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I have a 2024 GMC Yukon. I'm interested in purchasing a camper but I'm not sure if my GMC can haul one ok. The weight limit for the Yukon is 8400 pounds. Any thoughts on models, make and size that could work for us? We have six people. We would not use it more than a few times a year so if we have to sacrifice some comfort for safety when driving to make sure the Yukon is capable of trailering it we certainly will.
Keep Your Daydream has a You Tube channel and he does a great informational video on all aspects of towing GVWR, GAWR etc. They also include a link to a downloadable spreadsheet where you put in your truck and RV info as well as passenger/payload weights and it will calculate you tow capacity
At that weight limit you will be looking at small, lightweight travel trailers. They will probably be very crowded for six people, particularly if more than two are adults.
I think the others are being ultra conservative. The Yukon is a very capable vehicle and can actually handle 7500-8400 lbs. But if there are 6 people in the Yukon, that extra passenger weight eats into the 8400. And the typical well-optioned Yukon probably doesn't have the full 8400 available either - the rating is for base equipment and a 154 lb driver. Upscale options add weight but the max limit doesn't change, so the available tow capacity goes down.
Based on on that, I'd suggest limiting your search to a travel trailer with a GVWR (not dry weight!) of around 6500-7000 lbs. That suggests a max length of 26-30 ft - see some example here. Trailers that size are going to be crowded with 6 adults and sleeping space is often limited to 4. Family-oriented bunkhouse models may have more beds but seldom comfortable sleeping for extra adults. Don't trust the ads - climb into the bunks or loft beds to see if they are usable.
The wind resistance of a travel trailer is a major performance factor. And a handling factor too if there is a cross wind. But it would affect a halt-ton pickup much the same.
There are trailers that you can buy but as others mentioned, it will get crowded. Best to add a tent of some sort to thin it out a bit. Are the six all adults?
