Weight Distribution and Sway Controller Recommendation for a 2005 GMC Yukon XL Denali

Updated 04/11/2013 | Published 04/21/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"

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2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

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Reese Weight Dist Shank - 12-1/4" Long - 2" Drop to 6-1/2" Rise - 1,500 lbs TW

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Question:

I have a 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL. AWD 1/2 ton. I have a 24 foot toy hauler. Here are the specs of the toy hauler and a rough estimate of what i will be towing. 2005 Yukon XL awd. towing capacity is 8600 pounds. The hitch states 12,000 with weight distribution. Toy Hauler= 6448 shipping weight of trailer. 450 my quad 450 wife quad 200 baby quad 350 My weight/wifes weight. I weight 230. lol. wife made me put that in there. 260 3 kids and 1 dog. 8158 dry. I figure 20 gallons or water/ 20 gallons of gas/ 2 30 gallon propane tanks and roughly 300 in misc camping gear. Will i be ok? I want to get a weight distribution setup with sway control. What do you recommend. I should be ok towing this correct?

asked by: Del E

Expert Reply:

Based on the excellent information you have given me, I estimate about 8,500 to 9,000 pounds total. What I want to focus on is all of the weight that will be behind the rear axle of the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali. So we can subtract 230 pounds for you, a 120 pound wife, 260 pounds of kids and dogs. The gear, water, gas I assume will be in the cargo area of the Yukon or on the trailer so that is still factored in. That puts the total behind the rear axle at about 8,000 pounds.

Trailer tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. In this case, you are looking at 800 to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. You will want to choose a weight distribution system that has a tongue weight capacity range that encompasses the tongue weight of the trailer, loaded and ready to tow.

Based on this range, I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, # RP66130, and you will need adjustable shank, # RP54970, and a properly sized ball, like # 63840. This system includes a pro-active, dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. I have included a link to the installation details for you to view along with a link to our weight distribution and sway control FAQ article.

expert reply by: Michael H

David

3/17/2013

So lets say I have an 05 Yukon xl slt 1500 and I have a travel trailer that weighs maybe 5k pounds all loaded up...do I really need the weight dist kit or sway bars?

Patrick B.

4/11/2013

Probably not at that weight. When you do get the trailer loaded up and hooked up, take note if the rear of the Yukon has sagged. If you want to get precise, measure from the top of the tire to the fender edge before you hook up the trailer. Then hook up the loaded trailer, repeat the measure and compare the difference. If there is a noticeable drop, then a WD system may be beneficial. Also, always check the towing capacity of the hitch and vehicle before you head out.