Report on Chevy/GMC 1500 with 6.2 engine and Max tow pack

[CaCraig]

Awesome truck! Is it strange that I have the same truck with the smaller 5.3L and my payload is 67lbs. more?

[dznf0g]

It all depends on cab/bed configuration and option content. And the 6.2/8 speed is a bit heavier. Mine is a double cab and more loaded than I really wanted, but the deal was too good to pass or wait for another.

[CaCraig]

Mine had more that I wanted also. I have 4 full size doors and a regular bed. Victory Red.

It must be because the weight difference of the engine/transmission.

[white laker]

Rich
simply an awesome tow vehicle. Well matched to the 30/31 foot Classics.
"there is no replacement for displacement!"
Enjoy!
Pete

[dznf0g]

Yeah, I had a 6.2 liter 8 speed with 3.23 gears (non-maxtow) Sierra (company truck) last summer. I was so incredibly impressed that it took Duramax out of my consideration set. I have towed with several Duramax trucks, and they are great. But this powertrain is impressive.

[gandttimes]

I was hoping that this might be my next truck but as usual they have messed with the option packages for 2016 such that if you want bucket seats and console you can only get the 6.2 with the 3.23 rear gears.
Max tow 6.2 and 3.42 rear is only available with 40.20.40 front bench.
Seriously?



George

[dznf0g]

Really? I wanted 40/20/40, but couldn't in 2015. Is this on an LTZ?

[dznf0g]

At Chevy.com, under build and price, it appears that 40/20/40 is standard, but it allowed me to select buckets with max tow, 6.2L and 3.42s. It forced Bose and wireless charging.

[gandttimes]

This was on GM.ca. On a GMC ( or Chev.) if I tried to add heated and cooled buckets on either of the cab styles on the SLT, it wouldn't allow max tow with the 6.2. Kept on kicking off the buckets.


George

[dznf0g]

It works on the GMC website. I just completed one. Buckets, heated/cooled, SLT (requires premium package), 6.2l, 8 speed, Maxtow, etc.

http://www.gmc.com/sierra-1500-picku...iT1BUSU9OUyJ9@

I will tell you that the sites are quirky. After I selected maxtow and then selected 6.2l, it removed maxtow. I then selected maxtow AFTER 6.2l and it stuck...removed 40/20/40 seats, added buckets with console. I then selected heated/cooled seats and all stuck.

Please see your dealer for accurate builds. I often find quirky behavior on the website(s) that lead one to wrong conclusions.

Use the options tab on the above link and hit the heated/cooled seats radio button. I linked prior to adding that feature. You can see the configuration you desire.

[KJRitchie]

I guess special orders are the only way to get a 6.2L. I guess you end up paying close to MSRP on special orders?

Kelvin

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I have noted no knock when running solo with 87 octane. But knocks often while towing without 91 octane. Never tried 89, but like Mr. Barnhart says, it's not that much more expensive in the scheme of things.

I need to revise this after getting my ScanGauge firmware updated and installing. I programmed in "knock sensor retard" field and watched carefully. When running solo (I would never tow without premium) with 87 octane and in 4 cyl mode, at about 1200 rpm, and a slight incline approaches...when going to 8 cyl mode I hear 1 or 2 knocks and the scangauge shows retard. Knock stops immediately and retard goes to zero.

I'm going to try it at 89 octane and see how/if it differs. Note: a single knock or two isn't going to hurt anything, but could be an irritation to some.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I guess special orders are the only way to get a 6.2L. I guess you end up paying close to MSRP on special orders?

Kelvin

Not necessarily, I found 6 in various dealers' inventories when making a decision to jump on leftover 2015s in late November. 3 were black (no way for me). Found one just to my liking about 40 miles away. Dealers who are in horse country say they always stock, as horse folks want them on a regular basis.

[gandttimes]

[QUOTE=dznf0g;1732590]It works on the GMC website. I just completed one. Buckets, heated/cooled, SLT (requires premium package), 6.2l, 8 speed, Maxtow, etc.

I guess they didn't like my comments as I can't even access the site anymore. GM.ca won't let me build anything other than a 2015.
This is fairly typical up here. I sold for them for 20 years, so I know.


George

[gandttimes]

[QUOTE=gandttimes;1732633]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

It works on the GMC website. I just completed one. Buckets, heated/cooled, SLT (requires premium package), 6.2l, 8 speed, Maxtow, etc.

I guess they didn't like my comments as I can't even access the site anymore. GM.ca won't let me build anything other than a 2015.
This is fairly typical up here. I sold for them for 20 years, so I know.


George

Ok major apology here. Tried what dznf0g said after I found a back door in and it does work.
$57K and change. Maybe you stateside folks should come up here with your $ and get 30% off?


George

[Steve Bryant]

1. Has anyone had any experience with the 6.2L/Max Tow Combo being used to tow a 34' Airstream? I believe that it would make a good TV, but I'd like to hear from someone. Especially, someone who has towed in the Rockies.

2. Does anyone know what the max hitch weight rating is for the max tow package? The 2015 GMC Trailering Guide states on page 13 that the max trailer weight for the short bed 6.2L with Max Tow Pkg. is 11,900 pounds for the 4X4 version. But there's no mention of permissible hitch weight.

Thanks,

Steve

[dznf0g]

Steve, I pull a 30' classic...and 1200 lbs max receiver weight.

[DC Bruce]

Funny, my wife wanted the 40/20/40 seat option and it was not available with the '14 or '15.
Have now towed my rig from DC to California, up the PCH to San Jose. Then east to Yosemite and back to LA. I don't feel the need for more power and the 8-speed always has the engine where it can work effectively. But I run at 60 or the speed limit, whichever is less and my FC 27 is 7650 lbs. GVWR, not 10,000. Hitch is rated at 1,200 lbs. If anything, the longer trailers (30, 34) would have a lower tongue weight than the 27. If the diesel exhaust brake is more effective than engine compression in a gas engine, that might tip me in favor of a diesel to pull the heavier trailer. There's a long 10% downhill grade in Death Valley, where I felt my braking capacity was just about maxed out. Price wise, I could have had a Chevy 2500 Duramax LT for the same dollars as my truck. My truck is better equipped (SLT with leather, Bose audio, towing mirrors) but it was 6 months old with 4K miles. My truck has a bit softer ride even with the max trailer tow than a Chevy 2500, both empty.

[Steve Bryant]

Rich and DC,
I want to thank you both for your responses. One thing that I've never done is to have my trailer weighed (total, per axle and tongue weight). I really need to do that.

Steve

[Seinbelld]

Hello,

I've been researching tow vehicles for months now and we're taking delivery of a 30' Serenity in 1-2 months. I've been back and forth between HD trucks, gas vs. diesel, etc. I usually enjoy researching car purchases, but I'm beyond tired. The right size TV is such a polarizing issue on this forum [end rant].

I happened to stumble onto this thread after realizing that a Ford EcoBoost Lariat wouldn't have the payload I was hoping for. If I bought a HD truck, I was planning to go GMC all the way.. so in one sense glad to be back on a Sierra.

My question.... do you think that the 6.2 with the max trailering package would be ideal for a family of four (5 and 3 yo girls currently) who eventually plans to take multi-week trips out West each year? Right now, we were planning to buy an Equalizer hitch if that matters.

So... 30 ft Airstream, Equalizer Hitch, GMC 1500 SLT w/ 6.2 and max trailering. We're probably a little less than 400 lbs. as a family, obviously the kids are growing...

Would appreciate any vote of confidence (or not) you can give me.

Eric