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

[nvestysly]

A friend took me for a ride in his Denali (6.2, 8-speed, non-max tow) and it seemed powerful, quiet and smooth.

His truck has several virtual "gages" on the instrument panel. I think the tachometer and speedometer were the only real gages - otherwise, the oil pressure, etc. were controlled by the Driver Information Center.

Are all these trucks like this? Or, is this only Denali?

[DC Bruce]

The LCD display of gauges is unique to the Denali. Lesser trims have real gauges. If you're serious about towing, I would avoid the Denali. It is not available with the max trailer tow package, which adds 400 lbs of payload. That package includes a larger ring gear, different rear axle ratio, different rear suspension. I have the "SLT" trim which has just about everything that the Denali offers other than the badges and trick instrument display. Heated and cooled leather bucket seats, Bose audio, etc., etc. I'm now over 33k miles on my truck and still am extremely pleased.

[nvestysly]

Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear those virtual gages are not on the LTZ and SLT trim levels. I definitely want max trailering package and bench (jump) seat up front.

[DC Bruce]

Things may have changed, but in 2015, the 6.2 engine was only available in the Denali or SLT trims (and their Chevy equivalents). I believe the 3-person front seating is not available in those trim levels. We wanted that, too but settled for the buckets and console.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by DC Bruce

Things may have changed, but in 2015, the 6.2 engine was only available in the Denali or SLT trims (and their Chevy equivalents). I believe the 3-person front seating is not available in those trim levels. We wanted that, too but settled for the buckets and console.

6.2L with 8speed, max tow are options now on some models now. Very attractive....wondering about life of engine towing an AS; any experience from owners with 100K miles + is appreciated.

[bpcaudill]

Doubt this information is available. The 6.2 motor is new as of 14' Why wouldn't you think it would last as long as any other GM engine? I've been driving mine around since this past December and have nothing but praise for it… Kinda pissed that I paid more for the left over 15 than what you can now purchase a new 16 for….
Pat..

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by bpcaudill

Doubt this information is available. The 6.2 motor is new as of 14' Why wouldn't you think it would last as long as any other GM engine? I've been driving mine around since this past December and have nothing but praise for it… Kinda pissed that I paid more for the left over 15 than what you can now purchase a new 16 for….
Pat..

I had read a thread about oil build up on the aluminum heads (?) can happen after a while since these engines were not built to pull heavy loads. I am not an expert here, just trying to get more data. I like the specs on this engine, and am looking for a long term replacement for my F150 EB. Don't want to go diesel nor 3/4 T TV, so the 6.2 w/ 8 speed is very attractive.

[DC Bruce]

I believe this engine and its little 5.3 liter brother were developed just for this application (although the 6.2 is related to the same size engine that runs the Corvette). In any event, I have 35 k miles on my '16, the great bulk of it towing my FC 27, without any issues. It even accepts a tank of 87 octane once in while without protest. Towing mileage ranges from a worst case high 11s to a best case high 13s, towing at 55-60 mph.

[Steve Bryant]

Some version of the 6.2L LS1 based small block GM version has been available in trucks since 2007. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LS_bas...l-block_engine. Scroll down to the 4.06" bore heading to read about the earlier engines. The current engines in the light duty trucks and the Corvette and Camaro are considered Gen V engines as they are the fifth generation developed since the inception of the LS1 (gen I), which was first offered for sale in 1997 (I believe). The Gen V truck engines and the car engines all share a lot of parts. However, intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, camshafts, oil pans, etc. are different. Also, the current 5.3L and the 6.2L light duty truck engines share many parts as was suggested before.

[Seinbelld]

Originally Posted by Seinbelld

Hey guys,

We pulled the trigger on a 2016 Sierra SLT Crew Cab with the 6.2 and max trailering yesterday. It has 1,903 lbs. of payload so will hopefully give us plenty of room as far as that goes.

Purchased at a dealer near STL... They are the second largest volume dealer in the country.... Well worth the 9 hour drive as we got nearly $12k off and a solid trade in. Highly recommend! They still have a black one and have a few more coming in soon.

So far, so good. The AS is now at the dealer so we will be taking delivery in the next couple weeks. No towing experience so wish me luck

Eric

Hey guys,

Checking in after ~5 months ownership of the 6.2 with max trailering, including five trips with the Airstream. After nearly 11,000 overall miles... so far, so good. Having never towed anything in my life (so nothing to compare it to), I feel the truck has done a really good job with our 30' Intl. We just returned from a week long trip to Asheville (9 hour drive each way from Pittsburgh) - our longest and the one in which we encountered the most hills. The brake assist worked really well down some of the steeper grades and the truck seemed to do great towing up those same hills.

Long story short.. I'm very thankful to have stumbled on this thread during my searches.

Hope everyone is having a great summer. We are in the process of scheduling a few shorter trips for late summer and fall... really dreading having to put away the AS for the winter.

Eric

[Steve Bryant]

I ordered a 2017 GMC K1500 with the 6.2L (L86) and the Max Trailering Pkg. on 11/21. Now, I'm trying to patiently wait (although not doing so well with that part).

I'll report back on how this truck does with my 34' trailer once I've got some feedback to add to the discussion.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by Steve Bryant

I ordered a 2017 GMC K1500 with the 6.2L (L86) and the Max Trailering Pkg. on 11/21. Now, I'm trying to patiently wait (although not doing so well with that part).

Woo-Hoo! That's the combination I want. Sounds like an excellent truck. Definitely want to see pictures and hear from you regarding towing and around town experience. In particular I'd like to hear about MPG for towing and town.

[Steve Bryant]

Originally Posted by nvestysly

Woo-Hoo! That's the combination I want. Sounds like an excellent truck. Definitely want to see pictures and hear from you regarding towing and around town experience. In particular I'd like to hear about MPG for towing and town.

Lucius and Danielle,
Sorry that I'm slow to reply! Rest assured, I'll be giving feedback to the group! Also, for anyone who wants to play around with configurations for the GMC or Chevy offerings, they can go to the build and price web-based tools/apps and play with options and prices to their heart's content (click on Chevy or GMC to link to desired tool).

Also, I now have a Tentative Build Week of Jan. 9,2017. Maybe, I'll have the truck by the first of February! I'll also probably put together a listing in the AirForums Classified section for my trusty 2000 K2500 Yukon XL soon (one owner [me] and 120,000 miles).

Steve

[Pat Cassity]

Steve, what is the payload capacity for the truck you ordered?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[Steve Bryant]

Originally Posted by Pat Cassity

Steve, what is the payload capacity for the truck you ordered?

Pat,
I can't say for sure, but I believe that it will be rated for a payload of about 2,200 pounds. It's a crew cab, short bed. I don't know if GM takes the GVWR (7,600 pounds) and subtracts the actual empty weight of the truck (as equipped) or if they use some average empty weight of a similar truck, typically equipped. I do know that the rear suspension rating is 4,300 and the front axle is 3,950.

My trailer weighs 9,100 pounds fully loaded and has a hitch weight of 1,050 pounds.

Steve

[Pat Cassity]

Thanks Steve. Sounds a little high for a 1500 but maybe GMC has increased the capacity for 2017. My 2015 Sierra with maxtow is 1950, per the tag on the driver door. 2200 would put it in the 2500 range if I'm not mistaken. With that engine and 2200 lb capacity, that would be a great TV!

[gandttimes]

My friends 2016 Silverado 2016 6.2 Maxtow says 2130 on the payload capacity. FYI

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by gandttimes

My friends 2016 Silverado 2016 6.2 Maxtow says 2130 on the payload capacity. FYI

That is impressive!

[Steve Bryant]

Here's a revision of the payload that I stated last night. I looked more closely at the brochure and it states 2,030 pound payload with a tow rating of 11,700 pounds. Sorry about the error! It's still impressive!

Sreve

[dznf0g]

Mine is a loaded double cab, 6.5' bed and it's payload is 2034. A crew will drop it about 200 pounds with a 6.5' bed.