Tires & hitch reccs.

[TXtugboat]

First time poster! We have a 2005 Bambi Safari 19’ and a new to us, 2019 Yukon Denali XL. The current tires on the GMC are not old, but they are Sailun Atrezzeos and need to be balanced. I may keep them for awhile, but definitely looking to eventually replace them. Any recommendations for towing a not-too-heavy 19’? It’s a 2wd and I’m obviously not off roading, but do want very good wet and slippery surface traction as well as good towing manners. We have appreciated the Geolander ATs on our AWD Honda Pilot, not noisy, great traction. I don’t feel like I need a ton of warranty miles, mostly after traction and weight performance. Family of 6 with two dogs!
Also need a drop hitch to properly align the trailer, the GMC is way high with the stinger I used on my F-150. Looking at adjustable, maybe a Gen Y Glyder...

[TXtugboat]

I’m looking at the bigger Gen Y drop hitches now, with and without the torsion cushioning. Looks like I need to drop 7-9”.
The 19’ Bambi is 4500 gvwr and 480 tongue.
I’ve towed with our ‘09 F-150 and didn’t really feel it needed a weight distributing hitch, so I’m still leaning away from that.

[Fungus]

Weigh the entire rig (TT and TV) fully loaded for camping before you decide to forgo the WD/sway hitch. Real world weights rarely align with manufacturers’ published weights.

[batman]

I have a GMC Yukon XL 1500 and pull a 22' Safari. I have been very happy with Michelin's top of the line, load range E, I run them at 78-80 PSI. This is my second set and I get about 45-50K before replacing them. Definitely not the cheapest, but Michelins and the peace of mind they give me are worth every penny.

Goodyear also makes a great tire for your SUV.

IMO, Whatever brand you decide on, you might consider a load range E. More weight capacity, heavier sidewall and more ply's make for less flex and a more stable tow vehicle.

-Dennis

[TXtugboat]

Thanks! I had E rated Michelins on my Excusion and had no issues with them, I may go that route. I also had some age out on my F-150; we just didn’t put enough miles on them. Mind if I ask what hitch you’re using?

[Fungus]

If you’re asking me about hitch, I have the ProPride 3P.

[TXtugboat]

Thanks, but I was asking Batman since he has a Yukon. What is your tow vehicle?

[batman]

Originally Posted by TXtugboat

Thanks, but I was asking Batman since he has a Yukon. What is your tow vehicle?

I am using a simple EAZ-Lift weight distribution hitch with a 9' adjustable drop shank, 1000# spring bars and sliding sway control bar. This is the perfect setup for my travels in a 1/2 ton tow vehicle and my size trailer.

There are many threads on different weight distribution system costing many $$$. The EAZ-lift has worked flawlessly for me for many years and many miles.

I know a guy with a few Airstreams (He owns a shop in SoCal) and and a Yukon 2500. He does not use a WD hitch at all with any of his trailers, large or small. He also has many more miles of towing trailers with no issues.

My Yukon XL 1500 4WD has the GM factory on board air suspension system and I like to have the WD so it can lessen the demand on the air suspension system. They are not cheap to replace. WD systems distribute the weight more evenly to the front axle witch helps tire wear and braking also.

-Dennis

[Fungus]

Originally Posted by TXtugboat

Thanks, but I was asking Batman since he has a Yukon. What is your tow vehicle?

F-150 with max tow package, ProPride hitch, and Roadmaster active suspension. The truck is a bit marginal for the 25FB...not enough payload among other things. I added the ProPride and RAS to try to stretch the truck to fit the trailer. We had planned on buying something in the 20’ to 23’ range but accidentally found a reasonably priced 25 while in Virginia.