Is Towing With A GMC Yukon Denali XL A Bad Idea? | Testing Magnetic Ride Control!

Check out my first video on a GMC Yukon Denali XL. This is my first time putting magnetic ride control to the test!!!!

[@Rob12195]

I have a Yukon Denali as well. Word of advice. When towing leave the car running the the auto leveling is on. I learned the hard way and didn’t. When it squats down and goes to far down it will break the seal and leak. Had to replace. The air shocks not made to be compressed to far. Let it level as you lower the trailer.

[@zerog1262]

What about towing a car?

[@ttseroga1986]

Let me teach you something... ALWAYS connect your trailer with the truck running so you dont stress the suspension. I have put over 850 lbs on hitch with 12,000 trailer weight no issues towing up or down a 5% grade. 2016 Yukon XL with 5.3.

[@chrishaase]

I have a 2017 Yukon Denali and tow cars on trailers and its great. The ride is smooth and the power makes it nice and easy. The only downside is the mirrors are small so towing an enclosed would be hard since you can't see the sides.

[@20tea]

There's towing mirrors that you can swap those stock ones out with. Previous gen owners said the mirrors were too big, so they designed smaller ones. Can't win them all I guess. Rear suspension is air ride while the front is magnetic ride. The rear air ride is great when it works, but the compressor tends to have issues over time and the level is adjustable.

[@gregjones1929]

Mag ride and leveling are 2 different systems. Mag ride changes your shock rebound as needed, you self leveling is just automatic air shocks that level the truck. I have a 2014 with both.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for explaining this as I wasn’t sure since I didn’t see an airbag in the rear 👍🏾

[@nsbyband5239]

@@JB_WhoWork its built in to the shocks

[@hollywd269]

I have 2002 yukon with the 5.3 and it has the auto level "air ride" and use to pull my 14 ft enclosed trailer with it and as I still have this vehicle but don't really tow with it anymore. Use my 04 2500hd silverado with the 6.0... but I just purchased a 2011 yukon Denali with the 6.2L ND I can't wait to see how it tows. My brother had a escalade with the 6.2L and said I was the most powerful v8 GM put out in his opinion. Thanks for the video!

[@ericpeek8891]

Very helpful, my wife and I plan on purchasing one of these bad boys don't know what year yet but that suspension adjuster is clutch, plus we plan on hauling a travel trailer nothing big, don't even know what kind but at least buying the vehicle I can figure out what size of trailer I can pull without causing damage to the vehicle or worse, big enough for a family of 4 two adult 2kids, without adding to much weight and stress on that Yukon..

[@robertengelhardt3321]

Thanks for the info, got a 2014 that I may have to use for hauling, wondering how it would perform vs. truck. Should get a latch pin for the hitch, have seen those pop hitting a bump.

[@gregwallace648]

I'm 60 years old I Ben hauling trailers since I was 15 years old my family always had camping trailers and car haulers as I got older I started a business with a 53 foot wedge trailer and a 36 foot double deck trailer hauling cars and boats and cargo trailers all over the country also hauled a machine called a geoprobe sometimes I would haul two of them on their trailers I would load them on a 53 foot wide trailer though it was illegal for me I weighed out at almost 48,000 pounds I hauled both these units with a Chevy Silverado 3500 dually with the LBZ 6.6 duramax diesel with a 6 speed Allison Transmission I stayed around 50 mile an hour and haul them from Alabama to Chicago now having said that I'll point out a couple of things you ought to look into first and foremost you need a load distributing hitch it has two bars that slide into each side of you trailer stump and connect with chains to the tongue of your trailer what this does is transfer the load evenly towards the front of the car in the back of the trailer so that bounce you get in the middle you don't have makes the ride more stable and it's better if you trailer were to break away because you're not just having a ball holding it back you're having two bars about a inch or so round solid metal believe it or not I've had a trailer break the lock pin out of the Hitchcock and I would have lost the trailer if it wasn't for the bars holding it down what's the transfer weight and didn't know it till I got there to unhook the trailer and it was still sitting down on the ball that in a sense saved my ass that day the next thing I would suggest is a sway bar unit for the length of your trailer I would suggest two one on the left one on the right they hooked between the trailer's tongue and you're hitch what they do they work like a break as the trailer sways sideways it catches it keeps it from going left to right on you if you were to buy this system new you have been looking at roughly $800 you can find them on eBay for just a couple 100 bucks you may have to have some help installing it if you're not too handy if you are it shouldn't be a problem you'll need to drill some holes and install some bolts next thing I would suggest check the way your hitch is mounted under the vehicle check the hardware such as the bolts and nuts if they're not grade 8 replace them with grade 8 nuts and bolts at no time think of welding a hitch to the frame this weakens the frame and the hits will pull out of the metal as far as the vehicle and the load you should have no problem with the Yukon or suburban it's basically a truck frame with suburban body on it you can take this for what it's worth but I hauled a 26 foot camping trailer behind a Chevy trailblazer with the inline 6 in it to Canada and back with no problems because I had a load distributing hitch and sway bar the trailblazer pulled just fine I got around 9 miles to the gallon at highway speed and yes it was a short wheelbase trailblazer with four wheel drive

[@matthewanderson9912]

Nice review. I like the “JB Gauntlet” name some other guys have gave this. My suggestion for you on the SUVs and maybe even the 1/2 ton trucks is just unload your car and just tow the empty trailer. From my experience with my trailer and before I got my 2500hd Duramax my 1/2 ton pulled it basically the same empty or loaded. I guess on some 6-8% grades I have in my area it pulled my speed down slightly more loaded but overall it pulled about the same empty or loaded. Even empty your trailer is over 4000 pounds and plus the wind drag and tire drag is still the same. Also nice to see that self leveling air suspension still working after about 5 years and over 80,000 miles.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Hey brother, I may tow with a few more half tons and then tow it unloaded until I get a WDH installed. I prefer the weight due to the length, it seems squirrelly. I think the JB Gauntlet May be the name for my towing series so once I post a few other videos, I will announce it. Lol, I was praying I didn’t break the suspension with this trailer but overall very impressed with how well this SUV handled the trailer, even if it was under 30 MPH 👍🏾

[@jamiehernandez4378]

Magnetic ride and self leveling are two completely different systems

[@luisgaldamez8686]

My Denali has magnetic ride and airbags from factory 🤙

[@Speedslays]

@@luisgaldamez8686 I just found out my 17 yukon denali does too! Was so stoked when I loaded my trailer up.

[@dermoplast]

Ive been towing travel trailers with my 2002 Yukon XL Denali all through its life. The only drawback is the 4 speed transmission but its quite capable and stable even with 22 inch wheels.

[@edgarrojas4319]

Whats the max u have tow?

[@SkyCandyVisuals]

20ft? 30ft? trailers? was thinking of getting an older model 2002-2006 yukon XL to tow a dry weight 6500lbs rv trailer. think id be ok?

[@dermoplast]

@@SkyCandyVisuals Youll have to ensure its within specs. I towed a 27ft trailer and a 22 ft. and it was quite stable but with difficulties on mountains due to limited gearing

[@jefferybrown4769]

You are much better off with your 4L80E transmission for towing anything. The 6l80E has a laundry list of problems! Not sure about the newer 8 and 10 speed transmissions. Before changing the transmission for fuel mileage ( do your research!!! Not always a good idea!!

[@phoenixarizona8441]

Exactly we have towed with ours since day on actually Hotshot with it and a 20ft flatbed trailer

[@SwannBus]

Hey JB, to my knowledge the Magnetic Ride Control is at all four corners via the shock absorbers. The Denali Yukon has an “auto load leveling” suspension that is separate from the MRC capability. The 2021’s have MRC as an option on most Yukons, standard on the Denali, with full 4-corner air suspension as an option. I’m in the market for a new family hauler and the 2021’s are on my short list.

[@JB_WhoWork]

You are correct I was just more concerned about the rear and whether it would be able to level out the tongue weight. I’m hoping to get some footage on some 21 Yukon’s but they are selling really fast... good luck on your search 👍🏾

[@YFindustries]

Mag ride is only on the front. The rear has air. The 21’s stole my heart with the 4 corner air ride with ride height control. Best option hands down in my opinion. I work for gm and when I went to training for the Yukons it blew my mind I can’t decide between the at4 or the denali tho. It’s the first year denali is going to have a different interior then the other ones as well. Only down side is the recall for the lifters on the new rigs. 😫 2015 to current 5.3 and 6.2 ALL have lifter issues at some point. Bc of the afm/dod. I will say we had 5 new 2022 vettes dropped off and got pdi done. One customer thru different rims on tinted the windows and did a exhaust already before it left! Looks so good. But 2022 Yukon Denali is what Iam looking at!

[@andcat7162]

Back in the days before the soccer moms took over, you could buy a 3/4ton suburban and Yukon xl like what I have.

[@adrianpettway4180]

Its basically a long bed gmc serria underneath. The extended wheelbase aids in towing

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yea I hope I can tow with one in the future 👍🏾

[@IROCQUE]

Good video. I'm towing my Grand Design Imagine XLS travel trailer "26 feet with my 2020 Tahoe RST with the 6.2. With the weight distribution, it levels the Tahoe completely. Definitely, you can feel it's back there but still manageable as long as you don't go more than 65 MPH. Interested to see how a short wheelbase vehicle tows with your trailer.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for sharing, did you upgrade your tires? That may make a huge difference. Hopefully I will test one without the car 👍🏾

[@IROCQUE]

@@JB_WhoWork No I still have the 22" Bridgestones that came with it. It doesn't really squat that much on the rear as it's a fairly light trailer and with the weight distribution bars it only engages the compressor for just less than a minute to level it. The ride isn't that bad but it'll probably be harsher if I got LT tires.

[@daryoushborja5115]

JB your reviews kick ass.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Appreciate it 🙏🏾!!!

[@deadlymig123]

The soft suspension is what gives it the good ride quality

[@JB_WhoWork]

💯

[@simplybeautifullandscaping5895]

Great video bro

[@brevis024]

Was looking to get into the transport open up an LLC and I have a Denali XL and was just curious if that's something I can start with to get going

[@secretsquirrel572]

The noise you heard was the air pump inflating the leveling system. It was not the magnetic ride. Good video though.

[@shamroonkhan1327]

Great video

[@gwendolynbrown9386]

Great Video👍

[@YFindustries]

I have same suv. Deleting the magnaride in the front. Running regular struts with a 2 inch level. Keeping the air shocks in the rear for now.

[@Speedslays]

Why deleting it.? What's the benifit

[@trentopinto5]

@@Speedslays reliability, mainly

[@DailyPaywithKristie]

Did that one have the HD max trailering package which is RPO code NHT? If not, the towing capacity is actually only 6k

[@mattorta]

I use to tow a 28’ Jayco Bunkhouse with a 2013 1/2 ton Suburban. I was within the tow/payload specs (barely) but towing it was a white-knuckle nightmare. It was a night and day difference once I upgraded to a 3/4 ton.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@smiley3303]

Tires are probably the limiting factor. I am sure although not legal you could pull 10k with LT tires. Those mirrors on the 15-20 are horrible. They are so undersized. I love the auto level feature it is amazing.

[@trentopinto5]

I 100% agree. I love my '17 Suburban Premier, but I'm upgrading to Boost Auto Parts Tow Mirrors AS SOON as spring hits. I don't like the factory mirrors at all, even with no trailer

[@davntelisha19]

There might be a small leak if it keeps pumping the shocks

[@billwilliam1001]

Nice job

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks Bill!

[@jonallen1985]

They are 1/2 tons, of corse they squat when you put them under a load, I have a 2018 Silverado 1500 and that’s only because they didn’t have the truck I wanted in a 2500HD/3500.

[@hossfarran6327]

Hey, i have the same truck. Same suspension. Tows amazing. And air ride adjusts on its own. I tow 7500 pound boat and trailer. Zero issues. The problem you have is you are towing way over the allowable towing capacity the truck is rated at.

[@hossfarran6327]

Boat and triaker length around 26feet.

[@JT-lu8vt]

Not bad without weight distribution I just bought one of those denali's Worst backup camera ever

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yea but it did improve in next gen 👍🏾

[@phoenixarizona8441]

The Yukon is actually a truck if you look it up

[@BigDThatsMe]

Pretty close to all in payload. You should run the spreadsheet with this and see what you get.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I have been contemplating on doing that once I get everything weighed but these videos are really long so may have to do a follow up on all the trucks I tested. Thanks for sharing brother 👍🏾

[@pitmasterxdaiquirisshackgr6970]

I have a 12,000 food truck can the Yukon xl or suburban tow it ?

[@supporterofsanity]

It’s cool but how about bringing back the Ram Charger based on the 1500 Ram👊

[@JB_WhoWork]

I wish the big 3 would make a HD SUV like the Excursion/Suburban 2500. Because of how big these TT are getting, we need more capable SUV’s. The Grand Wagoneer will be the closing thing we get to a RAM Charger as I heard it will tow over 10k...

[@supporterofsanity]

@@JB_WhoWork No kidding?! I hadn’t heard that. That Grand Wagoneer will be very appealing if that’s the case.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yup!!!

[@jmdhintz]

I have a 2017 Denali xl, and a ‘99 k2500 suburban with the big block. What you gain in towing with the big ‘Burb, you lose big when you compare the creature comforts of the Denali. Fortunately, but tow our 31’ toy hauler with relative ease. I love these reviews. They feel honest and sincere. I’d love to see a run of late 90’s diesels, and see how they all stacked up. They are so coveted these days, I’m curious if the hype is really worth it. Great stuff!

[@jnmaher1967]

When is the tow test with the Ridgeline coming?

[@JB_WhoWork]

I need to find one first, what is the towing capacity on a a Ridgeline?

[@t.l.robinson2162]

I tow with my 2500 Yukon XL. It is a truck and it rides and tows better than my pickup.

[@devildog1287]

Lmao "its making some type of noise back here" "the magnetic ride control activates automatically"

[@infernalmonolizer2539]

how much was the hitch?

[@ttseroga1986]

Did I just see the break away switch connected to the chain??? Wow

[@smiley3303]

I hate when people do that.

[@SkyCandyVisuals]

it's connected to the hitch

[@edan7813]

If you were to tow with a 2014 to 2019 (LD) Silverado 6.2 it would have done way better then this Yukon. We all know the modern ones will tow fine but the Silverado/ Sierra 1500 from the years of this Yukon will still tow better

[@jamessavok2666]

Has anyone added helper airbags in place of the overload bump stops on a Denaili with air ride?

[@Speedslays]

Most of them seem to come with air leveling suspension

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

Pretty nice SUV but, I wouldn't have 1 for doing tow. I'm just not an SUV guy. Those are people haulers but, that was great info for those who would tow travel trailer. Thanks JB.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I agree, I would stick around 5K at most but it felt really planted around the parking lot so maybe in the future I will test one to see how it does with an unloaded trailer. Happy New Year Brother 👍🏾

[@ricwestdoesitwork]

@@JB_WhoWork Happy New Year to you, Hannah and the little ones. Have a safe one buddy.

[@michaellopour7409]

Seems likely between the tongue weight and the leveling suspension that the rear axle is exceeding its limit, leveling doesn’t fix that problem, it makes it worse.

[@JB_WhoWork]

Not quite, weight distribution is 52/48 so figure curb weight is 6139#’s which would be about 2947 on the rear and add 1000#’s for tongue and you are still under the 4200# RGAWR. Real world with someone towing this same setup with gear/extra passengers would most likely be over the rear axle though

[@michaellopour7409]

@@JB_WhoWork you might be surprised. Doubt you’ve seen this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO9pmZvpbZrfck

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks, I will check it out later today

[@denvernn]

6.2 power right there !

[@JB_WhoWork]

Yup!!!

[@stanants8566]

That's not Magnetic ride control, Thats MAGIC ride control ;)

[@paulfazi]

How does the 6.2 sound so good verse the 5.3

[@JB_WhoWork]

Larger displacement gives it a deeper exhaust note

[@paulfazi]

Thats a good sound, I’ll stick with my 5.3 on regular gas right now.

[@smiley3303]

One of the best sounding out there IMO. I have an 08 and completely stock exhaust sounds great. Mine is not direct injection of course.

[@Siamko]

I am completely baffled by towing math. I have a 2016 Yukon Denali 6.2 I am trying to figure out what size concession trailer I can haul.

[@Spencer1of9]

What year is this?

[@gentlejune]

The 4 pins by the right side where the button looky like. Lol someone prolly told u about that

[@JohnDiMartino]

If you are going to continue do these tests and I hope you do, why don’t you buy one of the brake controllers that plugs inline and you mount it on the trailer.I’ve seen TFL use one before. Sorry but it’s a useless tow test of you don’t leave the mall parking lot.

[@JB_WhoWork]

This truck had a Brake controller but I was over the towing capacity of the truck. If I had more time, I would have pulled my car out. This was primarily testing the magnetic suspension 👍🏾

[@proflashrtist]

So you have to move before it'll start to leave out. That's what I'm getting.

[@walterbatman7949]

Hook it up and pull the heck out of it

[@gregwallace648]

PS before you persecute me for hauling over weight understand that I was hauling for the federal government and I had a waiver to do so and yes the state dealt did not like it but they had to let it go because it was four the federal government I also hauled FEMA trailers when the big hurricane hit and we would pick him up and haul them from Arkansas to Texas and we had a special waiver where we did not have to stop at any scale house or way station and you could drive all the hours you wanted although I didn't I drew the line when I got tired

[@littlej3777]

You should’ve measure it looks like it went up about an inch or two!!!

[@sledforpeace]

2019 + Ram 1500 and compare it to the old body style 2018 -.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I can probably pull that off 👍🏾

[@gnevala]

I’m surprised you would even do this one?

[@JB_WhoWork]

Lol you know me very very well 😂

[@gnevala]

JB Reviews yes I do sir. I’ve Benn with you since the start

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks for the support brother! I’m gonna mention you in my next Silverado video because you said something a few months ago and... you were right 👍🏾

[@gnevala]

JB Reviews the 6.2 is the only option with gas is my favorite!

[@gnevala]

JB Reviews I have owned both and five duramax trucks. I now live in a 2019 ram longhorn and I’m very pleased!

[@guadalupecortez9877]

Who was going to think I am seeing this because I have to leave Florida 😭💔

[@cnoyes72]

Sorry, but a suburban/denali xl has no business towing a trailer like that.

[@JB_WhoWork]

I agree! That’s why I wouldn’t dare take it on the road and won’t recommend anyone else do it either 👍🏾

[@cnoyes72]

@@JB_WhoWork Yeah, it took me a couple of years to finally convince a friend that towing a 30ft rv with his 'burban was a really bad idea. He rented a Ram 2500 one trip, was amazed at how much less stressful it was towing and ended up buying a new Ram 2500 (tows the RV and a large boat up to Lac Megantic every summer).

[@JB_WhoWork]

Anything over 26ft should probably stay behind HD trucks. I will admit that this Yukon felt very stable but I didn’t take it up to 60 mph so the debate it still on for that. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@Speedslays]

I just took my parents 29ft trailer for a weekend trip. And the denali handled it well. Definitely won't be traveling cross country with it though lol. Gas mileage was crappy.

[@user-kn1rg2br4h]

JB Gauntlet

[@JB_WhoWork]

Thanks! This may be the next name!

[@zacattack45]

My man towing a mobile home not an RV with a 1500 lol… that’s a 2500 minimum trailer just saying.

[@davntelisha19]

But that's a big load

[@ttseroga1986]

Flip the hook 180 you want scratch the plastic... Lets use that brain bro

[@superygly]

5:28

[@superygly]

5:58

[@superygly]

8:22

[@jrod2500]

Saying GM motors is like saying ATM machine. Lol General Motors Motors. Lol Just busting chops

[@JB_WhoWork]

😂😂😂!!! With your ongoing issue, I understand 💯! Hopefully that 7.3L comes ASAP!!!

[@jrod2500]

@@JB_WhoWork 3/10/21 estimated

[@davntelisha19]

Air pump

[@carlosavila6073]

Puts the e brake on after the car rolls back 🤦horrible video giving it thumbs down.

[@bumblebflow8584]

This os one of the most painful vods to watch, are you knew to towing? Or just don't know the vehicle?

[@Kingcold2002]

JB Gauntlet

[@JB_WhoWork]

I think this is a winner