Forum Discussion

teraandjim's avatar
teraandjim
Explorer
May 02, 2013

Help with new truck and Trailer. GM 6.2L Max Trailer pkg.

Hello fellow campers!!!! I'm a long time camper and have been towing for some time. I now have the money to purchase a new camper and truck. We have been looking for 2 plus years for the floor plan that we like and the Jayco White Hawk 28DSBH will fit the bill. I get the GM discount and I'm interested in a GMC 1500 with trailer max package. We generally camp on weekends and take a trip to northern Michigan two to three times a year. I'm interested in owners that have experience with a setup utilizing the gm 6.2l in the Max trailering package and a trailer that is about 7500 lbs. I will be waiting for the 2014 gm trucks to come out, but I'm interested in the current 1500 with the 6.2l and if the truck is able to handle the trailer. I'm interested in power from the truck, how does it ride and overall comfort this truck will provide when hauling a trailer of this size. The truck will be my everyday ride to work and will be taken quite often a fishing trips up north, so 4X4 will be a must. I was hoping to stay in a 1500 for a better ride and a little better MPG. Thank you for any help and for the many enjoyable post that have been presented in the forums.
Tow Vehicles
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    wintersun wrote:
    Download the manufacturer's vehicle towing guidelines which will be in PDF format and then check the tow rating for a conventional trailer with your truck's engine and axle gearing. Biggest difference is in axle ratio with a 4.10 providing 25% more towing capacity than the 3.73 with gas powered GM trucks.
    He is specifically asking about the 6.2L with NHT package and there is NO 4.10 offered with either that engine or package......
  • wintersun's avatar
    wintersun
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2013
    Download the manufacturer's vehicle towing guidelines which will be in PDF format and then check the tow rating for a conventional trailer with your truck's engine and axle gearing. Biggest difference is in axle ratio with a 4.10 providing 25% more towing capacity than the 3.73 with gas powered GM trucks.
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Not sure what the payload is on a NHT crew cab, but on our extended cab, it is almost 2000#, not 1700#. That does make a big difference when choosing trailers and tongue weights.

    Here is another tidbit from the SS forum......

    If you have the 6.2L you have the following...

    6.2L L9H engine
    6L80 6 speed transmission
    14 bolt "hybrid" semi-float rear axle with a G80 locker, disc brakes, and 3.42 gears (all packages and combination EXCEPT NHT MAX TRAILERING)
    14 bolt "hybrid" semi-float rear axle with a G80 locker, disc brakes, and 3.73 gears (ONLY on trucks with the NHT MAX TRAILERING OPTION Which also blocks other options like Z71 and any wheel packages larger than 17")

    NHT Max Trailering (and their corresponding gear rations) is not available on the 4.3L, 4.8L or 5.3L engines.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Go to the Chevy/GMC 1500 build site. The 6.2L engine is available as a stand alone option for about $2k over the 4.8L. It includes the engine, 3.42 axle upgrades trans and 9.5" axles over even the 5.3L. NHT is the RPO code for the Max Trailer Trailering Pack. It includes the G80 Eaton Locker, upgraded springs/GVWR, specific 17" wheels, and a few other details. It is comparable to Ford's Max Traielr Towing package, without the elephant mirrors. I think it's a great package offering a respectable 1700-ish pounds of loaded crew cab payload along with one of the most powerful gas engines availible.
  • teraandjim's avatar
    teraandjim
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    I would like some information. What is NHT and what will it give me as an option on the truck? Thanks Jim
  • mooky_stinks's avatar
    mooky_stinks
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    I love my 12 even though mine doesn't have the NHT option. It's the same except with the 3.42 gear and lighter spring. The payload on the NHT is about 300lbs heavier than standard. You'll have no problem with that trailer. Mine is 1000 lbs heavier which is about the limit of this truck. I'm very close but not over my RAWR and receiver rating at the scale loaded. With less tongue weight and extra payload and the right hitch set up it'll be well within the trucks capabilities. The engine is just icing on the cake. Like The Texan, I'm not a big fan of AFM. There's just too many bad reports on the GM truck sites. I would try to find a 13 if it were me.
  • APT's avatar
    APT
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Do it, you will love how that tows.

    I test drove a Yukon Denali with 6.2L/3.42 axle and really liked the power. I did not like the suspension and AWD. But I would consider the truck with it.
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    We have the 6.2L NHT and it will tow your trailer with ease. We tow one that is 10K, out here in the west in the mountains and I have NO complaints. Keep in mind that the 14 model will have AFM and I personally do not care for AFM in a TV. We are getting 18mpg not towing and around 12 towing. The 6.2L is a beast and if you want, you can break all 4 loose with out any problem. The 3½" exhaust out the back under the bumper is nice and has a very throaty sound. Make sure you get very aggressive snow tires, as the power this truck has makes std snow tires virtually useless. If you have any specific questions, ask away. We have about 8K miles on ours and love it.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025