Max Trailering Package Blues

So, I am starting the process to trade my wife's 2023 Denali XL for a 2027 one. Wanted a stock Denali XL with the Max Trailer Package option which cost $465 on the 2023 MY.
Now it seems like you can only get it with the ATP option with Super Cruise (never use it) for 5k. Any workarounds? Sigh.
What practical differences do you think I would feel, while towing a 23 ft 5k pound travel trailer, between having the MTP or not on 500m roundtrips in the NW?
Cheers.

2027 Configurator not on Web Site yet, but Looks like you can add it for 2026 but requires Premium Trailering Package + Sun Power & Step Package + Premium Capability Package with Active Response 4WD. This is only way to get w/ out SuperCruise that i can see

I assume you need the trailer brake controller for your trailer? My boat has surge brakes so I can't really take advantage of that feature. Have not towed with it yet.

I have a 2021 Yukon Denali 6.2L w/7,500 towing and 750lb tonque specs + overall GVWR with plenty of room for people and stuff above the 750lb tonque specs. It didn't come with 'max trailering' but has "Tow Mode" and "Trailering App" (to check lights). I added the Curtis controller for Yukons (fit right in / works fine) and pull a 5500lb 7 x 14 cargo trailer -> camper with 600lb tonque with no trouble. I don't have air, only magnetic ride but the Blue Ox weight distribution limits rear sink to an inch (on 600lb tonque) - which is OK / rig looks 'nearly level' instead of slightly raised in rear as you see in this pic...


Part of our test drive (no brake controller yet) was to pull this trailer up a nearby 10mile mountain pass at 107F ambient temp in Aug to verify no overheating - and trans only reached 200F and Engine/radiator temp didn't move from normal - no trouble at all with heat. We've since towed 21K miles over last 3 years - many mountains, up to 70mph on Interstates - no trouble.

Not sure 'max trailering' is needed for the specs you list - suggest you give it a test drive (likely don't need a brake controller for a short test) and verify you're situation.

MajorFatal said:

So, I am starting the process to trade my wife's 2023 Denali XL for a 2027 one. Wanted a stock Denali XL with the Max Trailer Package option which cost $465 on the 2023 MY.
Now it seems like you can only get it with the ATP option with Super Cruise (never use it) for 5k. Any workarounds? Sigh.
What practical differences do you think I would feel, while towing a 23 ft 5k pound travel trailer, between having the MTP or not on 500m roundtrips in the NW?
Cheers.

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Depends on how far you are towing and the grade of hills. Shorter trips and flat you’ll be fine.

Max trailer has extra cooling, 2 speed transfer case, brake controller, as well as the other fancy gizmos.

"I assume you need the trailer brake controller for your trailer?"
Yep. Required.
It seems you can buy an after-market one through GMC/Accessories for $400 which can likely solve that key issue.
But still, only offering the MTP through a largely unrelated upgrade package at $5k+ is bad mojo!

WOW. I bought a base model 23 (LS). Only options on it was max trailer package and 3.0 Diesel. It would drive me away if I had to buy a higher priced model. Besides the trailering stuff, I need the two speed transfer case, also.

Padraig

Padraig said:

WOW. I bought a base model 23 (LS). Only options on it was max trailer package and 3.9 Diesel. It would drive me away if I had to buy a higher priced model. Besides the trailering stuff, I need the two speed transfer case, also.

Padraig

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Pretty standard industry practice these days, unfortunately. They are copying the cable TV companies.

Padraig said:

WOW. I bought a base model 23 (LS). Only options on it was max trailer package and 3.9 Diesel. It would drive me away if I had to buy a higher priced model. Besides the trailering stuff, I need the two speed transfer case, also.

Padraig

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Did you pay extra for the additional 0.9 displacement?

MajorFatal said:

"I assume you need the trailer brake controller for your trailer?"
Yep. Required.
It seems you can buy an after-market one through GMC/Accessories for $400 which can likely solve that key issue.
But still, only offering the MTP through a largely unrelated upgrade package at $5k+ is bad mojo!

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Could look at the Chevys, might be able to get it in there a different way.

Fless said:

Did you pay extra for the additional 0.9 displacement?

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Oops...I have fat fingers. Fixed it, thanks.

Padraig

MajorFatal said:

"I assume you need the trailer brake controller for your trailer?"
Yep. Required.
It seems you can buy an after-market one through GMC/Accessories for $400 which can likely solve that key issue.
But still, only offering the MTP through a largely unrelated upgrade package at $5k+ is bad mojo!

Click to expand...

That is frustrating. I recall when I ordered my Ram that all options were completely individual and no packages were required. I added the brake controller, rear window defroster and 32 gallon tank all separately. Last I checked the newer Rams aren't like this either.

Looks like you can add on a High Country with just the sunroof...

I gotta say..compared to the last Tahoe we had....The new 26 AT4 that we have the towing is rather meh....

Granted we replaced a diesel 3/4 truck with our AT4 so that we could pull something lighter behind our coach and the Yukon is great for that. But we also needed something that would pull our wake boat out of the water. The Yukon is fine for that too...However with the air suspension, short wheelbase and soft tires it is definitely NOT a good platform for towing the boat down the highway...It gets pushed around far too much at anything over 50mph and around these parts the minumum freeway speed is like 70mph. I suspect the XL versions might be better in this regard.

YMMV,
Ch

WalleyeMikeIII said:

Looks like you can add on a High Country with just the sunroof...

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Even that is just plain stupid.....

man n black said:

I gotta say..compared to the last Tahoe we had....The new 26 AT4 that we have the towing is rather meh....

Granted we replaced a diesel 3/4 truck with our AT4 so that we could pull something lighter behind our coach and the Yukon is great for that. But we also needed something that would pull our wake boat out of the water. The Yukon is fine for that too...However with the air suspension, short wheelbase and soft tires it is definitely NOT a good platform for towing the boat down the highway...It gets pushed around far too much at anything over 50mph and around these parts the minumum freeway speed is like 70mph. I suspect the XL versions might be better in this regard.

YMMV,
Ch

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Sounds like an issue with the trailer setup. I've towed utility trailers and boats with 5 different Tahoes/Yukons at speeds up to 75mph with zero sway when properly set up. I have also towed those same trailers with F150s and Silverados and while the long wheel base is slightly better, the Tahoes/Yukons do fine. I would not be surprised if the 3/4 truck simply compensated for a less than correct trailer setup.

I thought all the newer GM Suburbans and Escalades and Yukons all came wired for a brake controller ?
or, does that only come with the tow package ?

My '07 Suburban 2500 4x4 with 6.0L engine came with the Tow package but not a brake controller. The wires for the controller are taped-up behind the lower panel to the pass side of the steering column.
I pull a toy hauler dry weight 5.500 lbs, and DO use the torque bar Equalizer setup faithfully.

Remember - a Sunroof is a HOLE in the roof.

"I thought all the newer GM Suburbans and Escalades and Yukons all came wired for a brake controller ?
or, does that only come with the tow package ?"

They come wired with Yukons but if you want an GMC integrated trailer brake controller it will cost you $5360 at least. Or $400 aftermarket. What a racking by GMC. Sigh.

2021 Suburban HC didn't have tow control, wiring is behind dash. I installed a Tekonsha Prodigy control. It works great. It also tows fantastic. I have towed several trailers 22' and 24' travel trailers, around 6,000lbs.