Jus Cruisin

Time to swap my Ram 2500 4X4 Limited. I really don't need a big diesel anymore. My trailer should be able to be pulled around with a half ton.

I've never owned a GM truck of any kind. Close to 20 Fords and over a half dozen Rams. I really like the latest GMC model. I want all the stuff, so I need the Ultimate Denali package. I have to have the 6.2l Corvette engine and I want 4X4 for towing.

I read about some sort of highway vibration that's uncureable on forums. I think it's probably overblown like some "problems"complained about on the C7 forums......

Any opinions/observations appreciated.

MVR 155

I'm guessing that you're talking about the Sierra Denali and not the Yukon Denali? About 7 months ago I picked up a new Yukon Denali (standard wheelbase, not the XL). I was aware that were some complaints/issues with vibration/buffeting. I have had zero issues in regards to this issue, I have multiple friends who are also driving the latest versions of the GM full size SUV's and Pickups who also have zero issues. One of these friends actually owns a new Sierra Denali.

The new DI 6.2L engine mated to the 8 speed auto is quite nice and has a very noticeable power difference from the previous 6.2L/6 speed setup on the previous generation trucks/SUV's.

While I have owner far more GM products vs. Ford I cannot help but suggest you also cross shop the new F-150 Platinum. On paper the Ecoboost 6cyl does not look to even compare to the 6.2L but in real world driving/towing it's a great powertrain. I also have a friend who has a brand new F-150 Platinum so I have driven both of them hence my reason for suggesting you look at both trucks.

Vette_Minded

Just curious, Whats the advantage of having a 4x4 for towing?

I have a 2015 GMC 1500 SLT 5.3 and have had no issues with vibration at all. It does have a weird throttle response to it that can get annoying with in traffic. Other than that I love the truck.

Jus Cruisin

Down here in the South there is a lot of sand and I've used the 4X4 a number of times when towing. My buddy has a shop that is down an unpaved road and drive. It's soft and sandy. Plus it's a bit sandy where we park along the return roads at the local drag strips. Although I don't have a center console boat at the moment, 4wd is handy pulling boats up wet and slippery ramps.

cv67

Heard lots of good about the 6.2/8spd never owned one
post up what ya get!

Drive by wire? My 02 is the same way, has the throttle response of a basketball. Superbad
Would have guessed that woulda been improved by now maybe Im not missing much

Vette_Minded

It's something with this new generation truck. I had an 05 Silverado and it didn't do it. It's not that anything is wrong, it's just different. It just doesn't respond to throttle input like I'm use to. In regular driving I have to move my foot further to get a similar engine response then I have to in my 99 Tahoe. It's not a lack of power, more like a dead zone in the throttle.

cv67

parts of torque management perhaps? who knows
Soured my thoughts of even considering a newer one if its the same or worse. Nothing like a solid linkage or cable at least!

00C Just for Fun

I'm looking at same vehicle, becuase I need utility of truck but want comfort of an Audi. Am concerned about vibration issue, but folks who have it seem to get resolution through lemon law or buy back. Pay attention and keep notes!

C5 Pewter Coupe

if you doing it to save fuel.. FORGET ABOUT IT!! your diesel gets better fuel economy unloaded and loaded than the gasser..

Jus Cruisin

After 40,000 miles on this one, I respectfully disagree. I hand calculate mileage both towing and empty off and on. My normal use empty I get between 14 and 15. Not bad, actually. But I'm reading numerous reports in various forums the 6.2's are getting 16 and better all around and exceed 20 highway. I can only hit 20 on the highway when I set the cruise at 70. At that speed I start to become a road block on the interstates.

Now, I pay more for fuel than regular gas, I have to change fuel filters (2) every 15,000 miles ($285.) and oil changes with 3 gallons of Rotella and filter ($173.), buy DEF. Deal with DEF/emissions issues (already had to replace the DEF catalyst - warranty).

And have a 3/4 ton ride (stiff suspension and the need to run 80psi in the tires.....) way less enjoyable than a half ton.

Yes, I'm going to change for economy at the pump, plus the additional operating costs of a diesel.

JoesC5

Personally, I wouldn't buy any GM product with the 8 speed auto, until they get it sorted out.

TurboTnZ06

I have a late 2015 6.2 8 speed 4x4 Denali crew, what issues are you talking about? * speed rocks. Wish it had 4.11 gears, then it'd be really cool, but mpg would suffer a bit. I get 22+ mpg on the highway.

Jus Cruisin

No problems with my A8 Corvette. Wouldn't expect any with the A8 in a truck. Not a "HOT" issue on truck forums.

Good mileage report TurboTnZ06.

Patsgarage

The throttle response in all new GM products is not linear, ie. 25% pedal in only 15% throttle opening. Search Vitesse throttle controller on the forum for the full story.

QUIKAG

Dad has a '15 Sierra Denali loaded out with the 8A/6.2. It's AWESOME. I towed a horse trailer (2 horse trailer) 1,200 miles a few weeks back and it was a beast. It would lock out the 8th gear but could climb grades at 80mph which was only 2,400rpm in 7th. It's a torque monster. Very quiet and smooth too, almost too quiet, but I'm sure an intake/exhaust would fix that.

VitesseMotorsports

Yes, we do have a Controller for GM Trucks. Click here for more details.

MVR 155

I see 15-16 with short tripping around town with my 6.2/8speed. Coming from my 6.2/6 speed Hummer H2 that averaged 11-12 (whether in town or on the highway) its a big improvement and noticeably better power. On the road I have seen 20+mpg's with the new Denali. Definitely better economy and power with the new driveline. On a side note.... between real world mileage calculation vs. the DIC, I am finding the DIC to be about .5-1.0 mpg's optimistic.

NW-99SS

Thought the H2's came with 6.0l (LQ9s?)

No experience here, but have seen mostly positive reviews on the new 6.2s and A8s in the GM half tons. You can get the same engine in the Silverado High Country as a comparison to the Denali as well.

Given any thought to the Ram 1500 Ecodiesel?

MVR 155

2003-2007 Hummer H2's came with the 6.0L/4 speed driveline
2008-2009 Hummer H2's came with the 6.2L/6 speed driveline

I owned both a 2006 and 2008....... The 2008 was a far superior vehicle from the updated interior quality to the better driveline. The 2008/2009's are still fetching top dollar on the used market

NW-99SS

I guess I should expected that with the engine and truck updates GM did beginning in 2007.

I don't know if they sold any 08-09 H2 in Canada, but I certainly haven't seen one! Thanks for the info