Is The GMC Sierra Denali The Safest Towing Vehicle ?

[csv8]

"One of the biggest dramas when towing a large caravan is being able to see what’s happening behind you. Even with big towing mirrors fitted, getting a clear rearward view of traffic when trying to change lanes, pull over or overtake on busy roads is fraught with danger.
However, American car brand GMC (part of General Motors, which sells Holdens down under) has come up with a nifty, high tech solution that will be available on its new 2020-model Sierra Heavy Duty pick-up truck.

The Sierra’s latest ProGrade Trailering system will offer as many as 15 camera views, including a segment-first transparent trailer view that will allow drivers to “virtually see through a trailer in tow”, according to GMC.

New see-through technology on GMC Sierra will make towing safer
The see-through display is generated from images obtained from a tailgate-mounted camera and an optional camera mounted on the rear of the trailer, and will be a handy aid for navigating car parks, merging into traffic or making tight turns with a long van behind.
The new Sierra will be loaded with other smart trailer technology, including remote monitoring of various trailer information via a smart phone app or the dash-mounted 15in display. There will also be an option available that will allow drivers to turn on the caravan’s air conditioning or water heater, or monitor water tank levels, before arriving at their destination.

New Sierra will be able to tow up to 13 tonnes!
Other features fitted to the new GMC truck and designed to deliver a “world-class towing experience” include larger new door-mounted powered towing mirrors, an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, auto grade braking, diesel exhaust braking, and a tow/haul mode.
The 2020 Sierra pick-up will be powered by a 332kW/1213Nm, 6.6-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine matched to a new 10-speed Allison auto transmission – another segment first according to GMC.

View and monitor your caravan’s appliances while on the move
Although GMC hasn’t released final specs, the new Sierrra is expected to have a towing capacity as high as 13 tonnes, depending on configuration.
Plus, to more easily access your camping gear in the rear tub, the Sierra will also feature a new “world-first” MultiPro six-function tailgate, that includes a built-in, fold-out step.

2020 GMC Sierra is loaded with built-in towing features
“Trailering is the most important consideration for Sierra Heavy Duty customers, and the new features and technologies in the 2020 Sierra HD make it easier than ever to hitch a trailer and tow it confidently,” GMC Heavy Duty Trucks vehicle chief engineer, Jaclyn McQuaid, said,
“We’ve developed this new truck to offer the greatest trailering experience ever offered by GMC.”
The new Sierra goes on sale in the US later this year. The current-model GMC Sierra is presently only available in Australia through specialist importers and right-hand drive converters." https://www.motoring.com.au/is-this-...ehicle-116847/

[roKWiz]

I thought in Australia the law doesn't allow rear facing camera's to be used while driving in the forward direction. Suppose to activate only while reversing.
Just what we need is more idiots not looking where they are going and looking at screens.
Towing 13T you'll need a heavy vehicle licence to drive down here. Love to see it stop pulling 13T if it's still on juice brakes.

[csv8]

roKWiz, I have a rear facing caravan on my caravan. Police have never said anything too me. In Queensland, it has to be in the lower right hand corner of the windscreen. Same as sat nav placement. I find it much safer ,as I can see what is coming up behind me. Something extension mirrors don't do.

[prydey]

Looks like typical American **** to me.

[chrisandsharon]

The GMC article states up to 13 tons depending on configuration. I am taking a guess here and would say that’s with dual rears running a fifth wheeler and only for the US. I don’t think we’d ever see that here. No company in Oz would even have a fifth wheeler that big I don’t think - most cater to the 3500kg range for the masses. The Silverado running 335kw/1234Nm can legally tow 5310kg (pintle book) whilst still being able to load it’s full payload of 875kg ........ geezuz!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To me these are the best tow vehicles period if one has the disposable income to actually afford one. To then have the actual money to own something that it can tow is big dollars again not forgetting the cost at the bowser. Tests were done here with a 3.1t van behind the Silverado and it was using nearly 19l/100. Load the vehicle up with 6-700kg, a heavier van and it won’t be cheap at the bowser. The neighbour up the road is retired and he runs a Ram with a big caravan, he also owned a business installing elevators/lifts and is loaded - the house alone is spectacular and also has a lift, I don’t think he’d worry about where the cheapest fuel in town is either.
This is where your dmax/Amarok/ranger etc shine, they’re good on fuel, can still tow a decent van, heaps more manoeuvrable, and can fit along any of our bush trails if you wanna leave the van in Cairns and hit Cape York as my oldies did.
They’re awesome vehicles but definitely too pricey for me and rediculously overkill on the grandest but greatest scale. If I win lotto I’ll look at the 3500HD

[Ben73]

I like a vehicle that's built to do a task properly rather than built to be just good enough. She'll be right mate.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Ben73

I like a vehicle that's built to do a task properly rather than built to be just good enough. She'll be right mate.

The japs have this area covered, just without all the gadgetry that you don't need. If you want to tow up to 13t, buy a truck.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by prydey

The japs have this area covered, just without all the gadgetry that you don't need. If you want to tow up to 13t, buy a truck.

You ever driven those cab over small Japanese trucks? They ride worse than a go-kart on the goat tracks they pass as roads in this country and they're lucky to muster 200KW out of their silly 4 cylinder diesel engines.

American utes with their 300KW/1000NM+ diesel engines will actually maintain more than 50km/h up the first hill you encounter while pulling 10+ tonnes and actually drive nicely while having a stereo thats not two tin cans on string with an AM radio so you can listen to someone other than Alan Jones on your way to the caravan park.

There is a reason HSV has years worth of work lined up to fulfil their preorders converting Dodge RAM and Chevrolet Silverado and its not because the job can be done properly by Japanese billycarts.

The quicker the big three realise there is a market here for their real cars the better we will be as consumers.

[XR Martin]

A Jap truck that can tow 13t has less than half the power and torque, rides like a billy cart, and wont have a 10 speed auto.
No thanks.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by XR Martin

A Jap truck that can tow 13t has less than half the power and torque, rides like a billy cart, and wont have a 10 speed auto.
No thanks.

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

You ever driven those cab over small Japanese trucks? They ride worse than a go-kart on the goat tracks they pass as roads in this country and they're lucky to muster 200KW out of their silly 4 cylinder diesel engines.

You do realise the japs make prime movers capable of towing 30t. Don't think they make b double rate but I'm not sure. Maybe they do. Regardless, I think 350kw and 2000nm will be more than capable of towing 13t.

No idea of how price compares to the silly Yankee thing though. At least it won't break down every other week.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by prydey

You do realise the japs make prime movers capable of towing 30t. Don't think they make b double rate but I'm not sure. Maybe they do. Regardless, I think 350kw and 2000nm will be more than capable of towing 13t.

No idea of how price compares to the silly Yankee thing though. At least it won't break down every other week.

I'm not talking about prime movers, I'm talking about vehicles used where people need to pull trailers that are 3 tonnes plus, you know instead of buying a Thailand special ute or something like Iveco Daily, Mitsubishi Canter or an Isuzu N series with circa 100KW that goes backwards when it encounters a hill and will punch your spine out your *** the first bump you encounter on our perfectly maintained road network.

Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge RAM are around the $100K-$140K mark, I see them on the roads every morning around Melbourne on my trip to and from work and here locally out regional, HSV is converting them, people are buying, good times.



https://www.hsv.com.au/see/silverado/

What a beast

[prydey]

You need to follow along before going off on your own agenda. The thread was about a vehicle that can tow up to 13t.
Gvm is over 4.5t so you need a truck licence of some sort. Like I said, if you need to tow up to 13t, then the japs have been selling reliable vehicles for years that will do that job. Probably a lot cheaper too.

As for your assumptions about the dodge ram, best check out the rear axle ratings on that. Payload isn't great either given they derated them down to just under 4.5t gvm so you can drive it on a car licence.

Edit, looks like the Silverado is the same when it comes to payload (unless you buy the 3500 version). The Ranger has a higher payload, legally speaking.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by prydey

You need to follow along before going off on your own agenda. The thread was about a vehicle that can tow up to 13t.
Gvm is over 4.5t so you need a truck licence of some sort. Like I said, if you need to tow up to 13t, then the japs have been selling reliable vehicles for years that will do that job. Probably a lot cheaper too.

As for your assumptions about the dodge ram, best check out the rear axle ratings on that. Payload isn't great either given they derated them down to just under 4.5t gvm so you can drive it on a car licence.

Edit, looks like the Silverado is the same when it comes to payload (unless you buy the 3500 version). The Ranger has a higher payload, legally speaking.

You can’t really compare capability if something is derated just for licensing. It doesn’t make the hardware weaker. Comparing these trucks to bare bones Japanese cab overs just because they can “do the job” is like saying don’t buy a Mercedes S Class because a Kia hatchback can seat just as many people. A tent can sleep just as many people as a house! Doesn’t negate the fact that better is better.

[chrisandsharon]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm not talking about prime movers, I'm talking about vehicles used where people need to pull trailers that are 3 tonnes plus, you know instead of buying a Thailand special ute or something like Iveco Daily, Mitsubishi Canter or an Isuzu N series with circa 100KW that goes backwards when it encounters a hill and will punch your spine out your *** the first bump you encounter on our perfectly maintained road network.

Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge RAM are around the $100K-$140K mark, I see them on the roads every morning around Melbourne on my trip to and from work and here locally out regional, HSV is converting them, people are buying, good times.


What a beast

Yeah agree Franco. People are forming out their hard earned because nothing comes close to what these vehicles offer - lounge room on wheels with huge power and safety. The entry Silverado is $114000 with 1234Nm, absolute no brainer for me if I were after a tow rig and looking towards a Sahara for a 12 month trip round Oz. Oldies have been vaning for a long time and they love it, it’s a lifestyle for them. The memories we’ve had over the years are just priceless. Each to their own, some like motels and some like vaning, and some like the high seas - we’re spoilt rotten with options.

[simon varley]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge RAM are around the $100K-$140K mark, I see them on the roads every morning around Melbourne on my trip to and from work and here locally out regional, HSV is converting them, people are buying, good times.

Dodge sold less than 100 RAMs in January. That's a nice little job for a few garages converting them, but not even close to the volumes that would be needed to justify engineering them in RHD from the factory

Silverado didn't even make it onto VFACTS

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by simon varley

Dodge sold less than 100 RAMs in January. That's a nice little job for a few garages converting them, but not even close to the volumes that would be needed to justify engineering them in RHD from the factory

Silverado didn't even make it onto VFACTS

Sold more than Falcon

[smoo]

Originally Posted by simon varley

Dodge sold less than 100 RAMs in January. That's a nice little job for a few garages converting them, but not even close to the volumes that would be needed to justify engineering them in RHD from the factory

Silverado didn't even make it onto VFACTS

These are the ones imported, converted and sold by Ram Trucks Australia?
My understanding is that it is a supply issue.
In NZ, the waiting list is up around 9 months.
The base model V8 is the same price as a V6 Amarok or X Class with a few options (around $90k). Top of the line $125k or around same price as a Sahara 200 Series.
There is suppose to be a 3.0 V6 diesel for the new Ram later this year, and a Hybrid in 2020. If these are cheaper again, and supply is sorted this will easily cannabalise into the Thai specials.
There is simply no comparison between the Thai Utes and one of these.
It would be like comparing a Camry to an S Class Mercedes.
IIRC in the US payload for the 1500 is 1.4 tonne and it goes right up to around 4t for the 3500 dually.
The one tonne rating for the Thai utes are an absolute joke. Anyone who has tried to carry a 1000 litre IBC will know what I mean.

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by prydey

You do realise the japs make prime movers capable of towing 30t. Don't think they make b double rate but I'm not sure. Maybe they do. Regardless, I think 350kw and 2000nm will be more than capable of towing 13t.

No idea of how price compares to the silly Yankee thing though. At least it won't break down every other week.

Yet all I ever see is Volvo, Scania, Mercedes, Mack, Kenworth, Cat, Western Star, etc.

Back on topic yes our popular Asian utes can tow 3.5t legally, but if were to tow that much semi regularly I would be looking at something a little bigger and more powerful.

Originally Posted by cheap

Define safest.

Just because it is huge and has a bunch of cameras doesn’t mean squat if the driver is exceeding their capabilities..

If someone is exceeding their capabilities it's probably better they do it in something that is 'safe' and does the job effortlessly rather than something that is 'good enough'

[Vesper Martini]

I don't know a lot about 5th wheeler Vans but had a quick look and the biggest I could find was 6 tonnes. where you use an ugly but effective Iveco daily as tow vehicle

Why would you need a vehicle rate for 13 tonnes? to put that in perspective that's a full load of stones on a 6x4 tipper Truck.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I don't know a lot about 5th wheeler Vans but had a quick look and the biggest I could find was 6 tonnes. where you use an ugly but effective Iveco daily as tow vehicle

Why would you need a vehicle rate for 13 tonnes? to put that in perspective that's a full load of stones on a 6x4 tipper Truck.

I’m buying a construction business that has a Genie boom lift that reaches about 45’ or so. It weighs about 12,000 lbs. That needs to ride on a gooseneck trailer that weighs about 8,000-10,000 empty. So pushing 22,000 lbs (10,000kg). Bigger Genies weigh more. 30k and 40k trailers have bigger axles, bigger I-beams, and more crossmembers. So they weigh more empty. What if I could get two 45’ boom lifts on a 40K trailer? 40k trailer means the maximum gross trailer weight is 40,000 lbs. The maximum RV fifth wheel would probably “only” be around 15,000-18,000 loaded up to its maximum carrying capacity.

[roKWiz]

I actually don't mind the vehicle itself but why do we need all these electronic camera's fitted in every orifice. You either know how to tow big rigs like these or not, why do they have to dumb down everything for stupid people and again what are the brakes on this vehicle that can handle 13T surely they're air or air over hydraulic.
A couple of needed quick brake applications with this thing running over a mountain would see it running away with that kind of weight.
Yeah and as other have said 5th wheeler caravans even 35fter aren't that heavy and suited to Iveco's Isuzu's etc.
Looks like the perfect vehicle for hotshot (fast smaller loads) drivers in the US who run these type of vehicles, with gooseneck flatbeds and are commercially licenced but ofter wondered how the brakes held up pulling suck weights.
The cabover jap trucks others referred earlier to are rough rides stock (I know I own 4 of em) but like any 4X its how you set them up for towing big stuff.
One of my Ford Traders is set up as a gooseneck tug, gets along nice and smoothly but is a little down of hill climbing power.(90's technology)
This is one of the reasons I'm building the single drive Louisville as a tray and gooseneck tow tug, big rear duals, 10T tray capacity to carry granite, air brakes to stop and Jake brakes to hold on long downhills and can tow a large gooseneck caravan or step deck, bugger caravan parks, I stay in showgrounds and onsite working.

This Chev and it's Dodge and Ford equivalents are an asset for this kind of work but don't suit my needs. I'm still a bit sceptical about its max towing cap.

Horses for courses I guess.

[mike_nofx]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

I don't know a lot about 5th wheeler Vans but had a quick look and the biggest I could find was 6 tonnes. where you use an ugly but effective Iveco daily as tow vehicle

Why would you need a vehicle rate for 13 tonnes? to put that in perspective that's a full load of stones on a 6x4 tipper Truck.

Because it’s better to have a vehicle capable of towing 13t and only loading it up with half or less of it’s rated capacity?

If I had to tow 3.5t there’s no way I’d be using any of these Thailand Utes which are rated at 3.5t to tow it.

[roKWiz]

mike_nofx, Me neither, with load tub hanging out behind the rear wheels.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

mike_nofx, Me neither, with load tub hanging out behind the rear wheels.

The biggest thing people ignore with Towing Particulary with riceburner Dualcabs.
Is that the Towball load is included in the payload..

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Because it’s better to have a vehicle capable of towing 13t and only loading it up with half or less of it’s rated capacity?

If I had to tow 3.5t there’s no way I’d be using any of these Thailand Utes which are rated at 3.5t to tow it.

lol, cant believe it took this many posts before someone stated the obvious.

Unfortunately that doesnt suit the narrative some like to follow in order to discredit something they dont appreciate.

I guess its akin to buying a diesel Territory with 2.7t towing capacity to pull a 1T camper when a Falcon is more than capable...you do it because you want to, not because its necessary.
Same applies to these American trucks, not many will be looking to tow 13T caravans but they will easily do a better job of that 3T van than a Ranger/Hilux/Dmax etc.etc. so people will buy them because they want to and because they can.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

lol, cant believe it took this many posts before someone stated the obvious.

Unfortunately that doesnt suit the narrative some like to follow in order to discredit something they dont appreciate.

I guess its akin to buying a diesel Territory with 2.7t towing capacity to pull a 1T camper when a Falcon is more than capable...you do it because you want to, not because its necessary.
Same applies to these American trucks, not many will be looking to tow 13T caravans but they will easily do a better job of that 3T van than a Ranger/Hilux/Dmax etc.etc. so people will buy them because they want to and because they can.

I want to see this 13T caravan unless its made by Prevost.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

I want to see this 13T caravan unless its made by Prevost.

https://luxefifthwheel.com/rv/luxury...eel-toy-hauler

http://www.drvsuites.com/full-house-...oor-plans.html

Both at 11 tonnes when fully loaded to their max carrying capacity. Just need 💰 💰 💰

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

lol, cant believe it took this many posts before someone stated the obvious.

Unfortunately that doesnt suit the narrative some like to follow in order to discredit something they dont appreciate.

Not quite.

My comments are from a legal standpoint, not how well the gmc will handle the load.

Like I said earlier, these cars get derated to 4491kg gvm so they can be driven on a car licence. This robs them of most of their legal payload.

You end up with a massive car but can actually be worse off legally.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

You end up with a massive car but can actually be worse off legally.

And all of that information is available to the prospective buyer and if it suits their needs under those terms and they want to, they can.
Wheres the problem?

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Not quite.

Like I said earlier, these cars get derated to 4491kg gvm so they can be driven on a car licence. This robs them of most of their legal payload.

You end up with a massive car but can actually be worse off legally.

Or you can upgrade your licence to Light truck.
The original link OP posted is about a 6 wheel medium duty pick up.