What Is a GMC Carryall?

A GMC Carryall is the early, truck-based people-and-cargo wagon sold by GMC—essentially GMC’s version of the Chevrolet Suburban “Carryall”—that originated in the late 1930s and evolved into today’s long-wheelbase GMC Yukon XL. In period literature, “Carryall” described a rugged, windowed utility body with removable seats designed to carry both passengers and freight.

Origins and Meaning of the Term

In the 1930s, “carryall” became an industry term for panel-truck–derived wagons that could “carry all” kinds of loads—people, luggage, tools—thanks to side windows and bench seating that could be removed for cargo. Chevrolet popularized the format with the 1935 Suburban Carryall. GMC joined a short time later (commonly cited as the 1937 model year) with its own companion model, often described in period materials as a GMC Suburban/Carryall. Over time, the “Carryall” descriptor faded from mainstream GMC marketing, but the vehicle line continued uninterrupted, establishing the template for modern full-size SUVs.

From Carryall to Yukon XL

While the “Carryall” name is largely historical, the lineage is direct. GMC’s Suburban-based wagons ran for decades; for the 2000 model year, GMC renamed its Suburban the Yukon XL, while Chevrolet kept the Suburban name. The current long-wheelbase GMC Yukon XL (part of the fifth-generation Yukon introduced for 2021) remains the spiritual and mechanical descendant of those original GMC carryall wagons: body-on-frame, three-row seating, and heavy-duty towing capability.

Timeline Highlights

The following milestones trace how the GMC Carryall concept took shape and persisted into the modern era.

• 1930s: “Carryall” emerges as a body style; Chevrolet launches the Suburban Carryall (1935); GMC follows with its companion model (commonly noted as 1937).
• 1940s–1950s: Postwar “Advance Design” era cements the format; “Carryall” remains a descriptor though marketing increasingly emphasizes “Suburban.”
• Late 1950s: Factory-available four-wheel drive arrives, boosting utility for work, ranch, and government fleets.
• 1967–1972: Three-door configuration (one door on the driver side, two on the passenger side) becomes a hallmark of the era.
• 1973–1991: Four-door, square-body generation expands suburban-family and fleet use; models become icons for durability.
• 1990s: Refinement, fuel-injection, and safety features modernize the platform while retaining heavy-duty capability.
• 2000–present: GMC Suburban name transitions to Yukon XL; ongoing generations deepen the formula with modern V8s, independent rear suspension (from 2021), and advanced safety/infotainment.

These checkpoints show that while the “Carryall” label faded, the core mission—carry people and cargo with truck-grade strength—remained intact.

Defining Characteristics

Across generations, the GMC Carryall concept has been marked by a consistent set of traits that differentiate it from cars and car-based crossovers.

• Body-on-frame construction shared with GMC/Chevrolet pickups, enabling high towing and payload capacity.
• Multiple rows of seating with removable or foldable benches to switch between passengers and freight.
• Side windows and rear access (barn doors or tailgate) on a panel-truck-derived shell.
• Available four-wheel drive (factory and earlier dealer/NAPCO conversions) for off-pavement or utility work.
• Use cases ranging from family transport to commercial, municipal, and emergency services.

Together, these features created a uniquely versatile vehicle long before “SUV” entered the mainstream lexicon.

Common Misconceptions

Because “carryall” was a generic term and used by multiple makers, confusion is common. Here’s what it isn’t.

• Not a separate modern GMC model: “Carryall” is a historical descriptor; today’s direct successor is the Yukon XL.
• Not the same as a GMC panel truck: Panel trucks lacked rear side windows and passenger seating; carryalls added both.
• Not the Dodge WC-53 Carryall: Dodge used the term for its WWII-era 4×4 wagon; similar concept, different manufacturer.
• Not the GMC CCKW “Deuce and a Half”: That was a 2.5-ton military cargo truck, a different platform and mission.

Keeping the terminology straight helps place the GMC Carryall accurately within automotive history.

Collectability and Enthusiast Interest

Early prewar and immediate postwar GMC carryall-style wagons are comparatively scarce and can be sought-after among restorers. The 1967–1972 three-door and 1973–1991 four-door “square-body” GMCs are popular with both preservationists and restomod builders, valued for simplicity, parts availability, and towing capacity. Interest has risen alongside the broader classic truck market, though pricing varies widely by originality, condition, and modifications.

Why It Matters

The GMC Carryall helped define the full-size SUV long before the term existed. It bridged commercial toughness and passenger comfort, setting the stage for vehicles like the Yukon XL that still anchor GMC’s lineup with space, capability, and durability.

Summary

A GMC Carryall refers to GMC’s early, windowed, multi-passenger utility wagons—the GMC counterpart to Chevrolet’s Suburban Carryall—originating in the late 1930s. While the “Carryall” name receded from marketing, the concept lived on through GMC’s Suburban models and continues today in the long-wheelbase Yukon XL, maintaining the original mission: carry people and cargo with truck-grade strength.

What is a GMC crackerbox?

The GMC F-Series, a Class 8, tilted-cabover design, was best known as the “Crackerbox” by truck drivers. Source: Jim Park/Canva. Officially, it was called the GMC F-Series, a Class 8, tilted-cabover design.

What did GMC call their Suburban?

The GMC version of the Chevrolet Suburban is called the GMC Yukon XL. While GMC and Chevrolet shared the Suburban nameplate for decades, since 2000, the GMC model has been exclusively marketed as the Yukon XL in North America.
 
Key Points:

• Shared Platform: The GMC Yukon XL is built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Suburban and shares its nearly identical dimensions and interior cargo space. 
• Name Change: The name change from Suburban to Yukon XL occurred with the 2000 model year. 
• Market Presence: The Chevrolet Suburban is sold globally, while the GMC Yukon XL is sold primarily in North America and the Middle East. 
• Evolution of the Name: GMC’s own version of the Chevrolet Suburban was originally called the “Carryall” in the 1950s before becoming the Suburban, and later the Yukon XL. 

What is a Carryall truck?

Automobile. The name carryall was later used for a panel truck with rear windows and folding rear seats, allowing for the transport of either passengers, cargo, or both. This sort of vehicle is an ancestor of today’s sport utility vehicles.

What is GMC’s version of a Tahoe?

The GMC version of the Chevrolet Tahoe is the GMC Yukon. Both are full-size SUVs from General Motors that share the same platform, engine options, and towing capabilities. The Yukon generally offers a more luxurious interior and more premium standard and available features compared to the Tahoe, which tends to be more practical and budget-friendly, though both provide ample space and seating for families.
 
This video compares the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting their differences and similarities: 59sAutoPediaYouTube · Sep 13, 2024
Here are some key differences:

• Luxury and Style: The Yukon is positioned as the more upscale and luxurious counterpart to the Tahoe. It features more premium materials and available design elements not found in the Tahoe. 
• Features and Technology: While the SUVs share many features, the Yukon often comes with more standard technology and higher-end available options, such as advanced features like Transparent Trailer View and Night Vision, according to DeVoe Buick GMC. 
• Ride Quality: The Yukon is known for providing a more comfortable and refined ride, even at the base trim level. 
• Price: The Yukon typically has a higher starting price, reflecting its additional luxury and features, while the Tahoe aims to offer a similar experience at a lower cost. 
• Trim Levels: Both vehicles have off-road-oriented trims (the Yukon AT4 and Tahoe Z71) with similar upgrades for off-road performance. The Yukon also offers the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims, which provide an even higher level of opulence and luxury.