2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 towing capacity
The 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 is published in 8 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 7,000 to 7,800 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (7,800 lb) sits in full-size truck and SUV territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLE w/3SA 4x2 | — | 320 | 340 | 3.73 | 7,100 | 7,200 | 5,608 | 1,592 |
| SLE w/3SB 4x2 | — | 320 | 340 | 3.73 | 7,100 | 7,200 | 5,608 | 1,592 |
| SLT 4x2 | — | 320 | 340 | 3.73 | 7,100 | 7,200 | 5,608 | 1,592 |
| SLE w/3SA 4x4 | — | 310 | 335 | 3.73 | 7,000 | 7,400 | 5,771 | 1,629 |
| SLE w/3SB 4x4 | — | 310 | 335 | 3.73 | 7,000 | 7,400 | 5,771 | 1,629 |
| SLT 4x4 | — | 310 | 335 | 3.73 | 7,000 | 7,400 | 5,771 | 1,629 |
| Denali All-wheel Drive | — | 380 | 417 | 3.42 | 7,800 | 7,400 | 5,838 | 1,562 |
| Denali 4x2 | — | 380 | 417 | 3.42 | 7,800 | 7,200 | 5,838 | 1,362 |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2007
The 2007 GMC Yukon XL 1500 carried a maximum tow rating of 7,900 lb. The 2008 model is rated 100 lb lower — sometimes a real spec change, sometimes a re-test under a stricter standard like SAE J2807. See the 2007 GMC Yukon XL 1500 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2008 GMC models
The rest of GMC's 2008 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew CAB | 13,000 |
| 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Extended CAB | 13,000 |
| 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Regular CAB | 13,000 |
| 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Crew CAB | 13,000 |
| 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Extended CAB | 13,000 |
| 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Regular CAB | 13,000 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.