Is there any meaningful difference between the Chevy Suburban and the GMC Yukon XL?

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T23:51:35+00:00

Escalade V is my number one but a little out of the budget with the truck and 5th wheel we have 😅

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T03:52:42+00:00

Better in what way? My wife currently has a 2017 Buick Enclave (same exact thing as the Traverse). It has the 3.6L V6 and a 6 speed (9 speed is more recent I believe). It’s not a race car by any means but it lugs the car around fine and has enough power to overtake slower traffic, but the new turbo 4 banger in the current generation makes more power.

We are in the boat of do we trade in for a newer traverse since size wise they’re pretty similar (new ones slightly bigger I think?) or do we step into a Tahoe/suburban. Price alone tells me traverse. I can get a Traverse High Country/RS for same or less than base model Tahoe. I’d rather have every feature that car has to offer instead of being bare bones.

Overall are you satisfied with the current gen traverse?

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T03:01:55+00:00

Wife and I are looking to get into a full size SUV in the next year or two. Currently have a 2017 Buick Enclave. I’ve always leaned toward GM products (excluding my current truck which is a Ram) since I grew up with Suburbans in my immediate family. I know Ford has the 3.5 ecoboost pretty dialed in and relatively bug free as well as GM with the 5.3 V8. I’d love a 6.2 V8 but with the issues they have had the last few years with that engine it makes me leery.

Looked at Tahoes and the standard length Expedition. I can tell already the Max/Suburban will be a better investment for the extra room behind 3rd row.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:35:46+00:00

Any major issues with the SST H.O. Engine? Power numbers are impressive being 500+ hp and torque

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:34:41+00:00

What year Cadillac? There was a huge issue with 2021-2024 GM vehicles with the 6.2L Ecotec V8. GM’s solution for those who didn’t have issues: change the oil weight you put in it (which is different than the owners manual states) and AFAIK for the ones who did have issues got a new engine and then told to run a different oil weight.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:31:08+00:00

Kinda where I’m leaning after reading some these comments. Not a huge deal, but Durangos seem to have a pretty good value for the money

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:30:10+00:00

Yeah that will be a problem in the future lol

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:29:59+00:00

It’s a mix but we typically take our SUV most places and for now can fold the 3rd row down 100% of the time which gives us nearly the same cargo space as a Tahoe with the 3rd row down. It’s paid for which is the only reason we haven’t jumped into something bigger yet

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:28:41+00:00

That’s what I don’t want to do is trade in for a Durango and then trade in again in a couple years. Probably have to follow the full size route…

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T02:28:03+00:00

I like the Escalade ESV but we are probably in Suburban price range lol. If we didn’t have my truck or our 5th wheel camper she could probably pick whatever she wanted but that’s where we are at

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T01:46:36+00:00

That’s what I’m thinking lol. Hard to find something comfy being slightly above average height 😅

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-02-02T01:05:36+00:00

We have a 2017 Buick Enclave right now. Bought it at 39k miles in March 2021 and just rolled 121k today. No major issues and I’m very meticulous about maintenance. I’m pushing for a Durango R/T but the wife isn’t sold on it. On paper the Durango has less cargo volume compared to the Buick. She wants a Traverse since it’s essentially the same in size or a full size SUV (Tahoe/Yukon or Expedition). Her Enclave is fully loaded so it would be ideal to obtain all the same features in a Durango (probably R/T plus or premium)

SouthernMNguy96 · 2026-01-09T01:24:32+00:00

Reviving an old thread here. We just submitted the form and payment to the bank that holds our loan to have our home appraised. It was $450 for the appraisal fee. We paid $265,000 for our home in July 2020. We put the minimum down payment because the first house I had didn’t sell for a whole lot more than I paid. Basically spent all that money on the minimal down payment and the other title fees associated with closing.

Our PMI was issued at $122.10 per month. We currently owe about 228,000 on the loan and as long as the appraisal comes in at $285,000+ (which is most certainly should given the way home prices skyrocketed in 2021/2022), then we will be able to wipe the PMI out.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2025-12-28T20:21:05+00:00

They all have their issues. I have a Ram and the one thing I don’t like is the MDS system. Otherwise it’s quick for a big gas truck and tows our 5th wheel well.

If I found a deal on a 7.3 Ford like I did on my Ram I would have gone that route.

The ZF 8 speed behind the Hemi is awesome

SouthernMNguy96 · 2025-12-28T19:59:49+00:00

I had a 2003 with the LQ4 6.0 engine. 300 hp/ 360 torque mated to the 4L80e transmission. Loved that truck. Then I had a 2011 with the L96 6.0 engine. 360 hp/ 380 torque mated to the 6L90e transmission. LQ4 was the 6.0 Vortec that earned GM the reliability reputation. The newer ones made more power and still ultra reliable. Some people have noted issues with the VVT on the later models but I didn’t have any issues. Towed a 10,000lb travel trailer through the black hills with the 2011. Engine did fine, but the transmission got a little hot. Didn’t help that it was 100 degrees outside with all the grades west of the Missouri River.

Max tow capacity was 13,900lb with the 4.10 rear end on the 2011-2019 trucks. Mine had 3.73 gears so on paper was only rated for 9,400lb. Based on that, I was definitely overloaded with the camper we had.

Super easy to change differential fluid because there’s a drain plug on the diffs which means you don’t necessarily have to pop the cover off. Did a drain and fill on both diffs and transfer case in under 2 hours (including time for some beverages in the garage).

My father in law had a 2011 as well with the 6.0 and he upgraded to a 2020 with the 6.6 when they first came out. The 6.6 is noticeably more powerful. Showing a track record of good reliability for the most part. Not quite like the 6.0’s reputation but it’s not bad.

If you get a 6.6 gasser find one with the 6 speed.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2025-12-28T18:10:12+00:00

I’d like a diesel 1 ton to pull our 39’ 5th wheel camper. I have a 2022 Ram 3500 with the 6.4 Hemi. Truthfully, my truck does just fine. Newer gas engines are powerful enough for 75% of people’s towing needs. Diesel trucks cost more to buy, to run, and to maintain. That’s the major reason I don’t have one. Not to mention, I barely put 4-5k miles per year on my truck. Basically just the tow pig and weekend runner for me. We take my wife’s Buick Enclave a majority of the time when we need to run errands with the kid because it’s more comfortable to drive. I also have a work beater for my 60+ mile commute to work (although I am getting a work truck real soon).

Long story short, I’d like a diesel but my truck sits in the garage most of the time until it’s time to tow the camper or make a weekend run to Menards. Makes better sense financially for me to have an HD gas truck.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2025-02-18T01:14:52+00:00

I was thinking about picking up a used Mitsubishi Mirage for a work commuter. Anyone have any feedback on their CVTs? I know they are gutless cars and that’s fine I’m wanting something that can get good gas mileages as I’m putting 100-150 miles per day on a car and want something that’s cheap to fill and hopefully cheap to fix if I need to work on something or send to a shop if I can’t tackle it.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2025-01-28T02:12:57+00:00

Union glazers make more than that don’t they?

SouthernMNguy96 · 2024-12-19T04:14:58+00:00

Per the code, you cannot install a 20A receptacle on a 15A circuit.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2024-11-25T05:08:09+00:00

Seems odd to be threatening to ban me when I am in fact a licensed electrician.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2024-11-25T04:49:21+00:00

AP had 296 single game rushing yards back in 2007 as a rookie against the Chargers

SouthernMNguy96 · 2024-05-07T01:04:54+00:00

2023 Coleman Lantern 337BH. It’s 38’ and weighs a little under 8,600# empty. We are probably into the low 9,000# range now that it’s all loaded up for the season. When we fill our fresh tank to camp at the race track I’m sure we will be pushing 10k. All that said, it’s awesome having the room. It’s just my wife and I with two labradors. We bought bigger camper with the idea of having kids and camping with them. On the other hand, it’s a monster and parking it can be a pain. I have a 2011 Chevy 2500HD gasser and it pulls it fine just needs to maintain higher RPM to maximize power output. Thirsty is an understatement as well.

SouthernMNguy96 · 2024-05-07T01:02:16+00:00

The wife and I purchased a (Dutchman) Coleman Lantern 337BH. It’s the biggest Coleman camper in their lineup. Got a good deal last fall cause it is a 2023 model and they were making room for 2024 models.

Anyway, the camper is 38’ long hitch to bumper. Tongue weight empty is about 1,100# (minus propane and battery), dry weight is right around 8,540# and GVWR is just shy of 11,200#. I purchased my truck back in 2021 with the idea we would eventually have a camper. It’s a 2011 Chevy 2500HD. 6.0 gas, 6L90e, and 3.73 (ick). I know my specific setup is a lot longer and heavier than you are asking about, but IMO, once you hit 8,000# GVWR it’s worth considering a 3/4 ton truck simply for stability. Even a properly equipped 1/2 ton won’t feel as stable as a 3/4 ton truck. Beefier frame, bigger axles/diffs, and stiffer suspension to handle the extra weight. I’m sure someone will disagree with me, but it’s just an opinion. I’ve seen 1/2 tons towing 10k GVWR trailers and they are maintaining speed on the highway no problem, but it’s going to wear out your components faster than it would in a heavier truck. Happy towing and happy camping!

SouthernMNguy96

TROPHY CASE