ranges from 7,700 pounds to 8,100 pounds depending on the engine and drivetrain you choose. If you’re looking to tow heavy, you need to upgrade to the HD Trailering Package.

If you’re an avid adventure-seeker who loves to hit the trails on a 4x4 or explore the great outdoors, having an SUV with a good towing capacity is a must. While most SUVs can tow, the maximum amount depends on engine power, transmission, drivetrain, and your vehicle’s size.

If you’ve had your eye on the GMC Yukon SLT but aren’t sure about its towing capacity,

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How much can a GMC Yukon SLT tow?

Base towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 8,100 pounds

Engines: 5.3L V8 (355 hp) or 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine (277 hp)

Few vehicles rank as high as the GMC Yukon does for hauling cargo. The 5.3L V8 engine and the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine both deliver a stellar towing capacity and a refined drive. As such, it’s understandable why the Yukon earned an

Editors' Choice award

from Car and Driver.

With a spacious cabin and three rows of seats, it excels in luxury. And with a whopping 460 lb-ft of torque, it should be first in line for anyone intending to tow heavy.

The baseline towing capacity of a 4WD Yukon SLT with a 5.3L V8 engine starts at 7,700 pounds. If you require a few hundred extra, upgrade to the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel to boost you up to 8,100 pounds.

The 5.3L V8 engine comes standard on the 2WD SLT with the option to upgrade to the diesel engine.

Trailer hitches for the GMC Yukon SLT

If you’re buying the GMC Yukon because you need to tow, you can outfit it with the Max Trailering Package. Upgrading to this package comes with:

Enhanced cooling radiator

ProGrade trailering system (safety and driver assistance while towing)

Smart trailer integration indicator

Integrated trailer brake controller

Hitch guidance with hitch view

Trailer side blind zone alert

You’ll also want to make sure you add a hitch to allow you to attach trailers to your Yukon. You can speak to your local GMC dealer about the right options for you. Learn more by downloading the

GMC Trailering and Towing Guide

If you want to add a trailer hitch to a GMC Yukon you already own, there are several options you can choose from. The

CURT

brand offers some great products.

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

If you’re planning to tow heavy loads, you want to make sure that the towing capacity of your vehicle exceeds the weight of your haul. However, the base towing capacity of the GMC Yukon SLT is 7,700 pounds, which means that you’re probably safe towing most items.

Here are some examples of what you can tow with the Yukon SLT.

With two-wheel drive:

Canoe or kayak trailer (200 to 800 lbs.)

ATV trailer (600 to 3,000 lbs.)

With four-wheel drive:

Airstream camper (3,000 to 5,000 lbs.)

Small travel trailer (1,900 to 4,500 lbs.)

Regardless of whether you choose 2WD or 4WD on your GMC Yukon, you’re working with robust towing capabilities that can haul just about anything. However, if you need a higher towing capacity, upgrading to the diesel engine will give you an advantage.

But remember, always check the total weight of your haul and hitch when fully loaded to prevent accidents or mishaps. You’ll also have to account for the weight of any cargo or passengers.

How to increase towing capacity

If you’ve reached your Yukon’s max towing capacity and are wondering if it’s possible to increase it to better suit your needs, here are some tips to help you haul a heavier load:

Upgrade your suspension to increase weight distribution on all of the axles

Switch to heavy-duty axles to prevent damage

Upgrade your brake pads and rotors with high-performance parts

Increase the radiator size to improve the vehicle’s cooling process

Swap your tow hitch

Upgrade the intake and exhaust system to improve horsepower and torque

Keep in mind that manufacturers' recommendations are there for towing safety. Exceeding your vehicle’s tow capacity by over 1,000 pounds could be dangerous. If you’re upgrading your tow capacity, stick to smaller amounts.

While it’s possible to increase your Yukon’s towing capacity with specific upgrades, you’re not going to see a massive improvement. If you’re looking to haul a substantially larger load, you may be better suited to look for an SUV with a larger towing capacity.

For example, the full-size

Ford Expedition

has an additional 1,000 pounds of towing capacity, or the

Dodge Durango R/T

or SRT offers a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. And if you want to ride in luxury while hauling your load, check out the

Lincoln Navigator

with an impressive 8,700-pound towing capacity.

MORE:

The top 10 most expensive SUVs to insure

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How to find affordable car insurance

Whether you’re planning to hit the highways with a camper in tow or cruise around the city, you’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance for your Yukon. Insuring a large SUV can be expensive, but

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FAQs

Is the GMC Yukon SLT good for towing?

The GMC Yukon has one of the most robust towing capacities of any large SUV and can haul a maximum of 8,100 pounds with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel Engine. It’s a great option for towing small loads, as well as larger items like ATVs and small campers. However, if you’re looking for anything above roughly 7,000 pounds, you may want to opt for a vehicle with a larger towing capacity.

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

GMC has several compatible trailer hitches available for an additional cost, as well as a Max Trailering Package to fully utilize your Yukon’s towing capabilities. There are also several aftermarket trailer hitches available online that are compatible with the Yukon SLT.

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