2016 Denali 1500 lacking basic features!! Disapointed!&#3

Driver72 · November 30, 2016

No arguing brother, but just responded to some of your points in blue below. It's all good!

Hahaha I can tell you're a car guy, me too. Don't get all wound up if you read my previous posts I did allude that it may come down to weight/gearing after all in regards to Dodge brand vehicles "under performing" relative to their HP ratings. I also did note the Rams come w/ 33" tires stock - which I liked. My Sierra is a 6.2 truck too btw (I also owned 2 5.3's but thats another story) - AND I nearly pulled trigger on a Powerwagon, but unlike EVERY other vehicle Dodge sells dealers refused to discount the price much on that truck in my area, and it too suffered from the Dodge brand obesity problem lol.

I stick by my original argument though, Dodge always F's up on some aspect of performance where you literally face-smack like "WHY?!" WHY make a 1/2 ton truck focus on a comfy ride when it weighs way more than its competitors & its payload is also way lower too?

**I think they did this after market research. Fact of the matter is, many people don't load up their beds with more than 1,500 lbs of stuff. If you do, you usually use a trailer. Also, they probably realized that people complained about the rough riding aspects of trucks and I know it sound sexist, but women probably hated driving in a bouncy truck so they went with the coil suspension which was lauded as the best riding truck for years. And minus the MRC of the GM's now, the Ram still is the smoothest riding truck. The weight thing is a problem sure, but it's mainly because the chassis of the truck is quite old now. I'm sure their next redesign and it will drop a few hundred.**

WHY put a 707hp blown motor in a car wearing 275mm rubber that requires body work to fit anything significantly wider?

**It actually doesn't need body work to fit wider. I put 20x10.5 inch wheels with 315 series rear wheels and tires on mine, and only needed to trim a bit of plastic wheel well liner. We spoke of this extensively over at Hellcat.org. Our best guess was that it was extremely hard to find a tire maker that made a staggered set of tires that worked for the Hellcat when they first came out. It took nearly a year before they offered really any tire/wheel combo that allowed you to go larger on the Hellcat. FCA more than likely just decided to go with what was offered at the time.**

WHY put that same engine in a performance car and let the weight balloon to 4500 lbs? You do realize how outrageous that curb weight is right? I think its got nearly 60% of the weight over the front wheels too...it is almost like Dodge "engineers" are merely garage hacks simply interested in power ratings & looks.

**The Hellcat engine adds like 150 lbs to the weight of the Charger/Challenger, it's a heavy engine with tons of cooling. The car is a big car, so yes it's heavy. You also have to realize the chassis is from the Mercedes Benz E series. They made them heavy and strong back then. It is NOT a small car. Get into a Mustang after the Challenger and the Mustang feels small. The 4500 lbs is heavy, but consider a BMW M5 also weighs around that much. Unlike the new Camaro ZL1 say, Dodge didn't engineer the Hellcat or it's chassis in the past few years. They ADDED the Hellcat engine to a chassis that dates back a decade, and into a car that had been out for 4-5 years already, so it's not like they had a choice with the weight at that point. And you do know the company of Dodge WAS built around power. That is what the company has been all about since the very beginning, so that's what's still in there blood.

You also have to understand you can't put that kind of an engine in a car that weighs 3500 lbs, you'd have 70% of the weight over the front.

It's a big powerful mean engine, it's meant to go in a larger car. Could they put it in a 4000 lbs car like the new ZL1, sure, if they were building the Charger/Challenger from scratch a few years ago, I'm sure they'd of dropped a few hundred off the weight, but the car would of needed to be smaller too. Unlike the Camaro, the Challenger has rear seat room that adults can actually get into, and also unlike the Camaro, the Challenger has a HUGE trunk by comparison, and useful trunk with a big opening and lots of room.**

However you could also argue Dodge kills it in the looks dept vs. most other competitors....the SS is tame/lame looking while the Charger is menacing. I actually quite prefer the looks of the GXP but they're few & far between & hold value very well.

** I agree, Dodge makes many of the autos look awesome. That was another draw to the Hellcat for me. It looked badass and has a badass attitude. The attention that car gets is amazing. The sound is amazing, and the pull is amazing. It's a pure brute, nothing smooth or delicate about it, it's like getting hit by Mike Tyson, not a smooth operator, just a badass looking, mean mother-effer that hits HARD.**

Hey to each their own I prefer my truck to haul & ride like a truck, I prefer my sports cars to weigh less than trucks lol!! I prefer lower weight & higher capability over comfy rides & posh features (that break - GM isn't entirely free of blame either, WTF do I need power assist steps for again???)

** Again, I agree with you on much of this. But I also have likes the run the gamut. I didn't get a Denali because I didn't need the MRC suspension, I don't mind of my truck rides a bit like a truck, even though the SLT Premium Plus Package with Z71 package like I have, still rides pretty darn good. Not as comfy as the Ram, but still quite good. Yes, sports cars should be light, the Hellcat is NOT a sports car. It is a MUSCLE car. And in that vein, there is nothing like it in the price range....or even at all....until now with the new ZL1. But even the ZL1 won't hit as hard as the Hellcat, and GM release numbers for it that have it .2-.3 seconds slower than the Hellcat. Which makes sense since the ZL1 weighs the same as the CTS-V and the Hellcat pulls on it. Heck the Hellcat stays pretty close to the ZO6 in races, often matching their drag strip times and ET's. I've seen videos of the Hellcat running right with a ZO6, and some where the ZO6 pulls a bit, and the Z is a 1000lbs less!

And you only need higher capabilities IF you are going to use the higher capabilities. Research has shown the the vast majority of 1/2 pick up buyers don't tow trailers that are over 7,000 lbs. If they do, they get 3/4 ton trucks. So really, there is zero harm for the vast majority in lowering the capability of the 1/2 ton truck and making it a bit more comfy. The Ram still tows 10,000 lbs you know, but again, nobody uses 1/2 trucks to tow 10K lbs anyway.**

Eh whatever, like you said no point arguing, if I had the money I'd have a Hellcat in my garage along w/ my Z06 to use around town & drive in the city keeping my Z for nice sunny days & race tracks

** Right on. I bet you'd find you'd love driving the Hellcat more. The sound and the ability is so intoxicating. Muscle cars are a blast. Take the Hellcat into a tunnel or a parking garage and get on the gas a bit and it sounds like a war just broke out. LOL The thumbs up from people fly when they see the Hellcat drive by. All good brother. Have a great day.**

BlackHawkZ71 · December 1, 2016

After three Dodge Rams, 07, 10,14 sport crew cabs, I wanted to change things up a bit. I loved the look and styling of the new GMC sierra. With the 20% off incentives in October i ended up with a 2016 Denali 1500. I loved the comfort of the magnetic ride on the test drive, and with $12,150 off a $60,750 sticker i did the deal. Right off the bat i did the Suspension Maxx 2.5 front lift with 1.5 blocks in rear just to make it look more like a truck, since i was use to the the rams which are so much higher from the start. The kit is a quality one since not many out there work with the magnetic ride. It makes the truck look 100% better than stock.

So now after a month of owning the truck i thought i would express my opinion on here hoping maybe some GM R&D people would listen to consumers coming from other brand trucks! I looked at all trim levels online and have found these things lacking on all GM trucks.

First off there is no grab handle on drivers side pillar like on the passenger side. Really? If you want one you have to buy one for like $50. then install it, don't you think that is a basic thing to have on a truck!

Second thing is no light in either top or bottom glove box! You can go buy a KIA base model car and get a lighted glove box for crying out loud, but not in a $60K truck!!

Third is storage, my Ram had storage under back seats when flipped up, storage in floors under back seat foot rests, i took a whole bin of stuff out of Ram storage areas and could not fit any of it in GMC!

And Ram also had a fold flat floor that folded down when back seats where up to make the floor flat to put stuff on instead of raised hump like in GMC.

Forth is a biggie, there are no heat ducts to the back seats, every other brand truck i have ever ridden in has some kind of ducts under the seat or in the center console between front seats with vents facing the rear seats. My Ram had both under the seats and in console.

Another concern is that my truck has the automatic retracting running boards, you can lock them in so they don't come out in your settings but no setting to have them lock in the out position which i think is stupid, i live in northern N.Y. where we get a ton of snow, i can already see those boards freezing in with the slush and snow after sitting in the driveway over night even though i put on mud flaps, maybe i am wrong we will see, but how easy would it have been to have an option to lock them out!

Well after all my ranting i do like the truck, even though its been back to dealer three times in 1500 miles for uconnect phone and electronic issues, so hopefully the GM guys will read this and step it up a little for a truck that is lacking in my eyes!

Not tying to start a war

I haven't had a gmc but i own a 16 chevy 1500 LT last was 11 ram 1500 ccsb (had the in floor storage boxes. And under seat but no fold flat floor. )

1. Its simple grab the steering wheel mine doesn't have the handle and never really seen a use in it

2. I agree that is a big deal but i never paid attention to it

3. I have the under seat organizer tray and its nice if I remember right i put everything from ram in my chevy (i did take my factory fake bottle jack and put a nice one in its place.)

4.i do believe my LT has vents under the seat but non in console

5. I can see where its a problem hopefully they can fix it for you.

Phone issues i have them as well its a pointing finger game (i rock a iphone 6+ but my issues were the audio controls through the gauge cluster not working correctly (most of the time)

Mine been in the shop a handful of times but 7500 miles and it runs strong.

One for the engine mount recall, service, and the phone issue

POWERQUEST290 · December 1, 2016

Wish I did have the 6.2 in my new truck. I agree with Driver72, I ordered all my rams with the 3.92 gears and that truck would set you back in the seat! Hard to compare with my 5.3 with the 3.23 gears, would like to line the two up against each other, but from driving them both I think the ram had way more balls! Ok now the bashing begin!

StillOffshore · December 1, 2016

I'd be willing to bet there's a good number of people on this site that would happily buy your power steps if you don't want them. I'm Sure plenty would trade non power steps as well.

In the whole debate over which features are wanted or not between all the brands...keep in mind, somebody, somewhere seems to think that these are perfect as is.

I bought a denali, mainly because I grew up always wanting one. I can afford one now. And I like the grill insert. I have no idea how to operate 80% of the options, and I honestly don't care that much. Now, I don't spend much time driving. Have 1200 miles in 3 months and 500 of those were driving it home from out of state. Just saying, one guy thinks the power steps are amazing, next guy thinks they're crap. Who gives?

If you feel that the lack of a certain feature is that big of a deal, make a mod to create that feature. Develop it and sell it. Just like the guy on the site that has the video in motion and the denali gauge cluster mods. He's selling them. Obviously it's profitable, otherwise he wouldn't. You think the truck should fire nerf missles from the hood...design it and sell that mod. Someone, somewhere will buy it. You make some extra scratch...all is right with the world.

StillOffshore · December 1, 2016

....and....some of the guys bitching, claiming to have bought multiple new vehicles in the past few years...either have money or are flat out lying. If you have the money, ANYTHING is possible. You just need to have a different point of view.

The trucks are not lacking features, they're more of a blank canvas for you to take your unlimited wealth and CREATE the perfect vehicle!!! Start a build tread and share your journey to perfection with others!!! That is why we're here right?

Havvkeye · December 1, 2016

You think the truck should fire nerf missles from the hood...design it and sell that mod. Someone, somewhere will buy it. You make some extra scratch...all is right with the world.

I would totally buy a nerf missle mod.

....and....some of the guys bitching, claiming to have bought multiple new vehicles in the past few years...either have money or are flat out lying. If you have the money, ANYTHING is possible. You just need to have a different point of view.

The trucks are not lacking features, they're more of a blank canvas for you to take your unlimited wealth and CREATE the perfect vehicle!!! Start a build tread and share your journey to perfection with others!!! That is why we're here right?

Buying 50+ new vehicles in just over 20 years is a job in itself and probably doesn't leave any money for mods. It also points to not ever being satisfied with anything you have.

POWERQUEST290 · December 1, 2016

StillOffshore, what is the video in motion and Denali gauge cluster thing you mentioned and who posted it? Searched and can't find anything on it?

StillOffshore · December 1, 2016

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/190465-denali-cluster-in-slt/page-7?do=findComment&comment=1898795

Denali cluster in slt trucks...

Edit: think that link brings you to the very last page. Sorry about that. Technology hates me, I'm dating his sister...

StillOffshore · December 1, 2016

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/188860-you-asked-for-it-we-delivered;-factory-camera-in-motion-and-front-cam/?fromsearch=1

One of the many video in motion threads. Think MVI does it. Can play movies while you drive. Lots of people think it's dangerous...I think it adds an extra, much needed, challenge to driving.

POWERQUEST290 · December 1, 2016

Cool thanks!

Driver72 · December 1, 2016

claiming to have bought multiple new vehicles in the past few years...either have money or are flat out lying. If you have the money, ANYTHING is possible. You just need to have a different point of view.

Well, if this is aimed at me, I ain't lying, and though I am no Jay Leno, though I do know him and have been inside his garage in Burbank with him, I do have some money.

Buying 50+ new vehicles in just over 20 years is a job in itself and probably doesn't leave any money for mods. It also points to not ever being satisfied with anything you have.

I've owned 50+ new vehicles in a couple decades, almost three decades now, since I was a teenager.

And it isn't a job in of itself, it's a lovely hobby. I usually own 3 cars at a time (occasionally 4 for short periods). Most I've had is 5 at one time.

I rotate the cars out. I usually keep them for 1-3 years, but with owning 3-4 at a time, I'm usually selling and getting a new one every 6-12 months. I sold my Hellcat two months ago. Got the 2017 Sierra 5 weeks ago. And have ordered a 2017 Chevy SS with 6MT which should arrive in March or so.

And yes, I make an excellent living, so it leaves plenty of money for mods.

Trying to psychoanalyze someone you've never met isn't the wisest of things and shows prejudice. Like women, variety in your autos is a good thing ;)

StillOffshore · December 1, 2016

Haha, not psychoanalyze....just saying, someone who has means, can then add anything they feel their new vehicle is lacking. If money is not an issue, pay someone to add what you think the truck should have come with.

Was only saying that people online are free to live in their imagination. Some may shoot straight, while others don't. I'm not trying to guess or speculate either way. If you are well off, congrats....I vote for you adding all the missing features to your truck. I'm sure a bunch of folks would love to check it out, some might follow suit.

StillOffshore · December 1, 2016

...and honestly, I haven't paid a heck of a lot of attention to who wrote what...just saw that the trucks aren't fancy enough and someone has a shitton of vehicles.

Either way, just killing some time online while stuck in the GOM. Not trying to upset or offend. Or psychoanalyze. Too many letters strung together to type that more than twice in a day.

Driver72 · December 1, 2016

Haha, not psychoanalyze....just saying, someone who has means, can then add anything they feel their new vehicle is lacking. If money is not an issue, pay someone to add what you think the truck should have come with.

Was only saying that people online are free to live in their imagination. Some may shoot straight, while others don't. I'm not trying to guess or speculate either way. If you are well off, congrats....I vote for you adding all the missing features to your truck. I'm sure a bunch of folks would love to check it out, some might follow suit.

No sorry, the psychoanalyze reply was to the other poster who I quoted. My response to you was just to let you know I was not lying.

I'm satisfied with the truck, doing only a few minor mods, close to level kit (1.5" up), wheels and tires, possibly a muffler to get a bit of growl out of the exhaust, maybe, maybe an intake, but not sure, and some other interior and exterior add ons, nothing major.

The other poster I quote stated that someone who has owned 50 vehicles points to a person who is never satisfied, that was the psychoanalyze part.....and he was way off.