New 2016 1500 All-Terrain Premium

[Blue2Red]

Hello all, I am the proud new owner of a 2016 Crimson Red 1500 All Terrain Premium 5.3 (8 speed). This is not only my first "New" vehicle, but it is also my first full size pickup. The truck only has 500 miles at this times, and it is my daily driver here in the Northeast. Thus far I am pleased with the truck, steering is tight, brakes well, the comfort level is great, technology is impressive, and the styling awesome. My only criticisms thus far may be due to my lack of familiarity with GMC trucks, and even my lack of experience with owning a brand new vehicle. First off, and im sure I am going to get beet up over this, but the fuel "economy" is pretty bad. I understand it is a truck and it is new, however with very conservative highway driving and limited city, I am averaging 14-15 mpg (93 octane, New Jersey winter). This is far below advertised or even what most people get with there older trucks. Another thing I noticed is that it lacks throttle response at essentially any speed unless the throttle is mashed. It seems like the transmission is a bit lost and cant choose which of the 8 gears it should be in. At highway speeds, there is really no part throttle acceleration, you really have to get on it for the trans to downshift and make the truck move. This is also my first experience with "cylinder killing" which I am also unsure of. It seems that I only move down to V4 when there is practically no throttle input or if I am traveling downhill. The instant there is a throttle input I am back in V8 and down to 9 mpg to accelerate even on the highway. I assume (hope) that all of these things will sort themselves out as the truck is new, as I have heard there is a period when the truck is in "learn mode". I am unsure if this is correct or how long is stays in the "mode", and more importantly how I should be driving in this "mode". Much of my driving is highway cruise control set, which doesnt really provide much "learning variables". Any suggestions or comments from those who have owned newer generation Sierras would be appreciated.

[Big_D]

Congrats on the new truck, and welcome to the site.

 

Economy will get better as the truck breaks in. Winter gas kills mileage too... Also the transmission learns how you drive, more-so around town. Give it a bit

 

PS- we need a pic of your new ride

[jamin87ss]

Yup all pretty normal, but to be a part of this group pictures are mandatory, congrats, get the front end done with a clear bra immediately

At the very minimum the bumper

[bdbake01]

Patience Danielsan.

[Blue2Red]

Sorry guys, its been awhile since posting on the forums, but my photobucket URL was not accepted and the pictures were too large to upload directly.

[SMiller]

Use tow/haul mode and start using 87 octane.

[Blue2Red]

Use tow/haul mode and start using 87 octane.

Can you explain this suggestion? The tow/haul sounds like it would improve the shifting characteristics, however I am confused about the low octane. Is there less ethanol?

[Blue2Red]

Here are some pics of the truck. The all terrain premium is essentially the larger all terrain wheels, spray in liner, and a few interior comforts

[jamin87ss]

I think the new front did the red and iridium the most justice

['01LS1]

Is the 14-15 mpg the full tank avg hand calculated when you fill it up or the instant display?

 

I have the previous body style with a 6.2 & buy premium as well. But winter blends drop tank avg almost 2 mpg every year.

Thinking that sitting in NJ traffic stop/go per block is also not where you want to look at your mpg display while driving a truck.

Focus on testing out the horn or cursing.

 

Also, can try fueling up at different locations. Mine does better on Shell, Road Ranger & Sams Club.

 

There is also this if interested. http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers/

[GMC-AT]

Nice truck. All terrain premium is the upgraded 20in wheels, and spray in bed liner. That's it. Everything else inside the truck is the same as other SLT all terrains.

[Half_ton]

Why waste your money on premium when the 5.3 doesn't require/benefit from it?

[SierraMyst]

Why waste your money on premium when the 5.3 doesn't require/benefit from it?

Has anyone run 93 in thier 5.3? Any benefits seen?

[Gc773]

Double post sorry

[Gc773]

OP I understand your frustrations on multiple levels. First NJ, absolute disgrace with the winter fuel mix, which indeed causes a loss of mpg. Secondly, this is also my first NEW truck and expected more from the factory performance. Lastly, I knew I wouldn't leave the truck stock so none of the above didn't matter. Lol. I have the 5.3 6 speed 3.42 gears with a tune by Diablew. My first request from Lew was to diable the V4 mode and I left the rest up to him after informing him of my driving habits. After the tune it's like night and day from stock tune to custom tune. A few other add ons, mostly cosmetic, however I do have the truck leveled. As far as mpg pre winter gas 19, currently 18+ or -.2. The journey begins my friend. Cheers