NHT and 1/2 ton towables

cire0309 · July 28, 2018

Google towing specs for '18 Denali and you'll find figures like 9100 or 9300. Payloads are around 1700. You need to go to a SLT or SLE (LT or LTZ) to get the higher ratings. It is getting close to month end and today my salesman called me back to reconsider the LT with the max tow option I mention on page 3 of this thread. Its payload is is a little over 1900 lbs and its towing is 10,800. It would be a great trailer or 1/2 ton towable 5th wheel hauler. I may be offered an outstanding deal but sometimes it's worth it to spend more and get more! I think I'll hold out for a LTZ or SLT as recommended by other members.

What cab and bed config were you looking at? I’m not sure if you mentioned it earlier. I only say that because the config like a CC 6.5’ bed is uncommon and I wouldn’t wait on seeing another one of those if that is the config you want.

Donstar · July 28, 2018

27 minutes ago, cire0309 said:

What cab and bed config were you looking at? I’m not sure if you mentioned it earlier. I only say that because the config like a CC 6.5’ bed is uncommon and I wouldn’t wait on seeing another one of those if that is the config you want.

It is the configuration I currently have and like. (CC 6.5" bed). It is graphite metallic on 20" wheels. The options are many including leather, sliding rear window, back-up camera, bed liner etc. It is a beautiful truck. The problem is my current low mileage, '15 is very , very similar except for the NHT payload's pulling power. The personal predicament is I can't buy a larger trailer with my current truck as I already have the largest trailer I want to pull with my 7000 lb max tow rating. If I buy a new truck, our resources to upgrade to a new trailer will need time to replenish. However, I'd hate to find a trailer first and then have to look for a truck afterwards. The savings on new trucks now are incredible! "First world problems" and I feel fortunate to have such concerns!

DHeinze · July 29, 2018

On 7/27/2018 at 10:23 PM, sldhead700 said:

Yes, let us know what you find with the build sheet.
Very curious also since I haven't seen anything close to 15,000 for a 1/2 ton published? Was that a typo and meant to say 12,000?

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Went to the dealership this weekend. As I figured the salesman was appologect and the truck is only capable of 9100 lbs towing capacity. Looking for more information I went to the service dept and had a visit with them. The reason for the lighter payload and NHT not being available on the denali I own is because of the magnetic ride control. On a side bar and off the record he did recommend using somo coils if I would be operating the truck at the top end of its capabilities because it would provide close to a level tow I was looking for and help with body roll etc. The max hitch weight is 1370 lbs. We still have options for fifth wheels that meet that criteria and as stated earlier pay attention to what you put in it.

sldhead700 · July 29, 2018

Thanks for the info! ( Darn magnetic ride, cost you close to a few thousand pounds ?)
But I'm guessing it rides pretty sweet without a trailer!?
Sounds like your service department was pretty helpful, and sales guy was genuinely apologetic, which to me may have been an honest mistake on his part.....
Hopefully you can make this truck work with a trailer that you will still be happy with....

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DHeinze · July 29, 2018

It is different. The ride is most noticable on the dirt roads. It responds quite differently with wash boards. They also mentioned not leaving the truck in AWD unless we anticipated a need for it. He stated that it puts undo wear on the transfer case when towing and had seen a few 16-17 model trucks in the shop for transfer case noise.

Jon A · July 29, 2018

3 hours ago, DHeinze said:

As I figured the salesman was appologect and the truck is only capable of 9100 lbs towing capacity.

That's a bummer but what I expected. On the other hand, a 9000 lb 5th wheel is a pretty darn big trailer for a 1/2 ton and would be a huge upgrade from your current trailer. Hopefully you can find something in that range you like a lot. There may be times towing through the mountains, etc that you're glad you didn't go for something even bigger.

The Sumo springs are a good idea. While I like airbags a lot better and they offer a lot more capability, the magnetic shocks do complicate the use of them and sticking to the pin weights in the 1300 lb range they aren't really needed. The Sumos will add some stiffness when loaded and are very simple to use and shouldn't "confuse" the magnetic shocks. If you're going to put a lot of miles on the setup, a set of E rated tires would be beneficial as well.

DHeinze · July 29, 2018

The tires are a whole different story.. The Denali Ulmimate package added 22" rims. That should make the tire shopping experience a bit more expensive.

Roscopcoletrain · July 29, 2018

5 minutes ago, DHeinze said:

The tires are a whole different story.. The Denali Ulmimate package added 22" rims. That should make the tire shopping experience a bit more expensive.

I can only imagine. I'm coming from 18's on my 09 to 20's on my 15. Not looking forward to replacing them. Had a quick look and looks like I'm pretty limited on E rated LT as well.

Donstar · July 29, 2018

4 hours ago, DHeinze said:

Went to the dealership this weekend. As I figured the salesman was appologect and the truck is only capable of 9100 lbs towing capacity. Looking for more information I went to the service dept and had a visit with them. The reason for the lighter payload and NHT not being available on the denali I own is because of the magnetic ride control. On a side bar and off the record he did recommend using somo coils if I would be operating the truck at the top end of its capabilities because it would provide close to a level tow I was looking for and help with body roll etc. The max hitch weight is 1370 lbs. We still have options for fifth wheels that meet that criteria and as stated earlier pay attention to what you put in it.

When you say the max hitch weight is 1370, what is the payload of your Denali? I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with leaving myself less than 600 lbs of payload for my family and personal gear. I would also have an issue with the dealership if you bought this model because you were told it had a higher towing capacity. If you haven't bought your trailer, and plan to keep your truck, there are many lighter fifth wheel trailers. I've got my eyes on a 25 ft 5th Winnebago with a gross weight of 9995 lbs. (dry is 7,220 /dry hitch is 820). I will be very comfortable with the specs of a NHT truck and not have to count pounds when loading. I am not saying your proposed combination won't be adequate but you have options if you are concerned with operating at maximum limits.

Kubs · July 30, 2018

On 7/28/2018 at 8:41 AM, Donstar said:

It is the configuration I currently have and like. (CC 6.5" bed). It is graphite metallic on 20" wheels. The options are many including leather, sliding rear window, back-up camera, bed liner etc. It is a beautiful truck. The problem is my current low mileage, '15 is very , very similar except for the NHT payload's pulling power. The personal predicament is I can't buy a larger trailer with my current truck as I already have the largest trailer I want to pull with my 7000 lb max tow rating. If I buy a new truck, our resources to upgrade to a new trailer will need time to replenish. However, I'd hate to find a trailer first and then have to look for a truck afterwards. The savings on new trucks now are incredible! "First world problems" and I feel fortunate to have such concerns!

When I started looking my dealer was able to pull up every CC 6.5' bed NHT for sale in the country. There were only 4 at the time (Silverado only), none with the options I wanted and only 1 in a color I found acceptable. This is what led me to order mine. However, see if your dealer can do the same. This may help you decide to get what is available now, or continue to search. Also see if your dealer is able to reach out to another and trade inventory for an LTZ or something.

cire0309 · July 30, 2018

1 hour ago, Kubs said:

When I started looking my dealer was able to pull up every CC 6.5' bed NHT for sale in the country. There were only 4 at the time (Silverado only), none with the options I wanted and only 1 in a color I found acceptable. This is what led me to order mine. However, see if your dealer can do the same. This may help you decide to get what is available now, or continue to search. Also see if your dealer is able to reach out to another and trade inventory for an LTZ or something.

Yeah, just getting a CC 6.5' bed is not that easy in Georgia, never mind finding one with the NHT package. I'm wondering if they ship all those trucks north of the border.

Donstar · July 30, 2018

2 hours ago, Kubs said:

When I started looking my dealer was able to pull up every CC 6.5' bed NHT for sale in the country. There were only 4 at the time (Silverado only), none with the options I wanted and only 1 in a color I found acceptable. This is what led me to order mine. However, see if your dealer can do the same. This may help you decide to get what is available now, or continue to search. Also see if your dealer is able to reach out to another and trade inventory for an LTZ or something.

Good suggestion. I assumed I could get a better deal if I negotiated on their existing inventory but it isn't a saving if I don't like the truck. The most annoying thing I find about this particular truck is that it already has a couple of hundred kms from test drives. This truck would appeal to a relatively specific group of buyers. Why would so many test-drive it and not follow through with a purchase?

cire0309 · July 30, 2018

Good suggestion. I assumed I could get a better deal if I negotiated on their existing inventory but it isn't a saving if I don't like the truck. The most annoying thing I find about this particular truck is that it already has a couple of hundred kms from test drives. This truck would appeal to a relatively specific group of buyers. Why would so many test-drive it and not follow through with a purchase?

Did it ride any stiffer than a non-NHT truck? We can only assume that folks who really didn’t need the NHT may not have wanted to sacrifice ride. My 2500 needs at least 400-500 lbs in the back to smooth out a bit.

I have to admit. I don’t like purchasing vehicles with that many test drive miles on them.

Another plausible scenario is that they may have traded vehicles with another semi-local dealership. They’ll usually drive the vehicles if it’s not too far.

Donstar · July 30, 2018

59 minutes ago, cire0309 said:

Did it ride any stiffer than a non-NHT truck? We can only assume that folks who really didn’t need the NHT may not have wanted to sacrifice ride. My 2500 needs at least 400-500 lbs in the back to smooth out a bit.

I have to admit. I don’t like purchasing vehicles with that many test drive miles on them.

Another plausible scenario is that they may have traded vehicles with another semi-local dealership. They’ll usually drive the vehicles if it’s not too far.

I have yet to test drive this truck, but have spent time in the driver's seat. I imagine the 20 inch wheels will generate a stiffer ride than my current 17's c/w Michelin highway tires, as well as the stiffer suspension. I'll check on the dealer trade idea as this sits better with me than a dozen joy rides. My wife has very little interest in my truck shopping except for the money component. She says I'd better pay used vehicle price for a used vehicle!

wforrest08 · July 30, 2018

5 hours ago, Donstar said:

Why would so many test-drive it and not follow through with a purchase?

Dealers around here swap trucks like kids with baseball cards. Mine was a dealer swap had 300ish miles on it the window sticker said it was delivered to another stealership one state South did the math and the miles add up to somebody drove one truck up and one truck down. Also the dealer in town (nope not the one I bought from) a couple salesmen get to take brand spanking new trucks home and they ain’t driving W/Ts currently one is driving a Centennial and I’ll guarantee he ain’t buying it he drove a fully loaded LTZ Pearl White 13 around for months when the 14s came out. Father in laws best friend owned a Dodge stealership for many years friends and family got the keys and where told drive it for a week if you like it come sign the papers if you don’t bring it back and we’ll find you something eles. Course it was only 5 or 6 years ago they started to take the keys out of the new inventory at night and they never did on the used cars. Keys were always kept above the visor I’d bet there was an occasional after hours test drive...