Recommendations For Preventing Suspension Sag When Towing 7000lb TT W/ 2012 GMC Yukon XL Denali  

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Expert Reply:

I have another option for you, but I do not have any information on which products, if any, will fit your 2012 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the auto leveling air suspension if you remove it as it is possible there are still other slight changes that would cause the Timbren suspension enhancement you mentioned to not fit.

Instead I recommend going with a weight distribution hitch which is the best way to prevent suspension sag on vehicles towing a travel trailer, and is recommended anytime the weight of the trailer exceeds 50% of the vehicle weight. Since your trailer weighs in at 7000lbs and your Yukon XL Denali weighs between 5700-5900lbs your trailer is over 100% of your vehicles weight.

Now to confirm the correct weight distribution hitch you will want to verify your setups total tongue weight before purchasing a hitch. Total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully loaded and ready to tow trailer plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Yukon. The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale like the etrailer # e99044, but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

Since your trailer weighs 7000lbs and tongue weight is typically 10-15% of the trailer weight you should expect to see between 700-1050lbs of tongue weight.

For a weight distribution hitch that is perfect for this range I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - No Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12K GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66074 as it works with total tongue weights between 700-1200lbs. This hitch includes the best sway control currently available on a weight distribution hitch, so you will have zero issues when it comes to sway on windy days or when driving past a semi.

Now this hitch does not include a shank, or a hitch ball so you will need shank # RP54970, and 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

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