2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Exclusive Features

[nvestysly]

Black Friday vehicle sales get me to consider a new tow vehicle from time to time and this year is no different. All the major players in the truck market have "incredible," "fabulous," "amazing," and "spectacular" deals if you believe the commercials. Well.... I've done some checking and the $10k - $20k price reductions are often smoke & mirrors. But my investigation has identified some very interesting information regarding the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The features below are specific to the Sierra and it appears they will not be duplicated on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.

From what I've found online the trailering options are available on the SLT and Denali trim levels

MultiPro Tailgate

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m134WNPfOw

Trailer Tire Pressure and Temperature Monitoring (used in conjunction with the ProGrade Trailering System shown below)



Prograde Trailering System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojA1QfpfZZc

[Isuzusweet]

OMG, I wonder how much to repair or replace that tailgate should the unintended but inevitable happen.........

I think GM is out doing Ford with this edition of truck; paired with the new 3.0 inline turbo diesel, this would be a very sweet ride; I just hope the durability and reliability hold up.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[Hans627]

Wow! That truck has some great features. The design engineers apparently had experience with towing or they made good use of focus groups. Probably both!

[silverlabs]

I'm interested in seeing the tailgate work in person and like noted above, the cost of that thing when repair is needed. As far as the towing package, I'm glad to see they got with the program on some of the tech that has been out there of awhile. Ford has had that easily since 2015 and maybe before. Looking forward to seeing one in person.

[vito98103]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU67zm6k_Bo

[Deeno]

Hate to be a "Debby Downer" but I've looked at the 2019 and am disappointed. I would recommend the 2018 instead.
My reasons are the reduced axle capacity and location of the built-in brake controller. The new axles have a rating 150 lbs LESS than the previous model. This translates to a reduced towing capacity of 300lbs. Look at their website and you'll see it in the intro page.
I have a 2017 (same series) as a 2018, and my axles are rated for 3950; the new ones are rated at 3800.
My trailer controller is mounted on the top of the left bank of dashboard, in easy sightline while driving. The new version puts it down on the bottom of the center stack, near the right knee. You'll have to take eyes off the road when you need to find the manual control.
I LOVE GMC trucks, always have, but I'm afraid these two items are a step backwards. I was all ready to get the new tailgate and trailering computer upgrades, but my trailer already is close to maximum axle capacity. TO GMC, please fix this issue.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Deeno

Hate to be a "Debby Downer" but I've looked at the 2019 and am disappointed. I would recommend the 2018 instead.
My reasons are the reduced axle capacity and location of the built-in brake controller. The new axles have a rating 150 lbs LESS than the previous model. This translates to a reduced towing capacity of 300lbs. Look at their website and you'll see it in the intro page.
I have a 2017 (same series) as a 2018, and my axles are rated for 3950; the new ones are rated at 3800.
My trailer controller is mounted on the top of the left bank of dashboard, in easy sightline while driving. The new version puts it down on the bottom of the center stack, near the right knee. You'll have to take eyes off the road when you need to find the manual control.
I LOVE GMC trucks, always have, but I'm afraid these two items are a step backwards. I was all ready to get the new tailgate and trailering computer upgrades, but my trailer already is close to maximum axle capacity. TO GMC, please fix this issue.

To me the trailer brake control location change is a BIG improvement. I am right handed as are the majority of people. In a sway emergency I'd rather be reaching for it with my primary hand.

Regarding the axle rating, the new truck is supposed to be about 400 lbs lighter than the previous vetsion, so depending upon weight distribution the rear payload might have actually increased even though the axle rating decreased.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

To me the trailer brake control location change is a BIG improvement. I am right handed as are the majority of people. In a sway emergency I'd rather be reaching for it with my primary hand.

I agree. When I test drove the 2018 and earlier versions with the brake controller on the left I thought it was odd. Yes, it was clearly visible and within easy reach but my left hand doesn't naturally go that direction to want to grab the switch. It's probably due to the location of my existing aftermarket controller which is near my right knee and my right hand intuitively knows where it's located and how to operate it.

If I recall the previous controller correctly, both sides of the "button" moved but I may be wrong about that. The new controller location has a stationary side to rest your index finger while you compress the moving side with your thumb. Once again, that's a right-handed configuration but it works for me.

In the end it's probably tomato, tomahto but I like the new location and actuation.

I seem to recall in recent years GM provided settings in the Driver Information Center to accommodate hydraulic brakes (electric over hydraulic?). I hope that's still true in 2019. Otherwise, towing a trailer with electric over hydraulic requires the owner to "fool" the system by putting a brake magnet in the wiring.

[DewTheDew]

Originally Posted by silverlabs

I'm interested in seeing the tailgate work in person and like noted above, the cost of that thing when repair is needed. As far as the towing package, I'm glad to see they got with the program on some of the tech that has been out there of awhile. Ford has had that easily since 2015 and maybe before. Looking forward to seeing one in person.

I agree about much of the trailering things; my Ford has much of that (or at least as much as I find useful). Frankly I don't ever use the Ford system for backing a trailer; I already pretty much know how to do it and figure it would take more effort to learn the new system without much improvement in the final result. Has anyone felt the same way and found it to be more useful than you thought?

[J. Morgan]

Bells and whistles are cool til they won’t ring or sound....

[DewTheDew]

I also feel compelled to add that manufacturers should be taking this a step further by integrating the trailer info with the GPS (weight or height restrictions, road selection and even RV-friendly gas stations, for instance)

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by DewTheDew

I also feel compelled to add that manufacturers should be taking this a step further by integrating the trailer info with the GPS (weight or height restrictions, road selection and even RV-friendly gas stations, for instance)

Absolutely - AND - allow the driver to configure the dash - it’s all digital display now anyway - let me put the gps maps directly in front of me (heads up even better) so I’m not constantly shifting my focus to the center console (major pet peeve of mine). Let me decide if I want 70% of the real estate on the dash to be a speedometer or choose to put a double digit display in the bottom right 5% of the screen. Sheesh! [emoji35]

“This close” to adding a “get off my damn lawn” for good measure! [emoji3]

[gandttimes]

GM likes to sell the Denali version. Read "more profit " but the same issue with trailering that they had with the previous years and Denali is carried over.
The Denali with the trailering package and 6.2 is only available with the 3.23 axle and no HD weight option.
The SLT however gives you the choice of 7300 gvw abd 3.42 axle which allows more towing capacity and greater cargo capacity.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

...But my investigation has identified some very interesting information regarding the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The features below are specific to the Sierra and it appears they will not be duplicated on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado.

I've been continuing to research the 2019 trucks made by Chevrolet & GMC. Yes, I'm also looking at other brands but for this discussion will focus on the GM products.

This thread was originally started when I was told GMC had several features in their 2019 1500 Sierra that Chevrolet did not have on the 2019 1500 Silverado. It turns out that only the MultiPro Tailgate is unique to GMC. The tire pressure/temperature monitoring and trailering cameras are available on the 2019 1500 Silverado under the name of Advanced Trailering System.

So there ya go... a little more smoke & mirrors from new car dealers! Who woulda guessed it?!

[TomatoeBay]

New Member buying a 2011 twin forward 25 Flying Cloud this week. Own a 2015 Denali yukon with 60,000 miles. planning long trip out west with grandson this June and July. Have been offered a good deal on 2019, 1500 Denali pickup with generous trade in for my yukon. Strongly considering taking the deal. Any thought on this?

[Vantair]

Having a newer refresh series 2014 Sierra 1500 Denali loaded with a 5.3 and 3.42 rear end 6speed (1488 lb door sticker capacity). 9800lb stayed towing cap. We pull a 2005 25ft Intl 5300dry and 6300 wet. Truck does a solid job with trailer package and with quiet luxury also a daily driver. Sometimes wondered if 6.2 would Be wiser for the steeper hills at lower rpms but overall, we drive conservatively easy on the pedal and never seem to exceed 3000-3500 rpm going up steepest at 60mph mostly loaded up and able to accelerate beyond. Overall, love the truck and build quality needing only a recent battery over the 4 yrs owning.

Truck will get you more payload and towing capacity. Assuming all your related capacity numbers are in order.

We payed 50k end of model year 2014 spankin new.
Wondering price wise, what’s the dealer 2019 “good” price.?

Last week, local dealer sticker (So Cal) for 2018 crew 4x4 6.2 /3.23 rear was 64,470.00 ! Whew !

[TomatoeBay]

Rethinking things. What I really need is the SLT with pro towing package and have ask dealership to quote this for me. So will see if good deal stays. They offered 39500 for the Yukon denali on the initial discussion. iI would also want the 3.42 rear axle.

[TomatoeBay]

reference Pat Cassity Tow Vehicle forum 9/9/2018

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by TomatoeBay

Rethinking things. What I really need is the SLT with pro towing package and have ask dealership to quote this for me. So will see if good deal stays. They offered 39500 for the Yukon denali on the initial discussion. iI would also want the 3.42 rear axle.

You're on the right track. There is another thread on Air Forums specifically related to the Silverado/Sierra 1500 with Max Trailering Package. The MTP includes the 3.42 differential for both Silverado and Sierra (I think).

Many people opt for the 6.2L SLT (or LTZ) with MTP. I've been looking for the same but the 2019 1500 is lacking conventional tow mirrors. I'm hoping for a mid-year change or perhaps I'll wait until 2020 to see if conventional towing mirrors become available.

[TomatoeBay]

Now know that the new Denali with 6.2liter engine and 3.23 rear axle is now rated to tow 9000 plus pounds. They have achieved this with a reduction in the truck weight. The doors are now aluminum as is the hood and few other components. The cargo bed and sides remain steel.