2012 GMC Sierra Denali

Question

I've got a new 32' TT that weighs in at about 6000 dry. I've been towing with '98 Suburban 2500 with a 454 but the old Burb is getting pretty tired in it's old age so I'm looking at a replacement. I'd love a diesel but can't see spending that much money for something that will only get driven a couple thousand miles a year. A 3/4 ton truck would probably be the best choice but they are big and don't make a great driving vehicle when not towing. I found a nice 2012 Sierra Denali AWD with the 6.2 gas motor with 3.73 gears, but it's a half ton. It might need some suspension help in the rear but it should have plenty of power to pull the TT. Anyone tow with one of these?

tom_diane · Answer

My son just bought a Deanli, 2013 I think it is!
He had to add the brake controller then hooked it to his 30ft tt. He pulled about 10 miles and the tt blew a tire and tore hell out of things! So he is in the process of trying to get it totaled the ins. wants to fix it. Any how he said it pulled good, he knew the tt was back there but it had plenty of power and on some smaller hills!
Weight distribution set up will be a must obviously!

southpawhd · Answer

That motor is a beast and will pull it just fine.  My 5.3L half ton that I had pulled my trailer just fine. But payload was the issue. So check the payload first! I'll bet it's rather low.

apt · Answer

I'd take any 3/4 2007.5+ 3/4 ton 6.0L over that Denali. Oh wait, I did.

Power wise, you'll be fine. Not sure I trust the aluminum block for a lot of towing, but it's fine for weekender uses. The biggest issue is payload. 7000 pounds loaded means 900-1000 pounds of loaded TW. If that Denali has 1300 pounds of payload available, do you plan to keep the family and bed full of gear under 300 pounds? Make sure it has enough payload for you.

the_texan · Answer

I tow with the 2011 version of that truck and it does an awesome job. The trailer I have hooked on for this trip is scaling at 7K and have NO problems out here in the mountainous west. It does get hungry if you are heavy AND have a nasty headwind, like I did Sunday, but the ride when I am NOT towing is worth what little it cost for the extra fuel when it does need feeding. I get a solid 19 MPG when not towing. I have towed 10K many times and it does the job vey well at that heavy weight.

ibcarguy · Answer

Thanks for the input. From what I can find on the internet, the 2012 Sierra Denali 1500 AWD with the 6.2 liter has a tow rating of 9400 lbs. The trailer is just over 6000 lbs so I should be okay. This motor has lots of muscle so I think my concern would be the rear suspension might need so beefing up. I'm still undecided so the search will continue for now. Thanks again.

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2012 GMC Sierra Denali

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