What is it like to tow with a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali? GMC says the 2017 HD Denali lineup is the new definition of heavy duty pickup truck luxury and towing confidence. We take the 3/4-ton Sierra Denali on a towing trip in south-western Colorado to find out everything we can.
The big change for 2017 is the new 6.6L Duramax V8 “L5P” engine. It has 90% new parts to pump out a class-leading 445 horsepower and mid-pack 910 lb-ft of torque. The new Duramax is still backed up by the 6-speed Allison automatic transmission. The transmission has a few updates to handle the drastic power increase. The rest of the truck and chassis remain largely unchanged. Max payload and towing ratings are about the same as before: 23,300 lbs of maximum fifth-wheel towing and 7,153 lbs of maximum payload.
GMC focused on towing confidence with the 2017 Sierra HD. The upgraded turbocharger helps to build the power for climbing a hill and provides improved exhaust brake function for controlling the load on the way down. How well does work? We towed a relatively light-weight trailer during this driving event. The truck handled the task with ease and handled as if the 5,000 lbs trailer was not even there. Naturally, we need to load the truck to the maximum at take it up and down the Ike Gauntlet. We will test the Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Duramax and publish the results within the next two weeks.
Check out the video for all of the first drive towing fun.
