Question about Max Towing Package

JimZRyd · February 25, 2018

Hey guys! I’m looking at purchasing a new truck this summer so I’ve been online building a new Sierra Denali with the 6.2. No matter how I try to configure it, I cannot build it with a 6.2 and the Max Towing Package, in the Denali trim. I can configure it in any of the other trim levels with a 6.2, but why not the Denali? I’ve tried everything I can but can’t get it to take. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks??

Jim

sethro274 · February 25, 2018

Denali only comes with MagneRide and it is not heavy enough for the max trailering. You can do an SLT Premium plus (basically the same as a Denali with the exception of Magride, painted bumpers and Digital gauges.

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JimZRyd · February 25, 2018

Thanks. I’ll check that out. But what makes it “not heavy enough”? Is the Magnaride set up that much lighter than traditional suspension? Other than that, same truck really. Thanks again !

Jim

Logan Lanfear · February 25, 2018

Its a different suspension style. They set up their max tow to use just the traditional style suspension that doesn't come with the denali.

JimZRyd · February 25, 2018

Gotcha. Really would like to be able to tow a little more, but don’t have a need to move up to a diesel. Might look into a 2500 gaser. Thanks!

redwngr · February 25, 2018

FWIW, it's also not possible to but Z71 on a 1500 Denali, but it can be ordered on 2500.

(2500 doesn't have magnetic ride control)

Jon A · February 25, 2018

Yes, the main purpose of the MagneRide shocks is to provide a "luxurious" ride. NHT's have stiffer rear springs which would serve to undermine that and require GM recalibrate the system for them and they clearly decided not to bother.

The big thing you get with the NHT is a higher GVWR/Payload which could be worth it to you if you're one to fret over exceeding your sticker when towing so keep that in mind when making the decision.

Logan Lanfear · February 25, 2018

Go with the 2500. You wont regret it for towing and it would still be very nice in a Denali.

JimZRyd · February 25, 2018

Thanks guys! I’m definitely more a GM guy than a Ford guy, but I find it troublesome that a F250 with a 6.2 can easily be fitted with 4.3 gears and be rated to tow 15K right out of the box. I’m probably over thinking all of this. I only plan to tow a couple times a year. An enclosed car hauler, aluminum, weighing about 3800# with my toy that weighs another 3200#. I’d probably be fine with a Sierra 6.2 even without the max tow package. My wife always tells me I go overboard with things?. Mainly it will be a DD for me, just want it to pull my toy when need be.

Jim

sigmonster · February 26, 2018

I have driven a gas 2500 and a Max Tow 1500 SLT with 6.2. I got the Max Tow 1500. The 1500 has a much better ride (unloaded at least), better fuel economy, and a shorter turning radius--it is a better daily driver. The 1500 pulls my boat (5000-6000lb) as fast as I want (70-80) mph even uphill if needed. I love the large mirrors.

newdude · February 26, 2018

20 hours ago, JimZRyd said:

Hey guys! I’m looking at purchasing a new truck this summer so I’ve been online building a new Sierra Denali with the 6.2. No matter how I try to configure it, I cannot build it with a 6.2 and the Max Towing Package, in the Denali trim. I can configure it in any of the other trim levels with a 6.2, but why not the Denali? I’ve tried everything I can but can’t get it to take. Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks??

Jim

On 1500 trucks, Max Trailer Package NHT is only available with the SLT trim level on GMC, and LTZ on Chevy. You can get the 6.2 on both trims but not NHT.

What are you trying to tow with the truck?

Donstar · February 26, 2018

15 hours ago, JimZRyd said:

Thanks guys! I’m definitely more a GM guy than a Ford guy, but I find it troublesome that a F250 with a 6.2 can easily be fitted with 4.3 gears and be rated to tow 15K right out of the box. I’m probably over thinking all of this. I only plan to tow a couple times a year. An enclosed car hauler, aluminum, weighing about 3800# with my toy that weighs another 3200#. I’d probably be fine with a Sierra 6.2 even without the max tow package. My wife always tells me I go overboard with things?. Mainly it will be a DD for me, just want it to pull my toy when need be.

Jim

My V6 with a 3.42 gear ratio is rated to pull your trailer. Your wife is correct!

Logan Lanfear · February 26, 2018

1 hour ago, newdude said:

What are you trying to tow with the truck?

Heres what hes towing:

16 hours ago, JimZRyd said:

Thanks guys! I’m definitely more a GM guy than a Ford guy, but I find it troublesome that a F250 with a 6.2 can easily be fitted with 4.3 gears and be rated to tow 15K right out of the box. I’m probably over thinking all of this. I only plan to tow a couple times a year. An enclosed car hauler, aluminum, weighing about 3800# with my toy that weighs another 3200#. I’d probably be fine with a Sierra 6.2 even without the max tow package. My wife always tells me I go overboard with things?. Mainly it will be a DD for me, just want it to pull my toy when need be.

Jim

Krusty · February 26, 2018

19 hours ago, JimZRyd said:

Thanks guys! I’m definitely more a GM guy than a Ford guy, but I find it troublesome that a F250 with a 6.2 can easily be fitted with 4.3 gears and be rated to tow 15K right out of the box. I’m probably over thinking all of this. I only plan to tow a couple times a year. An enclosed car hauler, aluminum, weighing about 3800# with my toy that weighs another 3200#. I’d probably be fine with a Sierra 6.2 even without the max tow package. My wife always tells me I go overboard with things?. Mainly it will be a DD for me, just want it to pull my toy when need be.

Jim

Went from a 2007 LMM 2500 to a 2017 NHT - Both daily drivers. Pulling that weight seldom U will be plenty happy with the NHT - add equalizer hitch of you like. The 6.2L is a little hot rod - compared to the lugging power of the Duramax - Love my max trailering more and more every day........... 9,000 miles on her so far.......

Here's a pic loaded way too much tongue heavy standard hitch - handled it like a champ..........

Wintersun · February 26, 2018

Few pickup trucks require a WDH for any tow load. With my 2500HD and towing a 18,000 lb. trailer load, GM refers to a WDH as "optional".

The Denali is the "Cadillac" pickup for people with more dollars than sense. Most profitable vehicle of any for GM and the dealers. For my 2011 LT Chevy Silverado 2500HD with the tow package and entertainment package and GM running boards and GM bed liner and GM aluminum diamond plate tool box and GM tow mirrors and the diesel engine and Allison transmission I paid under $42,000 for a new truck.

When I see a MSRP for a new GM 1500 class pickup with its GM transmission and V-8 at more than $40,000 I keep on walking. I had thought seriously about selling the Duramax and getting a gas powered 1500 for the gentler ride and convenience of its burning gas which is more readily available. But with the transmission problems and the prices for these trucks I have decided to stick with the Duramax (better the devil you know).

GM as with Ford and Ram and Toyota produces a towing guide that you can download as a PDF and have the specifications for the various configurations.