2005 Yukon XL

[95busa]

All,
I am thinking of selling my F250 and getting into a 2005 Yukon XL 4wd. Tow package, 5.3, 3.42 gears, locking axle, 112k on it, single owner texas truck,fairly loaded, Bose, leather, etc. This would enable the family to go camping in only one vehicle (4 kids), still have a 4wd for hunting, snow, etc and eventually get out of the minivan, consolidating down to two vehicles. Any issues with these Yukons? My understanding is the 5.3 LS based engines are strong and durable. I understand it will not tow as well as the 250, nor be as good for hunting, but compromise is a real thing.
All thoughts welcome!

 

[KD0AXS]

What exactly are you towing?

If you have a larger camper you're towing, I would probably look for a 3/4 ton Suburban/Yukon or an Excursion.

 

[Doog]

That rig should tow a 6000lb load easily. But I would make sure you start the engine 100% dead cold to make sure it's not a piston slapper.

 

[supton]

Last I knew the piston slap was a nuisance not a reliability problem. Id be more worried about the trans. Which can go high miles. Or not. At least it is a cheap replacement item.

 

[cpayne5]

It should be a solid vehicle. We purchased an '05 Suburban last March that is optioned similarly to the Yukon XL you've described. I changed all of the fluids as soon as I got it.

The only big ticket issue I envision is the transmission going at some point (4L65E). The engine is proven and should last longer than everything around it.

My wife loves our Suburban. She drives the Passat in the Summer and the Suburban in the winter. We took it on a 2500 mile road trip last summer, and plan to do the same this summer. Very comfortable and handles highway speeds very well.

 

[95busa]

My trailer is 21ft, no more than 5500lbs, loaded. I know how modern smallblocks tow- (making power with RPM), the 250 does the same thing. I just pull 55-60mph and lock out O/D. I typically get much better mileage than most when pulling just by doing that. My old F150 needed helper springs in the back, so that may be in the cards. The other choice would be a clean 05 excursion 4x4 with the 6.8 V10. I am more of a ford guy than chevy, and I like the 250 chassis.....however 19-20 mpg when not towing is a LOT better than 12-14. So....if I can get the 250 sold (dude coming to look at it in 30 minutes), I think the Yukon is my first choice. I wouldnt mind the Excursion (better towing, a litte more room, Ford), but I think the Yukon is a little better choice. Not much better and I would be good either way....but a little.

 

[95busa]

4L65 is a beefed up 4L60, which is an electronic 700R4, correct? By 2005 they had been working that basic design for over 20 years! I hope they got it right by then!

 

[01rangerxl]

That generation (GMT800) is good. The engines were more reliable then, before AFM.

There are a variety of issues these trucks can have, but most are minor and fairly easy to fix. Oil leaks, leaks from plastic coolant fittings, blower motor resistor, hub/bearing assemblies, various sensors, gauge clusters, water pumps, etc.

I have seen them with failed engines, transmissions, t-cases, and differentials, but who knows what the maintenance history was and it's going to happen with as many of these as GM made. The ones I have seen with major mechanical failures weren't in the best shape anyway. I have also seen them with 400K+ miles on the original engine and differential.

I like the way this platform drives and maintenance is generally easy. They have excellent parts availability as well, whether OE or aftermarket.

 

[KD0AXS]

If your trailer is 5500 lbs, you're probably looking at a tongue weight of around 800 lbs. Add in the weight of all the people and anything else in the vehicle, and I'd bet you exceed the GVWR of the Yukon.

 

[WankelRotorHead]

My 2005 Silverado LS 4wd had the 5.3 and it was a sweetheart of an engine. I used the OLM for oil changes with whatever Group III oil was on sale. Full drivetrain was solid (serviced at 100k) and the engine pulled strong when I sold it in January.

 

[95busa]

Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
If your trailer is 5500 lbs, you're probably looking at a tongue weight of around 800 lbs. Add in the weight of all the people and anything else in the vehicle, and I'd bet you exceed the GVWR of the Yukon.

It may be close, but I doubt it would be exceeded. The tow rating is about 7500lbs. We don't pack 2,000lbs of people and gear. I get the technical aspects of tow rating GVWR etc. I used to pull this trailer with a super cab F150, 4.2V6, automatic (rated at 5500lbs towing), with 4.56-1 gears and helper springs in the back, and it pulled just fine. I don't think the Yukon would have trouble pulling it safely, definitely no more so than a V6 F150. That being said, after pulling it with 3/4 ton, the Excursion is absolutely a better tow platform.

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: 95busa
4L65 is a beefed up 4L60, which is an electronic 700R4, correct? By 2005 they had been working that basic design for over 20 years! I hope they got it right by then!


RPO is M30, so that'd be the 4L60-E, not 65.

See page 28: https://archives.media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/gmc/yukon/Yukon XL.pdf

With that said, the GMT800 platform trucks are still very well thought of by many - as the current owner of one, I'd agree.

However, they do (as with any other vehicle) have their weak points and limitations. Can it do the job you have in mind? Of course. It's really personal preference though, and only you can decide if a softly-sprung six ton vehicle, with a naturally aspirated 323 cubic inch engine and highway cruising gears is going to adequately meet your expectations.

Good luck.

 

[KD0AXS]

Originally Posted By: 95busa
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
If your trailer is 5500 lbs, you're probably looking at a tongue weight of around 800 lbs. Add in the weight of all the people and anything else in the vehicle, and I'd bet you exceed the GVWR of the Yukon.

It may be close, but I doubt it would be exceeded. The tow rating is about 7500lbs. We don't pack 2,000lbs of people and gear. I get the technical aspects of tow rating GVWR etc. I used to pull this trailer with a super cab F150, 4.2V6, automatic (rated at 5500lbs towing), with 4.56-1 gears and helper springs in the back, and it pulled just fine. I don't think the Yukon would have trouble pulling it safely, definitely no more so than a V6 F150. That being said, after pulling it with 3/4 ton, the Excursion is absolutely a better tow platform.


I wasn't really talking about the tow rating of the Yukon. 5500 lbs is well within the advertised tow rating. However, those tow ratings are calculated with nothing else in the tow vehicle except a driver.

I was referring to the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the Yukon. From what I can find, the GVWR of a Yukon XL is 7200 lbs, and it weighs about 6000 lbs empty. This leaves you with a payload capacity of around 1200 lbs. If you have 800 lbs of tongue weight, that leaves you with only 400 lbs for you, your wife, 4 kids, and anything else you are carrying in the vehicle.

 

[95busa]

Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
Originally Posted By: 95busa
Originally Posted By: KD0AXS
If your trailer is 5500 lbs, you're probably looking at a tongue weight of around 800 lbs. Add in the weight of all the people and anything else in the vehicle, and I'd bet you exceed the GVWR of the Yukon.

It may be close, but I doubt it would be exceeded. The tow rating is about 7500lbs. We don't pack 2,000lbs of people and gear. I get the technical aspects of tow rating GVWR etc. I used to pull this trailer with a super cab F150, 4.2V6, automatic (rated at 5500lbs towing), with 4.56-1 gears and helper springs in the back, and it pulled just fine. I don't think the Yukon would have trouble pulling it safely, definitely no more so than a V6 F150. That being said, after pulling it with 3/4 ton, the Excursion is absolutely a better tow platform.


I wasn't really talking about the tow rating of the Yukon. 5500 lbs is well within the advertised tow rating. However, those tow ratings are calculated with nothing else in the tow vehicle except a driver.

I was referring to the actual Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the Yukon. From what I can find, the GVWR of a Yukon XL is 7200 lbs, and it weighs about 6000 lbs empty. This leaves you with a payload capacity of around 1200 lbs. If you have 800 lbs of tongue weight, that leaves you with only 400 lbs for you, your wife, 4 kids, and anything else you are carrying in the vehicle.


I got it. Once again- unconcerned.

 

[95busa]

Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: 95busa
4L65 is a beefed up 4L60, which is an electronic 700R4, correct? By 2005 they had been working that basic design for over 20 years! I hope they got it right by then!


RPO is M30, so that'd be the 4L60-E, not 65.

See page 28: https://archives.media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/gmc/yukon/Yukon XL.pdf

With that said, the GMT800 platform trucks are still very well thought of by many - as the current owner of one, I'd agree.

However, they do (as with any other vehicle) have their weak points and limitations. Can it do the job you have in mind? Of course. It's really personal preference though, and only you can decide if a softly-sprung six ton vehicle, with a naturally aspirated 323 cubic inch engine and highway cruising gears is going to adequately meet your expectations.

Good luck.

Thanks for the response. I am sure it will be fine. I am pulling with a 330ci naturally aspirated engine in a heavier vehicle (6000lbs, not six tons), with a roughly equivalent gear ratio (3.73-1 with 33" tires as opposed to 3.42-1 with roughly 30" tires), shouldnt be an issue.

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: 95busa
Thanks for the response. I am sure it will be fine. I am pulling with a 330ci naturally aspirated engine in a heavier vehicle (6000lbs, not six tons), with a roughly equivalent gear ratio (3.73-1 with 33" tires as opposed to 3.42-1 with roughly 30" tires), shouldnt be an issue.


I was thinking about a ~12k GCW (7k truck + 5k trailer). My mistake for not clarifying.

The comparison you're making is misleading and flawed, as it's truly apples-to-oranges here; with a significant load in tow, the driving experience between a Super Duty/TorqShift and Yukon(1500)/4L60-E will be vastly different.

 

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted By: Ramblejam
Originally Posted By: 95busa
4L65 is a beefed up 4L60, which is an electronic 700R4, correct? By 2005 they had been working that basic design for over 20 years! I hope they got it right by then!


RPO is M30, so that'd be the 4L60-E, not 65.

See page 28: https://archives.media.gm.com/division/2005_prodinfo/gmc/yukon/Yukon XL.pdf

With that said, the GMT800 platform trucks are still very well thought of by many - as the current owner of one, I'd agree.

However, they do (as with any other vehicle) have their weak points and limitations. Can it do the job you have in mind? Of course. It's really personal preference though, and only you can decide if a softly-sprung six ton vehicle, with a naturally aspirated 323 cubic inch engine and highway cruising gears is going to adequately meet your expectations.

Good luck.


You are correct - M30. My mistake.

 

[CKN]

That Yukon is not enough vehicle and you will be over payload. It's not a concern until you have an accident. Then any have wit lawyer will look at your payload and the law suit will be filed. Then you and your lawyer can explain how you can operate an overloaded vehicle in a safe manner.

If it was my family with the 4 kids there is no way I would go with this setup....no way.

Yea-nobody ever thinks they will get in to an accident....man's flawed logic.


Mini vans must be like the plague-nobody wants one.

 

[CKN]

BTW-tow rating and payload rating are two different things. You may not exceed the tow rating but YOU WILL EXCEED PAYLOAD.

 

[95busa]

For all the sanctimonious holier than thou individuals who feel the need to dissect towing safety whenever it is discussed. This seems to be a trend. Whenever someone on BITOG mentions towing, someone breaks some stats and advises whatever someone is wanting to tow is VASTLY irresponsible and unsafe, get sued, endanger everyone...blah blah.. According to the owners manual, the GCWR of a 2005 Yukon XL with 3.42-1 gears is 13,000lbs. So....rough math, 6000 for truck, 5500 for trailer (LOADED- this is a very heavy estimate- think 21 foot ultralight trailer. I removed the propane tanks- less tongue weight and total weight), 1200 for cargo and pax in truck. Sounds like under the GCWR to me buddy. I asked about durability, instead I get folks questioning safety, thinking I wont like how it tows without apparently reading my posts and understanding I used to tow this thing with a V6 F150! Could it possibly be worse than that? I doubt it!!! All you doom preachers can go pound sand. I ask about durability of a truck, I get people's (IMO) questionable and sanctimonious opinions on safety....bleeding Jesus!