Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
5/10/2016 4:24:19 PM EDT
Just got a new camper.  6500 dry weight.

I have a 07 yukon denali as the tow vehicle.

Should I be concerned?

I was thinking about a tranny cooler but thought my suv came with one from the factory.

5/10/2016 4:32:05 PM EDT
[#1]
Should be okay but ask about trailer brakes because you'll probable need them.
5/10/2016 4:48:37 PM EDT
[#2]
Definitely get trailer brakes.
Your Denali will definitely have a tranny cooler as part of the stock configuration.  All auto transmissions have a transmission cooler(often part of the radiator), but these can often be lacking when it comes to extreme use.
However, if the cooler is not a factory upgrade of the stock set up, I would definitely get an additional transmission cooler added.
5/10/2016 5:07:26 PM EDT
[#3]
Definitely want trailer brakes with a brake controller in the cab. I would not dare tow a 6500# trailer without them.

Trans cooler would be a really good idea, and I'd consider an engine oil cooler as well.

The rest of the truck should be fine; if you run into problems with the rear squatting, a set of airbags will fix it up easily.
5/10/2016 5:38:22 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks guys. Yes the trailer brake controller is installed by the camper dealer. Also got a weight distribution hitch. Equalizer E4 1000lbs.


Truck is paid for so I was hoping not to have to upgrade and get another car payment.

I am going to do a bunch of short trips this summer to see how it goes.
5/10/2016 9:25:46 PM EDT
[#5]
You are going to hate towing it with that truck.  I see 2500 diesel in your future.
5/10/2016 11:07:52 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
You are going to hate towing it with that truck.  I see 2500 diesel in your future.
View Quote


It really depends on how much (and how far) he will be towing.  That being said, 6500 lb dry weight can get heavy fairly quickly...doesn't take much for the weight to climb to well over 8-9k pounds.  At the very least, I would get the camper weighed as I have seen a few of them more than a little optimistic on actual weight.  If you have to do a lot of towing, especially over long distances with any hills/mountains, you will probably start hating life.  You have plenty of engine to tow with, but braking and keeping the transmission happy may be your biggest obstacles.....and gas mileage.
5/10/2016 11:13:01 PM EDT
[#7]
The 6.2l won't have any issues with it. The trans probably won't mind. I'd want some air bags for the rear though the weight distributing hitch will help.
5/12/2016 11:32:18 AM EDT
[#8]
You could also get a deeper pan for the transmission. That will help keep temps down. Programmer will allow you to raise the shift points.
5/12/2016 6:01:19 PM EDT
[#9]
Trailer brakes. Also don't forget to carry a jack for the trailer and a spare tire . Weight the trailer. My brother recently bought a new camper it is several hundred pounds over the weight it was advertised at . He ended up buying airbags for his tow vehicle.