Tahoe/Yukon tow rating vs other SUVs

[07 LT]

I believe the GM suvs are rated about 7k for towing based on how its equipped. Ford, Nissan and Toyota all seem to be about 9-10k lbs. What is the reason for the much lower rating on the gm, wheelbase, engine, trans, soft suspension?? Thanks

 

[LVYUKYUK]

Here is what I could Google...:confused2:

"Vehicles go through rigorous testing to determine tow ratings. There are many factors involved like engine size, transmission, wheelbase, axle ratio, brakes, cooling systems, tow packages and much more. The problem that I see with tow ratings is that even though there are many factors involved and there is rigorous testing involved, there is no set standard to measure these things against, at least not that I’m aware of."

I have a problem with the "no set standard" part, read on...

"Can I tow a 7,500 lb 29 ft. boat on a triple axle trailer (450 lb
tounge load) with a 2007 Yukon XL 2500 (3/4 ton) 4wd with the 6.0
motor (manufacturers towing capacity is 9,400 lbs.). The hitch says
"5,000 weight carrying 10,000 weight distributing 600 lbs maximum
tounge load"."

Answer given...

"Most likely you are going to need one more thing in order to safely tow your
boat, and that is a weight distributing system, which is what is needed to
allow your hitch the ability to carry up to its full 10,000 pounds limit. As
you mention, your Yukon XL 2500 is limited to towing 9,400 pounds, so you are
fine there.

The etrailer.com site talks about "Weight Distribution Trailer Hitch Systems."
http://www.etrailer.com/faq/aboutwd.asp

"A weight distributing system includes a receiver or hitch attached to the tow
vehicle, a hitch head mounted on a shank that fits into the receiver opening, a
spring bar assembly that fits into the hitch head, and hook-up brackets that
connect the other end of the spring bars to the trailer frame with chain."

From your description, you probably need the "spring bar assembly" mentioned on
the above page. The above website has a drawing that shows the spring bar
assembly, and the Drawtite-Hitches.com website covers weight distribution and
sway control systems, with some nice illustrations as well.
http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/WD/weight-distribution.htm

"In addition to weight distribution you might also want sway control. Sway
control helps dampen sway caused by traffic and crosswinds."

If you already have an adequate weight distribution system properly installed,
then you are all set. Otherwise, your hitch would not handle the load."

I hope this guides you a little bit. I will post more that I find. :thumbsup:

 

[LVYUKYUK]

A bit more... :brsh1:

In the 1970s, before the federal program to regulate automotive fuel economy was enacted, some 70 percent of domestic passenger car models could tow a small fishing boat or camping trailer weighing 2,100 pounds. Today, just one percent of cars can handle that load, and many popular recreational tows weigh considerably more.

“If towing a boat or camp trailer is part of your lifestyle, or may be in the future, you need to consider carefully what vehicle you purchase. Cars and even many of the popular new crossover SUVs can’t do the job,†he said.

SUVOA posted a new towing guide on its web site (http://www.suvoa.com/) complete with illustrations to help consumers match 2007 tow vehicles to popular RVs, boats and other recreational equipment that need to be towed. The guide is the first of its kind in that it also includes all 2007 passenger vehicles, safety tips and illustrations, links to other towing-related sites, and is available free to the public at http://www.suvoa.com/.

 

[07 LT]

Thanks for the help. I don't regret buying the Tahoe just curious.