2001 Yukon XL/'Burban K1500 for towing

[Bob G2]

Well, in my quest for a sufficient tow vehicle, the Chief Operating and Financial Officer of the family corporation has given the Green light. I have a rather chubby Yarcraft (19' 192
class), that I estimate the tow weight at approx 3500#. Unfortunately, I don't get to hang it off the back end as often as I would like. But, I do get a couple of chances every year
to hook it up, then pile bikes, toys, food, people into it and the boat, then drag the thing 300-800 miles. So I figure my approximate overall load weight to be about 4500-5000# between boat and load in the vehicle.

Anybody have one of the newer models? How do you like it. My current (to become previous) vehicle always had a problem with
@ss-dragging with a load, is this also problematic with the 'burb
class? They do have an inflatable shock load-leveling system called Autoride, but at 700.00 extra, I wonder if this is necessary? I'm looking at the K1500 series with the 5.3

At the price of this buggy, I would hope to keep it long term (8+ years, so I want to get it right. Thanks.

[ETT]

Since '74 I've put 30 - 45,000 miles a year on one or the other. Long story short; get the suburban the long wheel base makes it much more stable on slipery roads, and smooths out those expassion joints on the interstates. More room inside for kids and stuff as well. We've raised 5. I put air shocks on one for towing a 24' Sea-Ray with twins all over. There's probably something better now. Good luck.

[TJ]

Bob:

I have a 2000 Yukon XL with the AutoRide suspension. I tow a Ranger 619 with it. It is the cat's meow. Drop the rig on the hitch and the auto leveler kicks in. Sweet! Great tow vehicle.

[WAeyes]

Don't know the weight ratings, but is a 3/4 ton an option?

[Bob G2]

Thanks for the replies. WAeyes, the 3/4 ton would be nice, but it sits just high enough where I can't get it into the garage.
I'd also have to test drive one, but that 6.0 base engine they have seems torquey. Too bad they didn't have that for an option in the 1500.

TJ, that Autoride seems like the way to go. When I test drove a burb with the Premium ride, which is also supposed to be self leveling, I was able to bring the truck home. Then, I taped up the hitch insert so I didn't scratch the receiver and put my boat on it. The back end of the burb dropped 2 1/2 inches w/ just the boat. I could imagine what it would be if I had loaded up the truck and boat. It's autoride for me.

ETT, you speak from much experience. Actually I thought about adding a set of load levelers after market. However, I have had bad luck with the Air Lifts that I presently have (going on 3rd lift for left side) that I am extremely hesitant to do that. If only the things would hold up, I would do that in a New York second.

Thanks guys. I am kind of cautious when considering a big ticket item like this, so I like to get as much info as I can. I guess I can't be accused of ever being impulsive.

Tight lines..,