Georgia Trail Riders Forum
MEMBERS DISCUSSION AREA => General Discussion => Topic started by: RedDragonATL on July 31, 2017, 10:25:24 AM
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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//
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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
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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.
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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!
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If a gasser has decent axle ratio it can do fine even in hills.
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If a gasser has decent axle ratio it can do fine even in hills.
It has the 3.42 axle in it.
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What is the tow rating? When I stopped in nashville on the way back from Moab my pig+trailer was ~10k. The 2017 rating looks like 8k. You'll be less with the 2dr and a properly sized trailer but just a thought. When I DD my diesel to work I sometimes wish I had a smaller vehicle.
Does the tow rating include the weight of the vehicle (tow pig)? I thought not.
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When I DD my diesel to work I sometimes wish I had a smaller vehicle.
All the more reason for a sports car in the mix for the commuter car...
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What is the tow rating? When I stopped in nashville on the way back from Moab my pig+trailer was ~10k. The 2017 rating looks like 8k. You'll be less with the 2dr and a properly sized trailer but just a thought. When I DD my diesel to work I sometimes wish I had a smaller vehicle.
Does the tow rating include the weight of the vehicle (tow pig)? I thought not.
No, total weight you are towing. I think it's 8400lbs. More than enough.
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This is also what I'm looking at for a tow rig in the near future as well!! lol
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If you get the 6.2 you should be fine. I had a 2006 5.3 Tahoe loved riding around town and taking long trips in it. I hated towing with it, most because I had been driving a Duramax for the previous six years. Once you go diesel you never go back!
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Which transmission does it have? I have heard several people that left the 2500 market and go back to a 1500 due to the 6 speed performance. I don't think this would steer me from the 6.2 but it would put a model with the 5.3 in my interest.
BTW I'm not saying that a 1500 is a replacement for a 2500 but the drop in towing performance vs cost wasn't that big of a sacrifice for them.
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.
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I was super happy towing with my Silverado last month. I've got a 2010 Silverado with the 5.3L/6 speed combo and love it. It's enough for my little LJ.
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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
Damnit, Jay....enough about the effing trannys. I'm tired of it showing up in every thread. Fake news.
When I DD my diesel to work I sometimes wish I had a smaller vehicle.
All the more reason for a sports car in the mix for the commuter car...
Boom...but it went no where...shame shame
Jason: Wes, while he is no longer a wheeler, also used his 5.3 hoe as a tow pig. Plenty of success stories. Chop chop.
Oh, be aware that Jay has the right to use your trailer at anytime; no minimum notice is required. AMHIK!
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Well, I gone & done sumthin...
2011 Yukon Denali, 125k miles. Not exactly my taste as far as wheels (22s) and tires, but can always change that. Debadged and apparently was once owned by the MiB. 1 owner! Now I guess I have to buy a trailer!
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A few more...
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Nice!!
But it needs a DUB emblem on the grill.
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Looks good.
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Looking good
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Outstanding! 4wd?
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Nice!
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2WD
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Has a tow/haul mode (different shift points/less shifts) and integrated trailer brake controller, which is nice.
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Luxury tow pig!
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nice
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Luxury tow pig!
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Yes sir!!! Pure luxury. Very nice Jason!!
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Thanks, everybody! Hopefully it makes it's debut at GATRFest. Now to find a trailer!
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Awesome man!! Congrats!
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Congrats
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Thanks, everybody! Hopefully it makes it's debut at GATRFest. Now to find a trailer!
you and Jay both
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Thanks, everybody! Hopefully it makes it's debut at GATRFest. Now to find a trailer!
you and Jay both
I'm hoping to find one faster than Jay....just sayin. Not exactly saying much, but...
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Thanks, everybody! Hopefully it makes it's debut at GATRFest. Now to find a trailer!
you and Jay both
I'm hoping to find one faster than Jay....just sayin. Not exactly saying much, but...
Should be easy, you're looking for a car hauler that you can haul your Jeep on...
Jay is looking for a rare combination of exact and unique parts assemblies.
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Thanks, everybody! Hopefully it makes it's debut at GATRFest. Now to find a trailer!
you and Jay both
I'm hoping to find one faster than Jay....just sayin. Not exactly saying much, but...
You will win unfortunately. Buying things twice makes things more difficult at my house, so I have to be selective and patient. I'll take the harassment for a while. I really want to have set up that allows me to bring my 3 year old.
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I hear ya...as long as you can get there (to the park, that is)!
So...now I'm looking at trailers. I know a lot of you guys have Big Tex. Any reason to stay away from GatorMade? They seem much better on price. Was thinking about this...
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/trb/d/2017-gatormade-trailers-gt/6249063559.html
The comparable Big Tex (10ET-18') is $3800.
I know I probably don't *need* a 10k lb trailer for my TJ, but...
the 7k lb car haulers are my other option.
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I hear ya...as long as you can get there (to the park, that is)!
So...now I'm looking at trailers. I know a lot of you guys have Big Tex. Any reason to stay away from GatorMade? They seem much better on price. Was thinking about this...
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/trb/d/2017-gatormade-trailers-gt/6249063559.html
The comparable Big Tex (10ET-18') is $3800.
I know I probably don't *need* a 10k lb trailer for my TJ, but...
the 7k lb car haulers are my other option.
If that ad is for an 18 footer....get it. Good price
When I looked at the Gatormade trailers at their lot in Marietta, they didn't have much of a selection for what I was looking for and to get one brought it was very expensive. Big Tex was cheaper for me because I bought one of the discontinued models and went down to Cordele to pick it up.
I don't know of any quality or structural differences.
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I think that price is 16', but the 18' is only $100 more. Doesn't seem Marietta or Commerce Big Tex have any in "last year's" stock at the moment, at least for what I'm looking at.
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Look at the PJ with drive over fenders. Here is the one that you want.
http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2018-Pj-Trailers-B5-102"x20--Superwide--121960183
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I think that price is 16', but the 18' is only $100 more. Doesn't seem Marietta or Commerce Big Tex have any in "last year's" stock at the moment, at least for what I'm looking at.
that is a very good price for the 18 footer.
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It seems too good to be true for that trailer. I'd be concerned about the deck edge not being flat, but that would be a minor concern. It appears to not have a dovetail, but a lot of other trailers will be x deck length plus y dovetail. I'm pretty sure mine is 18+2. It helps with vehicle overhang and allowing the ramps to be put up, plus for vehicles low to the ground it helps the breakover angle when loading them (lawnmower could get hung since they have low breakover angle).
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Nice tow rig, Jason!
Factor in some $$ if possible to upgrade the trailer tires... not a sexy way to spend the cash but nice to get it done now instead of after you lose one.
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Check here for a trailer. They gave me a good deal on my trailer.
http://www.trailersforless.com/
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Leaning towards that Gatormade one I posted (18' equipment trailer). Going to head over at lunch today and look at them and Big Tex. Will keep you posted. Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.
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Have you got a brake controller installed?
Is there a hitch under that fancy cover? Better check to be sure.
EDIT I SEE NOW
Has a tow/haul mode (different shift points/less shifts) and integrated trailer brake controller, which is nice.
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Have you got a brake controller installed?
Is there a hitch under that fancy cover? Better check to be sure.
EDIT I SEE NOW
Has a tow/haul mode (different shift points/less shifts) and integrated trailer brake controller, which is nice.
Yep, standard brake controller on the Denali. When we bought our 2017 Yukon SLT, only about 20% of the SLT's in stock has the HD Towing package that included the brake controller.
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Was just looking at more of the options on it & it has what GMC calls autoride automatic suspension. Looks like when in tow/haul mode it adjusts the suspension firmer and it also has an automatic load leveling feature. Need to read more about all my new gadgets!
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Looks like Gatormade has s equipment trailer with a dovetail at the Marietta location, but I was driving past it quickly
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Anyone here have a dovetail? Any worries about dragging the rear over stuff since it's lower?
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Anyone here have a dovetail? Any worries about dragging the rear over stuff since it's lower?
@bigprince
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Was just looking at more of the options on it & it has what GMC calls autoride automatic suspension. Looks like when in tow/haul mode it adjusts the suspension firmer and it also has an automatic load leveling feature. Need to read more about all my new gadgets!
Look under at the rear shocks/springs and see if you have the auto leveling. Great when it works, but too expensive to repair when it quits.
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Anyone here have a dovetail? Any worries about dragging the rear over stuff since it's lower?
Dragging the rear of a dove tail is part of having a dove tail. It happens.
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Anyone here have a dovetail? Any worries about dragging the rear over stuff since it's lower?
Dragging the rear of a dove tail is part of having a dove tail. It happens.
True, but it rarely happens on mine. Outlaw Rob can't go anywhere without it happening on his. YMMV
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True, but it rarely happens on mine. Outlaw Rob can't go anywhere without it happening on his. YMMV
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I thought Rob's was called a grading tail?
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True, but it rarely happens on mine. Outlaw Rob can't go anywhere without it happening on his. YMMV
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I thought Rob's was called a grading tail?
Seems about correct. You see, back around the turn of the previous century, when Rob was a relative youngster, roads were rough, so Rob promised that he'd grade them all if he ever had the chance.
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Yeah, the Denalis have it (autoride suspension) in 2011. I've heard the compressor kick on when I start it. Yeah, I'm sure that's the way it is on this rig...nice stuff to have...expensive stuff to fix. I was already wondering (not that there's anything wrong with it now) how much my "Infotainment System" would cost to replace. Easily $1k I'm sure.
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Yeah, the Denalis have it (autoride suspension) in 2011. I've heard the compressor kick on when I start it. Yeah, I'm sure that's the way it is on this rig...nice stuff to have...expensive stuff to fix. I was already wondering (not that there's anything wrong with it now) how much my "Infotainment System" would cost to replace. Easily $1k I'm sure.
Naaaah, aint that bad, they make refurb swap outs for those for $500 lol