2014 Chevy/GMC 1500 6.2L + max tow?

[DC Bruce]

Looking for anyone who is using 2015 GM 1/2 ton with 6.2 liter V-8 and max trailer tow package combination crew cab. The max trailer tow package was the only way to get a 1960 lb. payload rating with this truck. It was available with both the 5.3 L and 6.2 L V-8s. I've been looking around for this combination to pull my new 27 FC. Chevy dealers tell me that GM is not accepting dealer orders for this combination and none have been made, even though the "build and price" section of Chevy's website offers this combo. I'm wondering whether there's a supplier issue or a bad warranty experience with the '14s or what. So I wanted to see if anyone on the forum is using this combo. Having driven a couple of trucks with this engine, I'd say it's very nice. I can't say the same about the 5.3. Looking at the new F-150 3.5 ecoboost also, which is what I may end up with.
But my first choice is the big V-8, if I can get the max towing.

[slowmover]

Have you compared your choice to the 3/4T version?

An air ride 3/4T Dodge with 6.4L Hemi would be my default comparison for any pickup with gasoline motor were I considering a pickup for a 25' or larger A/S.

[dznf0g]

I am picking up a 2015 Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 tomorrow for my next demo. I couldn't find a max tow that fit the parameters of my program. So it is a 6.2, 8 speed but has the standard rear axle and a 3.23 gear instead of the 3.42.

I'll at least be able to gauge the performance, allow for the gear difference and do some extra math at the scale to see how it may work for a loaded up truck and 30' classic. It'll be a couple of months before I can report back, but I am still considering it over a 2500....we'll see. My gut says it'll pull fine...but for me and my toys, I don't think there's enough payload. IIRC, the max tow gives 350ish more pounds of payload, depending how optioned.

[SSquared]

I went looking for one of these to test drive in November. Couldn't find one with the 6.2. For 2015 models, the only 6.2s were mated to the 8 speed tranny, built in the Denali version, which has special shocks. The Max Tow package has different, special, shocks, so I guess putting Max Tow on a Denali would make it no longer be a Denali....

Anyway, I did test drive a 2015 1500 Sierra with Max Tow and the 5.3. The ride is clearly better than the 3/4 ton trucks I also test drove. I was overall pleased with it. The dealer had two Max Tow trucks on hand, both in LTZ trim. The payload posted on the door sticker read about 1850 on one and 1880 on the other (different options on the two trucks). I think these trucks were both short beds, but I may be remembering that wrong.

In the end, we decided to keep the tow vehicle we have now.

I'll be interested to hear what others think when they find a 6.2 engine paired with Max Tow.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I am picking up a 2015 Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 tomorrow for my next demo. I couldn't find a max tow that fit the parameters of my program. So it is a 6.2, 8 speed but has the standard rear axle and a 3.23 gear instead of the 3.42.

I'll at least be able to gauge the performance, allow for the gear difference and do some extra math at the scale to see how it may work for a loaded up truck and 30' classic. It'll be a couple of months before I can report back, but I am still considering it over a 2500....we'll see. My gut says it'll pull fine...but for me and my toys, I don't think there's enough payload. IIRC, the max tow gives 350ish more pounds of payload, depending how optioned.

The dealer I used to work for in BC has ordered one in for me on spec and I have been to the US site and looked. Most every thing is the same except when we were speccing it out we both noticed that there was an optional 7600lb GVW available with the Crew and 6.5 box and Max Tow.
When I look on the GM.com site I can't find the option tho you may be able to see it on the site you use for ordering.
Have you noticed this?


George

[dznf0g]

I don't see a 7600lb GVWR. I see a 7200GVWR with Maxtow.

BTW, I called my sales counterpart coworker. There does not appear to be any restriction on any MaxTow ordering capability. There was...way back at the beginning of the 2014 model year, when we couldn't get enough of the 9.76" rear axle.

[gandttimes]

Wonder if it another Canadian thing like no 4x2 Denali?


George

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by gandttimes

Wonder if it another Canadian thing like no 4x2 Denali?


George

Possibly, I just am not familiar with Canadian distribution. However, I would be REALLY surprised if there were physical suspension (et.al.) differences, resulting in GVWR rating differences in Canada vs. US.

I am wondering if the website isn't clear and the 7200 "max GVWR" on the spec page is for non-MaxTow trucks and the Maxtow axle brings it to 7600". I really need to see a MaxTow truck and My demo door placards to get an answer. You are correct, in that the Dealer order guide is (most of the time) more correct and more detailed than marketing materials, like simplistic web page spec sheets.

[KJRitchie]

Is the fuel tank only 26 gallons on these with the 5.3L and 6.2L. That would be a deal breaker for me for towing.

Kelvin

[ghaynes755]

Kelvin, yes 26 gal on the 1500.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Possibly, I just am not familiar with Canadian distribution. However, I would be REALLY surprised if there were physical suspension (et.al.) differences, resulting in GVWR rating differences in Canada vs. US.

I am wondering if the website isn't clear and the 7200 "max GVWR" on the spec page is for non-MaxTow trucks and the Maxtow axle brings it to 7600". I really need to see a MaxTow truck and My demo door placards to get an answer. You are correct, in that the Dealer order guide is (most of the time) more correct and more detailed than marketing materials, like simplistic web page spec sheets.

The 7600lb was on the dealer order guide, not on the website.
I'm going to get hold of the fleet Mgr (we are on the road for another 5 weeks) and see if I can't get a code.


George

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Possibly, I just am not familiar with Canadian distribution. However, I would be REALLY surprised if there were physical suspension (et.al.) differences, resulting in GVWR rating differences in Canada vs. US.

I am wondering if the website isn't clear and the 7200 "max GVWR" on the spec page is for non-MaxTow trucks and the Maxtow axle brings it to 7600". I really need to see a MaxTow truck and My demo door placards to get an answer. You are correct, in that the Dealer order guide is (most of the time) more correct and more detailed than marketing materials, like simplistic web page spec sheets.

The 7600lb was on the dealer order guide, not on the website.
I'm going to get hold of the fleet Mgr (we are on the road for another 5 weeks) and see if I can't get a code.


George

[Jack46]

I read somewhere that the GM 2500 SUV's were not going to be produced in 2015?

[ghaynes755]

Jack, correct and there were no 3/4 ton Yukons/Tahoes in 2014 either.

[tjdonahoe]

The 5.3. Is a weak tv, my neighbor has a 2009 1/2 with a 6,2 chevrolet, pulling a car trailer with a lite old car it does alright,but pulling a 24' enclosed. Trailer with a light car, it does it but it is working hard, probably like a glorified 350....best with a 3/4 ton for a gasser I like the dodge 6.4......I will keep my 6.7 with a six speed auto, the 8 or 10 speeds do not make up for an under powered engine....

[lsbrodsky]

No complaints with my 2012 Silverado 5.3 factory towing package, tow/haul, etc. for my 25 FB. I might not say that if I had a 31 but I never will. Nor will I be tempted to go to a 2500 with a diesel for my 25. I would have bought a 6.2 if there had been one on the lot at the time, because I do agree that bigger is better.
Larry

[dznf0g]

The 6.2 was a new Gen 5 motor in 2014. Direct injection, cylinder deactivation as well as variable valve timing. Not the same engine as 2009 (And I'd disagree with the weak comment even in the 2009 version).

The 6.0 in the 2500 is a cast iron block and not a Gen 5 engine. 6.2 is better for highway recreational loading and pulling. The 6.0 is a fine puller for my 30'er (have had 2 of them), but am anxious to try the 6.2. I had the old 6.2 in an Escalade and a Yukon XL Denali and it pulled very well.

I also own a 2000 Express with a 350 and it is weak by today's standards. There is no comparison to a 6.0 or any generation 6.2.

[DC Bruce]

There seems to be no fuel economy penalty for the larger engine. I drove a 2500 Duramax yesterday and I can tell you, it's night and day different from either the Chevy or Ford 1/2 tons I drove the same day. You definitely feel the additional 1000-1500 lb. mass over the lighter trucks and the engine is a symphony of gurgling, rumbling and whistling sounds as you navigate through traffic. I grew up driving various sized trucks on summer jobs I had in my late teens, so I wasn't shocked. My wife, however, had an immediate negative gut reaction--even as a passenger. I'm comfortable with the idea of pulling a 7600 lb. GVWR 27-foot Flying Cloud behind a 1/2 ton truck. I'm not sure I would fee the same about pulling a 10,000 GVWR Classic 30. Fortunately that's not what I own.

[dznf0g]

OK, I think I have this figured out. This is the NON MaxTow 2015 Sierra I picked up today with a 6.2L and 8 speed. It does not have the maxtow package with the heavier 9.73" rear axle.

It has a GVWR of 7200

I believe the 7600# "option" your dealer was referring to is the MaxTow package, which makes sense. You get 350#s more on the RGAWR and 50#s on the front.

[A W Warn]

I had an extended cab 2000 Silverado 1500 5.3L gas engine with four speed automatic. I towed a 30' Excella with it, but it struggled in the mountains.
Next I had a crew cab 2010 Silverado 1500 6.2L gas with six speed automatic with the max trailering package. It pulled the 30' Excella that I owned at that time without any problem.
My next tow vehicle was a crew cab Silverado 2500 6.0L gas six speed. I really did not like that vehicle. It would carry all of the payload but struggled pulling the weight (a 3/4 ton is much heavier vehicle than a 1/2 ton)
I now have a 2014 Silverado 1500 5.3L gas with the six speed automatic with the maximum trailering package. This is the best tow vehicle I have ever owned. It tows my 25' just fine, anywhere I want to go. It will tow my 34' but the tongue weight of the trailer and weight of two passengers is really close to the maximum payload, 1,600 lbs, so I have to carry things in the trailer that I normally would carry in the truck bed. My truck's GVWR is 7,200.

Comparing the 5.3L in my 2014 to the 6.2L in my 2010, the 6.2L was noticeably stronger. But there's the trade off of the additional fuel consumption of the 6.2. Either engine will get the job done.