All Wheel Drive

nevadanick wrote:
Our new Yukon Denali doesnt have awd, they went back to 2wd/4wd with an auto feature that senses slip and locks the tcase. Not sure if they have done the same with the pickups.

From what I've heard its same thing on trucks... And my slt has same t-case and includes awd...

Does the model year Denali have a low range transfer case? As far as towing goes, I think the only issue would be potentially the lack of low range. Depending on where you tow, low range can be a very helpful option. I use it periodically moving the trailer around in tough conditions. For example, this weekend we camped in the sand dunes, and moving the trailer back and forth in the sand to get situated can be a strain on the drive train. Nice to drop it in low range for that duty. The other situation in which I've used low range towing is going up, or especially down, gravel or other forest service roads. We like to get way back off the road sometimes, and the gravel roads back in the woods can be very steep. Coming down these hills in low range is a brake saver! If you never do this type of camping, low range probably isn't of much use to you.

Other than that, just a bit more fuel use, I think, is the bigger difference.

Good luck.

Our new Yukon Denali doesnt have awd, they went back to 2wd/4wd with an auto feature that senses slip and locks the tcase. Not sure if they have done the same with the pickups.

jfritz_drfritz wrote:

Ductape wrote:
OP did not ask about 2WD.

Almost every 4x4 made now turns the front axle all the time. Free wheeling hubs went out of fashion 20 years ago.

Ford superduty has 50% of the heavy duty pickup market. They all (4x4) come with manual/auto hubs, the front diff does not turn in 2wd unless the hubs are manually locked. So.... no!

Beyond that, just about every half ton (except Ram IIRC) has some variety of axle disconnect system. Manual disconnect hubs are out of fashion, but just the manual aspect.

I have a 2wd vehicle, and an AWD vehicle. I will start by saying that AWD systems vary so greatly, the OP's question relates to the specific system as much the configuration. For stability, and fuel efficiency, 4WD gets my vote, but it does have some understeer / tire scrubbing issues at times. For towing however, I would have some durability concerns with AWD.

The GM full sized truck AWD system is pretty good, (whereas the system in say the Chev Equinox is garbage). The engagement and slip characteristics on the half tons is stout, and should work well.

I'm not sure if that helps or muddy's the waters lol.

I have towed extensively with AWD, and for towing I think it's great, but I much prefer part-time 4WD over AWD. It's generally more efficient, but the biggest reason is that AWD is very sensitive to different diameter tires. Thus, if you get a flat in one that cannot be repaired and your tires are more than 25% worn you often have to buy at least 2 tires and sometimes 4 depending on the vehicle specific requirements. This is a deal breaker for me after having it happen.

travelnman wrote:
Anybody notice any major differences or concerns with 4x4 towing vs All Wheel Drive towing? Considering a Denali with AWD and the 6 liter.

Just so you will know. You cannot tow on dry pavement with 4x4, and shouldn't in the rain. True 4x4 will not allow the wheels to slip independently of each other, and will put the drive shafts in a bind which will put the trany in a bind, and cook it.

You can tow on any surface with All wheel drive, as the wheels can turn independently of each other

Ductape wrote:
OP did not ask about 2WD.

Almost every 4x4 made now turns the front axle all the time. Free wheeling hubs went out of fashion 20 years ago.

Ford superduty has 50% of the heavy duty pickup market. They all (4x4) come with manual/auto hubs, the front diff does not turn in 2wd unless the hubs are manually locked. So.... no!

I had a Sierra Denali with the 6.0 and AWD. It was a great truck that handled and rode exceptionally well towing and empty. Fuel economy was a different story. 13 city, 15.5 hwy, and 7.5-8.5 towing.

Repairs to the AWD system are not cheap. Wheel bearings are $1800 for the pair and rebuilding the front differential was $1650. All of this was required at about 78,000 miles.

Even with the repair expenses this truck is still my favorite. The only reason I traded it was for more payload and towing ability of a diesel. Otherwise I would still be enjoying that truck.

Only reason I don't have a Denali or Escalade is because I like having a two-speed transfer case when I'm playing in the soft stuff.

OP did not ask about 2WD.

Almost every 4x4 made now turns the front axle all the time. Free wheeling hubs went out of fashion 20 years ago.