2011-2012 Yukon Denali as a tow pig?

[RedDragonATL]

I am thinking about getting a tow rig at some point in the future (not sure if it's near or far, but...) and one thing I've considered is getting a 2011 or 2012 Denali.  Let me just start by saying that the only time I would really use this rig is for towing the Jeep and some vacations.  I have never had a diesel truck and not sure I want one just for this purpose.  Starting in 2011, the Denalis have the 6.2L with over 400 HP and over 400 lb-ft of torque.  Now, I know it won't be the same as a diesel on big hills, but what are your opinions on something like this for the towing that we usually do (3-4 hours, not over mountains)?  I can probably get into one between 20-24k.  It seems like the 2500s I've seen, to get something that price, I'd be looking at about 8-10 years old, instead 5-6.  All opinions welcome, you won't hurt my feelings.

[BigMike]

I am thinking about getting a tow rig at some point in the future (not sure if it's near or far, but...) and one thing I've considered is getting a 2011 or 2012 Denali.  Let me just start by saying that the only time I would really use this rig is for towing the Jeep and some vacations.  I have never had a diesel truck and not sure I want one just for this purpose.  Starting in 2011, the Denalis have the 6.2L with over 400 HP and over 400 lb-ft of torque.  Now, I know it won't be the same as a diesel on big hills, but what are your opinions on something like this for the towing that we usually do (3-4 hours, not over mountains)?  I can probably get into one between 20-24k.  It seems like the 2500s I've seen, to get something that price, I'd be looking at about 8-10 years old, instead 5-6.  All opinions welcome, you won't hurt my feelings.

That setup will serve you great.  The Denali with the 6.2 will have plenty of hp/tq.  Plus the Denali comes with the heavy duty towing package with a factory brake controller and 3.42 rear axle ratio.

My wife and I just about a 2017 Yukon SLT.  While it has the 5.3, it has the HD Towing package option. 

[jc79]

I think the precedent has been set for the 5.3... much less the 6.2.  Doug took his JKU to Moab with a 5.3, and I believe did so through Colorado.  Get comfortable with slow pulls uphill and at high RPMs...

[BigMike]

I think the precedent has been set for the 5.3... much less the 6.2.  Doug took his JKU to Moab with a 5.3, and I believe did so through Colorado.  Get comfortable with slow pulls uphill and at high RPMs...

True but for most of the driving that we do to "local" parks, it will perform fine.  Plus, Doug's Tahoe only had 285hp/295tq, the 2012 Denali has 403hp/417tq.  Big difference.  Not the torque of a diesel but still significantly more.

[DOUG]

I think the precedent has been set for the 5.3... much less the 6.2.  Doug took his JKU to Moab with a 5.3, and I believe did so through Colorado.  Get comfortable with slow pulls uphill and at high RPMs...

10 mph up the climb out of Denver but we made it, had 265,000+ miles then..

6.2 w 400hp would be nice!

[jc79]

I think the precedent has been set for the 5.3... much less the 6.2.  Doug took his JKU to Moab with a 5.3, and I believe did so through Colorado.  Get comfortable with slow pulls uphill and at high RPMs...

10 mph up the climb out of Denver but we made it, had 265,000+ miles then..

6.2 w 400hp would be nice!

Yeah, that was my point.  If you made it to Moab, it would work well for Jason... especially with the bigger motor.

[BigMike]

I think the precedent has been set for the 5.3... much less the 6.2.  Doug took his JKU to Moab with a 5.3, and I believe did so through Colorado.  Get comfortable with slow pulls uphill and at high RPMs...

10 mph up the climb out of Denver but we made it, had 265,000+ miles then..

6.2 w 400hp would be nice!

Yeah, that was my point.  If you made it to Moab, it would work well for Jason... especially with the bigger motor.

I couldn't bring myself to pay the extra $8k for the Denali.  Jason bought the smart way, used.  My princess wanted new.

 //BEER//

[Raisinhead]

I know I told you, but keep my Tahoe in mind of you decide on a 5.3. 2011, 90k miles, ltz, brake controller, tranny cooler, auto leveling, nav, DVD.

We are planning to sell early next year

[tcdawg]

I think the precedent has been set for the 5.3... much less the 6.2.  Doug took his JKU to Moab with a 5.3, and I believe did so through Colorado.  Get comfortable with slow pulls uphill and at high RPMs...

10 mph up the climb out of Denver but we made it, had 265,000+ miles then..

6.2 w 400hp would be nice!

Yeah, that was my point.  If you made it to Moab, it would work well for Jason... especially with the bigger motor.

Yes sir.  I have done the 1500 gasser pull to all the local parks AND did Moab with it ...all with my fat pig on the trailer. 

Jason, I think what you are looking at will definitely work for you.  You will be well under the spec tow weight with your TJ.  Do it, nothing like that sweet comfortable tow pig(let) to get you to and from the parks.

Drive it reasonably and you will be just fine.

[Krawler00]

My wifes sub has the 5.3 and it tows like a damn champ. Towed my family (3 at the time) and another family (4) and all our beach crap along with their broken down xj sitting on a uhaul trailer from destin to winder and ran 80 on the interstate home. Never really knew it was back there. The wheelbase certainly helps with heavier loads. The 5.3 is one hell of an engine. I am planning on swapping one in on my '84 sub when the engine goes, if ever. Jason, the point is the yukon would do just fine for your needs. Plenty of power!

[kvom]

If a gasser has decent axle ratio it can do fine even in hills.

[RedDragonATL]

If a gasser has decent axle ratio it can do fine even in hills.

It has the 3.42 axle in it.