Pulled the trigger and picked up my 2022 2500HD LT 4x4 Dmax

AlexB · November 17, 2021

Traded my 2020 1500 3.0 Dmax Z71 4x4 Texas edition 3.73 gears, with Fox shocks, airbags (removed them), Fuel wheels (left them on), level kit, S&B Filter (left it on), ceramic windshield tint and tint all around for this truck.

Pics attached:

2500HD Dmax

1500 3.0 Pulling the Vibe 26RK 31', 6800# at a RV resort

1500 3.0 pulling the new Astoria 3373RL 37', 8200#

Ride difference:

This 2500HD is a smoother ride actually. I believe that has to do with the airbags in the back on the 1500 as that made the ride rougher, regardless what you read on the internet.

The 1500 3.0 from the factory with the offroad towing option has the piece of junk Rancho shocks which made the truck bounce around as if it had worn out 300k mile shocks on it. Embarrassing. Fox shocks took care of that problem though. I didnt get to experience the ride without the airbags though as I had them installed within a few days. It was still comfortable, I just adjusted air pressure in the back when not towing my travel trailer (31' Vibe 26RK).

Towing:

Havent towed with the 2500 yet but I already know its going to be great.

3.0 Dmax towed the 2021 Vibe 26RK TT (31', 6800 empty) without issue and stopped without issue. The trailer brake controller inside the truck was very helpful as I modulate brakes when coming to a stop or when in traffic. I've went 70-75mph and never felt as though there was going to be any issues. 18wheelers coming towards me or passing me never worried me. Felt very good towing the smaller travel trailer and had no problems getting up to speed or retaining it.

Comfort:

Surprisingly it is more comfortable in the 2500HD. I have the front bucket seats option so maybe there is a difference there. The center console is definitely a plus. I can put my phone or whatever there and keep it out of the way. The actual center console storage is roomy but the $65 tray from GM is overpriced. I instead bought one on Amazon for $20. Had to also order the weather mat type mats in case of mud or dirt or whatever. Makes cleaning easier. Back seats feel more roomy also. But feature wise, same same. I did lose the power outlet inside the truck since I didnt have that option.

The only thing I dont like is the halogen headlights. I'll need to find LED headlights on ebay and buy the correct harness, so about $1200-1500.

Next up is tint, wheels, 3 piece rear bed cover and a level kit.

newdude · November 17, 2021

3.73 gears in the 3.0, did you have the Diesel Off Road Package? What kind of mileage did you average with those gears in that truck?

Congrats on the new one, looks sharp.

AlexB · November 17, 2021

About 22-23 with the fuel wheels, going 75. About 24 stock wheels, same mph.

Michael621 · November 18, 2021

Looks great, congrats!!

mw2022denali · November 18, 2021

Just picked up my 2022 3500 Denali. Nice truck, but I must say I am disappointed in some of the features it lacks for the price I paid. Kind of regret getting out of my 2019 F450 platinum.

Lifesgood · November 18, 2021

Nice choice! Looks exactly the same as my truck. At first i didnt like the cloth seats but after sitting in my bosses denali, im not so sure i want to get them changed out to leather.

one issue i have is that theres no level/lift kits out for 2022 model yet. But im being told that 20-22 are all the same so i can go ahead and order a 2021 level kit. I have a set of 37x12.50s sitting at home. When i get back im putting them on asap. All i did was turn the keys 9 turns and get alignment.

how did you like the ceramic tint? Ive always had dye tint because no one in my city offered it. Is it a huge step up from dye tint?

AlexB · November 18, 2021

@mw2022denali

holy crap man... that is a beauty. GMC always has some nice looking trucks. I've never had an F450 (Not a Ford guy) so I wouldnt know what is missing. But hopefully you'll love your new truck.

Edited November 18, 2021 by AlexB

AlexB · November 18, 2021

1 hour ago, Lifesgood said:

Nice choice! Looks exactly the same as my truck. At first i didnt like the cloth seats but after sitting in my bosses denali, im not so sure i want to get them changed out to leather.

one issue i have is that theres no level/lift kits out for 2022 model yet. But im being told that 20-22 are all the same so i can go ahead and order a 2021 level kit. I have a set of 37x12.50s sitting at home. When i get back im putting them on asap. All i did was turn the keys 9 turns and get alignment.

how did you like the ceramic tint? Ive always had dye tint because no one in my city offered it. Is it a huge step up from dye tint?

Well sir, you must have exquisite taste! LOL. I wanted an LT only. I didnt see the value in getting an LT Z71 since I was going to swap wheels anyway. If the +13 offset Weld Fulcrum W117 will work without rubbing, then I'll buy them today. Going to keep the stock tires and then when they need replacing, I'll get a little bigger but nothing crazy.

So you do have a level kit on yours? As far as tint, it happens tomorrow. I had it on my 3.0 Dmax and thought "ceramic yea right..I doubt it works"....and boy was I impressed. It definitely works, does not distort your vision etc.

shakenfake · November 18, 2021

1 hour ago, Lifesgood said:

Nice choice! Looks exactly the same as my truck. At first i didnt like the cloth seats but after sitting in my bosses denali, im not so sure i want to get them changed out to leather.

one issue i have is that theres no level/lift kits out for 2022 model yet. But im being told that 20-22 are all the same so i can go ahead and order a 2021 level kit. I have a set of 37x12.50s sitting at home. When i get back im putting them on asap. All i did was turn the keys 9 turns and get alignment.

how did you like the ceramic tint? Ive always had dye tint because no one in my city offered it. Is it a huge step up from dye tint?

Ceramic tint is miles better than dye tint

Lifesgood · November 18, 2021

2 hours ago, AlexB said:

Well sir, you must have exquisite taste! LOL. I wanted an LT only. I didnt see the value in getting an LT Z71 since I was going to swap wheels anyway. If the +13 offset Weld Fulcrum W117 will work without rubbing, then I'll buy them today. Going to keep the stock tires and then when they need replacing, I'll get a little bigger but nothing crazy.

So you do have a level kit on yours? As far as tint, it happens tomorrow. I had it on my 3.0 Dmax and thought "ceramic yea right..I doubt it works"....and boy was I impressed. It definitely works, does not distort your vision etc.

I dont have a level kit. Right now i just have my keys turned up 9 turns. I know im going to have to trim for the 37s, depending on how much will be the difference between leveling kit or not.

i kinda want to just go straight to a lift kit but i havent made up my mind what size lift i want yet.