Suburban 2500 or Yukon XL Denali?

[norcalboon]

Replacing a 2005 Yukon XL 1500 w/ 5.3 3.42 2WD that has been wife's DD and our TV that is used to pull 28ft 7Klb TT 6-8 times per year typically only a couple hours each way with no real mountains, also loaded with 3 kids, a dog and gear. I added a Tru Cool 40K trans cooler, Powerstop K36 HD brakes pads/rotors, 10 ply tires, and use a WD hitch. It tows OK but works hard going up any grades and will wind 2nd gear up to close to 4K RPM's - but temps stay OK, no super long grades typically.

Considering:

2007 Suburban 2500 w/ 6.0L and 4spd trans & 3.73 4WD, or

2009 Yukon Xl Deanli w/ 6.2L and 6 spd trans & 3.42 2WD

Leaning towards the Denali since it will be mainly a DD for the wife, but want to make sure it tows fine too. I'm thinking with the 6.2 and 6 spd trans (I'll add the Tru Cool again) I should be fine. If i was towing more often I would definitely go for the 2500, but prefer the Denali for daily use.

Thoughts?

 

[gooffeyguy]

The 6.2 with the 6 speed would be my choice

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18

 

[swathdiver]

7K loaded trailer and with family and stuff in the tow vehicle she's probably overloaded or right at the limits. 2WD Denali will have the 9.5" semi-floating rear axle (AXN) so that is good for durability.


The 2007 2500 with the 3.73 gear has a max trailer weight of 7,700 pounds for 2WD and 7,500 pounds for 4WD version and both still have a GCWR of 14,000 pounds, same as the 1500s. From 2008 the 2500s have the larger 6L90 transmission with bigger u-joints, they are towing beasts. These are rated for 9,600/9,300/16,000 pounds with a 3.73 gear and the 6-speed.

The 2007 2500 with 4.10s is rated for 9,700/9,500/16,000.

I don't have any specs for the 2009 2WD Denali. The 2010 2WD Yukon XL Denalis are rated for a 7,600 pound towing capacity.

 

[Big Mama]

Denali

 

[MichaelSE]

In your case I would go with the Denali. It will handle your trailer well with the mods you have planned. But more importantly, for the 90% of the time you're not towing, you'll appreciate the better ride of the half ton platform and the extra power/better mpg of the 6.2.

The L96/LY6 6.0 is not underpowered, but it's certainly not quick when pushing around 6k lbs (the empty weight of the 2500), even with the 6L90E. Not to mention mine has trouble hitting 16mpg on the freeway, especially if I'm going above 65mph.

 

[Matt_]

In your case I would go with the Denali. In addition to what others have stated, you're going to pay a premium for the 2500 solely due to availability. Also, with the Denali being 2WD you could easily regear to 3.73 to assist a bit with towing but not kill gas mileage for DD.

While I currently own a 2500 (albeit with the L96 6L90E combo), i previously had a 2008 Sierra Denali AWD with the 6.2L 6L80E and 3.42s.... that was a fun truck! It towed max capacity very easily too, but I didn't do that on the regular. Comparing that to my current truck, I think you'll be happier with the Denali over the 2500 with the 4spd trans

 

[GTNator]

Yup, go with the Denali for all the reasons stated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bfourman]

I’m on the opposite end of the spectrum here. My vote is a 08+ 2500 Burb/XL. Would the Denali do it? Sure. But personally I like the safety net provided by the 2500’s larger brakes, better suspension and heavier frame. With kids, dogs and all the stuff they have to bring the weight adds up. Why toe the line with the 1/2 ton when you could have safety room with the 3/4? This is why I searched the country for my 09 2500 Burb. I don’t tow but maybe 10-12 times a year but I’d rather be prepared than be “that guy”.

Also doesn’t the Denali require 93 octane? That’s a daily hit to the wallet even if it gets 1-2 better mpg than the 6.0.

 

[intheburbs]

I own a 2008 2500 Suburban and a 2009 '09 Sierra Denali. The Denali pickup is the same powertrain as the SUVs.

Given those two specific choices, I'd probably go with the Denali, because the six speed is a game-changer. If you're willing/able to look at 2008 and newer 2500 SUVs, then I would choose that hands-down, every day.

Yes, finding a good 2500 Suburban/Yukon XL will be a challenge, but it'll be worth it. Yukon XL Denalis are a dime a dozen, but I'd rather have the upgraded everything that the 2500 trucks offer. It's not just a "beefed up" Suburban. Beneath the body, the 2500 trucks share almost no common components with the half-ton trucks. And my 2500 rides just as well as any half-ton.

 

[norcalboon]

Follow up - thanks for the feedback, you all expressed exactly where I am at considering these specific options, and at the end of the day it also helps confirm that my preference is a 2008 + 2500 because my family's safety is the first consideration, and I don' have a NEED until the summer - but they are hard to find.

But...

I damn near bought this Denali, for reasons stated and specifically because the 2009 has the L9H motor with AFM hardware, but not programmed so always OFF, and this one is super clean and really NICE, and I think it would serve our purposes. The dealer is out of the area and from my initial call mentioned they would pay to fly me in to pick it up (Bay Area to SoCal). I did get my in-laws to see it in person and confirm condition, but the dealer couldn't produce their 150 point inspection report, they'd put on 4 new LIONHART tires which appear to be lower quality, (30K warranty), and then they added $990 to their final full price sales offer that I was sent - WTF. When I politely declined the $990 "Accessories" charge they refused to pay for my flight - and it was still a full ask offer, so at that point I walked.

Anyone know when the integrated trailer brake control makes its appearance in the 2500's? Not a huge deal but a nice to have IMO.

Thanks again for the feedback, I've learned a lot form this forum.

 

[Matt_]

So now that you're in the realm of newer 2500s with the 6L90E being on the table.... start doing nationwide searches and get the best condition model you can. The drivetrains themselves are designed for 200k+ miles in fleet applications, so daily driving with periodic towing is a walk in the park.

I think 2011 or 2012 the anti-rollback and cooled seats became standard. Cooled seats weren't something I knew I needed until I drove my truck home 900+ miles after buying it.... and absolutely fell in love with the seats!!

 

[bfourman]

My 09 has the integrated TBC, and I’m pretty sure I looked at an 08 with it too.

For reference I had to fly to MN from southern Indiana to get my 2500. High miles but maintained, rust free and the price was right.

 

[Derick]

Is the 6.2 an aluminum block?

I say 2500 as well, and for the same reasons listed above... My sequoia towed my camper OK. I felt like it was revving high, but I don't feel it was maxed out. That said the burb 2500 is so much more stable and at home towing. The ride is pretty atrocious but it's a 3/4 ton truck so what do you expect. It shares a lot of parts with the 2500 HD trucks and vans so I feel like parts are going to be a lot easier to find than the 6.2.

 

[swathdiver]

...the L9H motor with AFM hardware, but not programmed so always OFF,

Anyone know when the integrated trailer brake control makes its appearance in the 2500's? Not a huge deal but a nice to have IMO.

The L9H never had AFM. The very earliest L92s had AFM hardware but it was not activated in the tune. JL1, the ITBC was an option and then became standard about 2009. I do not recall seeing an '09 or later 2500 without it.

Yesterday on Cars.com there were 65 2500 Suburbans and Yukon XLs for sale across the nation and quite a number with well under 100k miles too.

Note: 2007-2009 LY6 is not FlexFuel. 2010-2013 (still being made today) L96 is FlexFuel.

2012s and 2013s are the ultimate with Hill Start Assist (2012), Trailer Sway Control (2012), Cruise Grade Braking - Normal Mode (2012) and Powertrain Grade Braking - Normal Mode (2013).

Is the 6.2 an aluminum block?

Yes.

 

[grapeguy]

Just MHO,
I was in your spot 2 years ago. Looking to replace my TV, 2001 Tahoe, 5.3 w/ 3.72. Towed fine on the flat, but slowed a lot on long hills. I am in NorCal too, Bay Area. Cuesta grade on 101, Tehacapi on 58 and others. The 4 speed tranny was geared to really wind up when dropping into 3rd. After research, settled a 2011 Yukon Denali. That model generation (07-13) comes with the 6.2 and 6 speed trans. I have the 2wd model as it has a slightly higher tow capacity and positrac rear end. 1/3 more hp & torque. Shifting patterns closer spaced, lower 1st gear and higher OD than the old model Tahoe. Last year we pulled the 11,000’ Eisenhower grade outside Denver with ease. Towing is more relaxing now knowing I have the power when I need it. There are more Denali XLs out there than standard length, but I wanted the standard chassis so it would fit in my garage. Good hunting.

 

[intheburbs]

2008 did NOT have the integrated trailer brake controller. Ask me how I know.

Yes, the 6.2 is an aluminum block. It's more of a hot rod motor than a heavy-duty motor. Yes, it's more fun to drive, but I'd rather have the iron-blocked 6.0 for towing big things.

ETA: With regards to what's out there for sale, filtering it down to Yukon XL SLT and Chevy Suburban LT, 2500 trucks, less than 100k miles, cars.com shows 5 for sale nationwide. I prefer Autotrader. Same search returns 10 cars. I've found my last 3 used vehicles using Autotrader - the Suburban, the Denali and my '10 Wrangler.

I limit it to those searches because SLE (GMC) and LS (Chevy) models are cloth seats and likely fleet models with minimal options.

When I was ready to buy, I set my expectations that....

1) It'd probably take 4-6 months to find "the one."
2) It'd likely be a ways away, and I might be flying to get it.

I actually lucked out and found mine in Fort Wayne, IN, about 3 hours away, after two months of searching. And since I used to travel there frequently, I actually knew a local mechanic to give it a full inspection.

 

[norcalboon]

Just MHO,
I was in your spot 2 years ago. Looking to replace my TV, 2001 Tahoe, 5.3 w/ 3.72. Towed fine on the flat, but slowed a lot on long hills. I am in NorCal too, Bay Area. Cuesta grade on 101, Tehacapi on 58 and others. The 4 speed tranny was geared to really wind up when dropping into 3rd. After research, settled a 2011 Yukon Denali. That model generation (07-13) comes with the 6.2 and 6 speed trans. I have the 2wd model as it has a slightly higher tow capacity and positrac rear end. 1/3 more hp & torque. Shifting patterns closer spaced, lower 1st gear and higher OD than the old model Tahoe. Last year we pulled the 11,000’ Eisenhower grade outside Denver with ease. Towing is more relaxing now knowing I have the power when I need it. There are more Denali XLs out there than standard length, but I wanted the standard chassis so it would fit in my garage. Good hunting.

What are you towing?

 

[norcalboon]

2008 did NOT have the integrated trailer brake controller. Ask me how I know.

Yes, the 6.2 is an aluminum block. It's more of a hot rod motor than a heavy-duty motor. Yes, it's more fun to drive, but I'd rather have the iron-blocked 6.0 for towing big things.

ETA: With regards to what's out there for sale, filtering it down to Yukon XL SLT and Chevy Suburban LT, 2500 trucks, less than 100k miles, cars.com shows 5 for sale nationwide. I prefer Autotrader. Same search returns 10 cars. I've found my last 3 used vehicles using Autotrader - the Suburban, the Denali and my '10 Wrangler.

I limit it to those searches because SLE (GMC) and LS (Chevy) models are cloth seats and likely fleet models with minimal options.

When I was ready to buy, I set my expectations that....

1) It'd probably take 4-6 months to find "the one."
2) It'd likely be a ways away, and I might be flying to get it.

I actually lucked out and found mine in Fort Wayne, IN, about 3 hours away, after two months of searching. And since I used to travel there frequently, I actually knew a local mechanic to give it a full inspection.

Yep, that's what I'm seeing, I have the time so that too is my plan and hope something pops up somewhere near.

 

[grapeguy]

Norcalboon,
I tow a 2011 Kodiak 241rbsl. Overall length 27’, dry weight 4430#. Loaded weight I figure to be about 5200#. We spend a month down in Palm Springs in February each year (getting ready now), 2 weeks on a May trip and 2 weeks on a fall trip. In between we do short stays (3-4 days) at Sonoma coast camgounds. Obviously My wife and I are retired now and can enjoy our trailer more. By the way, I found my Denali in Fremont, took me 6 months to find one I liked.

 

[swathdiver]

With regards to what's out there for sale, filtering it down to Yukon XL SLT and Chevy Suburban LT, 2500 trucks, less than 100k miles, cars.com shows 5 for sale nationwide. I prefer Autotrader. Same search returns 10 cars. I've found my last 3 used vehicles using Autotrader - the Suburban, the Denali and my '10 Wrangler.

I also prefer AutoTrader but they keep blocking me when I open every ad to look at VINs. So I use Cars.com and CarGurus. There is a fair amount of cross platform advertising.

In times past, we also found almost all of our cars on AutoTrader but the last couple came from Craigslist, including my truck.