Jump to content

2017 GMC 2500 Denali Standard susp. vs Off Road


Recommended Posts

Hey everyone great forum. I could not find the answer searching so Im going to put it out for discussion. Looking to buy a new 2500 Denali that will be used to tow a 7k trailer on occasion but will also be my daily driver. I am looking for the most comfortable ride when not towing and understand I can lower to tire pressures to help achieve this. My question is whether there is a significant ride difference with the Off Road package. Intuitively, I would think it would be stiffer because of the thicker front roll-bar and off road shocks. Has anyone driven both of these options? Would love some feedback, thanks in advance!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I was looking for my truck, I was unable to find a Denali with standard suspension. I ended up driving an SLE with standard suspension, and did not notice a big difference. It was a quick 10 minutes on well maintained road, so a crappy road might be more noticeable. I would have liked to try a Denali with that setup, but there were none to be found.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Z82 trailering suspension has worked well for me in my 07 2500. There is no need to run the tires at 80 PSI unless you are loaded to the max. The TPMS system in my truck has about a 10% trip point so I usually run just enough to keep the it from tripping - around 75 in the rear and 40 in the front.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The rancho shocks on the off road package are garbage. I couldn't wait to remove them after a week of driving with them.

 

 

The Ranchos do leave a lot to be desired.

 

Regarding tire pressures, take out the guesswork. Use the contact page for the tire manufacturer and ask for load pressure chart that pertains to your tire. DO NOT mention what the tire is on or they will just punt to the OEM. The tire maker did all the R&D and such and knows how it's tires should be inflated for the load on them at the time. I live by load pressure charts. On my commercial stuff, got 445,000 miles out of the last set of drive tires and my steer tires just topped 210,000 miles and still have 10/32nd tread left and no uneven wear. Just made sense to get chart for my pickup tires. Then you can get the best ride out of them and maximize their useful life. I am running BFG KO2's on mine and BFG emailed me the load pressure chart for mine. Since BFG is a Michelin company, no reason they wouldn't do it for stock Michelin's as well.

 

As far as the TPMS, I really could give a rip if it likes the pressures or not. I am very adept at ignoring the light and dismiss the warnings in the DIC. I just use it to get a glance at the actual pressures. While it is useful to some degree, I could have done just fine without the TPMS. But the beloved gooberment mandated it and I had to pay for it.

 

And per the load chart, there is nothing legal that can be done with a 2500 that requires 80 psi. 70 max but only when at total full gross. When empty, actually a few lb more in the front is better than what is in the rear. The front weighs more when empty. Just cross a scale and get the axle weights and go from there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey everyone great forum. I could not find the answer searching so Im going to put it out for discussion. Looking to buy a new 2500 Denali that will be used to tow a 7k trailer on occasion but will also be my daily driver. I am looking for the most comfortable ride when not towing and understand I can lower to tire pressures to help achieve this. My question is whether there is a significant ride difference with the Off Road package. Intuitively, I would think it would be stiffer because of the thicker front roll-bar and off road shocks. Has anyone driven both of these options? Would love some feedback, thanks in advance!

I don't think they change the roll bar on a Z71 2500. (Or for that matter, even on a 1500 anymore)

 

2500 Denali:

Z71 Suspension Package, Off-Road, requires 4WD models, includes twin tube Rancho brand shocks and (JHD) Hill Descent Control
1 - Requires all-terrain tires. Z71 chrome front fender emblem not included on Denali models.
On 2500 SLE and SLT:
Z71 Suspension Package, Off-Road, requires 4WD models, includes Z71 chrome front fender emblems, twin tube Rancho brand shocks, (JHD) Hill Descent Control, (NZZ) underbody shield and Off-Road Driver Information Center graphics
1 - Requires all-terrain tires. Not available with (ZW9) pickup box delete.
You can get the dealer to set the TPMS pressures lower to suit your unloaded pressures.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Standard Suspension Package

Designed to maintain handling and ride quality while towing a trailer or carrying a load, this suspension package includes:

  • 51 mm twin tube shock absorbers
  • 33 mm front stabilizer bar

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Off-Road Suspension Package

Z71.jpg
Price : $180
This available option includes the following features:
  • 35mm low-pressure twin tube gas-charged shocks
  • A 33.6mm front stabilizer bar
  • Z71 chrome front fender emblems
  • Hill descent control

I found a dealer nearby who has both in stock. I am going to bring a pressure gauge and try and talk the salesman into letting me adjust down the pressures on both trucks and compare. Will keep you posted. Thanks for the replies!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can get the dealer to set the TPMS pressures lower to suit your unloaded pressures.

 

 

I didn't have a problem getting my dealer to adjust the TPMS on my previous truck, but have read here where members have had their dealer say no.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So I made it down to the dealer on Friday and test drove both trucks back to back, one with off-road and the other with regular/towing suspension. The salesman was super cool and allowed me to lower the tire pressures to 55psi all around. I really could not tell any difference between the two. If anything, the off-road felt a bit better when we hit some rolling bumps in the road, but basically they felt the same- he agreed. The TPMS did not go off at this psi. I then pulled the trigger and bought the white one with off-road, mainly because I did not want to try and keep the black one clean! Once I got it home I lowered the psi to 51-52, now the TPMS is going off and I need to go back and have those adjusted. Thanks for all the insight on tire psi, it makes a world of difference on ride comfort!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

You can get the dealer to set the TPMS pressures lower to suit your unloaded pressures.

 

 

 

In some instances. Some dealers refuse. Probably because they fear some liability issues. Mine acted like I had just seen a UFO or something when I asked. No dealer around me will adjust the TPMS warning level. No problem. As stated before, I have become very adept at ignoring it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

In some instances. Some dealers refuse. Probably because they fear some liability issues. Mine acted like I had just seen a UFO or something when I asked. No dealer around me will adjust the TPMS warning level. No problem. As stated before, I have become very adept at ignoring it.

Yeah, mine knew what I was talking about, politely told me 'uhh, no'

I've called half a doz in the last year or so, 1 understood what I wanted but said they weren't allowed to do it, the other 5 had no clue what I was talking about. One told me if I wanted to bring it in they'd adjust my pressures to spec for free.

Talked to an old tool dealer last week and supposedly a guy I used to work with, last anyone heard, is a tech at a gmc dealer I frequently pass. So I may stop in there and see. If he does, I have no doubt he'll know, and do it in the parking lot, most likely for a case of bud.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No luck with Goodyear:

 

Tarvis: Hi, my name is Tarvis, I would be happy to assist you today.


You: Hi, Could you please send me the load pressure chart for Wrangler SR-A in LT265/60 R20


Tarvis: I'm sorry, I do not have the load pressure chart for that tire to send to you.


You: Where can I get the information


Tarvis: To get the psi that should be used, please refer to your vehicle's door placard. It will have the psi recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.


You: Are you telling me you don't have the charts or won't give them out? BFG and Michelin give access to their charts.


You: I have a new HD Truck and want to set the pressures according to my load, no some generic label on the door!


Tarvis: You can speak with the installer at your local Goodyear. They will be able to better assist you with finding the correct psi to be used.


You: Thanks for nothing. Wont be buying Goodyear for my next set.

 

 

Its as though they were launch codes!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

 

The Ranchos do leave a lot to be desired.

 

Regarding tire pressures, take out the guesswork. Use the contact page for the tire manufacturer and ask for load pressure chart that pertains to your tire. DO NOT mention what the tire is on or they will just punt to the OEM. The tire maker did all the R&D and such and knows how it's tires should be inflated for the load on them at the time. I live by load pressure charts. On my commercial stuff, got 445,000 miles out of the last set of drive tires and my steer tires just topped 210,000 miles and still have 10/32nd tread left and no uneven wear. Just made sense to get chart for my pickup tires. Then you can get the best ride out of them and maximize their useful life. I am running BFG KO2's on mine and BFG emailed me the load pressure chart for mine. Since BFG is a Michelin company, no reason they wouldn't do it for stock Michelin's as well.

 

As far as the TPMS, I really could give a rip if it likes the pressures or not. I am very adept at ignoring the light and dismiss the warnings in the DIC. I just use it to get a glance at the actual pressures. While it is useful to some degree, I could have done just fine without the TPMS. But the beloved gooberment mandated it and I had to pay for it.

 

And per the load chart, there is nothing legal that can be done with a 2500 that requires 80 psi. 70 max but only when at total full gross. When empty, actually a few lb more in the front is better than what is in the rear. The front weighs more when empty. Just cross a scale and get the axle weights and go from there.

 

If one were to get the load charts, could you explain how you would optimally set your tire pressure front and rear off of those charts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.