On this episode of the Ike Gauntlettm (the world’s toughest towing test) the new 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition V8 takes on the Ford F-150 Raptor R supercharged V8. Which one of these top-dog off-road trucks will tow a large overland camping trailer with more confidence? Let’s find out!
This episode is brought to you by our friends at 5 Star Tuning. Chris and the team are experts at customized pickup trucks and SUV tuning.
Ike GauntletTM
This is the world’s toughest towing test because this stretch of the I-70 Interstate goes up to the top of the Colorado Rocky Mountains at 11,158 feet above sea level. It’s an 8-mile stretch of the grueling highway with a maximum of 7% grade.
2023 GMC Sierra AT4X AEV
The new 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV Edition is a highly advanced and luxurious off-road truck with a long name. The name means that it has a suspension lift, DSSV spool-valve dampers by Multimatic, 33-inch all-terrain tires, AEV stamped steel bumpers, and a full skid plate package. It also has front and rear locking differentials, premium interior materials, and massaging front seats.
Under the hood is a 6.2L gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 3.42 rear axle ratio. The AEV Edition of the Sierra 1500 does not get any power increase over the standard 6.2L V8-powered GM trucks. However, you can add higher-performing air intake and exhaust systems from the GM Performance division.
This Sierra is rated to tow up to 8,700 lbs, but it has a low payload rating of 1,006 lbs.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
On the other side, the Raptor R is Ford’s most advanced and luxurious off-road pickup truck in the full-size truck segment. This truck packs a lifted suspension with a wide-body stance and long-travel FOX Livevalve 3.1 dampers. While the GMC Sierra AT4X has rear leaf springs, the Raptor R is equipped with a 5-link coil-sprung rear axle. Under the hood is a 5.2-liter supercharged “Predator” V8 with 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission (which was co-developed with GM several years ago). The Raptor R has a 4.10 rear axle ratio.
The Raptor R is rated up to 8,700 lbs, and this version of it has a payload rating of 1,500 lbs. This Raptor R is not equipped with the optional panoramic sunroof.
Check out the full video below of how these two compare while pulling a Roamer1 off-road and off-grid camping trailer. This trailer’s test weight is 6,800 lbs.
If you would like to compare this Raptor R towing test – there is also another Ike Gauntlettm episode where we max out our Raptor R with a heavier trailer.
