Denali 1500 w/6.2L vs. Denali 2500HD Duramax

[DHart]

I am looking at two potential trucks as a TV. I know that either one is more than fully capable to tow a 30' Flying Cloud, but want to get some feedback from those who may have/had either of these two trucks.

2015 GMC Denali 1500 truck with the 6.2L engine - 9,200 lbs. towing capacity 1740 lbs. payload
2015 GMC Denali 2500 truck with Duramax - 13,000 lbs. towing capacity 2793 lbs. payload

Aside from the $6k-$7k price difference:

The 1500 would have more than enough capability for pulling the 30' Flying Cloud, no problem, and is more "car-like" to drive around.

The 2500 HD is more "truck-like" to drive around, but its extra margin of towing capacity would be very reassuring. I do like the extra height and more truck-like quality of the 2500HD. And the fact that this truck could tow something heavier than an AS, should I ever want to do so, though I don't anticipate having another RV after a 30' Flying Cloud.

I'm told that late model 3/4 ton diesel trucks are in greater demand and tighter supply than 1/2 ton gas trucks are, which may indicate that the former could hold resale value better over the coming years.

I drove both of these trucks today and really liked them both, though there was a marked difference in "feel" while driving them. As I said, the 1500 with 6.2L was quite car-like and the 2500 with Duramax was quite noticeably a very beefy truck, but still quite luxurious and comfortable.

So... your comments about either or both of these trucks would be appreciated.

[SteveSueMac]

I have a '13 Chevy 2500 diesel. You've highlighted exactly the issue. Something else serves better as a daily non-towing driver and the 2500 diesel is an amazingly fantastic tow vehicle with PLENTY of headroom for towing and braking.

While I tow less than regular driving, for me, towing had to be as close to flawless as possible so the beefy truck works well for me and I deal with it as a less than perfect "car".

Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

[DHart]

We're semi-retired (we do operate an internet-only business) and we only drive around 10k miles a year, combined local shopping and travel (which would be pulling the 30FC).

Even though the around-town driving quality of the 2500HD is "truck-like", GMC has made the Denali 2500HD so nice and feature laden that the driving experience is still very comfortable and luxurious. The vehicle just doesn't whip around corners as light-footedly as the 1500 6.2L does, nor is it as quick off the line. And I'm fine with those attributes. In fact, I feel safer and more secure in my place on the road while driving the 2500HD, due to the beefy quality of the vehicle and sitting higher.

Obviously, I'm leaning toward the 2500 HD Duramax! And still wanting to hear your thoughts!

[cwf]

2012 2500 Dmax HD, 4x4, crew cab, medium bed.

34' AS, tows comfortably. Not all travels are with tailwind, downhill on glasslike roads. There is no issue controlling when needed.

If you are not an overcompensating, wimp of a man like me, if you are someone who has perfect driving ability and prophetic wisdom, buy a FIAT or Smart Car for your tow vehicle! Imagine how impressed the gals will be!

Yes, sorta kidding. I can tow with far less vehicle... Sure, but when things went bad the truck was up to the task.

[ghaynes755]

The issue isn't whether it will pull the Airstream. The issue is the amount of payload that will still be available to put in the bed of the truck after hooking up the trailer. With my FC25, Propride, my 2015 Sierra 1500 had 80 lbs left for the bed of the truck when the truck was full fuel, me, wife and dog. Truck was equipped similar to a Denali and had a Roll-n-Lock bed cover. Towed just fine through the mountains of Colorado.

2015 2500 Duramax no problem on loading. Better mileage while towing (25+% better) and it is my daily driver. Also larger brakes and the Exhaust Break is worth it for helping slow everything down. Denali model basically has all of the options including the built in brake controller.

Is the Duramax overkill, maybe. If you don't want diesel then the 2500 with the 6.2L would still be the way to go.

And while the published numbers are supposed to be accurate spend $10 and test drive them down to the local CAT scales and get real numbers. You may be surprised at what the real payload is. Take the CAT numbers and add a full load of fuel, the family and pets that will ride along see what is 'real'.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I'm all for half tons; Actually 150/1500 tow vehicles, but for a 30'er you need the 250/2500 sized tow vehicles. More so for the payload.

[TinShack]

I have a 2015 Denali 2500HD and absolutely love, love, love it. The one thing about it I don't like is parking it. Parallel parking is more difficult and with some of the designer-type parking lots at some shopping centers, it's a two point turn to get it parked straight. I usually just park away from everybody else if possible.

With the Duramax, after 3500 miles, I've been getting about 14 mpg combined driving and about 21 mpg highway. Towing, about 14-15 mpg highway and 10-12 mpg combined. In California where I live, diesel is now about $.25/gallon cheaper than regular.

I really don't have to worry about adding too much weight in gear and passengers to the truck which I really like, and the new interior design is awesome.

[KWN306]

Let me play the devil in this conversation...............I look at the dollars...........you can burn a lot of gas for the price difference between gas & diesel.

But I also live in a state where they tax your personal property to death. 3/4 ton trucks are taxed at 100% of their value for the life of the vehicle, a 1/2 ton truck is taxed at 50% of its value for the life of the truck or until 149K miles, then its value becomes $0.00.

Saying all that I bought a Dodge diesel in 2000 when diesel fuel was cheaper than gas and the diesel truck gets twice the mileage as a gas truck and will pull a house down the road as well. It only has 115K in 15 yrs, I spent $5K in repairs last year which is still cheaper than a new truck............diesels are expensive to repair though.

Here in VA diesel fuel is still way more expensive than gas by at least .50 - .60 cents a gallon.

[Garmat]

Just bought a 30 foot 2013 international and pulled it home with our 2013 2500 diesel denali and loved it. Never pulled a trailer before and spent 10 days driving home on tight mountain roads and felt so comfortable with how the two worked together. Safety is first for us and not having to worry about weight is key.

[cwf]

A fine is a tax for doing wrong

A tax is a fine for Doing well.

Please stop moving to Texas!!! The Polly teeshuns are seeing BiG revenu that you were paying in your previously overtaxed states and building TOLL ROADS!!! Etc!

Fix y'all taxes!!!!

[Stfinabi]

we have a ten year old duramax 2500hd. it is perfect for trailers and my 6500 pound boat and its trailer. the problem is the spouse. she no longer abides the diesel noise and the rougher ride. we are looking at a new denali 1500.

[KJRitchie]

I moved from Texas to Missouri last year due to job change. Don't like paying MO state income tax or MO personal property tax on my vehicles. But my home property taxes are lower than TX. I'm hoping the overall tax costs will be a wash between the two states. I won't find out my personal property tax and my vehicles and AS until September.

Getting back on track, for a 30' AS I would be more inclined to go the diesel route. I think using even a 1/2t truck as a daily driver and maneuvering around parking lots is a pain so to me a 3/4t truck would not be that much worse. I just park in the back 40 of the parking lot when I run errands in my Tundra.

Kelvin

[rperrym]

We also have a 2013 Duramax and pull a 28 foot FC. The benefits we realize are going over steep passes in Colorado. The truck barely downshifts going up and the exhaust brake going down is a life saver, well at least a brake saver.

[iowaroots]

It's an easy choice. Go with the Duramax. The power and torque will amaze and comfort you and the ride too is amazing.

[gwmc]

I just went through the same deliberations, between the GMC half ton 6.2, the Denali 2500 diesel and a Ford F350 diesel. I went with the Denali 2500HD for the following reasons: 1. payload - our 25' Classic has a 1100 lb tongue weight and we like to bring along some toys; 2. quality of interior and ride (a bit nicer than Ford, not quite as nice as the 1500); 3. high altitude Rocky Mountain towing - we like hiking, in the West. The turbo diesel will be better at high altitude - better torque and better mileage.

Decided I can live with the more truck-like ride. We don't need it for day to day grocery shopping.

[F450Harley]

Originally Posted by gwmc

I just went through the same deliberations, between the GMC half ton 6.2, the Denali 2500 diesel and a Ford F350 diesel. I went with the Denali 2500HD for the following reasons: 1. payload - our 25' Classic has a 1100 lb tongue weight and we like to bring along some toys; 2. quality of interior and ride (a bit nicer than Ford, not quite as nice as the 1500); 3. high altitude Rocky Mountain towing - we like hiking, in the West. The turbo diesel will be better at high altitude - better torque and better mileage.



Decided I can live with the more truck-like ride. We don't need it for day to day grocery shopping.

I knew you were going to jump on the Denali Duramax once you get to compare both at the dealership. You will be fine with either Ford, Dodge or GMC exhaust brake and torque . Best wishes and post pics when delivered.



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[Bill M.]

I do not have either one. I do have a 2500 diesel Dodge. My advise is to buy the 2500 Denali. We drive the 2500 as a daily driver and like it.

[DC Bruce]

I've been shopping for a truck to pull my 27 FC for almost a year -- and have test driven both of these trucks. No question the 1500 is the nicer drive; it's downright car-like and super quiet. BUT the 6.2 requires premium fuel, so you won't be paying less per gallon for fuel with the 6.2. Also you will not find a 1500 6.2 with a rated payload greater than 1500 lbs. unless you get the max trailer tow package, which several dealers have said Chevy/GMC are not building right now. By rated payload, I mean what the red white and yellow sticker on the driver's side door frame says. I know; I've been looking. You definitely have to horse the 2500 around like the heavy truck it is. Also, bear in mind that most diesels quiet down after they've warmed up. So if it seems like a lot of racket from the engine when you test drive, it may be because it's not warmed up. Diesels warm up more slowly than gas engines, especially under light load.

[DHart]

Thank you, all, for your comments. I returned to the GMC dealer today with the wife and first we drove the Denali 2500HD, then we drove the Denali 1500 6.2L.

Denali 1500 Iridium towing an Airstream:


The difference between the 1500 and the 2500HD was stark. The 2500HD was much more 'truck-like' (slower off-the-line, a bit bouncey, and not as nimble) and the 1500 6.2L was dramatically like driving a car with a bed in the back (quick, quiet, smooth, nimble).

After driving the 1500 6.2L, I asked my wife which she liked better...and she said "the big one". She liked that the 2500HD had a higher stance relative to traffic around us on the road and felt 'safer' in the more beastly 3/4 ton diesel.

I asked her if the more truck-like ride bothered her and she said 'not at all'. The creature comforts of the Denali trim were sufficient for her to feel a relatively luxurious ride.

Sound-wise, the diesel was remarkably tamed. The Duramax engine sound was not the least bothersome to us. And the Allison shifting was surprisingly smooth. No complaints with that.

Parking... not that much a big deal to me. I'm accustomed to driving a 43' diesel pusher motorhome and a Yukon Denali, so parking the 2500HD was not a problem, though it did take a little more finessing to tuck it away into a typical parking space.

For some reason ALL the 1/2 ton trucks looked and felt pretty much like cars, to me. Of course, I'm accustomed to driving full size SUVs and 1/2 ton trucks.

It took the Denali 2500HD with the Duramax and Allison trans to give me what felt like the true "look and feel" of a real truck... and this gave me an impression of confidence, regarding pulling the airstream.

No doubt the 1500 6.2L Denali would do the job of pulling a 30' Airstream just fine. But the towing-suited mirrors, heavier brakes, higher payload, higher towing rating, and felt-beefiness of the Denali 2500HD with Duramax and Allison transmission won out, for both me and my wife.

It is likely that we will be going with the Denail 2500HD in Iridium, with Duramax and Allison.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I'm all for half tons; Actually 150/1500 tow vehicles, but

for a 30'er you need the 250/2500 sized tow vehicles.

More so for the payload.

Hi, You made a good choice.