Towing a 2011 GMC Yukon XL

[Snybe]

I was wondering if I could get some advice on which dolly I need to purchase for towing a 2011 GMC Yukon XL.

I have a Fleetwood Discovery 40G that is rated with a GVWR of 32,400, GCWR of 42,400, Tongue Weight of 1000, and a Hitch Rating of 10,000 lbs.

I have a wife and seven kids, so need a large vehicle to get us anywhere. We are also getting ready to go full-time RVing and so I am trying to get everything in order.

Since my Yukon has a single speed automatic transfer case for the 4 wheel drive, I have to dolly it with the rear wheels up.

I saw a dolly at the dealership where I bought my RV, which had a 8000 lb weight limit. Since a 2011 Yukon XL weights 7800 lbs I should go with a dolly rated for 10,000 lbs, I would think.

Has anyone done what I want to do, and so is it possible, to do, safely?

Thanks!

[Route 66]

I towed my '08 Yukon XL 4 down and it's a lot of vehicle to tow. I'm not too sure I'd be comfortable with a dolly.

Do they make a 10K# dolly?

Reading the '11 Yukon XL owners manual, it does state that your only choice is backwards on a dolly or on a full trailer.

[Snybe]

I'm not sure whether they make a 10,000# one or not. So far I have not been able to fine one. I would just use a trailer, but I am worried about the extra weight. Also what to do with it at most camp grounds?

Thanks!

[Route 66]

Finding room to park a trailer can be a problem and inconvenient with hitching/unhitching/parking. Using the Yukon to park the trailer would be a lot easier than using the MH.

Another issue is securing the Yukon's steering wheel in a straight ahead position when dolly towing as the ignition no longer locks the wheel.

The easiest solution is to trade the Yukon for one with a two speed xfer case although that may be the most expensive solution and it may not be financially feasible.

I used a 10K# tow bar and 10K# safety cables when towing my Yukon.

Towing 4 down is the easiest way to go.

[Snybe]

Do you or anyone know whether or not someone makes an oil pump or a drive train disconnect for the Yukon so that my model can be towed all 4 down?

[Elkhartjim]

If you tow backwards be prepared to replace the steer tires sooner than later. The alignment is not set up for long distance reverse travel and will wear the tires quickly. If the 08 has a locking steering wheel I would not think it would hold the wheels straight and most likely break the lock under a high torque situation. I have no idea how you would secure the steering wheel so as to not break the steering lock.

Would a Honda CRV be large enough for you?

[Route 66]

Remco is the only company that makes those things and I didn't see anything listed.

Quote:

Do you or anyone know whether or not someone makes an oil pump or a drive train disconnect for the Yukon so that my model can be towed all 4 down?

GM trucks haven't had locking steering columns since '02 or '03.

Quote:

If the 08 has a locking steering wheel I would not think it would hold the wheels straight and most likely break the lock under a high torque situation. I have no idea how you would secure the steering wheel so as to not break the steering lock.

[Snybe]

I appreciate the info. I guess I will be trading my 2011 Yukon XL for either a new one with the 2 speed transfer case or some other type of vehicle. Lesson learned.

[randco]

Here's what Remco shows.

If you still have questions call them at 1-800-228-2481

I have their LP-1 pump in my 2004 Buick Rendezvous and it has worked perfect for over 5,000 miles of towing.

[Cat320]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snybe I appreciate the info. I guess I will be trading my 2011 Yukon XL for either a new one with the 2 speed transfer case or some other type of vehicle. Lesson learned.

If you trade the Yukon, I'd get a vehicle that can carry all the people you need, but is much lighter, like a mini van.

[Snybe]

Has anyone ever used Smitty's Welding out of TX for a drive shaft disconnect?

Thanks!

[Snybe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snybe Has anyone ever used Smitty's Welding out of TX for a drive shaft disconnect? Thanks!

Has anyone had any problems with using a drive shaft disconnect to make a vehicle able to be towed all 4 wheels down?

Thanks!

[pkmesser]

Snybe;
Are you sure that 7800 lbs is not the GVWR, rather than the unladen (curb) weight. The Yukons are built on a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton frame, a current K1500 pickup is about 5400 lbs, A K2500 is about 5900 lbs. True, you have a little more body, but not 2500 lbs of it. (for the tow dolly rating, you need to use the actual weight of the vehicle you will be towing, as it is to be towed, not it's weight rateing).
If you are not sure, put it on a truck scale.

[pkmesser]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkmesser Snybe; Are you sure that 7800 lbs is not the GVW, rather than the unladen weight. The Tahoes are built on a 1/2 ton frame, a current K1500 is about 5400 lbs, A K2500 is about 5900 lbs. True, you have a little more body, but not 2500 lbs of it. (for the tow dolly rating, you need to use the actual weight of the vehicle you will be towing, as it is to be towed, not it's weight rateing). If you are not sure, put it on a truck scale.

I just looked it up, a Yukon 2500 XL with 2 speed transfer case is 6544 lbs. A single speed transfer is going to be maybe 75-100 less. A 1500 is around 5800 lbs.
Leave it to you to know which model you have.