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blacklab · 01-19-2023, 01:04 PM

I'm looking for feedback on how the 3.0 L Duramax Diesel performs in either a Suburban or Yukon XL 4 x 4 as a TV pulling an AS, preferably 27' or longer.

We'll be getting a 27' GT FBT and I'm evaluating a range of TV options.

We live in the Pacific NW, so much of our travel will be in mountains in the Western U.S. and Canada.

Note: The Max Payload as per GMC may be around 1,475 lbs., which could be an issue!!

Thank you.

Cheers,

Bryan

jeffb831 · 01-19-2023, 02:04 PM

Depending on how many people you travel with and what ever else you expect to haul the vehicle, you are right with payload being the limit.

You can expect a tongue weight of 1000#+ for a 25/27/28 when loaded and up to 1200#+ for a 30/33

ROBERT CROSS · 01-19-2023, 07:31 PM

POI You'll get a higher payload without the diesel.
But you already knew that

Bob
🇺🇸

blacklab · 01-19-2023, 07:59 PM

Bob,

Yep, thanks.

I'm going with a Diesel, in part, because I'm part of a commercial development team that will be building Integrated Biorefineries to convert wastes (municipal solid waste, food waste, sewage sludge, medical wastes, etc.) into Renewable Diesel (not Bio-diesel!).

Renewable Diesel is a true "drop-in" replacement for fossil diesel, but with additional performance benefits. And, it has a very low "Carbon Intensity".

Production of Renewable Diesel is growing rapidly, and you will see it in retail stations more and more.

I was hoping to go with a Suburban or a Yukon XL, but the "facts" will probably point to a Sierra 2500 HD for me.

Cheers,

Bryan

ROBERT CROSS · 01-19-2023, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacklab

Bob,

Yep, thanks.

I'm going with a Diesel, in part, because I'm part of a commercial development team that will be building Integrated Biorefineries to convert wastes (municipal solid waste, food waste, sewage sludge, medical wastes, etc.) into Renewable Diesel (not Bio-diesel!).

Renewable Diesel is a true "drop-in" replacement for fossil diesel, but with additional performance benefits. And, it has a very low "Carbon Intensity".

Production of Renewable Diesel is growing rapidly, and you will see it in retail stations more and more.

I was hoping to go with a Suburban or a Yukon XL, but the "facts" will probably point to a Sierra 2500 HD for me.

Cheers,

Bryan

Kool...

You have a Water Dog also.
"Pirate" the Portuguese Water Dog sez Hi.

Bob
🇺🇸

blacklab · 01-19-2023, 08:20 PM

Bob,

We're "between" Labs right now. First time I've been without a Black Lab since way back in college.

Love those water pooches.

Cheers,

Bryan

Starlight Mike · 01-20-2023, 09:22 AM

Very unfortunate GM does not offer a 2500 Suburban or Yukon XL with the 6.6 Duramax. Let's all send them letters!!
There is a place that custom builds them but, of course, expensive. IAG.
last time I checked $125k, I'm sure that is now $150k but so are AS's.
That's why we all have 2500 pickups for half the price

lemley · 01-20-2023, 10:24 AM

FWIW, I’ve had a Suburban diesel 4wd on order for 6 months. My trailer is a 29’ 1988 Excella. I’ve never towed her with anything but a Yukon or Yukon XL. Im going with the diesel for the mileage and a little more power and braking in the mountains. This will be my first 4wd, but every other one I’ve had I’ve ended up wanting it. My trailer weighs 6700 pounds fully loaded for travel. At least that’s what it weighed day 1 of our last long trip.

ROBERT CROSS · 01-20-2023, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacklab

Bob,

We're "between" Labs right now. First time I've been without a Black Lab since way back in college.

Love those water pooches.

Cheers,

Bryan

Yep...for sure.

Bo...our 1st PWD at Uncle Hubie's pond. '87

Bob
🇺🇸

SpikePoet · 01-20-2023, 10:54 AM

Started towing with Tahoe/max trailering, 28' FC. The first issue was the vehicle hitch weight max. the second was the vehicle limited payload. The third and FINAL hurdle was the combined gross weight, which cut the already limited payload by 600lbs. That was with the V8 gas engine. As has been pointed out, the problem would likely be worse with a heavier diesel, although I don't know the weight of the 3.0 diesel compared to gas. I cut bait after the first year and added a 2500 Duramax to the garage. All problems solved. And my wife is happy to no longer have to share her Tahoe!
Spike

civeng99 · 01-20-2023, 11:24 AM

Ain’t nothing better than a Labrador. Only working or sporting dogs for this old boy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Yep...for sure.

Bo...our 1st PWD at Uncle Hubie's pond. '87

Bob
🇺🇸

kbmckay · 01-20-2023, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacklab

I'm looking for feedback on how the 3.0 L Duramax Diesel performs in either a Suburban or Yukon XL 4 x 4 as a TV pulling an AS, preferably 27' or longer.

We'll be getting a 27' GT FBT and I'm evaluating a range of TV options.

We live in the Pacific NW, so much of our travel will be in mountains in the Western U.S. and Canada.

Note: The Max Payload as per GMC may be around 1,475 lbs., which could be an issue!!

Thank you.

Cheers,

Bryan

So far we love the Yukon XL (Denali) with 3.0 Duramax. We haven't towed in the mountains other than Arkansas, but no issues whatsoever there. Great mileage and a smooth ride. We've only towed around 1500 miles with it, but it sure beats the ride of my old 2500 HD Duramax.

We tow a 28' vintage trailer ('59 Ambassador), so we aren't dealing with the weight limitations you're probably facing. Our max payload according to the door panel sticker is 1331. Sticker says Tongue weight 770 lbs (our tongue weight W/O WD is around 550 using Sherline scale).

Kent

tjdonahoe · 01-20-2023, 01:38 PM

What is the trailers weight? New ones are heavier my 13 31’ classic has 1050 on the tongue and 7800 o the axles. … no 1/2 tons here.

blacklab · 01-20-2023, 02:23 PM

Thank you all for your feedback.

And, kbmckay, it is good to hear you are happy with the Diesel in your Yukon XL (Denali). That's a great vehicle. Unfortunately, I'm probably going to have to step up to the 2500.

Cheers,

Bryan

mikesSE · 01-20-2023, 03:03 PM

For three years I have been driving Nick Controy’s Diesel Conversions of DuramaxSpecialties.More power(torque) than other Surburban powerplants,these suburbans are the 2500 dream of Duramax trucks with our needed cargo room for traveling with our kids and pets and equipment INSIDE. The 6.6L diesel is the beast that GM refused to put out for the ‘soccer-mom cars’! They are renowned for towing and dependablity just like the Sierra / Kodiak trucks.The tiny diesel in the new models do not compare with the conversions.

Wazbro · 01-20-2023, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m rafferty

Very unfortunate GM does not offer a 2500 Suburban or Yukon XL with the 6.6 Duramax. Let's all send them letters!!
There is a place that custom builds them but, of course, expensive. IAG.
last time I checked $125k, I'm sure that is now $150k but so are AS's.
That's why we all have 2500 pickups for half the price

I'd like to see a 2500 Suburban or Yukon XL with the 4.5 Duramax they were about to release in 2008, instead they went into bankruptcy.

Starlight Mike · 01-21-2023, 05:14 AM

Anyone interested in the ideal tow vehicle should read MikeSE post above regarding 2500 Suburban/ Yukon Duramax 6.6l conversion by Nick Controy at Duramax Specialties . I just looked up on line, very interesting!!!

Bigboote · 01-25-2023, 09:56 AM

I have the 3.0L in my Silverado with 6.5 ft box. This is the best engine I have ever had in a vehicle. I did test the Tahoe with the 3.0L in it but my main reason for sticking with the 1/2 ton was that there was about a 1,000 difference in towing weight also a much higher payload. I have a 2010 FC 23FB and it hauls this very efficently. Average about 14MPG or 16L/100km. ( I am Canadian) I believe my towing capacty was around 9,000 lbs.
I really can't recomend a better engine, I love this truck. One drawback is that your go through a lot more DEF when towing

Starlight Mike · 01-25-2023, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemley

FWIW, I’ve had a Suburban diesel 4wd on order for 6 months. My trailer is a 29’ 1988 Excella. I’ve never towed her with anything but a Yukon or Yukon XL. Im going with the diesel for the mileage and a little more power and braking in the mountains. This will be my first 4wd, but every other one I’ve had I’ve ended up wanting it. My trailer weighs 6700 pounds fully loaded for travel. At least that’s what it weighed day 1 of our last long trip.

I'm not sure you are going to get more power with that small diesel. Better mileage yes but I can't imagine having enough power to get up medium size mountains with a 29' Excella.
I would love to hear reports from people that have them.

2MileHi · 01-25-2023, 10:17 AM

Ford, I’ve read, described its diesels as too much for the Expedition and half tons. If true that would likely apply to a Tahoe and the like. So the small 3.0 is probably going to be it. An aside. I had a 2015 Yukon Denali XL with the 6.2. And while I am no fan of half tons weather in pick up form or large SUV form, I would not have hesitated to pull a 5 to 6000 pound travel trailer with that vehicle. But having an F350 dually , I never really considered towing anything other than a flatbed with a couple toys with that car.