Towing Capacity of 2007 GMC Yukon XL and Recommended Weight Distribution System

Question:

with the information provided, will i be able to tow a jay-flight 242 BHSW with a 2007 GMC youkon xl and a weight distribution hitch? pics are provided and have all the information you would need.... I hope. Thank you for your time

asked by: Josh

Expert Reply:

Your pictures didn't come through so I looked up information on your 2007 GMC Yukon XL and the Jay Flight 242BHSW. Also, you didn't mention the trailer's model year so I used current specs which list its GVWR at 7,000 pounds. If your trailer's GVWR is dramatically different let me know. Finally, if you would like to send me your pictures directly you can reply with them.

From my research your Yukon XL can tow between 4,200 pounds to 9,700 pounds. The exact capacity of yours depends on the axle ratio, whether it's 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, the exact model, and the engine size. Your owner's manual breaks down the total weight you can tow based on the criteria for you. So if the Jay Flight's weight is 7,000 pounds you may be able to depending on how your Yukon XL is equipped.

If you aren't sure of all the specifics of your GMC the most sure way to find what a vehicle can tow is to find its GCWR on the spec sticker and compare that to the its weight. Once you have the GCWR load the vehicle as it will be loaded when you're towing the trailer. This includes, people, cargo, pets, everything. Then weigh the vehcile on a commercial scale. Subtract the loaded vehicle's weight from the GCWR and what you're left with is how much you can tow with it loaded.

If you find out the GMC can tow the Jay Flight a weight distribution system is certainly recommended. We recommend using WD anytime the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the weight of the tow vehicle. To choose the correct system you need to find the loaded trailer's tongue weight and add that to any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the Yukon XL. You want this combined number to fall near the middle of the WD system's tongue weight rating.

I recommend looking at the Equal-i-zer systems. They offer 4 point sway control and everything you need is included in one system. Part # EQ37100ET is rated from 600 to 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. Or if you need more than that part # EQ37120ET is rated up to 1,200 pounds and part # EQ37140ET is rated up to 1,400 pounds.

You will need a thin walled socket to install the hitch ball. You can use part # ALL643216.