Hitch and Weight Distribution for 2002 GMC Yukon XL Towing 8600 lb Travel Trailer

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Question:

I have a 2002 GMC Yukon XL 6.0 Purchasing a travel trailer. Weigh about 8600. I need to replace my hitch and buy a weight distribution with sway control. What do you have available? Thanks in advance

asked by: James M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For a receiver hitch, I'd recommend the Curt Class IV, part # 14080 which has a 10000 lb towing/1000 tongue weight capacity or 12000 towing/1200 lb tongue weight capacity if used with a weight distribution system. These capacities would be ideal for the travel trailer you spoke of.

If the 8600 lb figure you mentioned represents the travel trailer weight when it's loaded up as you'd normally have it when towing, your tongue weight will be in the 800-1200 lb range. I'll link to an article that shows a couple of ways to determine your trailer's loaded tongue weight, but the easiest way to figure that out would be to use a tongue weight/payload scale like the etrailer, part # e99044.

The Reese Strait-Line system you'd looked at, part # RP66083 is rated for trailers with tongue weights ranging from 400-800 lbs, so it wouldn't be sufficient for the weight of your trailer. If you like the Reese Strait-Line system, I'd go with the # RP66084 Strait-Line system, which is rated for 600-1200 lbs of tongue weight which is right in the neighborhood of where your tongue weight would be. The Strait-Line offers the most effective sway control we offer.

I personally prefer the Equal-i-zer # EQ37120ET which is rated for tongue weights from 800-1200 lbs. It has fewer moving parts and is easier to set up than the Strait-Line, and it's sway control performance is only bested by that of the Strait-Line (only by a small margin).

If you wanted to go with the # RP66084, you'll also need the # 19286 2-5/16 inch trailer ball. The ball is included with the Equal-i-zer hitch, but you'll need a 1-7/8 inch thin wall socket to install it. If you don't have one, we offer one as part # EQ70-00-4800.

I've linked to some product demonstration videos that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L

1

Answer 1

I do not recommend attempting to pull a 5th wheel with that vehicle. The Avalanche may have adequate towing capacity for smaller 5th wheel campers. My main concern is configuration of the truck bed and that it would not allow turning clearance. That…

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Answer 2

On the Curt hitch #14080 the rear hole to the receiver face is 14.36 inches. From the frame to the top of the receiver is 1.85 inches.

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Answer 3

The instructions are referring to the bolt diameter and not the head size for the torque specs of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #14080. The Carriage bolts and nuts are going to be 1/2" diameter while the bolts that thread into the weld nuts on…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 7

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 8

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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Answer 9

As far as wiring for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we do have the Curt #C59236 available which is more of a universal hardwire harness. Unfortunately there are not any plug-and-play options that have been confirmed to fit as of yet (October 4,…

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Answer 10

To add a class III hitch to your 2024 Honda CR-V hybrid, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C13397. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your CR-V with included hardware. It is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. I really like this…

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Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Hitch and Weight Distribution for 2002 GMC Yukon XL Towing 8600 lb Travel Trailer

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