NHT and 1/2 ton towables

Donstar · July 22, 2018

I'm scheduled to take one for a test-drive tomorrow. They have a LT with the same options and interior as my current SLE except for the NHT package. This may prove a very expensive way to add this factory option! If you are currently looking for a truck, and plan to tow a heavy trailer in the future, look for the NHT rpo code! It significantly enhances the versatility of your GM 1500!

MegaCode360 · July 22, 2018

Go for the LTZ or SLT!

depmur · July 22, 2018

It also includes tow mirrors as well, and is the only way to get them factory installed.
Includes trailer brake controller, which is available without taking the full NHT package.

The tow mirrors are expensive thru gm accessories/parts.

Depending on transmission/engine combo it also includes a different ratio differential(s)

NHT Max Trailering Package, includes 9.76" rear axle, 8-speed transmission with 3.42 or 6-speed transmission with 3.73, (JL1) trailer brake controller, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning for increased control, heavier duty rear springs and increased RGAWR

On SLE - Requires a Crew Cab or Double Cab model. Includes (G80) heavy-duty automatic locking rear differential on 2WD models (already standard on 4WD models) and Z82 Trailering Package. Requires (L83) 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine and (DPN) power camper mirrors. Not available with (SXL) Elevation Edition, (Z71) Off-Road Suspension Package. Includes (UHN) 18" X 8.5" bright-machined aluminum wheels. Requires (RKX) 18" tires or may upgrade to (RD3) 20" bright machined aluminum wheels with either (RC7) or (QSS) 20" tires.

On SLT - Requires (RKX) 18" tires or may upgrade to (RD5) 20" chrome wheels with either (RC7) or (QSS) 20" tires. With (L86) 6.2L engine, requires (RD5) 20" wheels with (QSS) 20" tires. Requires (DQS) power adjustable, power folding camper mirrors. Not available with (GAT) All Terrain Package and (Z71) Off-Road Suspension Package.

Thanks for the clarification.

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Donstar · July 22, 2018

12 minutes ago, MegaCode360 said:

Go for the LTZ or SLT!

Thanks for the suggestion. My last two trucks were SLE's and both were well equipped. I agree that a SLT and LTZ would be a good choice but I'm working with what is available locally. The LT I'm test driving tomorrow has leather, sliding rear window, 20" wheels etc. It does not have a centre console or chrome trim. Give me an example of what higher trims offer that I may need and not find on a LT or SLE.

redwngr · July 22, 2018

19 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Thanks for the suggestion. My last two trucks were SLE's and both were well equipped. I agree that a SLT and LTZ would be a good choice but I'm working with what is available locally. The LT I'm test driving tomorrow has leather, sliding rear window, 20" wheels etc. It does not have a centre console or chrome trim. Give me an example of what higher trims offer that I may need and not find on a LT or SLE.

Brochure includes a chart of include and optional for each trim level.

https://www.gmc.com/content/dam/gmc/na/us/english/index/about/download-brochures/2018-models/03_pdfs/2018-gmc-sierra-ld-brochure-revapr2018.pdf

Depending on the features you prefer, it might be cheaper to move up a trim level.

Build and price can be used to compare the MSRP's of the desired trims/options.

Sometimes options are available in 'packages' that are priced less than cost of individual upgrades (in a way, trim levels are packages of options)

Some options are only available on higher trims -- like ventilated seats or LED taillights on SLT.

Model change makes this exercise more difficult, since the '19 1500's are a new/different platform than the 18 and earlier.

Denali and High Country also have options available -- despite what some like to suggest.

If you don't see what you want locally, there is a good chance your dealer can find one equipped as you prefer.

They can search using your list of must haves and must not haves.

MegaCode360 · July 22, 2018

47 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Thanks for the suggestion. My last two trucks were SLE's and both were well equipped. I agree that a SLT and LTZ would be a good choice but I'm working with what is available locally. The LT I'm test driving tomorrow has leather, sliding rear window, 20" wheels etc. It does not have a centre console or chrome trim. Give me an example of what higher trims offer that I may need and not find on a LT or SLE.

AC seats, memory seats, power passenger seat, LED headlights, front parking assist sensors, heated steering wheel, 6.2 liter option, power fold mirrors

Donstar · July 22, 2018

2 hours ago, redwngr said:

Brochure includes a chart of include and optional for each trim level.

https://www.gmc.com/content/dam/gmc/na/us/english/index/about/download-brochures/2018-models/03_pdfs/2018-gmc-sierra-ld-brochure-revapr2018.pdf

Depending on the features you prefer, it might be cheaper to move up a trim level.

Build and price can be used to compare the MSRP's of the desired trims/options.

Sometimes options are available in 'packages' that are priced less than cost of individual upgrades (in a way, trim levels are packages of options)

Some options are only available on higher trims -- like ventilated seats or LED taillights on SLT.

Model change makes this exercise more difficult, since the '19 1500's are a new/different platform than the 18 and earlier.

Denali and High Country also have options available -- despite what some like to suggest.

If you don't see what you want locally, there is a good chance your dealer can find one equipped as you prefer.

They can search using your list of must haves and must not haves.

2 hours ago, MegaCode360 said:

AC seats, memory seats, power passenger seat, LED headlights, front parking assist sensors, heated steering wheel, 6.2 liter option, power fold mirrors

You guys are being mean! ;-) Thanks for the wake-up call. Heated steering wheel, front parking assist, folding mirrors are on my want list. But, money will probably keep my "want list" short!

Roscopcoletrain · July 22, 2018

Love love love my SLT NHT.

I was really surprised it only has P vs LT tires. They are Extra load, but still. That said they seem to work well.

Imcrazy · July 23, 2018

Having a fully loaded (minus leather)LT now vs an LTZ I would be hard pressed to pay a whole lot more for the LTZ... My buddy has an LTZ and besides the leather he has cooled seats, heated steering wheel, memory seats and power folding mirrors ( I think that's all) The only two things I'd really love to have is the folding mirrors and the cooled seats... W/ that said I would really want power folding mirrors if I was gonna have the tow mirrors as I would probably be folding 'em every time I pulled into the garage..

sldhead700 · July 23, 2018

Having a fully loaded (minus leather)LT now vs an LTZ I would be hard pressed to pay a whole lot more for the LTZ... My buddy has an LTZ and besides the leather he has cooled seats, heated steering wheel, memory seats and power folding mirrors ( I think that's all) The only two things I'd really love to have is the folding mirrors and the cooled seats... W/ that said I would really want power folding mirrors if I was gonna have the tow mirrors as I would probably be folding 'em every time I pulled into the garage..

And what is the price difference between a fully loaded lt vs. a base ltz?

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Imcrazy · July 23, 2018

6 minutes ago, sldhead700 said:

And what is the price difference between a fully loaded lt vs. a base ltz?

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MSRP is damn near identical, I am not sure what final purchase price would come down to with incentives... Didn't really get in depth with my buddy about what he paid, plus he works for Chevy and leased his truck 2 years after I got mine so kinda hard to compare... MSRP on my truck was $49k+ Negotiated price was $39k and change. I'll be seriously shopping LTZ's / SLT's next time around...

SierraHD17 · July 23, 2018

It is not a ton of difference from a base SLT or LTZ or a loaded LT or SLE. I myself prefer cloth and sought after a loaded cloth truck. Power passenger seat is available in the LT/SLE trim with buckets and heat as that is what mine is. Hardest was finding the Bose audio but I got it. I did a comparison a few years back and it made almost sense to move up a trim level but meh... lol. If you want leather seats though it is likely the better choice to move up.

Donstar · July 23, 2018

The truck I'm test driving tomorrow is what could be considered a loaded LT. The dealership is closed today so I went and had a look without having to talk to anyone. I am literally on the fence with this one. The LT dash isn't as nice as my SLE (imo) but not a concern. I was surprised to notice that this truck wasn't flex fuel compatible. I thought this was pretty standard. I have never used 85 ethanol but would like to if the opportunity should arise! Anyone have a "coles notes" answer for the difference between flex fuel and non-flex fuel engines?

SierraHD17 · July 23, 2018

The difference is ensuring everything is present in the tune and adding the fuel line under the cab with the ethanol sensor. That is literally all you have to do as the harness connector for the sensor is already under the cab.

Guys have been doing it on the 6.2 trucks since 14 as they have never come e85 equipped. All the 14's had it but then it became optional in 2015 and I haven't seen a new one with it up here since.

cmysstailights · July 23, 2018

My 5.3 NHT 8 speed got better mileage than the 6.2 8 spd (not NHT) it replaced.
Factoring in the difference between regular an premium it was significantly cheaper to run.

Pulling enclosed V-nose utility trailer across the continent on interstate the 5.3 NHT only gave 8-9 mpg.

One of the biggest advantages of the 2500's when towing longer distances is the size of the fuel tank. 1500 std and short box are all 98L/26gal while the 2500/3500's are 136L/36gal.
Fuel station spacing when carrying 26 gal (20 -22 usable?) getting 8 or 9 mpg becomes a problem -- often fuelling early because if not it was only going to get 1/2 way to next station.

22 gal x 8.5 = 190 miles, 32 gal x 8.5 = 272 miles (pulling the same trailer, the dmax would still be in double digits - easily giving over 300 mile range. )

Clearly fuel stop planning is greatly simplified with +/- 145% greater usable fuel volume. (32 / 22 x 100% = 145%)

If towing distances is a primary motivation, do not underestimate the extra cost for premium fuel.

As you can see I gave both the 5.3 and 6.2 a shot and went back to Dmax.

ymmv

15 6.0 on e85 towing 11k lbs i get 7mpg. I carry an extra 20 gallons with me. ( only use e85 so the extra 20 is my return home gas plus what i have left in the tank.)

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