What It’s Like To Tow 30,000 Pounds With The 2020 GMC Sierra HD
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We just traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to test drive the all-new 2020 GMC Sierra HD, the mechanical twin to the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD. While identical in terms of its architecture and drivetrain, the two heavy duty GM pickups have never been so different, with the Sierra offering different styling, exclusive options and technology, such as the AT4 HD off-road variant, a carbon fiber bed and an innovative multi-function tailgate GMC calls MultiPro.
But behind all that sits one of the most accomplished work horses to date. As a matter of fact, General Motors brags about having the strongest trucks in the segment with a 35,500 pound towing rating when powered by the 6.6L L5P V8 turbodiesel Duramax engine and equipped with the ten-speed automatic “Allison” transmission. The combination makes 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque.
By comparison, the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty maxes out at 35,100 pounds while the current Ford Super Duty hauls 32,500 pounds. That said, Ford should soon release the specs of its updated 2020 Super Duty, which should crank up the towing capacity to better compete against the new GM Heavy Duty bruisers.
To prove just how capable its new mule is in towing, GMC had prepared two different towing activities for us. The first consisted of hauling a 20,000 pound trailer with a Sierra HD AT4 single wheel on a 15-mile trek through Wyoming’s winding and ascending. During that run, we would be able to assess the truck’s performance during prolonged periods of real-world towing, which also allowed us to sample the truck’s new towing camera system.
Side and rear mounted cameras allow the pilot to carefully monitor the trailer directly from the Sierra’s infotainment screen. There’s even an optional trailer-mounted camera which allows us to see straight through the trailer, and onto the road behind it.
The second towing exercise had us hitch a Big Tex Heavy Duty gooseneck trailer onto a dual rear-wheel Sierra Denali 3500HD. That trailer, weighing in at 30,000 pounds, had a bunch of the competition’s tailgates stacked up onto it, a reference to GMC’s Multi-Pro tailgate commercial. It’s important to note that the GM’s claimed 35,500-pound towing rating can only be achieved with a Regular Cab, dual rear-wheel 3500HD.
In both occasions we were impressed by the smoothness under towing exhibited by the 2020 GMC Sierra HD. Not only did the big rig seem unbridled by the massive weight hanging behind its bed, but cabin vibrations and secondary motions were kept low, to the point that we quickly forgot we were actually pulling something.
Furthermore, the ten-speed gearbox did a fantastic job of finding the right gear for the task. In some cases, it even allowed itself to downshift smoothly during steep inclines.
Another stand-out characteristic is how linear the Duramax’ power delivery is under load. There’s very little indication of turbo lag, which is much more noticeable in oh… say… a Ram with a Cummins engine. The 2020 GMC Sierra HD delivers ample acceleration, even while carrying a load the size of a small house.
While GMC still needs to do something about its interiors, we must admit we were thoroughly impressed by what this big guy can do during towing. We still need to pit it directly against its main rivals in similar conditions for a proper assessment of its capabilities, but judging from our first drive of the 2020 GMC Sierra HD, we feel General Motors has already won the Heavy Duty war.
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What type of course was it? Grades?
Not expecting the average journalist to have a commercial license to tow that much weight so I’m curious to what extent the prepared course tested/pushed these trucks.
The 35,000 pound towing exercise (with the Denali dually) was performed in a controlled environment with a GMC engineer supervising it all. We mostly drove on flat, gravel roads.
Wait a minute, in the article, you stated that the trailer with the tailgates is only 30,000 lbs. The double cab dually is not rated to tow the full amount of 35,500 lbs.
I found these trucks parked in Afton, Wy near Palisades dam this weekend, this is in the backround of pics. There was about 8 of them. They built an offroad course on site, which looked pretty legit. A rock crawling course with large boulders, a log climbing course, and a deep mud run. This is not quite Jackson Hole. It is a ways from Jackson, but whatever. There is a bad ass pass not far from here. It is Teton Pass and it is a legit hill (google it if your interested). Every year there are lives lost on it. Not sure if they pulled it or not, but it is a challenge especially at that weight if they did. There are a lot of fan boys on all sides impatiently waiting for bragging rights on wins the IKE pull at max GVW.
Yea can’t wait to see the TFL guys do Ike
I have a question.
Federal law says a property carrying vehicle has to have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,001 lbs or greater or a Gross Combination Weight Rating of 10,001 lbs or greater AND be used in interstate commerce to be considered a commercial vehicle.
A commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 26,001 or greater requires a Commercial Driver’s License. Class B and Class A for combination vehicles.
So according to that, does that not mean if “Uncle Charlie” used this truck to pull his horse trailer for PERSONAL pleasure at the vehicle’s maximum gross combination weight rating, he would NOT need a commercial license.
BUT, if he is pulling the same combination vehicle for MONEY and crossing state lines, this rig becomes a commercial vehicle requiring a Commercial Driver’s License? Would that be right? AND what class of commercial driver’s license (if any) would he need?
Class A to pull 35K. The pickup by itself would not need anything as it is under 26k by itself.
Individual licenses are governed by the state that issues the license, so it varies by state. A license issued in state “A” can be used in state “B” as long as it not “for hire” and follows the limitations of state “A.”
Ford has an electric F-150 that towed 1.2 million pounds. I want GM to build an electric truck that can do the same or better. No more gas or Diesels!
1.2mil lbs on steel wheels and track is ‘easy’. Just like GM pulling that floating cargo ship.
Since there have been several men pulling trains and airplanes with their TEETH, I don’t put a lot of faith behind that situation.
It didn’t necessarily tow anything, it did however pull the train a short distance I am not taking anything away from that ( Although I have seen full grown men pull a train with their teeth). There is a big difference.
The problem with using batteries is they deplete much faster when they are under heavier loads. It has already been proven a few times that BEV’s can’t tow like an ICE can. Why isn’t the Tesla Semi being delivered now? But the main difference between the Tesla Semi(which it is not a semi by definition) and the Cybertruck is that the Semi has much more room in order to store batteries for more energy.
But a private owned vehicle not being used in a commercial capacity ( not being used to make money crossing state lines ) would not require a commercial license?
I was reading the law and it states a property carrying vehicle has to GVWR/GCWR AND is used in interstate commerce. A private owned vehicle according to this would not require a commercial license?
@ Chevy guy. You are correct you would not need a CDL, however you will need a class A license. With a class B license, you can tow up to 10,000 pounds. There are a lot of other regulations that vary by state. California has the most restrictions, ( Big surprise there ) so just comply with California regulations, and you will be good in every state.
How do you get a class A or B without it being a CDL?
Only if the “private” guy is a farmer.
Have you ever seen the guys with “Not For Hire” on their trucks? They are holding a CDL, but are still moving equipment for commerce. The thing is, they are moving their own equipment.
That is correct, although I understand Ca. Requires a special license for a certain sized RV.
Pretty sure Ford is mixing its magic dust as we speak. They are too “proud” to let anyone have higher numbers. Regardless of who comes out on top in the mines bigger than yours wars they are all more capable than the average guy will use. That said I would like to see GM up its power figures on the Duramax. A new design deserves new power ratings.
Up the power levels!!!
500 hp and 1000 plus TQ? At what point will normal personal street trucks not be able to handle this type of power?
At some point GM is going to have a 1 1/2 Ton truck to handle the power
Yes I said up the power levels. You act as if the current HDs are supercars and that’s just not the case. The average HD diesel is still slower than the average half ton. When pulling a big trailer in the mountain regions they are borderline underpowered. GM needs to match Ford and Rams every move if they want to be taken seriously. I own a Duramax so I’m not just talking out my backside.
You are missing the point of a 2500 and 3500 + vehicle. They are geared lower so they will not perform the same as a higher geared and lighter weight truck. You don’t need to be going fast in one of these trucks to make it work like it is designed to.
Even the guys on the tracks with over 1,000 hp diesel trucks have changed their gear ratios to accommodate the conditions their trucks will be used in.
However, the new GM HD trucks have been shown to be faster both loaded and unloaded. They are not the same old trucks as they were before 2019.
Also, there are side by side tests already happening and one in particular pits a GM 2500 against a Ram 3500 dually. Guess what, the GM was faster, even though it was close to its max towing capacity, and the 3500 was towing the same trailer.
I think that speaks for itself, in that the new GM trucks are just as, or even more capable.
This is the reason why I dont understand why people put so much attention on the interior!
I made this comment before about the dodge truck hiding it’s short comings with the truck in terms of capability by installing a over the top interior.
Doing this hides the fact that the dosge trucks are not as good as the GM trucks.
The people who value interior over the capability of the truck are fools!!!
Well, the good thing is, now that there are actually third party weights testing, Ford can’t simply use their “magic dust” to up their weight claims.
Headline doesnt match what was done. Looks like 30000lbs was towed, total vehicle and trailer weight was around 35,500lbs?
35000 GVWR (I think should be GCWR, the truck’s GVWR is 14000lbs). Also, 30000lb trailer, truck probably weighs 7,000lbs means 37000lb GCW…something doesnt add up.
Nice catch! We updated the post with the correct information. 3500HD Denali dually maxes out at 31,100 pounds. One needs to spec a 3500HD dually with the Regular Cab to acheive the promised 35,500-pound rating.
You guys are preaching to the choir. I’m well aware of the Duramax current abilities. The 10 speed is a game changer as long as it’s proven reliable. I’m aware of GMs claims and the TFL test where it matched the Ram. I love my Duramax but simply want them to stay at the front of the HD market. There capabilities are on par at the moment but that could soon change. If Fords ups the game then I want GM to respond. It’s strange to have to defend the concept of keeping your preferred brand at the front of the pack.
I am some what confused. It appears some on has confirmed there were 8 dually trucks making this run. If anyone here has tried to order their own 2020 Denali OR Sierra / Silverado dually there are NONE! It appears GM will NOT release the dually line until “LATE” FALL! So many here making comments, do you own a Dually? Does it have a camera system, besides the tailgate reverse camera? This was written for the 2020 model dually. GM has placed a hugh center piece spotlight of a 3 ring circus several months ago, with a target production of “LATE SUMMER” This was kinda sorta vaporized with no explanation as to any reason Yet no production product is avail AND no real date is given to open orders. There are numerous vocal call for interior colors, and the more upgrade especially to the higher end trucks.
Truck owners has to remember, yes there are WT and mid line trucks. The higher line with higher option interior are usually business owners or supervision, retirees that have trailers and sportsman enthusiast who want a good product and to show their bling. If you want a Denali or a High Country then get one don’t complain as its too soft, then buy less creature comforts.
GM Authority, by the look of responses of your articles, I would venture to say the 1500 thru the 3500HD trucks should be highlight publishing. As you have tremendous responses whether good or bad.
Chuck
I have 2018 GMC Sierra denali HD dully diesel.
This truck has a lot of problems.
Les then a year I had head gasket problem
5× time fuel injectors problem.
This truck is lemon
Was all of that covered under warranty? If yes then what’s the problem? Looks to me you are complaining just to be complaining!!!
Baloney,warranty or no warranty–a diesel pulling truck should NOT have these problems.
What does a guy do if his truck sits in the shop.
Baloney!!! Who uses that word?
So you are saying products should never break?
Sir a 2018 truck that cost over 65 grand should not be having injector problems yet.
This is the problem with people like you. If its man made then it can and will fail. Educate yourself!!!
Seems like you need to improve your Gr.4 education.
With this day and age technology —-before I continue have you ever owned a diesel truck?