When it comes to large SUVs with great passenger comfort, the GMC Yukon is among the first on American buyers' list. However, aside from comfort, does the Yukon have the utility to tow a travel trailer? We've done the research for your reading pleasure.
When properly equipped, the Yukon and the Yukon XL can tow up to 8,400 and 8,300 pounds, respectively. With this towing capacity, the Yukon models can pull many travel trailers safely and confidently.
Would you like to know more about the Yukon's features as well as some travel trailers that you can pull along? If yes, then we've got you covered. Read on and we'll let you know more about this large luxury SUV.
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Is The GMC Yukon Good For Towing?
The GMC Yukon is one of General Motors' representatives in the large SUV segment. Although the Yukon is very similar to its Chevrolet Tahoe, the former's design targets the luxury market.
Although the Yukon sports many luxurious features, it does not lack in terms of utility. The Yukon is a capable off-roader, and it can also pull a spacious travel trailer up to 8,400 pounds.
Because of the different engine options and drive configurations, the 2022 Yukon and Yukon XL trims vary slightly in terms of towing capacities.
Due to their lighter gross weights, two-wheel-drive (2WD) trims typically have slightly higher towing capacities than 4WD trims. For your convenience, we've listed their ratings below.
5.3-Liter Gas V8 Yukon Towing Capacities
- 2WD standard - 7,900 pounds
- 2WD with Max Trailering Package - 8,400 pounds
- 4WD standard - 7,700 pounds
- 4WD with Max Trailering Package - 8,200 pounds
6.2-Liter Gas V8 Yukon Towing Capacities
- 2WD Denali standard - 7,700 pounds
- 2WD Denali with Max Trailering Package - 8,200 pounds
- 4WD Denali standard - 7,500 pounds
- 4WD Denali with Max Trailering Package - 8,000 pounds
Duramax 3.0-Liter Turbodiesel I6 Yukon Towing Capacities
- 2WD standard - 8,100 pounds
- 2WD with Max Trailering Package - 8,100 pounds
- 4WD standard - 8,100 pounds
- 4WD with Max Trailering Package - 8,100 pounds
5.3-Liter Gas V8 Yukon XL Towing Capacities
- 2WD standard - 7,800 pounds
- 2WD with Max Trailering Package - 8,300 pounds
- 4WD standard - 7,500 pounds
- 4WD with Max Trailering Package - 8,000 pounds
6.2-Liter Gas V8 Yukon XL Towing Capacities
- 2WD Denali standard - 7,600 pounds
- 2WD Denali with Max Trailering Package - 8,100 pounds
- 4WD Denali standard - 7,400 pounds
- 4WD Denali with Max Trailering Package - 7,900 pounds
Duramax 3.0-Liter Turbodiesel I6 Yukon XL Towing Capacities
- 2WD standard - 7,900 pounds
- 2WD with Max Trailering Package - 7,900 pounds
- 4WD standard - 7,700 pounds
- 4WD with Max Trailering Package - 7,700 pounds
Even though there are other large SUVs with higher towing capacities, the GMC Yukon is by no means a slouch. It is a great companion for extended outdoor adventures.
What Is Included In The GMC Max Trailering Package?
GMC's Max Trailering Package allows the Yukon to maximize its towing potential. If you're wondering what equipment and features are included in this package, then search no more.
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- Trailer brake controller
- Smart Trailer Integration Indicator
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims only)
- Enhanced cooling radiator
- SLE and SLT include a 2-speed active transfer case (for 4WD models only)
How Big Of A Trailer Can A Yukon Tow?
The GMC Yukon has the highest towing capacity of all of GMC's SUVs. Only the full-size GMC Savana van and the GMC Sierra trucks surpass the Yukon's tow rating.
With a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds, the GMC Yukon can tow many types of travel trailers. The exceptions would be the heaviest ones, as some can reach over 12,000 pounds.
When selecting travel trailers, we need to consider their dry weights as well as their gross trailer weight ratings (GTWR).
A trailer's dry weight pertains only to the weight of the trailer and its standard factory-installed equipment.
On the other hand, a trailer's GTWR includes the weight of the optional dealer-installed equipment, the passengers, their luggage, supplies, fluids, and fuel.
Below are some of the travel trailers that you can tow using a properly-equipped GMC Yukon.
Cruiser Embrace EL260
First on our list of travel trailers is the Cruiser Embrace EL260. This 31-footer has a dry weight of 5,904 pounds and a gross weight of 7,656 pounds.
The Embrace has enough sleeping capacity for 6 people with its walk-around king-size bed, a convertible sofa sleeper, and a convertible dinette.
Moreover, the Embrace comes standard with an air conditioning unit, a refrigerator, a spacious pantry, and a dry bathroom. The trailer is ready for wiring with a Go Power solar power supply.
Outside, a power-retractable awning can extend to shade the integrated kitchenette.
Lance 1685 Travel Trailer
The Lance 1685 is a luxurious travel trailer that offers comfort and functionality despite its relatively small size.
This 16.5-footer comes standard with a toilet and bathroom, a well-furnished kitchen, a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, and many other features.
Even with all its amenities, the Lance 1685 only has a dry weight of 4,620 pounds. When loaded with passengers, supplies, and other optional equipment, the trailer can handle up to 6,300 lbs.
Airstream Flying Cloud
Airstream is one of the most popular travel trailer brands in America, known for its classic aluminum-construction models.
The Flying Cloud is one of Airstream's mid-range trailer lines, and it has several layouts for different target markets. Flying Clouds can range from 23 feet up to 30 feet in length.
The 23FB is the smallest model in this Flying Cloud line. However, despite being the runt of the litter, the 23FB does not skimp on functionality or comfort.
At 23 feet in length, this double-axle trailer has great interior features and enough sleeping space for four people. Check out this image below.
Even with all these standard furniture and equipment installed, the 23FB only has a dry weight of 5,000 lbs. When loaded, its GTWR can reach 6,000 lbs.
At the other end of the Flying Cloud's size range are the 30-footers, namely the 30FB Office and 30RB Bunk. As its name suggests, the 30FB Office has a designated office area and ample sleeping space for six.
On the other hand, the 30RB Bunk prioritizes sleeping space for eight people.
Both 30-footers have GTWRs of 8,800 lbs. Although this is a few hundred pounds over the Yukon's maximum tow rating, you only need to ensure that you don't maximize the trailer's load during travel.
Jayco Jay Feather
At 26 feet long but with a dry weight of only 5,185 lbs., the Jayco Jay Feather is truly feather-like. This luxurious travel trailer uses a fiberglass exterior construction to achieve its lightweight durability.
Avid campers are in for a treat because this travel trailer has a lot of comfort features. The Jay Feather has enough sleeping area for six people, a well-equipped kitchen, a walk-in shower, and a dinette.
Jayco offers the Jay Feather in several trims of varying luxury levels. Their gross dry weights (dry weight plus some furniture and equipment) range between 5,000 lbs. and 7,200 lbs.
What Engine Is In A GMC Yukon?
As we mentioned earlier, the 2022 GMC Yukon has three viable engine options. The first two are gasoline v8s and the third one is a Duramax turbodiesel inline 6.
The 5.3-L V8 engine is the standard offering on the Yukon's SLE, SLT, and AT4 trims. This engine's specifications are as follows:
- 5.3-liter aluminum-block gas engine
- Max output of 355 hp and 383 lb.-ft. of torque
- Variable valve timing
- Direct injection
- Dynamic fuel management
- Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission
The larger v8 engine comes standard on the Denali trim. However, it also comes as an option for the AT4 trim. The engine's performance specifications are as follows:
- 6.2-liter aluminum-block gas engine
- Max output of 420 hp and 460 lb.-ft. of torque
- Dynamic fuel management
- Direct injection
- Variable valve timing
- Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission
Although the 6.2-liter V8 churns out more power and torque, the 5.3-liter V8 provides the Yukon's highest towing capacity.
The third engine option comes from the venerable Duramax diesel engine family. Unlike the previous gasoline engines, this oil burner comes only as an optional powerplant for all the Yukon's trims.
- 3.0-liter Turbodiesel Duramax engine
- Max output of 277 hp at 3,750 rpm
- Max torque of 460 lb.-ft. at 1,500 rpm
Is The Yukon A Popular SUV?
Among the large SUVs available to the American market, the GMC Yukon is one of the most popular. For the past ten years, the Yukon has always secured a spot on the podium of large SUVs in terms of sales.
In 2021 alone, over 84,000 Yukons rolled off GMC's dealerships in America. The Yukon, which grabbed a 17% share of the large SUV segment, only trailed behind its market leader cousin, the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Together, the General Motors brands commanded 47% of the American large SUV sales in 2021. This is no mean feat because the segment has many strong competitors.
- Lincoln Navigator
- Ford Expedition
- Toyota Sequoia
- Cadillac Escalade
- Nissan Armada
- Lexus LX
How Much Are Yukons Selling For?
Below, we have listed the starting MSRPs of 2022 GMC Yukon's different trims.
- SLE - US$ 55,795
- SLT - US$ 62,495
- AT4 - US$ 70,295
- Denali - US$ 73,895
Furthermore, we have also checked the starting MSRPs Yukon XL for you.
- SLE - US$ 58,495
- SLT - US$ 65,195
- AT4 - US$ 72,995
- Denali - US$ 75,900
These starting prices are correct as of July 2022.
Wrapping Up
With maximum towing capacities well over 8,000 pounds, the Yukon and the Yukon XL can tow all but the biggest of travel trailers. Of course, you need to follow proper trailering guides to ensure safety.
Thank you very much for reading. We hope that we were able to help you know more about the GMC Yukon and its trailering capabilities.
If you want to find more interesting reads about towing, and other automotive topics, then please check out these great articles below.
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