2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | 4 Mo, 5,500 Mi Review | Duramax + Max Tow Package

[@MrKeithJ2]

Almost exactly the same truck i bought except mines a chevy RST redline but aside from that very similar features and i am in love with this truck

[@ThunderRunner]

Hopped around trucks a bit after my f150 transmission went out with less than 25k miles…2020 Sierra at4 with 3.0, 23 tundra platinum, then back to a Sierra elevation with the 5.3. Agree with a lot of your points, but I do think the build quality is better on both of the sierra’s over the tundra. Everything just felt lightweight and cheap on the inside and out of the tundra. My main pro of that truck was the drivetrain, but then it needed a new engine. I really liked the duramax but only got 21-22 in the at4. My elevation is lifted like an at4 and has the off road package and I get 16-17 mpg out of the 5.3. It’s enough power and a wash in gas prices as diesel is more where I live. Great review, glad you are enjoying your Sierra.

[@morganlobby]

I have a ‘24 at4 with the 3.0 and have been very happy so far. I drive 90 miles to work and get 27mpg with a fairly heavy foot. The engine/transmission is happiest in the 50-65 mph range and can get 30 mpg. The only two issues I’ve had are that it burns thru the DEF when I tow and burns it quickly. The only other issue was that my DEF gauge had to be recalibrated, which was apparently a known issue with a service bulletin out on it. I’m at 16k miles and that’s it.

[@jeffjenkins1766]

Good video I just got a 24 Chevy with the 3.0 max tow package hope mine holds up as well really like it so far

[@KJimPhillips]

I went from a 2024 Tundra Limited Hybrid (I was rear-ended and the Toyota was totaled) to a 2025 GMC Sierra AT4 with the 3.0. I liked my Tundra, but I wouldn’t go back. With that said, the AT4 basically matches feature to feature what I had on the Limited Tundra. A couple things I really miss is the 360 automatically popping up at slow speeds, and the Park function when in heavy traffic. The side view camera feature on the Sierra when towing is pretty cool though. I do love this AT4 though, especially the fuel economy.

[@gpaje]

In regards to the traditional whip antennas, Ford & GM continue to do those because there are parts of the country that don't get very good reception, and nothing beats those antennas for that.

[@TonkaFire2019]

My company also makes them. It’s crazy how many we make.

[@OdysseyOffroad]

Great review on a solid truck. You hit a lot of great points. That's amazing fuel mileage for a half ton too. I noticed your answer to another comment that you are not burning oil and don't seem to be using much def either. 2 things a lot of people complain about online. Real world though right here. Keep us updated on that 👍🏻

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@OdysseyOffroad thanks, and will do!

[@mauriceracicot6010]

I hope you have better luck than my son in law. His brand new denali 3.0 had to be towed twice. It also went into limp mode, lights flashing 3 times. Two of these times he was towing a travel trailer. The radiator blew at 55k miles. This was his 2nd denali. First was a 6.2. No break downs. No more gmcs. He now has 30k on his f150 3.5 lariat. No tow trucks yet!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Oh man, that is some bad luck! Crossing my fingers I can avoid that.

[@pinecone76]

Thanks so much for this report, especially your comments comparing the GMC to your Tundra. I'm considering a pick-up as my next vehicle and those two models have been on my short list. After some research, I am almost dead set on getting a Tundra now. Side note: so glad this is not 2023 because it seem like I can get a well appointed Limited for 8,000 off the sticker but I am still hungry for more (reports online suggest folks being able to pull off 10k discount).

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@pinecone76 thank you! Both trucks are great choices in my opinion. Can't go wrong.

[@brucemacdonald4672]

Save your money and stay away from Toyota Tundra V6

[@pinecone76]

@@brucemacdonald4672 Haha, too late now.. but thanks! (let me guess: you're the Gen 2 Tundra owner?)

[@alexschmitz8111]

From what I have seen. The majority of complaints with the emissions on these trucks is people that have short commutes. Diesels don’t like short runs they won’t regen right and won’t get hot enough. Guys that do a lot of highway running tend to have less issues

[@CodyLeon]

I want one but my commute is 2 miles I’ll have to take the long way home once a week or so

[@donmckenzie5027]

@@CodyLeonI have 2023 Denali 3.0 and only drive short commutes and never a problem love this truck and my first diesel incredible

[@duke2219]

I have the exact same truck as yours but with the x31 package, and I couldn't agree more on the LED/Halogen bulbs. GM is cutting corners, just the wrong ones. My biggest complaints besides that one would be non power folding mirrors, no auto dimming rear view, and no auto sensing wipers. My passengers biggest gripe is no power seat on their side and no lumbar either. For a 69k MSRP those items shouldn't be an issue. I don't know how much all that would actually cost GM to include but I'm sure they would sell enough extra vehicles to cover the cost of adding those features to the elevation premium package.

[@mdoneg]

I’m driving a 24’ AT4X with the 3.0. I’ve had it since April and have 13k on the clock. In the Rocky Mountains and still get 23-25 MPG. The truck is currently waiting on new driver leaf springs as they just started a mega squeak and clunk. They’re also doing a software update. I’m picking it up tomorrow. I’m curious if this will be the fix. I’m definitely a fan of this power train vs the 3.4 Tundra (I had a 23’ Platinum & 24’ Limited). I think the new Tundra is complete garbage.

[@flydawg83]

Any update?

[@mdoneg]

@ Diesel got in between the leaf pack and caused the squeak. It degraded the foam. GMC replaced the entire leaf spring under warranty.

[@mantelope513]

Appreciate the video and information. What's the payload on your truck? Im debating between this as my next truck, or stepping up to a 2500/3500. Just need to see if it would work with my camper.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@mantelope513 it's 1650, but it can be higher in other trims. Max bumper tow is 12,900

[@TonkaFire2019]

Fun fact unless you have the column shifter you cannot put this truck into neutral. Just had my truck lose all power that’s to that ecm and I couldn’t pull my truck to a safe location with another truck. Lots of emissions errors. So before 36k mine will be gone for a 2500 gas. Plenty of power and capability and a mechanical shifter.

[@matthewprather7386]

It’s not a large engine. So what you said makes sense as to towing heavy loads. It will tow them but not as easily as a larger engine.

[@charlesb4267]

That theme GM has gotten into in the last few years with omitting the two speed transfer case in lower trims and not able to order them with the two speed AND the max tow package with a 5.3 or the 3.0. If one opts for the 6.2 then they will pair the two or if buying the High Country. Personally I refuse to buy a truck with no low range for my various uses. Speaking of the rear exhaust outlets on the fancier trims, a friend of mine had bought a 1500 high country with the 6.2 and the first time out towing with it using that nylon string type trailer protector from stones that mounts to the receiver, it completely melted the nylon behind the two tail pipes. Then he bought a rubber mud flap system and that caused the heat to be trapped at the end of the tail pipes and it began melting the plastic film protection he had put on the painted bumpers. So he had a muffler shop take out the piping ( but left the exhaust outlets under the bumper so still looks good ) and installed a normal single outlet to the passenger side behind the tire. So just a warning for anyone towing and thinking of having a rear flap system just behind the trucks bumper if you have the rear exhaust outlet system.

[@steveadelman8865]

I know you’re comparing the price you paid to the tundra, but a lot of the options you’re talking about seem like you missed optioning for them. I know the price would be higher, however, I believe almost all the things you talked about are available.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@steveadelman8865 for sure, GM still offers most of those options, just pointing out how much it's costs vs one of the competitors. All these stinking trucks are crazy expensive!

[@lemmuhj]

Grease the leaf springs..I know it sounds ridiculous, but it works..ALSO, in a diesel, if you're doing short trips frequently, you must STOMP on the gas OFTEN...if you're getting on the freeway via an on ramp...STOMP on it...the harder you drive it, the less the REGEN has to come in and do burn offs

[@70below]

I have a '24 high country LZO max trailering WITH low range. You don't have to give it up.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@70below on that high country trim, correct. But any other trim you do

[@70below]

@ThomperBeThompin many of the features you list off that the tundra had, the high country has. Granted, the HC is a more expensive package. I ultimately only paid about $6k more than what I found a used '22 GMC LM2 Elevation for in my area. Sometimes it's just timing though.

[@oherroprease207]

What is the speed that the truck gets the best MPG’s on the highway with the 3.73 gears?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@oherroprease207 slower the better. 60 is great, 65 is pretty good, 70 it starts to get worse, but still better than a gasser

[@oherroprease207]

Awesome thanks for the response!

[@na2305]

If you don't mind me asking, did you take a heavy loss when you traded in the Tundra? (Negative equity).

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Honestly, I was very surprised. I ended up getting $500 over KBB value. I genuinely do not understand all the people saying guys are getting low balled for trading in their tundras. Mine was no questions asked $500 over. I really miss that truck. It was so much better than this GMC in so many ways. Both great trucks in the end though

[@brianbaca8343]

Fuel milage is not all I'm looking at. Maintenance costs too! Now if you tow a lot, diesel is probably the way to go. Maintenance is a lot higher.

[@TonkaFire2019]

Oil change every 7k, def every 5.5k this for my 3.0l. Def is increase in price now so yeah that sucks. When i switch to an HD gas I’ll be able to do oil changes every 10k and will only need to put in gas and I’m done. Quicker start ups too

[@agger838]

Diesel might be cheaper at the pump but not at the service shop

[@angelolamantia]

Why did you pass on the tow mirror option?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@angelolamantia I very specifically wanted the Duramax engine with the max trailering package and since I was buying a vehicle off the lot my options were limited. Also, my trailer is only 7'4 wide and not quite 8 ft. Tow mirrors would have been better but it's doable with my width.

[@richards5696]

How much does your toy hauler weight??

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@richards5696 about 4900 empty (after some mods) and about 6800 loaded

[@richards5696]

Why is it no one truly test the Max Tow?? I’m looking to tow 10k.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@richards5696 sounds like a great video idea! Can't wait to watch it when you make it!

[@robertgunnoe3099]

I have a 24 Silverado 3.0 with the Max Tow… I do Pull a 24’ Box Trailer about 3 - 4 Times a month with it… My set up has a good bit of tongue weight so a Weight Distribution Hitch is a good idea… seems like a common Theme lol but I also came out of a 23 Tundra Crew Cab and it definitely out pulled the 3.0 Duramax with the same trailer, but got 5-6 MPG doing it and I get 10-11 now… These trucks are not eat up with power but they will do the job… don’t expect to keep up with Traffic on the big hills but you can expect to dump Lots of DEF in the tank when Towing…

[@joshc63111]

Any oil consumption issues?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@joshc63111 none so far. I check every couple of weeks. Using mobile 1 dexos d from Walmart. Changed at 1900, then 5500 miles. Will change again at 10,000, then in 5k increments. I'll keep checking the stick too.