Boat Tow

[ss4chad]

Bought a 2014 Ranger Reata 212LS and plan on towing it with the Wife's 2017 Yukon XL Denali w/8speed

Trailer GVWR 5400 lbs
Approximate Boat Weight 2215 lbs
Total Person, Motor, Gear 1850 lbs
Length Tip of Trailer to tip of Engine 26.7'

Thoughts, Concerns, Comments? I installed the newest trans harness that goes in the pan and installed Shift Solutions Sure Cool Bypass Valve. Plus I keep fresh Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid every 15K.

Think the tranny will hold and more importantly, last?

Chad

 

[ss4chad]

If this setup will work, should I use the 'TRAILER' button on the side of the shifter handle when towing the boat?

Chad

 

[strutaeng]

Is the weight being towed the first two numbers? That's a sum of 7615 lb alone. The 1850 lb will be on the Yukon, right?

Looks like the towing capacity is 8100 lb (IDK if Google is correct on this, or if it depends on gear ratio)? Also need to check the GCWR.

Lastly, where are towing to? DFW is generally pretty flat. Rockies will be very different.

 

[George B]

Add the boat weight plus gear but not the person weight. You can find the dry weight of the boat and motor. Include a full tank of fuel and anything else like batteries and coolers to the boat weight. Estimate the trailer weight and add the two sums. Check your tongue weight.

 

[89Suburban]

Need pics of the boat

 

[ss4chad]

The Denali says;

XL SUV 4D Denali 2WD V8	6.2L	5655 lbs

The Ranger says;

Trailer GVWR

5400 lbs.

 

[ss4chad]

Doing the math I have come up with 2269lbs total weight of the boat, trailer, motor, gear and fuel.
I was on another website called Bass Boat Central and a guy had a rig similar to mine. He determined the Tongue weight to be between 150-300lbs. I'm gonna call Ranger and ask them the specifics of the trailer and towing.

Chad

 

[ss4chad]

Chad

 

[89Suburban]

View attachment 471561

Chad

Sweet!!!!

 

[ss4chad]

Trailer weight 1230lbs

Chad

 

[Bob Miske]

Doing the math I have come up with 2269lbs total weight of the boat, trailer, motor, gear and fuel.
I was on another website called Bass Boat Central and a guy had a rig similar to mine. He determined the Tongue weight to be between 150-300lbs. I'm gonna call Ranger and ask them the specifics of the trailer and towing.

Chad

I was on the Walleye Central forum searching for the formula used to determine the amount of tongue weight needed to pull a boat safely. Someone chimed in and said that I should be looking for about 6-10% of the total weight of the rig. For my boat, it was 115 lbs. He also said that I should make sure the hitch is higher or lower to keep the trailer level. I hope it helps in your situation.

 

[Padraig]

Your Yukon XL should have no problem. I have towed my boat at about 6,000 # with a 2013 Yukon XL 5.3 absolutely no problems. Do make sure you have brakes on the trailer.

Padraig

 

[Skywagon]

Ive owned new a 2008, 2016, and now a 2025 Tahoe Z71. Each Tahoe had(s) a 5.3 engine with tow package. I've towed much heavier than yours for hundreds of miles without issue. The button on the gearshift for trailer will cause it to stay in each gear longer and to higher RPM's. I always used it. My new Tahoe doesn't have a button. It knows when you have a trailer attached.

 

[Boatguy]

I have a low miles (32K) 2017 Yukon Denali with the 6.2 and dreaded 8-speed trans. All it does is tow our almost 5K boat (400# tongue weight) and do road trips to the snow. I have all stock trans plumbing and it stays at 175 degrees or lower on the freeways and up to 190 in traffic if it’s hot. The shortest I tow is 80 miles round trip and I live at 1200’ altitude, so there are hills.

I had the 20-quart trans flush with the Mobil 1 fluid done per the TSB and it has been flawless. Absolutely push the tow button when towing, hauling heavy stuff or in the mountains. It keeps the trans from shifting so much as well as some other stuff I’m sure.

 

[ss4chad]

Thanks Gents! Your opinions and advice are why I am on here!

Cheers to all of ya!!

Chad

 

[ss4chad]

2017 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L and the 8 speed towed like a CHAMP!!
23MPG HWY on the way up to get the Boat, 15MPG HWY towing it running 75-80 mph both ways! Passed slower traffic with ease, trans temp stayed at 125 - 130 degrees.

Couldn't be happier!!

Chad

 

[Jeff_]

Good stuff, sounds like a successful tow.
I've towed my Camaro with my Tahoe multiple times and it's definitely heavier than your boat and I feel it behind me. But it still gets it done and is nice to know these vehicles can do it comfortably.