2020 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Pull Boats at Reveal
When you want to make a dramatic entrance, nothing says, "Hey, look at me," like towing a 225,000-pound (which is heavier than the space shuttle) dry boat dock complete with boat — especially in front of a group of automotive journalists (see photo number 1 below). That's exactly what GMC did recently when it introduced the all-new 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 crew-cab 4x4 dually to the world.
Related: 2020 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Get Bigger, Stronger, Smarter
Four straps secured the 80-foot fully reconditioned fishing boat to the massive mobile boat dock that was pulled up a boat ramp by a fully loaded 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali. A 2-inch-thick single synthetic rope looped around the elevated gooseneck ball in the bed (2). We're told the massive nautical structure was towed in low-range 1st gear. That was probably smart, and it made for one heck of a photo during the reveal. As you might expect, all the new GMC heavy-duty models — dually and single-rear wheel — are much bigger and taller (3), but we also noticed several changes as well.
To begin, while it doesn't look like the Duramax engine has been touched, the intake looks different and its location has been moved slightly (4). When asked why power numbers for the HDs didn't improve, GMC representatives said customers weren't asking for more than 910 pounds-feet of torque, so they didn't get more. There's still no way to see what gear you're in while driving unless you're shifting by thumb manually. We suppose no customers asked for that change either. However, customers must have been asking for a better transmission with more gears because the 2020s now have an all-new Allison 10-speed transmission with a new computer software setup. We're guessing the new heavy-duty automatic should make the truck's power plant even faster and stronger than before.
We also noticed some changes to the slotted air intake embedded in the hood that removes water, snow and debris from the air before it enters the airbox (5); it's been upgraded to move more cooled air to the engine. We were told GMC changed the width of the flow tubes and reduced the amount of turbulence created when air moves through.
Another change we like is the placement of the fill tube for the diesel exhaust fluid (6). For years it's been in a hard-to-reach corner of the engine compartment — something consumers have criticized for years. The 2020 models have it sensibly placed behind the fuel filler door next to the diesel fuel filler.
Finally, the new split-level towing mirror (7), which we assume also will be available for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 lineup, looks good with electronically extending and retracting capabilities (8). The mirrors are attached lower on the doors, so they can be more solidly mounted for less vibration and better visibility, with a face-forward and face-rear camera lens underneath (9).
Here are more photos from the recent reveal; you can bet we'll have more when we see these trucks at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show in early February. We'll be sure to shoot a video or two so you can take a closer look. More to come.
Cars.com photos by Mark Williams
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Comments
Best HD line up. Period.
GM leading the way in pulling publicity boats and making vehicles in Mexico.
Mary's the man.
You are looking at the winner of future HD comparisons. Nothing has changed in that department.
TFL had this up on youtube over the weekend. It looks sensational but there wasn't much detail revealed.
Tundra pulled the space shuttle...with a gas engine....just sayin...
Construyo este camión grande y feo en mi ciudad natal en México. Nos reímos de los estúpidos estadounidenses por comprar un camión feo.
It's on wheels, so, big deal--LOL!
It's on wheels, so, big deal--LOL!
Posted by: redbloodedxy | Jan 28, 2019 7:50:06 AM
Ford guys aren't the brightest bulbs on the tree. The key is to "not rock the boat", pardon the pun.
It's impressive by all means, but it is on wheels and Tundra pulled a space craft!
BUT, this is the best looking HD truck GM has offered. Excellent lines, blended with a very muscular presence!
Fantastic job GM.
Now lets hope in person the Silverado looks better!
Starting to agree with TNTGMC, maybe this is the best looking HD truck, at least on the outside.
The tundra pulling the shuttle was definitely more impressive.
The tundra also pulled it for someone else while GM set it up themselves. GM definitely have loss credit when they air being better than Toyota and Honda in quality and Toyota called them out and GM quickly tucked tail. GM needs a better marketing team. Not impressed here.
With an Allison blessed copy of a Ford 10 speed transmission I'm sure the marketing team will come up with something even more impressive.
@ Dudlydooright
I agree with you on the marketing team. GM needs to clean house. Their marketing has been down right obnoxious. They need to get back to the old "Like a Rock" commercials. Those were fantastic!
The transmission is not Fords, this was co-developed with Allison from all the articles I've read, and I believe TFL said that as well on their video this weekend. If I'm wrong, and it's still the co-developed, are you going to retort your statement when the 2020 Super Duty is released with a 10 speed and call it a copy of GM? Because GM will be the first to offer it in a heavy duty model?
And what's "impressive" is that this truck will most likely dominate yet another PUTC comparison, like it has for how many years now? Gosh, it's been so many in a row, I've lost count!
This boat is 112,000 lbs heavier than the space shuttle. Plus, the boat is suspected on straps, too quick of a movement will unstable the entire lift. This is where the low end grunt of the mightymax shines, hauling the massive boat in a controlled manner. Great demonstration by GMC, but a little too technical for any Ford fan on this site to wrap their heads around.
Oops, sorry, the boat is approximately 55,000 lbs heavier than the space shuttle.
Glad GM did not try and go the HP/torque wars. and kept it the same.
I feel sure that my 60hp Kubota would have done better pulling the boat for the commercial. Not that the GMC didn't do well but nobody is going to buy it for that and no particular strengths were displayed. All commercials should make customers feel like they need the product for some reason. This one did not do that, at least for me. A quick stop from 1mph would have been interesting with the hitch arrangement they had.
Non-Government Motors peeps who care about this: 0
GM pulls Big boats,
Ram pulls little tractors,
Ford gets pulled by what ever is in front of them
Tundra pull the space shuttle but its was half the weight of that boat just saying
@ water
That's funny!! I totally agree!
Four straps secured the 80-foot fully reconditioned fishing boat to the massive mobile boat dock THAT WAS PULLED UP a boat ramp by a fully loaded 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali. At least that is what I read
A quick look at aircraft tugs.
Eagle TT-12 rated to pull 130,000 Lbs.
Powered by Yanmar 4 Cyl. 3.3L. 85HP diesel
@Dudlydooright
Sorry to disappoint but all GM HDs are built in the U.S., perhaps you confused them with the Mexican built Powerstroke engine.
@ Taylor
Well when GM makes 200k Silverados and 100k Sierras in Mexico, it’s easy for one to get confused as to which specific models are made there.
@ Papajim (if your the real one)
All manufacturers have Mexico plants. But since this is an article about the HD I simply pointed out the fact the the GM HDs are built in the U.S. since it was being implied they were not.
It's on wheels on perfectly flat ground at very low speed. It would be like me pushing my 5,500 lb truck with one hand on flat ground.
The face only a Lego could love.
You are looking at the winner of future HD comparisons. Nothing has changed in that department.
Posted by: GMSRGREAT.
So long as you are content with being 3rd and 4th place with Consumers, I suppose you might be happy.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/gm-now-top-producer-mexico-industry-output-declines
Wow...not good news for GOVT motors, shutting down more plants in Canada/US to move production across the boarder, let's see Trumps reaction but for sure they won't get anymore bail handouts again.
Meanwhile Ford remained to be the largest U.S. producer of vehicles domestically, over 2.4 million last year...
Boooooooooooooooooring!!!!!!!!!!
Every search I did came up that the totaled weight the tundra towed was around 292k. I don't know why you guys need to spins things. I'm pretty sure even a 1st grader know 292k is greater than 225k.
So long as you are content with being 3rd and 4th place with Consumers, I suppose you might be happy
@GM blows
I prefer the best performing truck. Gm has offered that for years. Maybe consumers have been brain washed, like u, thinking Ford super dutys perform better than they actually do. Bc PUTC comparisons have proven duramax is superior.
Very good looking truck, the best looking HD by far.
The Duramax/Allison is a beast for a power train. Always gets the most power to the ground, even when on paper it is rated with less power.
My Ram is a nice truck and I will keep it for another 18 months, but dang this GMC Sierra HD is gorgeous.
There are those who committed to thier brand through experience. There are those who are committed to their brand purely through a vitriolic hatred of another brand
.There is nothing wrong with the experience avenue, as that is that persons experience and that experience is valid.
To say that people are brainwashed because they choose different is a great deal of hubris. That different choice is born of their experience.
If you have a poor experience with a particular brand of vehicle it is unlikely that you will continue on with that brand of the vehicle. Buyer retention rates are and mark measurement of satisfaction.
When people are unhappy with a vehicle they let it be known to their friends, their coworkers and through social media. When a brand fails to deliver it is impacted through diminished sales.
Time and time again it is shown that people will ask other pick up truck owners a key question if you had to do it all over again would you buy the same truck/the same brand. It is the answer to that question which is the key to the success of the Ford product. It is that answer which has RAM greatly increasing its market share against Chevrolet.
It is the lack of satisfaction despite all the testing "wins" That relegate Chevrolet to 3rd place in GMC to 4th place in HD truck models.
pulling a boat at 1mph is cute
https://youtu.be/KLTjAT7aMXs
@ GM blows
Again, maybe your brain washed thinking they perform better, u obviously do, but the facts are clear. The duramax is the superior choice.
And if u think all those years with cr@ppy 6.0L and 6.4L that Ford guys aren't loyalist truck guys out there. You are crazy and brainwashed even more! Those 2 engines should have decimated Ford, but you loyal followers just kept buying.
I should know, I have 3 on otherside of family that did it, and one is still so naive, that he still justfies argueing his case if you spend $10k on a 6.4L they are bulletproof.. that right their is some crazy brain washing!
Again, I'm glad u have been satisfied with your Ford, but even you are bright enough to realize that Ford has the most loyal followers around. And MANY would rather walk than drive anything else!
More so than the 1/2 ton trucks the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are fleet vehicles. Where I work total owning cost is tracked down to windshield wiper refills.
When a vehicle reaches a predetermined cost it is removed and sold. This cost is tracked and used in the decision making process for replacements. Around 2010 and 2011 Silverado 3500 was the vehicle of choice. That has over time changed to F350.
The failure that has driven this change is head gasket leaks between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.
Expectations of these trucks is 250,000 to 300,000 miles.
@TNT
I came from a hard-core GM Family. Everyone drove GM products. Then, the IFS trucks rolled out in 88. Slowly the failures happened and folks started drifting away. I harp on this for a couple reasons:
1) as a company GM is huge on fighting paradigms. They reject them, sponsor all sorts of engineering endeavors, they are heavily invested in education of new Engineers;
2) they are nearly as bad as Ford sometimes when it comes to doubling down on really bad ideas and designs.
There were grandparents, 4 kids with families, 12 grand kids, and now 28 great grand kids. We all started out as a die hard GM family. I have older GM products, and my Dad has a GM truck for around town. That’s it. How do THAT many people become influenced against an entire company? Products.
Ford outsold GM HDs with their 6.0, 6.4, 5.4, and that V10 dumpster fire because the truck was better.
GM could, no SHOULD, destroy Ford, but they are stuck on this ridiculously outdated IFS paradigm.
Whatever, that Hemi Grand Cherokee is so much more fun than an AWD Acadia.
TNT
Again, maybe your brain washed thinking they perform better, u obviously do, but the facts are clear. The Powerstroke is the superior choice.
And if u think all those years with cr@ppy 6.2L and 6.5L that GM guys aren't loyalist truck guys out there. You are crazy and brainwashed even more! Those 2 engines should have decimated GM, but you loyal followers just kept buying.
I should know, I have 3 on otherside of family that did it, and one is still so naive, that he still justfies argueing his case if you spend $10k on a 6.5L they are bulletproof.. that right their is some crazy brain washing!
Again, I'm glad u have been satisfied with your GM, but even you are bright enough to realize that GM has the most loyal followers around. And MANY would rather walk than drive anything else! and you are a prime example
all those years with cr@ppy 6.2L and 6.5L that GM guys aren't loyalist truck guys...
@FRGMD
Talk to the guys who get paid to work on 'em. Then talk to the Ford mechanics. You'll find out why the GM guys are 'loyal'
There are some very innovative Ford designs that made it to the dealerships before they were fully baked---like having to reach through a hole in the fender to replace an oil filter in a skinny little 4 cylinder Ranger truck.
One good thing about that particular story. All the Ford guys have dropped their riff about shoe-horning a 2.7 six into that narrow frame.
@ drools
Grow up man. You have to use my words and then Substitute yours into it.
Your probably the clown tainting this site using others names
If you aren't, well, your actions above on last post prove otherwise
And I would rather buy a Titan than drive an EcoBoost, Or maybe a 5.0l with lifetime powertrain warranty and a free fire extinguisher.
But I'm smart enough not to walk
Have a great day and try to use your own words 🤡
@ drools
Grow up man. You have to use my words and then Substitute yours into it. all i'm trying to say is the pendulum swings both ways
Your probably the clown tainting this site using others names
i told you before and will tell you again it's not me i don't post under others names
If you aren't, well, your actions above on last post prove otherwise,
that's the reason i don't post much anymore everybody is so paranoid and always pointing fingers, this comments section is an absolute disgrace, the few guys that have had information to give where driven out by the likes of you and PJ
Posted by: TNTGMC | Jan 29, 2019 8:00:04 AM
and you by the way don't have any experience with HD trucks period so why the h3ll are commenting
@ drools
Who posted the nonsense above??...look into mirror
I dont ruin site, i post facts and have debates with others. Whomever the person is needs to leave and from your above post, you're the Culprit...of you're not. Then use your own words and debate with me. That's not to much to ask.
Yes, i have experience with HD trucks working on farm growing up and also working construction all through college
Know alittle before u talk trash
910lb ft of torque is fine... until your competition offers 1,000. The dullard fans of GMC and Chevy usually don't ask for much. They don't even care if GM can stay out of bankruptcy forget about even keeping up with the market and building a quality product.
910lb ft of torque is fine... until your competition offers 1,000. The dullard fans of GMC and Chevy usually don't ask for much. They don't even care if GM can stay out of bankruptcy forget about even keeping up with the market and building a quality product.
Posted by: Clint | Jan 29, 2019 9:15:46 AM
400 hp is fine....until your competition offers 445 hp.
In the shot of the two together the 2500 makes the 1500 look like a midsize pickup. And that 1500 makes my 2002 Chevy 2500HD look like a midsize pickup!. It's going to be interesting to see one of these new 2500's out in the wild. I may have to park next to it and snap a picture to see just how small my 2500 looks compared to the new one. What a difference 17 years make in the auto industry...
@papa
Those 6.2 and 6.5 GM-Detroit IDIs, sure weren’t anything to write home about. GM Detroit Diesel tried to improve the Olds diesel concept, the problem was it impacted the viability of the 6.2. By the time the 6.5 was sorted out and making, somewhat acceptable power and torque, everyone was way beyond.
Another little known detail is that in the early/mid 80s when GM was working on the GMT400 design, they contracted Deere and Co to build an in-line six turbo Diesel engine for the over 8500 GVWR Trucks. This actually created the fast-track development of the B-series Cummins in Dodge trucks. Early C20 and K30 (Dana 60) mules performed extremely well. The problem was the K series GMT 400 front suspension couldn’t support the weight. 2wd trucks were fine, the 4x4 were not. GM went back to Deere and said make the engine lighter and ultimately Deere wouldn’t go any lighter fearing it would decrease longevity. Rather than run a split program like Ford, GM went all IFS in the GMT400.
It would have been a different world today.
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