2012 260 Sundeck Towing Capacity Requirements

[goherdibg]

I have a 2012 260 Sundeck which is listed with dry weight of approximately 5,200 lbs. I will probably buy an aluminum dual axle trailer. The 260SD has a 65 gal fuel tank and a 20 gal water tank. I don't typically have water in the tank or the head, but will assume a close to full fuel tank (400 lbs). I do not know the average weight of a dual axle alum trailer (not sure what I will buy yet) but am estimating about 1,000 lbs based on some models I have looked at.

That said, I am looking to buy a Yukon that has either a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs or 8,000 lbs (with a max towing package option). Is it safe to estimate my boat + trailer + fuel and accessories could add up to 7,000 lbs?

Does anyone else have a 2012(ish) model year 260 Sundeck being towed with a vehicle similar to the Yukon and it's towing capacity?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I don't want to end up being an internet meme.

 

[Blueone]

We towed a 260SD with a Mercedes GL450 that had tow capacity of 7,500lbs V6. We towed from Indiana to Tennessee quite regularly. On those longer trips I used a weight distributing hitch. It made a big difference, just around town I didn’t bother. The Mercedes had a self leveling air suspension so that was nice too.
Before that truck we used to own Suburbans for years. My wife liked the 3rd row and storage...it was important with 4 kids...still used weight distribution on long trips
My son has a 2500 Duramax I borrowed once in a while...that was the ultimate you couldn’t even feel the boat back there.
Good luck with your search...260SD was my favorite bow rider...great boat.

 

[Stingrayaxe]

I would check with the trailer manufacture about the use of a weight distribution system on a trailer with surge brakes. Most weight distribution systems don't allow the brake piston to engage the brakes. Also they are not recommended for use with aluminum trailers since they put a lot of stress on the trailer tongue. I would strongly consider the Yukon with the max trailer package. You might be surprise by your total weight when loaded. Not just the boat but what you put in the vehicle too. My boat keeps getting fatter with age. When we go on longer trips the admiral won't let me leave anything at home.

 

[goherdibg]

We towed a 260SD with a Mercedes GL450 that had tow capacity of 7,500lbs V6. We towed from Indiana to Tennessee quite regularly. On those longer trips I used a weight distributing hitch. It made a big difference, just around town I didn’t bother. The Mercedes had a self leveling air suspension so that was nice too.
Before that truck we used to own Suburbans for years. My wife liked the 3rd row and storage...it was important with 4 kids...still used weight distribution on long trips
My son has a 2500 Duramax I borrowed once in a while...that was the ultimate you couldn’t even feel the boat back there.
Good luck with your search...260SD was my favorite bow rider...great boat.

View attachment 101903

I ended up getting a 2021 GLS 450 (because the Yukons were $10K above MSRP) so I am glad you posted the pic of yours. I am looking to get a Venture 7225 trailer. I had the hitch option from the factory so I am hoping it will work well.

Thanks again and thanks for just happening to post a pic of the same Merc I ended up getting.

 

[Blueone]

I ended up getting a 2021 GLS 450 (because the Yukons were $10K above MSRP) so I am glad you posted the pic of yours. I am looking to get a Venture 7225 trailer. I had the hitch option from the factory so I am hoping it will work well.

Thanks again and thanks for just happening to post a pic of the same Merc I ended up getting.

That was a few years ago.... my wife has a Gls450 now. Great truck... you won’t regret it.