Community Forums

bruceisla · 06-06-2015, 10:16 AM

I couldn't seem to find much with a search, so:

1) we currently tow a Geo Tracker flat/4 down;
2) we are going full time next month;
3) we also own a GMC Yukon;
4) the Yukon is NOT set up for towing and would require a tranny kit, a tow bar, and a baseplate;
5) we are planning on selling the Tracker and keeping the Yukon;
6) our mode of travel is just 2 of us ... we stop every hour or so for food/exercise/etc. .... we seldom drive more than 300 miles per day and usually stay 5-7 days per location.

We are strongly considering driving the 2 vehicles separately rather than investing in tow equipment. We don't mind being "separate" because we stop every hour and only drive a total of 3-4 hours in a day. No one watches TV or reads while in transit. The RV and Yukon have the same GPS's and routing info. Yukon engine/tranny wear is a moot point due to the low travel (vs. touring) mileage. The additional gas vs. tow gear has been considered and we think we will be ahead driving separately for the life of the Yukon.

Have I missed anything (given our mode of travel)?

Skip426 · 06-06-2015, 10:23 AM

Given the $$$ involved in the setting up of the Yukon, if you and your wife are in agreement with the driving duties. Sounds like a plan.

Even doing the install ( base plate and pump) myself; to set up to flat tow; parts were nearly 3k, that's a number of years of fuel.

Dutch Star David · 06-06-2015, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

I couldn't seem to find much with a search, so:

1) we currently tow a Geo Tracker flat/4 down;
2) we are going full time next month;
3) we also own a GMC Yukon;
4) the Yukon is NOT set up for towing and would require a tranny kit, a tow bar, and a baseplate;
5) we are planning on selling the Tracker and keeping the Yukon;
6) our mode of travel is just 2 of us ... we stop every hour or so for food/exercise/etc. .... we seldom drive more than 300 miles per day and usually stay 5-7 days per location.

We are strongly considering driving the 2 vehicles separately rather than investing in tow equipment. We don't mind being "separate" because we stop every hour and only drive a total of 3-4 hours in a day. No one watches TV or reads while in transit. The RV and Yukon have the same GPS's and routing info. Yukon engine/tranny wear is a moot point due to the low travel (vs. touring) mileage. The additional gas vs. tow gear has been considered and we think we will be ahead driving separately for the life of the Yukon.

Have I missed anything (given our mode of travel)?

Make sure DW is good with your plan. I know my wife would not be.

mel s · 06-06-2015, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

I couldn't seem to find much with a search, so:

1) we currently tow a Geo Tracker flat/4 down;
2) we are going full time next month;
3) we also own a GMC Yukon;
4) the Yukon is NOT set up for towing and would require a tranny kit, a tow bar, and a baseplate;
5) we are planning on selling the Tracker and keeping the Yukon;
6) our mode of travel is just 2 of us ... we stop every hour or so for food/exercise/etc. .... we seldom drive more than 300 miles per day and usually stay 5-7 days per location.
We are strongly considering driving the 2 vehicles separately rather than investing in tow equipment. We don't mind being "separate" because we stop every hour and only drive a total of 3-4 hours in a day. No one watches TV or reads while in transit. The RV and Yukon have the same GPS's and routing info. Yukon engine/tranny wear is a moot point due to the low travel (vs. touring) mileage. The additional gas vs. tow gear has been considered and we think we will be ahead driving separately for the life of the Yukon.
Have I missed anything (given our mode of travel)?

I say go for it if you can stand it.

bruceisla · 06-06-2015, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlovitt

Make sure DW is good with your plan. I know my wife would not be.

We have discussed this in depth ... my sweetie is good with it

. We figured we could manage without seeing each other for an hour ... actually, she seems delighted.

bruceisla · 06-06-2015, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Given the $$$ involved in the setting up of the Yukon, if you and your wife are in agreement with the driving duties. Sounds like a plan.

Even doing the install ( base plate and pump) myself; to set up to flat tow; parts were nearly 3k, that's a number of years of fuel.

Thanks ... that pretty much matches my guesstimate. I don't mind doing the "wrenching" but it's not chump change and I get to do it again when the Yukon decides to croak.

austx · 06-06-2015, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruceisla

We have discussed this in depth ... my sweetie is good with it

. We figured we could manage without seeing each other for an hour ... actually, she seems delighted.

Why not try it. You can always set up to tow if you decide it isn't working. Nothing lost. Good luck and happy travels!

nothermark · 06-06-2015, 11:30 AM

If the Yukon is 2wd why not use a dolly?

bruceisla · 06-06-2015, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothermark

If the Yukon is 2wd why not use a dolly?

Thanks but Yukons are rear wheel drive (would need to dolly backwards) and are very heavy. I have ruled out a dolly and also ruled out a trailer.

bruceisla · 06-06-2015, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austx

Why not try it. You can always set up to tow if you decide it isn't working. Nothing lost. Good luck and happy travels!

Thanks ... pretty much how we feel. We'll do a few trips next month and see how it goes.

BFlinn181 · 06-06-2015, 12:53 PM

I think your plan will work fine, except I do question 300 miles a day only driving 3-4 hours. 300 miles in 4 hours requires travel at 75 mph!

When the Yukon wears out or you get tired of it, I suggest a vehicle towable 4 down, or front wheel drive and a tow dolly. The latter would allow for future trade ins that wouldn't require the expense of new base plate installation costs.

bruceisla · 06-06-2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

I think your plan will work fine, except I do question 300 miles a day only driving 3-4 hours. 300 miles in 4 hours requires travel at 75 mph!

When the Yukon wears out or you get tired of it, I suggest a vehicle towable 4 down, or front wheel drive and a tow dolly. The latter would allow for future trade ins that wouldn't require the expense of new base plate installation costs.

Actually, the 300 miles is the most we drive ... the 3 - 4 hours is our average time which is more like 150 miles.