Gmc Denali Trailer Towing

zerbel04 · April 13, 2011

Just want some opinions regarding the towing capacity of a truck I'm looking to purchase. It is a 2009 GMC Denali 1500 6.2L V8 with 3.42 axle. Has factrory HD Trailering package and factory HD Transmission cooler. It is listed as a max towing capacity of 9,300 lbs.

I'm looking to tow a bumper pull trailer with dry weight of between 5,000lbs and 6,500lbs (maybe 7,000lbs to 9,000 with cargo). Anyone know if I would have any trouble pulling a trailer this size? I know the SLT has an optional 3.73 axle but they are very hard to find in the used department.

BTW.....I would be going from a 1999 Sierra 2500 6.0L axle ratio 3.73 listed towing capacity of only 8,500lbs.

Thanks.

smattei14 · April 13, 2011

How many times do you tow a year?

I like my denali...but the sus. is not best for towing. Dep. on the number of times you tow a year...you might want to look at a 2500 HD..

If you only two a few times a year...you could get away with a denali.

I tow about 6,200 lbs with my boat and trailer....

I do have a 2006 with the 6.0...so your truck would be different.

zerbel04 · April 13, 2011

Total kilometres driven per year is about 10,000km. About 6,000 highway, 2,500 towing and 1,500 city. The maximum distance I travel in one trip towing my trailer is about 250km.

Could a person add air bags to assist suspension?

zerbel04 · April 13, 2011

Total kilometres driven per year is about 10,000km. About 6,000 highway, 2,500 towing and 1,500 city. The maximum distance I travel in one trip towing my trailer is about 250km.

Could a person add air bags to assist suspension?

smattei14 · April 13, 2011

not sure about the air bags...but anything over 8,000 lbs 2500 HD would be better...but since you only do about 2,500 miles per year...you might be able to get away with a Denali.

daxrizo · April 13, 2011

you can add air bags but IMO you better pony up on an HD if you're pushing the towing limit fully loaded. Frankly I always max my towing at 80% of the "published" tow capacity. Makes'em last longer

Garrett Street · April 13, 2011

I don't think you'll have a problem. With that few of miles per year I wouldn't worry at all.

zerbel04 · April 13, 2011

Thanks for all the input. Started looking at some specs on the 1500/2500. It appears as though you can add a "Max Trailer Package" to the SLT and increase towing capacity to 10,500. Essentially this package upgrades brakes to disc, beefs up suspension and puts a 3.73 axle ration on instead of 3.42.

The 2500 6.0 V8 with 3.73 is only rated to tow 9,800 lbs with the standard 3.73 axle which can be upgraded to 4.10 for a towing capacity of 12,500 lbs.

I'm thinking maybe I should scrap the Denali idea (Since you can't add the MAX TRAILER package to it) and go with a 1500 SLT Max Trailer package. Kind of the best of both worlds........essentially getting a 3/4 but in a 1/2 body.

Definitely NOT goind with a Diesel. Too many short trips to and from work.

Thoughts anyone?