Half ton or three quarter ton?

[ocuyler]

I'm closing in on a new Yukon XL/Suburban. The SC23CC will weigh out at what, 6500 pounds max/wet with the Continental dual axle trailer. Gear and passengers (and optional equipment) will be up to 1500 more pounds.

The towing capacity of a 1/2 ton is 7,200 pounds. The payload cap. is 1,650. My (maximum) application is therefore roughly 85 percent of rated capacity.

The towing capacity of a 3/4 ton is 8600 pounds. The payload cap. is 2,400. My max application is 70 percent of rated capacity.

My concern is that this towing senario is only done 10% of the time. The ride quality and fuel economy will both be harsher the rest of the time. Price is more or less the same.

Any comments?