If you’re searching for the ultimate SUV to fill with toys and tow a luxurious camping trailer, you can’t avoid paying attention to towing capacities in your research. The majority of SUVs are built with a certain amount of towing in mind—but some far more than others. A number of factors including your vehicle’s size, engine power, and transmission will ultimately decide how much you can tow.

Here at

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super app, we’ve compiled all the info you’d ever want to know about the GMC Yukon Denali’s towing capacity. We’ll even provide you with pointers on what sorts of contraptions you might want to pull with this big guy—not to mention our tips for keeping your

GMC Yukon Denali insurance costs

low!

How much can a GMC Yukon Denali tow?

Base towing capacity: 7,100 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 7,500 pounds

Engines: 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine or 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine, each available in 2WD or 4WD

The GMC Yukon Denali offers a high-end SUV experience and one of the best towing capacities for SUVs.

Regardless of which engine you choose, the 4WD models both have slightly higher towing capacities than their 2WD counterparts. The Yukon Denali XL 4WD, which sports the 6.2-liter V8 engine, has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. With trailering technology like hill-start assist, an integrated trailer brake controller, and trailer sway control, you’ll have no problem at all taking your trailer on the long road trips you’ve been craving.

Trailer hitches for the GMC Yukon Denali

Each version of the GMC Yukon Denali includes GMC’s standard trailering hitch platform, a seven-wire harness, and a seven-pin connector for light and brake connections.

If the Yukon Denali’s standard hitch just doesn’t do it for you, you can try an aftermarket hitch for a slight possible increase in towing capacity. There are plenty of choices available for aftermarket hitches, but the top-rated

CURT Class 3

trailer hitch, rated for up to 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight,deserves a mention.

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

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How to calculate the towing capacity you need

While specs are great, the numbers ultimately come down to one question: What kind of stuff can l tow with the GMC Yukon’s towing capacity? But before we get to that, it would be a disservice to not remind you that your towing capacity needs to be higher than the weight of the biggest load you plan to pull.

You’ll be able to pull a fully equipped camping trailer with a Yukon Denali, but never attempt to tow a weight that exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity. This is extremely dangerous and can result in serious damage to your vehicle and your trailer.

Remember that each trip will have a different load weight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t estimate what sorts of equipment you’ll be able to pull. Here’s a list of the sort of things you can expect your Yukon to tow with ease:

Canoe or kayak trailer (600 to 800 lbs.)

Motorcycle trailer (800 to 3,000 lbs.)

Pop-up camper (2,800 to 4,300 lbs.)

Large camper trailer (up to 7,400 lbs.)

If you want an SUV that does it all, like hauling a trailer down the coast or up into the mountains, you’ll be well prepared with the Yukon Denali. But if you’re hoping to haul even larger loads, such as a loaded livestock trailer, you’re going to have to shell out for an even larger truck or SUV.

Always check the total weight of your trailer and hitch when it’s fully loaded. Make sure to factor in your vehicle’s weight, as well as the weight of passengers and cargo.

How to increase towing capacity

If you’re hoping to bump up the towing capacity of your Yukon Denali, here are some possible upgrades you could consider:

Install a weight-distribution hitch to reduce sway and give the suspension a break

Upgrade your brake pads and rotors to accommodate heavier loads

Add a bigger radiator to improve your engine’s cooling capacity

Level up to stronger axles, such as RV axles

It’s critical to note that some upgrades to your Yukon Denali will actually decrease its towing capacity. For example, if you were to swap out the Yukon Denali’s 20-inch alloy wheels (upgraded from the regular Yukon’s 18-inch tires) for larger aftermarket ones, you’d probably just end up increasing the amount of pressure being put on your engine and hurt your SUV’s towing ability.

The difference in wheel size is likely one of the reasons the Denali has a lower towing capacity than the regular Yukon XL.

While no one is going to stop you from trying to increase your SUV’s towing capacity by investing in upgrades, it is important to note that small changes will most likely not bring about a higher towing capacity. If you’re looking for a big vehicle capable of hauling even heavier loads, you’ll likely be looking at an even larger SUV, such as the

Ford Expedition

(maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds) or even a full-size truck like a

Ram 1500 Laramie

(up to 12,750 pounds).

MORE:

The top 10 cheapest SUVs to insure

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How to find affordable car insurance

Now that you’ve decided what sort of vehicle you’re going to haul with, you’re going to want to make sure that you set yourself up with the best insurance coverage. Nobody should have to overpay to insure their SUV. But you don’t need to worry about paying too much as long as you have

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Is the GMC Yukon Denali good for towing?

The GMC Yukon Denali is a full-size SUV able to tow up to 7,500 pounds. It can handle some of the biggest camper trailers you’ll ever want to pull—and even many utility trailers.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a GMC Yukon Denali?

Every GMC Yukon Denali comes with a standard hitch and harness system.

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