I hope you guys are enjoying your summer boating!
@Julian I thought I'd throw my hat into this conversation as I just retired my 2002 Tahoe, (at 200k+miles that was an AWESOME truck and did everything I needed it to do) Out where I am, taking the boat out usually requires a nice mountain jaunt to get to most reservoirs. This usually means dragging the boat up and down legit mountain grades for miles upon miles, in the heat, and all at altitude. I had already convinced myself I needed the Denali/Escalade platform to get the additional towing performance. Test drove a few and really liked all the new goodies, but I didn't like the outrageous price tag. My wife suggested we test drive a half-ton P/U to broaden the scope and the rest is history. For easily $20-30k less, I bought a new truck with more towing capability/utility than anything the SUV's were going to offer. It actually ticks me off thinking about the huge premiums for these vehicles and there are very few incentives in comparison. I wrote about this in another thread, but the gap between "having the capability of" and "engineered for" is far greater than what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, as much as I appreciated my Tahoe, I will never go back. It is tough to justify the ridiculous premium. It's just my wife, our two boys and the dog. I also didn't have to compromise on creature features and most importantly, the factory offered almost 8k off the sticker and a gorgeous blue paint color that the SUV's didn't, making my wife much happier!
On another note, the 5.3L V8 GM offers is more than enough motor. Especially if you stay out of the mountains and altitude. The 8spd trans and a grade braking feature will do more for you than going to the larger motor. Matter of fact, the tow ratings aren't any more a product of engine power than suspension, axles, cooling, brakes and overall weight. The 6.2L is also an 11.5 compression motor. Not sure, but I believe it shares the same heads as the Camaro/Corvette configuration. More compression means more octane and that motor is recommended for 93. It will run on less, but the computer will de-tune the motor to avoid any detonation issues. That was one of my negotiation points. Heck, we don't even have 93 out here!
Even though I ended up with the 6.2L, I test towed the boat with both and they were both plenty! With my configuration (GMC 1500, crew cab, short box, 4x4, NHT or
"max towing package") equipped with either the 5.3L or the 6.2L, the towing specs and GCWR are virtually the same and well over 10k and 16K for those ratings respectively. Don't forget, those ratings are produced by the manufacturer and not a product of some standardized third party evaluation so take them with a grain of salt when comparing vehicles. Also, to be honest we are talking a 6000 lb trailer, at the most!
One last note, with the backup camera on the tailgate, you can hang the tailgate half way at a 45 degree angle and sits perfectly over the ball! It's almost the same perspective as standing behind the bumper and over the hitch. The larger tow mirrors on the NHT package are great too. I especially like the bright LED's that shine down the side of the truck and trailer. Makes backing in the trailer so much easier at night!
I was in the same position as you a few months back. I don't want to give the wrong impression, by no means am I disparaging SUV's. They are fantastic and are great at what they were built for. I wanted more towing/utility rather than people moving. Sadly, I probably used the 3rd row 10 times over the last 15 years. Most of the time I left them out and stored them in the shed. About the modern 3rd row, I wish GM would scrap the solid rear axle on their SUV line and just go with an independent setup, like everyone else, especially since their rear seats are now fold down with that silly sill. I digress, take your time and look at all the options and drive them! Your list has a lot of great options. Good luck and if there are any questions, hit me up!
