Our new 2015 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax 2500HD

[wulfraat]

We just returned from a week out and about in the Colorado Rockies (we live on the front range near Denver)

Our 2017 2500 duramax Denali did a great job (our first big trip fully loaded towing with it). On our return leg my wife drove us eastbound up and over the continental divide through the Eisenhower tunnel on i70 in the pouring rain and in heavy traffic at speed - no problemo - stress free ride.

The 2500 provides a confident platform for towing for sure (we moved up from a 1/2 ton SUV and tow a 30' international serenity). Exhaust brake down the 8+ mile descent to Dillon at 6% grade worked well - I think she only touched the brakes twice due to traffic.

We are liking our upgrade in the TV department.... hood scoop on the 2017 is a plus

[Lara Me]

Nice rig! I heard so many friends extolling the virtues of a 3/4 ton diesel that we just bought one (RAM 2500 cummins) as our first TV and we've never looked back. I've got loaded now with 2 motorcycles, ramps, extra gear and generator, and towing our 27FB. Easily tackles tough passes, gets 13-15mpg, and handles the AS effortlessly.

You get a ton of opinions here on 1/2 tons vs 3/4 tons, gasser vs diesel. My personal belief is most of those opinions are held by people who have no experience with 3/4 ton diesels because once you have, so hard to accept anything less.

[kellycox7]

Lara Me...you're probably right. I've already been accused of "overkill" on the 3/4 ton diesel. But, if "overkill" means more control on downhill braking and ease of getting up the hill in the first place, then I'm happy with "overkill"

[carl2591]

what is the main differences between the SLT and Denali in the GMC model and the LTZ in the chev version in the 2500 HD diesel trucks.

currently in a 2003 f-250 SD iwth 7,3L and know it will be needing an upgrade in 5-7 yrs after we go full time in 3 yrs.

like the fords just not liking the issues with the 6.7L engines in the earlier models.

any issues with the durmax engines 2012 to 2015 models. ?

current miles on truck at 174K

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by carl2591

what is the main differences between the SLT and Denali in the GMC model and the LTZ in the chev version in the 2500 HD diesel trucks.

currently in a 2003 f-250 SD iwth 7,3L and know it will be needing an upgrade in 5-7 yrs after we go full time in 3 yrs.

like the fords just not liking the issues with the 6.7L engines in the earlier models.

any issues with the durmax engines 2012 to 2015 models. ?

current miles on truck at 174K

TRIM LEVEL.
Heated and cooled seats
Heated steaming wheel
Nicer leather
Magnetic ride supension
20" Rims
Bose sound
Front and rear parking assist
Lane departure warning
Ect...

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Lara Me

Nice rig! I heard so many friends extolling the virtues of a 3/4 ton diesel that we just bought one (RAM 2500 cummins) as our first TV and we've never looked back. I've got loaded now with 2 motorcycles, ramps, extra gear and generator, and towing our 27FB. Easily tackles tough passes, gets 13-15mpg, and handles the AS effortlessly.

You get a ton of opinions here on 1/2 tons vs 3/4 tons, gasser vs diesel. My personal belief is most of those opinions are held by people who have no experience with 3/4 ton diesels because once you have, so hard to accept anything less.

Your experience sounds limited. And it doesn't the differentiate between the two truck sizes. Nor their specifications. Don't take it wrong as that's most all of today's RVers. There are FAR better tow vehicles. They aren't pickups. Any pickup is more likely to initiate a loss of control accident than this trailer type. It's a genuine step backwards.

The single virtue of a one ton is cargo weight capacity. That's it. There are significant safety penalties associated with moving to heavier pickups from the lighter. They're worse.

They don't have better brakes, etc (it's the trailers that have bad brakes).

The assumptions about "weight" being primary are at fault, along with the assumption that a half ton is the default choice for a tow vehicle.

One would "think" folks would pay attention to the rollover hazard of any pickup, and they don't. It's worse when hitched, but one would think it inexcusable for a vehicle where far more than 50% of its miles are solo to use it primarily thus.

Keep it in mind that a truck will roll over at speeds where a car (and an AS) will simply skid sideways or spin.

The single virtue of GM over others is IFS. The front tires are more likely to stay in contact with the ground. If one needs a one ton type that's reason alone to choose it.

Like choosing an Airstream for its increased safety due to aerodynamic shape and suspension sophistication. Long life is the other drawing card.

The rest is to taste. Not of import.

.

[gpershall]

I just went thru the same scenario. I have a 2018 27FB twin due next week and just traded a 7 month jeep Grand cherokee summit for a gmc 2017 2500hd denali diesel. I also took a beating on the trade but I had come to the decision that I was fooling myself that I would be comfortable pulling with the GC. i really enjoy the truck and am really looking forward to getting the AS (our first)

[GMFL]

Love my new Denali duramax 2500. Driving it like an old man pays off

[TinShack]

Originally Posted by carl2591

what is the main differences between the SLT and Denali in the GMC model and the LTZ in the chev version in the 2500 HD diesel trucks.

currently in a 2003 f-250 SD iwth 7,3L and know it will be needing an upgrade in 5-7 yrs after we go full time in 3 yrs.

like the fords just not liking the issues with the 6.7L engines in the earlier models.

any issues with the durmax engines 2012 to 2015 models. ?

current miles on truck at 174K

Chevy LTZ and GMC SLT trim packages are similar. Chevy High Country and GMC Denali trim packages are similar but offer more standard features. Duramax is optional on all. You can check out the trim packages and what they offer on the Chevy and GMC website "build your own". I'm a 2015 Denali Duramax owner with 40,000 miles and flawless so far. Knock on wood..

[Lara Me]

On the subject of diesels, I am watching the recent news predicting the demise of diesels with some dread. Europe seems to be moving quickly away with Paris, London, and several other cities set to outlaw them in the next 10-15 years. We have a BMW diesel wagon that gets 40mpg average - sad to see VW scandal has soured many on diesels. I wonder in 20 years what the outlook for towing AS will look like and what role a diesel will play.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Lara Me

On the subject of diesels, I am watching the recent news predicting the demise of diesels with some dread. Europe seems to be moving quickly away with Paris, London, and several other cities set to outlaw them in the next 10-15 years. We have a BMW diesel wagon that gets 40mpg average - sad to see VW scandal has soured many on diesels. I wonder in 20 years what the outlook for towing AS will look like and what role a diesel will play.

20 years is a loooong time with technology advancement pace...and that pace is accelerating. Bottom line is, work will always have to be done with vehicles and there will always be trucks capable of everything they are capable of now. Fret not.

[Jack46]

I just turned 90K miles on my 2012 Duramax and it has not missed a beat. We recently returned from a five week trip to the Canadian Rockies and I followed a bit of advice given to me. Since Canadian diesel fuel can be marginal at times I immediately had my fuel filter replaced.