Used 3500 L5P Options

Amanda Bishop · April 24, 2020

Hi folks,

I'm in the market for a used L5P XLT or Denali and would love some help deciding what options I would ideally have vs not. In particular, I'm wondering about the Suspension / Off-Road package. The primary use for this truck is to tow a 14k lb GVWR fifth wheel, and I've read some forum posts saying that people actually prefer the regular suspension to the "upgrade" option. I would love the trailer camera upgrade, but it seems that I could maybe get that installed on any 2017 and newer? Would love advice from the community, as this is my first tow vehicle (or pickup truck).

redwngr · April 24, 2020

First a correction. XLT is a Ford trim designation.

2017 GMC 3500 levels would be Sierra, SLE, SLT and Denali.

New for 2020 HD's is the AT4 trim level, slotted between SLT and Denali.

Camera options have been significantly changed year to year. Transparent trailer is a new for 2020 option.

The trailering camera systems, aftermarket and thru GM, didnt' do all the tricks available today.

Echomaster's Intellihaul was (is still?) available thru aftermarket or GM accessories.

https://echomaster.com/categories/intellihaul/

Z71 includes All Terrain tires. Some prefer standard all seasons for a tow vehicle.

From order guide:

On 2019 HD SLT (17-18 should be similar)

Z71 Suspension Package, Off-Road, requires 4WD model, 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. Not available with Dual Rear Wheels.
1 - Requires (QGM) LT265/70R18E all-terrain, blackwall tires. Not available with (ZW9) pickup box delete. Not available with dual rear wheels.

NZZ is available without the Z71 package.

JHD only functions at very slow speeds -- it's not a highway trailering thing.

Imo, Ranchos are not an upgrade for a towing truck (and lots hate them on any truck). I'd agree with those that think the standard shocks are better for road use.

On 2019 HD 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.

NZZ shields are standard on Denali

newdude · April 24, 2020

Go with a 1 ton 2017-2019 if you are looking used. Your payload will be sacrificed with a 2500hd diesel big time and you will be overweight.

Amanda Bishop · April 24, 2020

Thank you! Any other options that people really like? I don't care about nav since I prefer using Google Maps. I am thinking the Bose sound is something I definitely want, but not sure about other things like power rear window, goosneck/fifth wheel prep package, etc. Also, do all of them come with engine heaters (for rapid heat and a plug to keep the engine block heated in the winter)? Thanks in advance.

CamGTP · April 24, 2020

The rear sliding windows are known for leaks and or completely shattering. Of course not everyone will run into that issue but it's been talked about many times on here with lots of pictures and proof of it happening.

I have the rear slider and like to use it sometime but the chance of an issue is always in the back of my mind.

curver900 · April 25, 2020

4 hours ago, Amanda Bishop said:

Thank you! Any other options that people really like? I don't care about nav since I prefer using Google Maps. I am thinking the Bose sound is something I definitely want, but not sure about other things like power rear window, goosneck/fifth wheel prep package, etc. Also, do all of them come with engine heaters (for rapid heat and a plug to keep the engine block heated in the winter)? Thanks in advance.

You get nav and all the other goodies in the higher trims . I would make sure you go with a late 18 or 19 and get the denso fuel pump. The rancho shocks are junk so if you want a better ride plan on replacing them I went to 5100 bilstiens and what a difference and my truck had 6k miles on it. Make sure the block heater recall was done. One last thing is drive it on the freeway at 76-80 mph and make sure there is no shimmy/shake if there is pass on it.

grandpalarry777 · April 25, 2020

A really basic suggestion, get a dually, More stable and better towing capability,

Amanda Bishop · April 25, 2020

1 hour ago, curver900 said:

I would make sure you go with a late 18 or 19 and get the denso fuel pump.

Why the recommendation for late '18 or '19 over the '17? Seems '18 just added the tire fill alert feature and '19 added the multipro tailgate, CF bed liner, multicolor HUD, more rear legroom, and the option for the in-vehicle trailering app w/phone-companion app. Is there something else you were referring to? I'm asking b/c of course I would save some cash going with the earlier model years.

Colossus · April 25, 2020

The rear sliding window on my 08 LMM allows a lot of road noise into the cab. Not sure if that is the same on the newer trucks but it is a pet peeve of mine. I do like the heated leather seats.

curver900 · April 25, 2020

8 hours ago, Amanda Bishop said:

Why the recommendation for late '18 or '19 over the '17? Seems '18 just added the tire fill alert feature and '19 added the multipro tailgate, CF bed liner, multicolor HUD, more rear legroom, and the option for the in-vehicle trailering app w/phone-companion app. Is there something else you were referring to? I'm asking b/c of course I would save some cash going with the earlier model years.

as stated earlier the 17 and early 18s have the Bosch C4P pump the later 18's and 19's all have the Denso with a lift pump. You can search about the C4P pump issues.. There is no difference from a 15 to 19 on the cab, HUD is rare, trailering app is probably rare too..

newdude · April 25, 2020

11 hours ago, curver900 said:

You get nav and all the other goodies in the higher trims . I would make sure you go with a late 18 or 19 and get the denso fuel pump. The rancho shocks are junk so if you want a better ride plan on replacing them I went to 5100 bilstiens and what a difference and my truck had 6k miles on it. Make sure the block heater recall was done. One last thing is drive it on the freeway at 76-80 mph and make sure there is no shimmy/shake if there is pass on it.

1 hour ago, curver900 said:

as stated earlier the 17 and early 18s have the Bosch C4P pump the later 18's and 19's all have the Denso with a lift pump. You can search about the C4P pump issues.. There is no difference from a 15 to 19 on the cab, HUD is rare, trailering app is probably rare too..

10 hours ago, Amanda Bishop said:

Why the recommendation for late '18 or '19 over the '17? Seems '18 just added the tire fill alert feature and '19 added the multipro tailgate, CF bed liner, multicolor HUD, more rear legroom, and the option for the in-vehicle trailering app w/phone-companion app. Is there something else you were referring to? I'm asking b/c of course I would save some cash going with the earlier model years.

That fuel pump information is false. All 2017-2019 L5P engines run the Denso fuel system and do not use the Bosch CP4 pump. 2011-2016 run the Bosch CP4 system.

https://blog.duramaxtuner.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-l5p

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/duramax-history-lesson-6-l5p/

redwngr · April 26, 2020

The engine was the LML (which used the Bosch CP4) for model years 11 thru 16.

The L5P (with Denso pump) is used in all 17 thru 19 2500 and 3500.

The 2020 is still L5P, but with enhanced cooling system.

2011 thru 2019 all have the same chassis (frame, brakes etc) even though there was a body change (in the 15/16 time frame), and then the engine change in 17.

2020 has everything new, except the L5P (even though it has some external changes). The 202's have significant increases in tow ratings compared to equivalent configurations in 17 thru 19.

All these trucks have the 'elevated idle' system to warm them quickly in below freezing temperatures. Once it is turned on in the options, it will automatically engage when it is cold enough. (nice when started by remote...)

All also have a block heater. GM suggests using the block heater when it is below 0F.

As others noted, if it is a private sale, be sure to get the block heater done if it's not already. It is a recall, so no cost except the time.

curver900 · April 27, 2020

On 4/25/2020 at 9:20 AM, newdude said:

That fuel pump information is false. All 2017-2019 L5P engines run the Denso fuel system and do not use the Bosch CP4 pump. 2011-2016 run the Bosch CP4 system.

https://blog.duramaxtuner.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-l5p

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/duramax-history-lesson-6-l5p/

You are correct I had it stuck in my head wrong thanks for the correction