GMC 2019 1500 Sierra Tow Vehicle

[blahargoue]

The new GMC did well in the 3 way truck towing test. Actually, the Ford, Ram and GMC were all just about equal in the murderous towing test.

https://youtu.be/TgtBH2xOObE

[AbbyA]

We also have the 2019 GMC Sierra with the tow package. We haven’t hooked up our camera yet. Did you do it yourself? Advice appreciated!
We really like our new truck too!
2018 20’ FC

[pontzdav]

I had a 2015 Silverado 6.2L crew can 4WD short bed with max tow pkg. Recently replaced it with the 2018 model of same exact truck. Between the two trucks, i’ve towed my 2015 FC30 RB over 35000 miles including quite a bit in the Rockies. Average 13.9 mpg using 92 or 93 octane. Very happy with this TV and stay easily within all weight limits. GVWR is 7600, Curb Wt. is 5300 yielding useful load of 2300.

[Bev1940]

Originally Posted by amaier7771

There have been a lot of discussions regarding the 2019 1500 New Design GMC/Silverado as a tow vehicle. I thought I would share my experience with this new TOW vehicle.

I custom ordered a 2019 1500 SIerra SLT Crew Cab/short box, with the 6.2L engine and the new 10 speed transmission. I ordered it with the Max Tow package and the trailering camera package.

The *6.2L L87 V8 Ecotech3 is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Based on the trailering sticker on the door frame, the trailer towing capacity is 10,500lbs, more than enough for my Airstream Flying Could 25FB. The rated toungue capacity of my vehicle is 1210lbs.

Trailering Extendable Mirrors are NOT available for the 2019 Sierra!! Just this week, GMC just announced that trailering mirrors will be available on the 2020 1500 Sierra with the Max Towing package. It is is expected that 2019 versions that were ordered with the max towing option and the the 3 camera towing option will be able to be upgraded with the mirrors when the 2020 vehicles are made available, but this has yet to be confirmed by GM.

My experience so far has been positive. (BTW, my previous Tow Vehicle was a 2007 2500HD Duramax). The 6.2/10 speed transmission combination very comfortably pulled the AS up into the Colorado Mountains. The Tow/Haul engaged did a great job of engine braking down Monarch Pass. I expected the feel the engine working harder up the passes, as I was used to the Duramax, but the 6.2L was more than adequate.

The Trailer Camera is HARD-WIRED, so I needed to install a cable from the rear of the Airstream to the camera connector on the Sierra. The cable supplies both power and video, so no power connection is required on the Airstream. The Towing application is great. The cameras make hitch up a snap, once the camera shows the hitch ball exactly under the AS hitch, the vehicle automatically sets the parking brake, so the you do not have that "roll-back" issue.

While driving, the cameras in the side view mirrors give a reasonable view down the side of the AS, and the rear camera provides a very clear view from the rear of the AS. I did however purchase some clip-on trailering mirrors(until I can upgrade to the GM mirrors next year), because I am used to that wide view.

Without towing, I got a solid 22MGP for the first 500 miles thru the Colorado Mountains. (no towing until 500 miles break-in and oil/filter change per the manual). My initial MPG towing appears to be in the 11-14 MPG, but I have not towed enough with a full loaded set up to establish a good set of expectations.

It was a huge leap to move from a 2500 Duramax to a 1500 gasser, but we really wanted the smoother ride, the driver safety features, and the integrated cameras, and Navigation of the newer vehicles.

I would be interested in any other impressions of this setup. As we gain more experience I will share my experiences.

I towed my 31 1978 AS from Barrie to Whitehorse YK with my 1999 13-year-old GMC 1500 reg cab 2 WD with no problems! Bought a 2014 GMC reg cab 2wheel and have towed the AS a lot! It's all I need

[SSquared]

I rode shotgun this weekend in a 2019 1500 Sierra Denali crew cab. The ride was the best I've experienced in a pickup--maybe better than my SUV. Loved the cameras all around.

The vehicle had the 6.2 engine, sunroof, and power running boards. Payload was 1500 pounds, curb weight 5600, GVWR 7100, both axles 3800, GCWR 15000.

[twbucksr]

Unfortunately you can’t get the max tow package on the Denali. You have to order the SLT 6.2L without the sunroof, power running boards and live without the special shocks and Denali badging to get the payload up to 1900 pounds, axle capacities up to 3950 steer and 4300 drive, 7600 GVWR AND 17,700 GCWR.

[amaier7771]

Here are some more updates to my original post. I have now towed the AS 25FB with full propane tanks, Eu3000 Honda Generator, a Leer Fiberglass Topper, camp chairs, cooler, tools, spare LP tank, in the Truck Bed. AS has just about everything we take camping (except our clothes/food ) which we usually travel with and about about 1/4 tank of fresh water.

Given that, the truck with out the trailer gets a solid 22-23 MPG up thru the mountains and over Monarch Pass from Colorado Springs.

With the 25FB AS on two 150+ mile trips up into the mountains, we averaged 12-13MPG. If I keep the speed around 65 the 13MPG seems pretty solid.

I adjusted the Load-Leverler Hitch bars by measuring the height of the front fender w/o the trailer, then hooked up the trailer and adjusted to with-in about 1/4" of the original measurement per the instructions in the GM Owners Trailering Manual. I then took it to the CAT Scales and did some additional fine adjustments.

I have included the Door Trailering Sticker and the CAT scale ticket.

So if I understand this correctly, my Pickup Curb Weight is 5521, and GVWR is 7300lbs. The CAT scale indicates both truck axels, about 280LBS under the GVWR. The GAWR RR is 4150LBS and the CAT Scale shows I am at 3680LBS, or 470 LBS under the GVWR Rating. The GCWR on the sticker is 17800LBS and the CAT Scale ticket indicates I am at 12800LBS.

[gandttimes]

Thanks for taking the time to keep this updated.
Following with interest.

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by twbucksr

Unfortunately you can’t get the max tow package on the Denali. You have to order the SLT 6.2L without the sunroof, power running boards and live without the special shocks and Denali badging to get the payload up to 1900 pounds, axle capacities up to 3950 steer and 4300 drive, 7600 GVWR AND 17,700 GCWR.

Has anyone inquired as to how much these " special shocks" are to replace? If they are anything like the Magnetic shocks in the Corvette and Cadillac products, it can't be cheap.
Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Has anyone inquired as to how much these " special shocks" are to replace? If they are anything like the Magnetic shocks in the Corvette and Cadillac products, it can't be cheap.
Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Like $1100 a corner. I would never have them...except on a vette, or other performance car. Not worth it to me on an SUV or truck.

[dznf0g]

Btw, I just got home last week from a month long trip out to the rockies. My 2015, 6.2l maxtow, 8 speed did absolutely great in all conditions encountered. Over 4900 miles, I got 13.0 mpg. I estimate 10% of that was solo.

[Rbarlow]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Btw, I just got home last week from a month long trip out to the rockies. My 2015, 6.2l maxtow, 8 speed did absolutely great in all conditions encountered. Over 4900 miles, I got 13.0 mpg. I estimate 10% of that was solo.

This is encouraging. What mountain passes did you cross over?

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Rbarlow

This is encouraging. What mountain passes did you cross over?

I drove Rt 20 all the way from IL to I 25 to Denver. I70 to US 40 up to Granby.
Solo driving all over that area for 5 days. Then 40 - 14 - 125 - 230 etc up to Tetons. Solo there 3 days.
191 up to Yellowstone, 191, 287, I15, 279, 200, 83, etc up to West Glacier. 3 days there solo.
Rt 2, with a side trip to TRNP south of Williston. To MN, where my buddy has a Northwoods Resort camp, then home.

Seems like I crossed the Continental divide a dozen times.

[nvestysly]

Very useful replies regarding setting up the hitch and checking weights on CAT Scales. Many people don’t take time to do those steps and rely on RV dealers to install their hitch correctly with mixed results. I noticed several WD hitches at a recent Airstream rally that we’re doing very little to transfer weight back to the front wheels.

I’m particularly interested in seeing detailed, hand calculated MPG numbers for the 2019, 1500, 6.2L / 10-speed combination

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I drove Rt 20 all the way from IL to I 25 to Denver. I70 to US 40 up to Granby.
Solo driving all over that area for 5 days. Then 40 - 14 - 125 - 230 etc up to Tetons. Solo there 3 days.
191 up to Yellowstone, 191, 287, I15, 279, 200, 83, etc up to West Glacier. 3 days there solo.
Rt 2, with a side trip to TRNP south of Williston. To MN, where my buddy has a Northwoods Resort camp, then home.

Seems like I crossed the Continental divide a dozen times.

Sounds like a nice trip. Just curious where you picked up route 20 (and is that US 20)? I could not find it in IL or in CO. I'm always looking for alternatives to the interstates if at all possible.

Thanks!

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Hans627

Sounds like a nice trip. Just curious where you picked up route 20 (and is that US 20)? I could not find it in IL or in CO. I'm always looking for alternatives to the interstates if at all possible.

Thanks!

I am just retired and enjoying avoiding interstates. Much more.laid back and a lot of America you cant see from interstates.
Rt 20 starts In michigan, i believe, on the eastern end. From my place southwest of chicago, i picked it up in Rockford, il. Got.off in far western nebraska and headed south. Yes, US 20.