shorter WB is not a good thing, I have a 07 GMC 1500 Ext Cab Short bed and I can definately tell you that you will get the dog wag as well as turn/push issues.
Although my veh does pull my 31 Soveirgn, I would much rather have the longer WB such as in a Ext Cab Long Bed or longer, and I definately want to have at least a 3/4 ton, (Chev/Dodge/GMC 2500, Ford F250).
I now have my GMC up for sale so I can move to a better vehicle, if I can not sell it then once I have my motorcycle sold I will take the loss and trade. Hope to have it done by the time my trailer is done at AS in OH in May. What I am getting now is going to be either E250 Conversion Ext Van or a F250 Crew.

[WBCCI9898]

My brother tows a 31ft with a Yukon Denali..... excellent ride no problems. I have even borrowed it to tow my 34ft'r again.. no problem at all. Check out my pics.

Cheers!

[Gael79]

Thanks to all - guess I'll let the Yukon go, and look for a Suburban

Thanks again to everyone,

[shermantic]

I have a yukon and I tow in the mountains as well as in the flat and does fine job! I have towed other junk trailers till resently and no problems!

[SARGE/AF]

I am not saying that a Yukon would not work and from what I can tell neither is anyone else, we are just saying for safety and preference you might be better off with something that is made for towing this type of trailer better. See Michelle (thecatsandi) post at http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ime-46232.html and read what she went through, she was driving a F250 Ext Cab Long Bed, now given the vehicle and her experience she kept herself from having a major accident. It also helps that God was watching out for her too.
I have seen people with 1/2 HD trucks pull 31 & 34 trailers without towing problems, but that does not mean that in a sudden incident (which pulling a camper is always the case) they are the best. In the end it all depends on what kind of traveling you do, whether it is short distance a few times a year, all the way up to full timing year round always on the go.