I drive a 2021 AT4 with the 6.2 and a 5’8 bed. Your series on this truck has enlightened me to the possibilities of my build one day. Thanks for posting helpful content on this subject. I personally appreciate it a lot.
I am baffled, that the “Thumbs up“ is not closer to the amount of views! This was a in-depth, no fluff, exquisite review! I truly hope GMC listens to your recommendations.
I have a 2019 6.2 and I love it so much. Best truck I ever had and I am starting to use it for overland as I’m not going any place to crazy but can still get away. Ultimate comfort and the ability to move past the campgrounds. Thanks for your efforts on this
You need to look at the Ford F-150 Heavy Duty Payload Package in the FX-4. It is available in a regular cab 8 foot bed, or also a supercab 6.5 foot bed. The 5.0L V8 has higher consumption but is much cheaper to run on E-85 and reduces your carbon footprint by over 90%. This also gives you nearly 3000 lbs payload, a proper rear e-locker that also works in 2WD, a dealer installable front Torsen differential option, a winch capable front end, it can also fit 17" wheels. You could also buy the RCSB short wheel base single cab in a Snow Plow Package like mine and build out a Heavy Duty Payload Package in a truck that has a shorter wheelbase then any midsized truck sold in North America. Ford needs to make a F-200 HD Tremor version of the shorty with Method wheels and a 3600 lbs payload. They have the axle capacity to do it. It would be overland perfection.
I agree about the G80 100%. I would take a good traction control system in low range over it any day after having it in several GM products. The comfort and all around convenience/utility of these full size half tons is amazing. I was a late convert as well and I can’t see NOT always having one going forward. Hauling kids, towing, using it on the farm, traveling…. It just works great. And from my experience, the V8’s are relatively economical, at least the 5.3 that I have been running lately. My only gripe is the terrible throttle modulation the drive by wire system has. It makes smooth throttle inputs frustrating when easing over stuff. Not sure if that’s the case with that Duramax or not. Our Duramax Colorado doesn’t exhibit that tendency and we love it too.
It's been that way for a long while. My 2008 Sierra has throttle by wire, my 1985 Suburban had cable-to-carburetor. What really sucks is when your electronic throttle decides to give up the ghost. There is nothing you can do about it except replace the assembly....and try to do that on the trail. Grrrrrr.
I drive a '15 Sierra 4wd Max Tow and have been shopping for a more off-road version, I completely agree with you assessments at the end. G80 is terrible, just spins and tears up the trails. I wish GM would offer the off-road package with the max tow package. The max tow with 3.0 diesel gets you more payload, 3.73 gears but doesn't offer a 2 speed transfer case nor does can you get skid plates. My '15 has a 2 speed transfer case but no skid plates and I haven't had much luck finding any that don't require 6" lift. In the world of overlanding, it seems like a no-brainer to at least be able to build the truck from the factory with options. I was also building a Silverado RST extended cab to get a decent bed length while keeping the overall lenght in check.
I literally drive the same truck, only difference is I have the smaller bed. My question is, you added the coil overs without doing an upper control arm? All my research on lifting an AT4 above the factory 2” level showed it would require an aftermarket upper control arm. Did you run into any issues? Also did you have any rubbing issues going to the 35” tire. I’m currently running a 33” tire on a 17x8.5 wheel with 0 offset on stock suspension, and I’m thinking I should have gone bigger. Love my Duramax, only way to go :)
No issues with the UCAs, although I am looking at appropriate aftermarket alternatives. The biggest challenge is finding UCAs that use rubber bushing (instead of synthetic) and long-life ball joints (as opposed to noisy heim joints). The 35x10.5" is key to managing rubbing, although I did do quite a bit of trimming and "clearancing"
My '15 Sierra 1500 has a max camper weight sticker in the glove box. I think it's. rated for 1,200 pounds with a 1782 total payload. I've seen that the Canyons and Colorados manuals mention no campers.
I drive a 2021 AT4 with the 6.2 and a 5’8 bed.
Your series on this truck has enlightened me to the possibilities of my build one day.
Thanks for posting helpful content on this subject. I personally appreciate it a lot.
I am baffled, that the “Thumbs up“ is not closer to the amount of views! This was a in-depth, no fluff, exquisite review! I truly hope GMC listens to your recommendations.
Thank you
I have a 2019 6.2 and I love it so much. Best truck I ever had and I am starting to use it for overland as I’m not going any place to crazy but can still get away. Ultimate comfort and the ability to move past the campgrounds.
Thanks for your efforts on this
You need to look at the Ford F-150 Heavy Duty Payload Package in the FX-4. It is available in a regular cab 8 foot bed, or also a supercab 6.5 foot bed. The 5.0L V8 has higher consumption but is much cheaper to run on E-85 and reduces your carbon footprint by over 90%. This also gives you nearly 3000 lbs payload, a proper rear e-locker that also works in 2WD, a dealer installable front Torsen differential option, a winch capable front end, it can also fit 17" wheels. You could also buy the RCSB short wheel base single cab in a Snow Plow Package like mine and build out a Heavy Duty Payload Package in a truck that has a shorter wheelbase then any midsized truck sold in North America.
Ford needs to make a F-200 HD Tremor version of the shorty with Method wheels and a 3600 lbs payload. They have the axle capacity to do it. It would be overland perfection.
I agree about the G80 100%. I would take a good traction control system in low range over it any day after having it in several GM products. The comfort and all around convenience/utility of these full size half tons is amazing. I was a late convert as well and I can’t see NOT always having one going forward. Hauling kids, towing, using it on the farm, traveling…. It just works great. And from my experience, the V8’s are relatively economical, at least the 5.3 that I have been running lately. My only gripe is the terrible throttle modulation the drive by wire system has. It makes smooth throttle inputs frustrating when easing over stuff. Not sure if that’s the case with that Duramax or not. Our Duramax Colorado doesn’t exhibit that tendency and we love it too.
It's been that way for a long while. My 2008 Sierra has throttle by wire, my 1985 Suburban had cable-to-carburetor. What really sucks is when your electronic throttle decides to give up the ghost. There is nothing you can do about it except replace the assembly....and try to do that on the trail. Grrrrrr.
I have a 2020 et4 with the 5 foot 8 inch bed would like to find a light weight camper that you can leave the tailgate on
I drive a '15 Sierra 4wd Max Tow and have been shopping for a more off-road version, I completely agree with you assessments at the end. G80 is terrible, just spins and tears up the trails. I wish GM would offer the off-road package with the max tow package. The max tow with 3.0 diesel gets you more payload, 3.73 gears but doesn't offer a 2 speed transfer case nor does can you get skid plates. My '15 has a 2 speed transfer case but no skid plates and I haven't had much luck finding any that don't require 6" lift. In the world of overlanding, it seems like a no-brainer to at least be able to build the truck from the factory with options. I was also building a Silverado RST extended cab to get a decent bed length while keeping the overall lenght in check.
I literally drive the same truck, only difference is I have the smaller bed. My question is, you added the coil overs without doing an upper control arm? All my research on lifting an AT4 above the factory 2” level showed it would require an aftermarket upper control arm. Did you run into any issues? Also did you have any rubbing issues going to the 35” tire. I’m currently running a 33” tire on a 17x8.5 wheel with 0 offset on stock suspension, and I’m thinking I should have gone bigger. Love my Duramax, only way to go :)
No issues with the UCAs, although I am looking at appropriate aftermarket alternatives. The biggest challenge is finding UCAs that use rubber bushing (instead of synthetic) and long-life ball joints (as opposed to noisy heim joints).
The 35x10.5" is key to managing rubbing, although I did do quite a bit of trimming and "clearancing"
The G80 rear would be "okay" if there was a selectable front locker in 4-Low. Truck would be super capable then.
Is this truck even rated to haul a camper in the bed? I was under the impression that Chevy/GMC didn’t rate the half tons for camper use.
My '15 Sierra 1500 has a max camper weight sticker in the glove box. I think it's. rated for 1,200 pounds with a 1782 total payload. I've seen that the Canyons and Colorados manuals mention no campers.
Almost lost me with the Loooooong intro
I have an AT4, and Id never put that ugly ass camper on it. That shit is too thin.
Agree, that thing is stupid tall and so horrible looking. Just pull one of those offroad trailers