I Take My Gas GMC Sierra 2500 HD Truck Up & Down a Max 25% Grade Towing My Travel Trailer

[@SeanBaxley-wm7lc]

For those who don’t know percent of grade is simply the amount of elevation you go up every 100 feet traveled. 7 percent means every 100 feet you’ll be 7 feet higher than you were. 20 percent you’ll be 20 feet higher after 100 feet. And so on.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for sharing.

[@bradrose8227]

Thanks for that, I always wondered how that worked!

[@dronesdirtbikeschannel2250]

Thank you sir for this Knowledge!! It seems people like to belittle people instead of educating them 😊

[@RollingWithRuss]

Most highways max out at 7-9% grade in the U.S. (at least according to the Department of Transportation).

[@UltimateToolReviews]

These new HD gas trucks are pretty amazing, I've got no reason to go diesel as well.

[@AdventureRocks]

Totally agree! I've been very impressed. No regrets based on my use-case.

[@tonylinkous7940]

We have a 2020 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi with an 8 speed. We are pulling a Rockwood 36" 8,000lb TT. I am very happy with the trucks ability to handle the camper. We even installed a camper top on the truck to keep our stuff dry. It's an every day driver, I don't need the extra cost of a diesel.

[@AdventureRocks]

I'm with you! Hemi power!

[@yuptrue4794]

Wow, this was a good video. Thanks for taking the time man.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you

[@img5016]

My wife and I discussed buying a camper and I upgraded to a the chevy version of this truck with I’m sure similar equipment. Plan is to get 7000lbs of camper, kayaks, kids, dogs and all the rest of the stuff for vacations. When I looking into my options I knew I didn’t want a diesel with all the modern tier 4 stuff having worked with them in my industry. Nor did I want something as old as my previous car with the wear and tear of its first owner. 16000lbs of towing is more than enough for my application and that V8 seems to have plenty of power. Glad to see others are having the same experience.

[@dixienormous9052]

We have a 2019 Chevy 1500 High Country 6.2 10 speed transmission and tow an 8K tow behind trailer The truck is awesome Plenty of power going up steep grades and going down them, I hardly ever use the brakes

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice

[@Vincente8791]

What is your payload capacity in your 1500 high country?

[@raygover7458]

I'm from a county adjoining Dawson County. Thanks for the trip back home!

[@AdventureRocks]

😎

[@brucesheehe6305]

You can really back up that trailer! Nice Video. Yes, gas is the way to go; unless you are towing long distances on a daily basis.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, I'm with you!

[@bradleyevans8147]

Not sure, but, if you use the manual shift buttons, it should show you what gear you are in (Where the orange L is). While I do not have a GMC yet, my 2017 Titan shows the gear you are in when you select manual mode. You could try this, and let us know. Great Video!

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question! And, thank you. I wish GM would add that feature like yours! Basically the gear limit mode shows what gear you're limiting it to (highest), but not current gear oddly. On my RAM it'd show both, and from what others have commented, Ford also shows current gear. Not sure why GM doesn't do it, but seems like they could easily add it in via future software update.

[@bruszka8274]

Great video, appreciate the real world usage. I'm entering retirement and gonna option the diesel. Beautiful truck. Thanks

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice, thank you. Diesel definitely delivers a premium experience, especially on longer drives.

[@Captain-Awesome]

We dipped our feet into RVing and rented a 36’ 11,000 pound “dry weight” Grand Design / Reflection we towed that thing from Dallas, Texas to Arizona Lake Powell area and then on to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. 2,400 miles total round trip. The tow truck was a 2019 RAM 1500 Laramie 4X4, 6” lift on 37’s. At 70-75 mph that truck lived at 3,000 RPM flat or mountains in some of the steeper climbs it held 4,000 RPM for miles at a time. It was August of 2023 and the outside temps were between 100 and 110 in Arizona the entire trip. That truck was an absolute CHAMP!! We ran premium fuel and changed the oil before leaving and right after returning. The temps at times go warmer but never outside of acceptable limits. We had such a great time we came back bought a Brinkley Z3610 and ordered a 2024 F350 SRW 6.7 HO Platnium Tremor. Obviously an easier towing experience, we can’t wait for some summer time trips planning on 30A, Florida. We ran up to snow ski in Ruidoso, New Mexico last month. If you have a truck at least rent an RV and try it out!!

[@alejandrovilla5041]

Wow, that was quite a trip. We live in phx Az, so i know what u mean with the temps, lol.

[@kona6451]

That poor truck

[@Captain-Awesome]

@@alejandrovilla5041 YES! We did some touristy things and saw two people pass out from heat exhaustion. Down in the slot canyons it gets even warmer. It’s a beautiful place to live.

[@Captain-Awesome]

@@kona6451 Poor Truck? That what they were designed to do, only feel bad for the vehicles that aren’t receiving proper maintenance. The truck is still running flawlessly.

[@kona6451]

@@Captain-Awesome Just saying poor truck because you exceeded it's towing limits in the mountains and hot desserts and with over sized tires and a lift. So yes, poor truck.

[@98durangopack]

Nice video, would've highly considered a 6.6 gas 10 speed GM when i bought my 21 F250 7.3 Tremor. The 2024 GM obviously wasn't out yet. Looks like both trucks are doing very well as a diesel alternative. Even as a diesel tech myself I am still in a gasser haha.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. I hear you. I went back and forth on the 7.3 vs 6.6. I would imagine your 7.3 probably feels a little more powerful in the end, but both great solid choices. I have been very impressed with the truck as a gasser. No regrets coming from diesel.

[@seagullsbtn]

I strongly believe that HD trucks will increasingly go gas as diesels need to be driven long, and hard towing heavy to keep the emissions systems happy. Too few dealer techs understand diesel emissions systems.

[@AdventureRocks]

Very insightful. Agree, I've experienced that firsthand previously with the diesel and my shorter driving habits.

[@DP-np5mm]

Great video. With almost the same setup (truck and camper weight wise) I always use Tow Haul mode and set the trans to L8. It has worked great for me both in the mountains and flat interstate.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, great tip

[@poobank]

Im about to do the same with my 21 ranger and my little camper. Mine probably weighs around 4500lbs. Maybe i should record it too

[@AdventureRocks]

Hope you have a nice trip.

[@jarrsong]

It’s funny. We have an Everett Buick/GMC in Everett Washington. I was thinking to myself no way they are the top in the country.

[@slmjake]

Great video! I currently have a Powerboost F150 and love it. However i want to buy a smaller slide in truck camper, and i estimate a total payload with a small boat to be around 3400 pounds. I test drove a 2023 chevy 3500...looked very similar to yours in beautiful silver but with the Duramax. Boy did i enjoy that drive! Love your gas truck but i am thinking of finding a used 2024 diesel in 3500 configuration with a 3800 pound payload. The heavier mass should help counter the high center of gravity of a small camper without requiring a duelly.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. Tough decision between gas and diesel. I have always wanted to try a truck camper, but have not done it yet. Hope it all goes smoothly for you.

[@jamesjohns4464]

Be careful. I have a 2024 3500 Silverado gas with 3800 pound payload. Its the crew cab standard bed. In the glove box it states not suitable for a slide in camper. I think its the bed length that makes it unsuitable.

[@Duhaubetahiks]

Amicalola is steep! No joke!

[@AdventureRocks]

For sure!

[@twocatsandacamper]

Shift the truck into low gear to see which gear you are in then you can use the +/- on your shifter

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you, great question. On GM shifting to the gear limit (L) mode shows the highest gear it will limit the transmission to, but not the current gear like RAM and Ford show. It's unfortunate, but hopefully GM will add current gear visibility in a future software update. In meantime have to use a 3rd party OBDII reader like this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYXTdmmpYtCZgLs

[@davidram-ram5477]

Great Video ! I just purchased the same TT and currently towing it with a 2017 silverado 1500. Wanted to purchase a 2500 HD but was thinking that buying a diesel would be an overkill for that trailer. What is your opinion ? And is there a way you can say the name of that campground ? Looks beautiful there! Thank you sir!

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you! I think the size and weight of 21BHE is perfectly suited to half ton, I just wanted more truck in case of future changes. I personally wouldn't even bother with a modern diesel given all the emissions and DPF issues. Gas trucks have come such a long way. I had diesels for last decade or so and it's nice to be back on a gas platform.

[@user-cc3uz1ch8o]

Thanks Great video, I have the 2022 Chevy 2500 Gas pulling a 9000 pound 5th wheel , haven't had any problems going up and down step hills, but my question can you drive with your tow haul at all times while pulling your trailer ?

[@AdventureRocks]

Yes, typically I run tow/haul 100% of time when towing. I learned you can set towing app on the 13.4 to remind you to turn on tow/haul when 7-pin connected. I've forgotten to turn it on before and it handles load fine while towing, but biggest difference I've noticed is tow/haul will hold the shifts longer and then of course the enging braking with holding gears.

[@justinschnepf]

GM doesn't let you see the gear you're in. Get a Banks Idash and then you'll be able to see anything you want. I love GM trucks but absolutely hate how GM thinks we don't deserve to see any engine parameters outside of fluid temps and RPMs.

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you for tip

[@msclecarcrzy]

Great video! Looks like it did a great job. How is the ride of the truck? Empty and towing?

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you. I'm very pleased with it. The ride is great, both empty and towing. I'm not super picky given it is a truck, but no complaints on my end. It's incredibly smooth and planted on the interstates even though it sits up higher.

[@michaelbefumo-qg7ji]

New diesels from The Big Three are going to lose how long to customers going to gas motors

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point and very insightful. Thank you.

[@jasonscales2522]

I'm doing hotshot work with my '24 6.6L

[@AdventureRocks]

Very nice

[@79champions]

At that weight definitely could have got a half ton. That 3.0 would move that trailer no problem.

[@AdventureRocks]

Great point, very true. I do like the confidence and planted feeling I get with the 3/4 ton combined with versatility to go heavier if needed.

[@cdmx215able]

This is where I’m at right now trying to decide on new truck really like mileage of 3.0 but feel it would need to be bagged like my tundra is now tundra is about 8.5 towing 6800 pounds neighbor has LZO diesel getting 16 mpg towing 8500 fifth wheel but I really feel no 1/2 ton should be towing fifth wheel more due to pin weight hitch box frame of 1/2 ton and brake s I seem to change my mind daily

[@AdventureRocks]

@@cdmx215able Tough decision. I think the 2500 or 3500 gasser will always deliver a more confidence inspiring towing experience over a 1/2 ton mini diesel. Plus no DPF or DEF fluid with gasser.

[@williamholmes9603]

I just got a 24 Sierra 2500 gasser. So far I like it. But got a question. When heat is on and you have yours on max defrost on does yours make a loud noise when air is blowing out.? Kinda like a vent is half blocked. Been thinking of taking it to the dealer but thought it might just be normal with these trucks.

[@AdventureRocks]

I have not used the defrost/heat as much because it doesn't get as cold where I live, so I apologize in advance as I may not be best person to ask that question. There's a good FB group on our trucks though if you're not already a member...they might be able to chime in?

[@funtimeonline8071]

Would of liked to see you used the L gear to completely control it.. no brakes. Can you shift into L while moving?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. Yes, you can shift to gear limit (L) while moving, pretty much any speed. Usually it'll default to 1 minus current gear. But, with tow/haul enabled if you tap brakes it'll hold current gear so essentially same effect since I was in 1st gear. When I was unladen 1st gear got me all the way down no problem without brakes and 15-20mph. But, even with just the 6K lbs out back, 1st gear alone wasn't enough. Still though, it helped slow down a good bit compared to brakes alone.

[@funtimeonline8071]

@@AdventureRocks Thanks for the reply. I like my Dodge 1500, I can downshift on the fly going down the MTN. But we are running more int he 50mph range, and I bump it down to hold it back. Fixing to buy a GMC 2500 so this was something I thought I would have to do without, so I'm glad I dont and can just drop it to L and control it.

[@wildwilliesadventures]

End of the day, do you wish you had a diesel?

[@travissimpson8173]

I’m happy with my gas, diesel is cool, I don’t care for the maintenance on the diesels. Been there done that

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. I'll try to do a longer explanation in future video, but in short for my needs using truck as daily driver unladen, and weekend camping trips 1-2 hr distance, I'd be content with my current gas truck up to about ~14K trailer weight. The L8T with 10sp is impressive towing. Otherwise, if I was towing over 10K weight AND towing longer all-day driving and more frequent, then I'd pay the extra $$ for the diesel experience.

[@JohnSmith-ev1sm]

Two parts to this answer: I'd rather tow with a diesel, but I'd rather own a gas. Nobody will deny that diesel tows better, but most of us gas fans are focusing on total ownership which includes cost vs performance, and diesel not only costs more but I suspect there will be more down time (at the dealer) getting it serviced for all the typical diesel headaches.

[@AdventureRocks]

@@JohnSmith-ev1sm That's a great way of putting it. Well said.

[@bobdalton1756]

What grade of gas does the L8T use? Can you use Regular or do you have to use Premium?

[@AdventureRocks]

Just regular octane. I haven't tried running premium yet, and while I could be mistaken, I wouldn't anticipate significant increases.

[@4961Studebaker]

Just curious with your integrated brake controller. What gain setting do you use for your travel trailer

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. I've got gain set to 4. My unit has the new Lippert ABS btw. The trick I've always used is to be on a flat surface, stopped...then squeeze the manual trailer brake control and adjust gain till the trailer brakes alone slowly/smoothly stop both truck and trailer. Once I dial it in using that protocol, that final number seems to be just right while driving...no jerking out back, but enough support on trailer side. Hope that makes sense.

[@armentaaw]

Just wondering, is the 6000 lb weight the GVWR or actual weight of the RV?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question, yes ~6K is the weight of RV fully loaded and with approximate tank levels factored in. The GVWR is 6,395.

[@Cd55650]

What are you getting for mpg now unloaded now that you have more miles on it?

[@AdventureRocks]

Thanks for asking. Probably averaging weekly about 13.5 or so with my typical "back road country" driving. I don't do as much interstate driving unladen, but last trip was about 16.6. I'm very pleased and content with mpg.

[@sam-68-56]

What was the mileage compared to your other truck on the overall trip?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. I've been averaging MPG in high 8s and low 9s on my trips towing with the GMC gas L8T and 6K trailer. On my previous RAM 3500 with HO 6.7 Cummins, I'd get closer to high 9s and low 10s towing the 17K fifth wheel.

[@salstube9]

Not sure if you mention this, but what did you set your trailer brake controller at?

[@AdventureRocks]

Great question. Mine is 4 on the gain. I set mine by being on flat surface at standstill and use manual lever to engage trailer brakes till it just barely is enough to stop truck and trailer via trailer brakes alone. I dial in the gain till it has a nice, slow stop and that seems to be about right to keep it balanced with truck to share the load.

[@salstube9]

We live on the side of mountain when going down to leave I stop on the bottom of the road and pull over. I take out my thermometer gun and check the trucks and trailer’s brakes. It’s interesting to see the differences in temperature on each wheel. Those puppies can get pretty hot. Like you mentioned sharing the downhill force between trucks trans, brakes and also having your trailers brake controller set right is key. Good content keep up the good work 👍

[@AdventureRocks]

Thank you @@salstube9

[@craigr6763]

I was looking at this truck do you have a normal non towing driving mpg. I would be using for weekend towing toys but it would also be my daily.

[@AdventureRocks]

I drive more country roads with less stop and go, and average around 13mpg unladen. If I drive more aggressively it may drop to 11-12mpg. Otherwise hwy mpg unladen seems to be in the 16 range. I'm very pleased with mpg for such a big truck that sits up higher.

[@craigr6763]

Thanks 🙏 very been looking at 3/4 tons for years I was waiting for a 10 speed

[@ricklong4218]

What axle ratio do you have?

[@AdventureRocks]

Yes, axle ratio is 3.73 on my 2024 Sierra 2500 HD with the L8T + 10sp. I believe on the GM trucks they consolidated or simplified in recent years and now only offer the 3.73 ratio across L8T, so no AR options like Ford and RAM.

[@eclipes00]

My 2024 doesn’t lock into gear like that in tow haul wish it did I came from a ram and it always engine break I would rather not have to shift it into manual I wonder what I’m doing wrong

[@rhod8201]

I have to tow my camper in manual all the time. I have to limit it to 7 gear. When it shifts to 8th it jerks very hard. I waited until 2024 model for the 10 speed. I’m very disappointed. I’m 58 years old and have had every make truck out there including Chevrolet and gmc. Without exception the 10 speed is the worst transmission I’ve ever owned.

[@ericlindgren9895]

@@rhod8201 I don’t have a 2500 yet. Trying to decide between gas or diesel? My current camper is 1/2 ton towable, but I’m sure we will upgrade in a few years. That’s why I’m thinking about upgrading trucks now. But I’ve been reading a lot on forums & everyone seems to love the 10 speed mated with the 6.6 gas motor. They say it’s a lot better than the previous 6 speeds. I like hearing real world experiences because as expensive as trucks are theses days, I don’t want to make a wrong decision in a purchase. I would like to hear more about your experiences.

[@rhod8201]

@@ericlindgren9895 well there’s probably something wrong with mine. I’m going to take it to the dealership in a couple weeks. It’s like when it going to shift from 7 to 8 gear it waits too long and it shifts hard. I had a guy stop me in a Costco parking lot a week ago and ask me if my transmission shifts hard because his was doing it. I told him it was. His was doing it from 3 to 4 gear. I’m hoping they will do a relearn on the TCM.

[@ericlindgren9895]

@@rhod8201 hope it gets straightened out. We have a lot of camping planned this year. Just got back from a 1526 mile trip. I just think a 3/4 ton truck would be better for towing. My tundra does a pretty good job with my 6100lb dry weight camper. Kind of scared to weigh it loaded down & the bed of my truck.

[@eclipes00]

@@ericlindgren9895 I haven’t had any real issues just doesn’t engine break like my gas ram hd did other than that love the truck and trans but I’ve only got 11,000 miles on it but I tows very well

[@TheCrizz29]

6000lbs trailer empty? Or loaded?

[@AdventureRocks]

Loaded, it's pretty light. GVWR is 6.4K.