fantastixvoyage

iTrader: (1)

Looking at downsizing from my '02 F350 Diesel and taking a serious look at the Yukon XL. They are priced very well (under $10k for early to late 2000s with the 1500s even less) and loaded with creature comforts. Main boat is a 29' single with the occasional tow of larger (hence the 2500 option)

Looking for input on the 2500 to see if it justifies the increased cost and if there is any issues with it (air ride, quadra steer, etc).

Anyone tow with both a Yukon XL 1500 & 2500? Pros & cons?

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Given where you live, you will want the 4x4 Yukon XL or Subruban 2500 with the 8.1L gas engine.
3.73 rear end GT4 on build sheet is good for 8500 lbs. towing or so IIRC
4.10 rear end GT5 ob build sheet is good for 11000 lbs. towing. (I had a 2500 Avalanche, same platform with the 8.1L and towed 37AT for a few seasons.)
The 6.0L is underpowered for that kind of towing; and is more suited to fleet vehicles that haul a lot, but do not tow a lot.

Read this thread and also do a search as this has been discussed too many times to mention:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/t...ruck-help.html

Bottom line: the 8.1L is a really strong setup in either the Truck or Suburban/Avalanche 2500 platform.

More important: I guarantee you will miss your 7.3L PSD. Not sure if you have a dually or not, but you really do have an ideal setup that will get you through the next boat upgrade as well.

Are you sure you want an SUV for towing and errands? When I take the boat out, I have tools, and coolers, and a lot of crap that's not friendly to an SUV interior. Buying 2x4s at Home Depot? Watch out for the leather interior.

bigredbaja

I agree wtih "Sydways" the thread he refers to was one i started, i did a great deal of research outside of OSO and found that the 2500 Chevy/GMC with the 8.1 and Allison transmission is the best way to go short of a diesel which i decided was not a good option for me because my truck sees very limited use which is not good for a diesel. I found a nice 04 Avalanche 2500 4x4 with 8.1 and 4:10 gears that was rated at 12,000 lbs towing for $12k i ended up backing oput of the deal because i still have not sold my F150. Search for an early 2000 model i found many GMC's with the set up but mostly just the Avalanche on the Chevy side. Found a few Suburban's and Yukon's that popped up in my searches. Key 8.1 in the key word search on auto trader ro cars.com.

fantastixvoyage

iTrader: (1)

Big reason for the move is my boating/trips will now be with the girl, 11 & 15yr old, boxer and a baby starting in May. makes the pickup a bit tight lol And I've found the truck sits far more than planned and during the winter its a real pain.

Good input on the 8.1 vs the 6L, that will likely narrow the search a bunch.

What about the V10 Excursion? Basically giving those away at $5k!

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

One was on Richmond, VA CL for $2400 several months ago. It was only 2WD and 5.4L. You don't find too many 4X4 Excursions that cheap.

The V10 is a hit and miss engine. Some run 300/400K miles. Others blow the spark plugs out through the fenders; threads and all. Lot's of info on the Ford V10 on the web; not too much here on OSO.

phragle

iTrader: (3)

My brother has a v10 excursion. great other than needing tow a 300 gallon fuel trailer to make it across town without stopping for gas. If you get a gas card with double points redeemable for a new boat, you should be rockin a new outerlimts in 12~18 months.

fantastixvoyage

iTrader: (1)

Well looks like this post about sums it up....

"there are 2 V10s. A 2 valve and a 3 valve. i think they switched to 3valve in 02 or 03. The 2 valve had a lot of ploblems i have heard of people shooting sparkplugs and valves through the hood. The 3Valve is more reliable but still with a 6.8L V10 gas milage is S***. My buddy has one and it chuggs gas and it sounds like a mustang with no balls and it has a dual mbrp 4in with no cats. Im not an expert tho. My advice is nothing works like a diesel."


Never realized the v10 was actually such a small motor (only 6.8L). Guess the Yukon XL, 8.1 liter, quadra steer might be the way to go. Found a bunch of 2500s and not a one has the 8.1L...looks like the hunt is on...

fantastixvoyage

iTrader: (1)

Here's a good candidate except not 4x4

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/4113213572.html

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

I don't believe QuadraSteer was available with an 8.1L. I think it was only the 6.0L. Remarkably, I have not heard of any long term issues with the few trucks that received it. I have a friend with one in the rare 1500HD Silverado platform and he loves it. The QuadraSteer was supposed to be moved up to the HD platform trucks and even the medium duty trucks for city deliveries and such. It was at one time the GM HD future. It never really caught on beyond a few soccer Moms that could park closer to the grocery store and dent more cars with the bigger doors.

The 2003 and later received slightly better interior ergonomics than 01/02.

fantastixvoyage

iTrader: (1)

Reading a review it sounded like a 2500 only option but I could be wrong. It was a $5k option in 2003 but dropped to $2k in 2004. Cuts the turning radius from 44" to 35"which would be huge for me. The boat review said it was also great for needing to make a 90deg turn as the rear wheels act similar to a forklift in getting the trailer tongue to move quick.

I'll have to look if it was available for an 8.1. Sure would be nice over the city block it takes to turn my long bed, 4dr F350 (rated worst radius out of any of them).