New GMC Truck experiences.

[cyclone]

I daily drive a 2021 Tundra 4x4 and have been quite happy with it except for one thing--the seats. I drive it cross-country several times a year. The seats in the Tundra suck bad enough that I'm actually considering selling the truck in favor of another just so I can be more comfortable during long trips. I've looked for an aftermarket seating with no luck. I've looked at newer Tundra's/Sequoias to see if I can retrofit my truck with some cool massaging seats but that's not even available on new Toyotas.
Anyway, I started looking at new trucks that might be more comfy on long drives. A friend has a Denali with massaging seats and its super nice. GMC's website shows 2024 GMC Denali 1500 and 2500 are available with either the 6.2L gas engine or diesel. My question is this: does anyone own the 6.2L-powered truck and what are your thoughts on it versus the Duramax-powered truck? I don't need the diesel because I have an old Chevy Squarebody that's been Cummins 12 valve diesel swapped and that's what I use to tow really heavy stuff like my enclosed trailer. The GMC would just be used daily and for light duty towing such as small boats and open car trailers etc.

Any features of or options you didnt get but wish you had opted for? Any mechanical issues or recalls? Can I expect the top of the dashboard to crack 3 years after I buy the truck like all the other older GMC/Chevy Trucks? lol.
Thanks for the input and info.

 

[Havasu blue label]

I just purchased a 2024 Chevy 2500 z71 6.6 10 speed Allison no complaints

 

[EarpRider]

I just purchased a 2024 Chevy 2500 z71 6.6 10 speed Allison no complaints

Me too, no issues so far, I've had it since November, I really like this truck.

 

[Fabhouse]

I just purchased a 2024 Chevy 2500 z71 6.6 10 speed Allison no complaints

Just bought the same truck, but GMC AT4. Love it.
Sold my 2019 Raptor to get it. Raptor seats over the GMC all day-miss those on long trips.
My Dad just got rid of his 2021 1500 AT4 with the 6.2. Great truck, great power, but ate the lifters at 28k miles.

 

[EarpRider]

Just bought the same truck, but GMC AT4. Love it.
Sold my 2019 Raptor to get it. Raptor seats over the GMC all day-miss those on long trips.
My Dad just got rid of his 2021 1500 AT4 with the 6.2. Great truck, great power, but ate the lifters at 28k miles.

I do agree about the seats. Even my old 2008 Chevy 2500 HD LTZ had more comfy seats then my new 2024.

 

[MonkeyButt70]

I have a 2021 F350 dually. I just considered trading it in for a new Chevy 2500 diesel. Went and test drove one. The truck was very stiff and uncomfortable. Test drove the 1500 6.2 high country. Great truck drrives amazing, comfortable and more than enough power in that gas engine. I’m leaning towards the gas 6.2 1500. I have no need for a diesel anymore and I do not want the future expense when that fuel pump decides to grenade itself. Go gas and keep it simple.

 

[Motor Boater]

I have about 60K on my 6.2 and I think it’s a great motor. I’ve towed my 28 Howard with it and it does fine for local lakes and flat tows. For light towing that doesnt require a diesel that motor is perfect.

 

[Spitfire]

2 of my buddies have High Country 6.2L. One is a2023 loaded, super cruise etc. the other is a 2024 with every bell and whistle- switchable exhaust etc. he had ordered it in 23 cuz he had to have supercruise. When it came in it was a 24 model. 91k…. Those rear view mirror/ cameras take a little getting used but amazing truck and tons of power. Going to wait another year most likely. Always been a Ford guy but quite possibly switching

 

[Instigator]

I have 2023 Denali 1500 with the Baby D Max and fully loaded and love it so far. 15000 miles and have had it since July 2023. Great mileage, 24 mpg in town and have seen 32 mpg on freeway at 85 mph. Good power towing a tandem axle trailer with my 4 seat general too. Don't even know it has a trailer even uphill to be honest. My only concern is the longevity. Especially the oil pump belt deal. That just seems like a really bad idea but what the hell. We will see.
The $ 85,000.00 price tag was a shock but it was $7500.00 less than the same truck with the 6.2 gasser so I took the chance.

 

[boatpi]

He may be looking at the wrong truck. I’ve driven them all and don’t several in the last 10 years and look at the ratings online. There’s no finer seats and more comfortable truck and the 1500 ram. Just go check it out. If you can get a model with air suspension, that’s the best

 

[lbhsbz]

Toyota seats have been horrible forever with the exception of the the Supra from about 1981...they were awesome.

One thing I did in my 3rd Gen tacoma was install some seat jackers...they raise the front of the seat a bit so you actually get some support under your legs.

Might give these a shot before you do anything else...

FRONT SEAT JACKERS® (2022-2024 TUNDRA)

If you're looking to get planted in your seat and actually use the lumbar support, then its time to find that perfect seating position and get comfortable with the Desert Does It Seat Jackers. The Adjustable Seat Jackers® will lift the front or rear of your front seats. The DDI kit is user...

desertdoesit.com

 

[bagged97taco]

I have a 22 Silverado 2500 with the duramax absolutely Love the truck and tows amazing. If I was in the market for a half ton I would look for the baby Duramax. Too many lifter issues that I’ve seen in the 6.2l gasser.

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

If you go new 5.3 or 6.2 override the AFM. One thing to watch for on the newer direct injected ls platform motors is carbon build up on the top end

 

[CLdrinker]

I just purchased a 2024 Chevy 2500 z71 6.6 10 speed Allison no complaints

Gas?

 

[CLdrinker]

He may be looking at the wrong truck. I’ve driven them all and don’t several in the last 10 years and look at the ratings online. There’s no finer seats and more comfortable truck and the 1500 ram. Just go check it out. If you can get a model with air suspension, that’s the best

The seats in my base model 2013 and 2018 Rams were way better than my ‘22 xlt.

 

[JayBreww]

I daily drive a 2021 Tundra 4x4 and have been quite happy with it except for one thing--the seats. I drive it cross-country several times a year. The seats in the Tundra suck bad enough that I'm actually considering selling the truck in favor of another just so I can be more comfortable during long trips. I've looked for an aftermarket seating with no luck. I've looked at newer Tundra's/Sequoias to see if I can retrofit my truck with some cool massaging seats but that's not even available on new Toyotas.
Anyway, I started looking at new trucks that might be more comfy on long drives. A friend has a Denali with massaging seats and its super nice. GMC's website shows 2024 GMC Denali 1500 and 2500 are available with either the 6.2L gas engine or diesel. My question is this: does anyone own the 6.2L-powered truck and what are your thoughts on it versus the Duramax-powered truck? I don't need the diesel because I have an old Chevy Squarebody that's been Cummins 12 valve diesel swapped and that's what I use to tow really heavy stuff like my enclosed trailer. The GMC would just be used daily and for light duty towing such as small boats and open car trailers etc.

Any features of or options you didnt get but wish you had opted for? Any mechanical issues or recalls? Can I expect the top of the dashboard to crack 3 years after I buy the truck like all the other older GMC/Chevy Trucks? lol.
Thanks for the input and info.

I’ve heard the windshield wiper sprayers don’t work either on the Tundras. Lol

I’m a fan of my Ram 2500 seats.

 

[attitude]

I like my Ram seats and think they have the most comfortable base model seats, but Fords Lariat and Platinum seats are hard to beat.

GM had a lot of lifter issues in the 5.3 and 6.2s during covid, hopefully that’s been fixed by now.

 

[FreeBird236]

The cloth seats in my 07 Tundra are one of the most comfortable contoured seats I've ever sat in, any possibility of finding older seats before they went to the rock hard flat ones?

 

[Big B Hova]

RAM > GMC

 

[81Sprint]

I am really considering the 2025 Ram with the 540hp Hurricane motor. Haven't seen pricing yet but that things gotta haul the mail.

The New 2025 Ram 1500 | Premium Leather Seating & More

Discover the new 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Explore the available all-new Tungsten trim, premium leather seating & more.

www.ramtrucks.com

 

[Taboma]

He may be looking at the wrong truck. I’ve driven them all and don’t several in the last 10 years and look at the ratings online. There’s no finer seats and more comfortable truck and the 1500 ram. Just go check it out. If you can get a model with air suspension, that’s the best

Based on all these "Ratings" wife and I sat in their top of the line "Limited" model. Compared to similar priced Ford or Sierra Denali, the cabin and dash appearance were disappointing and the engine choice of that dated Hemi with an 8 speed unimpressive. We went hoping to be impressed, hoping to add a 3rd choice to our hunt for a new truck, left finding neither. I'm glad others like them, but unless they're seriously stepped up their game, not feeling there's going to be a Ram in our garage.
So back to comparing the GMC/Chevy to the Fords.

 

[Taboma]

I am really considering the 2025 Ram with the 540hp Hurricane motor. Haven't seen pricing yet but that things gotta haul the mail.

The New 2025 Ram 1500 | Premium Leather Seating & More

Discover the new 2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Explore the available all-new Tungsten trim, premium leather seating & more.

www.ramtrucks.com

From a gas I6, I'd want to sit back and let others prove it's merit before I'd have the guts to test it's strength and durability. Not to mention the MPG is going to suck balls.

 

[81Sprint]

From a gas I6, I'd want to sit back and let others prove it's merit before I'd have the guts to test it's strength and durability. Not to mention the MPG is going to suck balls.

True, but I don't think the 6.6 or 6.2 is gonna get the best mileage either. The baby dmax is probably the best option if that is the ultimate goal. I have the turbo 4 in my '22 Silverado company truck, and it does pretty good on the highway but averages 16 around town.

 

[MadFlavors26]

If you're going to go the baby DMAX route. Make sure to buy new enough that it has the new LM2 engine. The previous version (LM0) has had a decent amount of issues and TSB's released. Coolant valve, wire engine harness chaffing etc..

 

[Taboma]

True, but I don't think the 6.6 or 6.2 is gonna get the best mileage either. The baby dmax is probably the best option if that is the ultimate goal. I have the turbo 4 in my '22 Silverado company truck, and it does pretty good on the highway but averages 16 around town.

I had a 6.2 in my '07 Sierra Denali, all around, best truck I ever owned in terms of reliability and lack of problems. Have a 6.2 in my Hennessey Camaro, the displacement being the only similarity between those two.
Currently looking to replace our '18 Raptor, not due to necessity, or miles, just getting old enough where garnering a few more of life's fleeting pleasures for my loving life partner and I, selfishly means more than leaving it for the kids.
Currently, the Raptor is being used for far more round town trips than road miles to Havasu or up to our mountain ranch, so city MPG has become a more important consideration for the aging mature adult side of my decision making conscious.
Currently in regard to both performance and local mpg, Ford's Powerboost is sitting high up in the #1 position. My trucks have been sporting the 3.5 Eco-Boom since my 2012 Platinum, so I'm no stranger to that engine and I've had no negative experiences related to it that weren't resolved before they might have become a problem.
The 2023 Platinum Powerboost we test drove around one afternoon left us seriously impressed in every way. Plus I'd like to have that built in 7.2 KW genset.

But the much younger version that resides on my other shoulder whispering to "Go Out and Be Your Bad Self Before You Wake Up Dead", is still in lust with the exterior appearance of the Raptor and then there's that sinful horsepower of the "R" version tugging viciously at my withered ball sacks.
For the record the only Ram my wife and I liked was the TRX So I suppose if I were going to get a truck that makes zero practical sense, I'd have to give it ample consideration. I just wish Ram had made it better looking than your average Ram work truck.

 

[Taboma]

If you're going to go the baby DMAX route. Make sure to buy new enough that it has the new LM2 engine. The previous version (LM0) has had a decent amount of issues and TSB's released. Coolant valve, wire engine harness chaffing etc..

The 2023 GMC Sierra had the LM2, still can't figure out why even the '24 Yukons are sticking with the LM0 version. I know of two friends that bought some other brand due to GMC's reluctance to update their engine choice.

 

[TPC]

Gas?

2024:
6.6L V8 GAS ENGINE

• 401 horsepower
• 464 lb.-ft. torque
• 10-speed newly available Allison® automatic transmission
• 19,090 lbs.† max available trailering weight

 

[TPC]

I know, I know,,,, not the subject but we have the 2024 3500 Dually DMax, but I'll add it's seems like an entirely different truck than our 2017 and 2020. Improved in every way. Wife loves driving that rig.

We'd like the Canyon for a daily driver but $78k for the optioned model barely qualified to park in front of RDs house.
Too big a drink of water at that price.

 

[sczagurs]

I have a 2021 F350 dually. I just considered trading it in for a new Chevy 2500 diesel. Went and test drove one. The truck was very stiff and uncomfortable. Test drove the 1500 6.2 high country. Great truck drrives amazing, comfortable and more than enough power in that gas engine. I’m leaning towards the gas 6.2 1500. I have no need for a diesel anymore and I do not want the future expense when that fuel pump decides to grenade itself. Go gas and keep it simple.

My buddy is looking for a F350 dually if you want to send me some details. I’ll pass them on.

 

[billy610]

I have a 2023 GMC 2500 AT4 Duramax, zero complaints, zero issues but I only have 17k miles. Comfortable for me and enough bells and whistles to keep me content.

I wanted an F250 Tremor when I purchased the GMC but Ford was still marking up the price and the GMC dealer was discounting. Couldn't justify the price difference for a truck that is going to be driven on the street 99.9% of the time.

I'm coming from a 2017 Tundra.

 

[evantwheeler]

. Not to mention the MPG is going to suck balls.

I just dont understand how MPG is even a consideration for anyone looking to spend $70k+ on a depreciating asset like a vehicle. Its laughable. Who gives a shit, you can afford it if it gets 10mpg or 30mpg. Buy what you like visually/style wise and what is comfortable. If cost and MPG really mattered, we’d all be driving a 20 year old Honda or Toyota sedan getting 30mpg that cost a fraction to buy, maintain, insure, and register.

 

[CLdrinker]

I just dont understand how MPG is even a consideration for anyone looking to spend $70k+ on a depreciating asset like a vehicle. Its laughable. Who gives a shit, you can afford it if it gets 10mpg or 30mpg. Buy what you like visually/style wise and what is comfortable. If cost and MPG really mattered, we’d all be driving a 20 year old Honda or Toyota sedan getting 30mpg that cost a fraction to buy, maintain, insure, and register.

You buy a truck to do truck shit. If you can drop 700-1000 a month on a payment. Fuel isn’t shit lol.
Hell my wife just gave me the bill for the kids sports. Per month. Shit fuel is the least of my worries

 

[rivermobster]

I daily drive a 2021 Tundra 4x4 and have been quite happy with it except for one thing--the seats. I drive it cross-country several times a year. The seats in the Tundra suck bad enough that I'm actually considering selling the truck in favor of another just so I can be more comfortable during long trips. I've looked for an aftermarket seating with no luck. I've looked at newer Tundra's/Sequoias to see if I can retrofit my truck with some cool massaging seats but that's not even available on new Toyotas.
Anyway, I started looking at new trucks that might be more comfy on long drives. A friend has a Denali with massaging seats and its super nice. GMC's website shows 2024 GMC Denali 1500 and 2500 are available with either the 6.2L gas engine or diesel. My question is this: does anyone own the 6.2L-powered truck and what are your thoughts on it versus the Duramax-powered truck? I don't need the diesel because I have an old Chevy Squarebody that's been Cummins 12 valve diesel swapped and that's what I use to tow really heavy stuff like my enclosed trailer. The GMC would just be used daily and for light duty towing such as small boats and open car trailers etc.

Any features of or options you didnt get but wish you had opted for? Any mechanical issues or recalls? Can I expect the top of the dashboard to crack 3 years after I buy the truck like all the other older GMC/Chevy Trucks? lol.
Thanks for the input and info.

So...

When the leather seats in my 99 F350 were all cracking up, I took it to a friend's upholstery shop and asked him if he could redo Everything and make it look like the Harley Davidson interior on the Ford trucks.

He did. And matched the door panels too.

Perforated centers top to bottom (so they breathe) in tan and dark brown bolsters on the edges top to bottom.

You sit in em, not on em.

They were so comfy, the shop owner had his guy do his truck the exact same way! Lol

If you don't wanna buy a whole new truck, I'm sure with your connections, you can find someone to build Exactly what you want.

 

[81Sprint]

So...

When the leather seats in my 99 F350 were all cracking up, I took it to a friend's upholstery shop and asked him if he could redo Everything and make it look like the Harley Davidson interior on the Ford trucks.

He did. And matched the door panels too.

Perforated centers top to bottom (so they breathe) in tan and dark brown bolsters on the edges top to bottom.

You sit in em, not on em.

They were so comfy, the shop owner had his guy do his truck the exact same way! Lol

If you don't wanna buy a whole new truck, I'm sure with your connections, you can find someone to build Exactly what you want.

That makes WAY to much sense for RDP! We here buy new 70-90k trucks cash if the old one get a nail in the tire or doesn't fit in the garage. Go be poor somewhere else

 

[Markus]

Keep the Tundra and rent something for the cross-country drives.

Volvos have great seats.

 

[TPC]

I just dont understand how MPG is even a consideration for anyone looking to spend $70k+ on a depreciating asset like a vehicle. Its laughable. Who gives a shit, you can afford it if it gets 10mpg or 30mpg. Buy what you like visually/style wise and what is comfortable. If cost and MPG really mattered, we’d all be driving a 20 year old Honda or Toyota sedan getting 30mpg that cost a fraction to buy, maintain, insure, and register.

It’s range consideration when towing in the circles we run with.
GM 36 gallon and some Fords even less, some much more.

PITA with a TH.

More power / less mpg but the same size fuel tanks.

 

[CLdrinker]

It’s range consideration when towing in the circles we run with.
GM 36 gallon and some Fords even less, some much more.
PITA with a TH.

Long bed fords come standard with 48 and think ram long beds can order 50?

I run out of fuel right when everyone runs out of bladder.

 

[81Sprint]

Long bed fords come standard with 48 and think ram long beds can order 50?

I run out of fuel right when everyone runs out of bladder.

I had a 50 gallon in my Ram dually, and a 36 in the bed. Could go a LONG way with that thing

 

[rivermobster]

That makes WAY to much sense for RDP! We here buy new 70-90k trucks cash if the old one get a nail in the tire or doesn't fit in the garage. Go be poor somewhere else

Funny you say that, cause now those seats are pretty much shot and need to be rebuilt again!

This being cheap thing is getting expensive!

 

[TPC]

Long bed fords come standard with 48 and think ram long beds can order 50?

I run out of fuel right when everyone runs out of bladder.

The aluminum body short bed Fords / were an eye dropper size tank goes the take.

Beautiful trucks but low range towing bitching from my friends that own them.
Maybe spoiled from having 50’s in their past trucks.
Amazing fit and finish though.

 

[185EZ]

Just purchased a 2023 Chevy ZR2, 6.2, 10 speed. 420hp, 460 lb ft.
Seats are firm. Maybe they need to get broken in.
Love the truck. Even with the 2" lift it's so smooth
Supposedly the lifter problem is fixed and they do the upgrade before sending to dealer.
One negative is they put a speed limiter on it.
It won't go over 98 mph floored lol

 

[Bowtiepower00]

While mileage isn’t as relevant on a pure tow rig, it is something I consider, especially on a DD SUV or half ton. I like to track all of my expenses, even if I’m driving a “expensive” vehicle. It’s also interesting to me to see what different vehicles get for mileage. I’ve tracked mileage on every vehicle I’ve owned. Most vehicles of the same type are usually relatively close, but there are definitely some outliers.

A 10 speed 6.7 Super Duty gets 2-3 better MPG towing and not-towing than my CTD/Aisin Ram.

Our 11 Tahoe 5.3/ 6 speed got mid teens, but our 19 5.3/ 6 speed got high teens and regularly knocked down 20 on the highway. Which is comparable to (and in some cases better than) the turbocharged 4cyl and normally aspirated V6 “large” SUVs we have owned from Jeep, VW, and Volvo.

My GX gets 10-12, lol.

One thing I have noticed, is that most small and midsize cars today (not trucks) get worse mileage than they did in the early to mid 90s. I remember routinely getting 35-45+ MPG in the Hondas I owned, but I struggle to see that in the modern shitboxes I rent and drive for work. Midsize trucks seem to be about the same, but Fullsize trucks and SUVs have made some great improvements over the last 15-20 years.

Some people only drive a few hundred miles a week, and when fuel is cheap it doesn’t really matter. When you are driving a few thousand miles a month, and fuel costs are high it becomes a noticeable expense.

I prefer to spend my income on dry aircraft leases.

 

[Havasu blue label]

I just dont understand how MPG is even a consideration for anyone looking to spend $70k+ on a depreciating asset like a vehicle. Its laughable. Who gives a shit, you can afford it if it gets 10mpg or 30mpg. Buy what you like visually/style wise and what is comfortable. If cost and MPG really mattered, we’d all be driving a 20 year old Honda or Toyota sedan getting 30mpg that cost a fraction to buy, maintain, insure, and register.

Shit I drive a 2500 hd 8.1 daily if gas is your concern drive a bike

 

[81Sprint]

Gotta love RDP, went from which has the comfy seats for a long drive to MPG debate

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

While mileage isn’t as relevant on a pure tow rig, it is something I consider, especially on a DD SUV or half ton. I like to track all of my expenses, even if I’m driving a “expensive” vehicle. It’s also interesting to me to see what different vehicles get for mileage. I’ve tracked mileage on every vehicle I’ve owned. Most vehicles of the same type are usually relatively close, but there are definitely some outliers.

A 10 speed 6.7 Super Duty gets 2-3 better MPG towing and not-towing than my CTD/Aisin Ram.

Our 11 Tahoe 5.3/ 6 speed got mid teens, but our 19 5.3/ 6 speed got high teens and regularly knocked down 20 on the highway. Which is comparable to (and in some cases better than) the turbocharged 4cyl and normally aspirated V6 “large” SUVs we have owned from Jeep, VW, and Volvo.

My GX gets 10-12, lol.

One thing I have noticed, is that most small and midsize cars today (not trucks) get worse mileage than they did in the early to mid 90s. I remember routinely getting 35-45+ MPG in the Hondas I owned, but I struggle to see that in the modern shitboxes I rent and drive for work. Midsize trucks seem to be about the same, but Fullsize trucks and SUVs have made some great improvements over the last 15-20 years.

Some people only drive a few hundred miles a week, and when fuel is cheap it doesn’t really matter. When you are driving a few thousand miles a month, and fuel costs are high it becomes a noticeable expense.

I prefer to spend my income on dry aircraft leases.

That’s because most small and midsize cars today have all the extra weight from modern crash standards, all the extra miles of wiring for modern electronics, all the weight from modern conveniences and improved electronics (ie radio systems, car play, XM radio, etc).

You can’t compare from the 90s. It’s like comparing a car in the 90s with one in the 60’s.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Gotta love RDP, went from which has the comfy seats for a long drive to MPG debate

I don’t have a large diversity of vehicle experience but I drive long distances in my 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. Like from LA to Denver or LA to Boise (or the reverse) at least once a year.

The seats aren’t exceptionally comfortable, I get out at most stops a little stiff, but I’m almost 50 so take that into account.

What I will say is don’t ever get a Subie. Their seats are way worse for long drives.

 

[Taboma]

I just dont understand how MPG is even a consideration for anyone looking to spend $70k+ on a depreciating asset like a vehicle. Its laughable. Who gives a shit, you can afford it if it gets 10mpg or 30mpg. Buy what you like visually/style wise and what is comfortable. If cost and MPG really mattered, we’d all be driving a 20 year old Honda or Toyota sedan getting 30mpg that cost a fraction to buy, maintain, insure, and register.

Trust me the struggles between the "Fun Thing" and "Right Thing" is a war I've been waging for well over 50 years, and very real.
Bottom line is, like any good negotiation, both sides must be willing to offer some concession, even if it's a good will gesture.

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I'd keep the Toyota and buy a couple of these... https://www.oregonaero.com/accessories/softseat-ordering .

But I'm cheap and own my vehicles for a decade or more. If you buy a truck every couple of years, I'd go for as many bells and whistles (and seat messages) as you can.

 

[Markus]

I had a 50 gallon in my Ram dually, and a 36 in the bed. Could go a LONG way with that thing

Provided that you piss in a bottle.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Provided that you piss in a bottle.

And leave said bottle either by the side of the road or at a truck stop/turnout.