Another towing capacity question

[Jaygolf18]

My apologies for ANOTHER TOWING THREAD, but……..
I have a 2024 GMC Denali Ultimate with a 6.2L engine. Rear end ratio is 3.23. Short wheel base, 4WD.
GVWR air 7,100 lbs. Front axle WR is 3,800 lbs., rear axle WR is 3,800 lbs. Payload capacity is 1,710 lbs. Maximum tow capacity is 8,900.
Normal payload for truck will be myself, my wife and our Scottish Terrier. Let’s use 400 lbs. Additional weight would be ice chest, maybe 50 lbs.
We have not decided on a specific trailer as yet. I don’t particularly want to tow 29’ but not wanting something too small. Seems like the 25-27’ is where I hope to fall, dependent of course on the ACTUAL towing capacity.
Can anyone help me to determine if I can SAFELY pull a 7,500 lb loaded trailer?
Thanks to anyone/everyone in advance!!

 

[Kirk]

The length of the tow vehicle compared to the trailer length will also impact the handling so keep that in mind. Trailer weights vary widely for trailers of similar length. The lite weight models are built of lighter materials and have less things that add weight so you can find the same length of trailer with roughly twice the weight of the liter one. In general, higher quality trailers will weigh significantly more than the lower quality. You should be able to find something in the 25' range that will work just fine.

The tow vehicle length ratio is a guideline based on tow vehicle wheelbase and trailer length, using a standard of a 110-inch wheelbase allowing for a 20-foot trailer, with an additional 1 foot of trailer length for every 4 inches of extra wheelbase. A longer wheelbase provides more stability by creating more leverage to counteract trailer sway, which is crucial for safe towing.

 

[SpencerPJ]

Is this the Yukon or Sierra? Wheelbase length will play into decision. IMO, try and keep overall length under 28' (that's a 25 box typically) and total weight under 7k (likely 5500# dry). Trailer mfgs are notorious for underestimating true weights. It is no fun getting close to max anything. ps: I'm impressed with your well loaded Ultimate, and available payload, I assume that is off your door jam. (personally, I would also post in a GMC forum hoping for more 'real' world experiences) Good luck

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Forget the trailer true weight (UVW); just focus on the trailer GVWR. Assume the loaded weight as you drive will be close to the GVWR and the trailer tongue weight will be 10%-12% of the GVWR and you will be OK. 12% of 7500 is 900 lbs, so ought to be within your payload capability, even with the dog added.

GM follows the SAE J2807 tow rating standard so you can be comfortable about the Denali's tow rating. The standard allows for a driver & passenger in the tow vehicle, so just add in some weight for that terrier and your extra gear.

You didn't mention the cab style and bed length, but unless it is a regular cab short bed the wheel base isn't all that short. If you have an extended cab or crew cab and at least the "standard bed" (6 foot), you have a medium-range wheelbase length. Should handle a 25 ft long RV trailer (about 29 ft overall) easily. Probably fine for 26-27 ft too. Note: RV lengths are usually quoted by the usable space, not including the roughly 4 foot tongue and any protruding rear bumper. Those items are part of the overall length only.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Your numbers will put you close to your payload limits. Towing capacity is a magical number that is generally impossible to reach. Payload is normally the restrictive number.

Charles