Towing with GMC Sierra 1500 Turbo Max

[CnK]

Has anyone towed with the GMC Sierra 1500 with the 2.7 4 cylinder turbo max engine? We're trying to decide between this and the Ford F150 2.7 V6 ecoboost. Sadly, we're replacing our 25 year-old 2000 Tundra. It's been a great truck but it's getting too tired to tow our 21NE. Does anyone have any experience with this truck, especially regarding reliability and towing up long grades? Thanks!

 

[CasparScape]

Coincidentally, I had a 2000 Tundra V-8 as well. I always felt it was marginal for towintg my 2018 E-19, especially in the mountains. So I got a 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST Duromax turbo diesel. This may be the same or very similar to the GMC version you are looking at. The difference is astounding in terms of towing power, handling and overall performance. The only caveat I would mention is to be prepared for "NannyWagon" shock as you must now endure all the superflouous bells and whistles reminding you or scolding you if you, say, turn off the engine before you place it in park, open the door while in gear, even with your foot on the brake, etc, etc. Good luck.

 

[CasparScape]

Second thoughts: Are you sure the GMC you are looking at is 4 cylinders? My Chevy 1500 turbo diesel is six cylinders.

 

[Centex]

Second thoughts: Are you sure the GMC you are looking at is 4 cylinders? My Chevy 1500 turbo diesel is six cylinders.

The OPs question is about the 2.7 "Turbo Max" (a GM turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder engine which 'competes' with various Ford EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline engines)

Not to be confused or compared with any "Duramax" (the GM diesel engine line)

 

[Cyclones forever]

Has anyone towed with the GMC Sierra 1500 with the 2.7 4 cylinder turbo max engine? We're trying to decide between this and the Ford F150 2.7 V6 ecoboost. Sadly, we're replacing our 25 year-old 2000 Tundra. It's been a great truck but it's getting too tired to tow our 21NE. Does anyone have any experience with this truck, especially regarding reliability and towing up long grades? Thanks!

We tow our 21C with a 2013 Chevy 5.3L Silverado. Does a great job. Might be a little biased here towards V8's but a four cylinder in a pickup? - seems almost mutually exclusive. The price of new pickups is pretty grandiose and then add a 4 cylinder? I had an off the record conversation with a tech from a Chevy dealer and he was not yet convinced a four cylinder, irrespective if it is turbo charged is adequate for towing. Certainly would love to hear from others.

 

[Centex]

Might be a little biased here towards V8's but a four cylinder in a pickup?

That 2.7 Turbo Max has HP/TQ ratings very comparable to your 2013 5.3. And behind it is a much more modern transmission to make best use of its power delivery. These days there's lots more than the number of holes in the block that go toward making a good drivetrain for many uses.

I happen to be a 'Ford guy' but IMO that modern Turbo Max is very worthy of consideration for towing an Escape trailer (trucks with it can be rated for up to 9500# trailer towing). I can certainly see the attraction of turbo 4 cylinder engines, especially for folks using their pickups for daily driving in addition to towing.

 

[Radar1]

Has anyone towed with the GMC Sierra 1500 with the 2.7 4 cylinder turbo max engine? We're trying to decide between this and the Ford F150 2.7 V6 ecoboost. Sadly, we're replacing our 25 year-old 2000 Tundra. It's been a great truck but it's getting too tired to tow our 21NE. Does anyone have any experience with this truck, especially regarding reliability and towing up long grades? Thanks!

I can't say anything about the Chevy/GMC 4 cylinder turbos but I do have a Ford Ranger with a 4 cyl turbo. I'm impressed with the power, especially going up hills. It does better than the small V8 in our Dodge Dakota.
When looking at and reviewing tow vehicles, I like watching the TFL Youtube channel, where they put trucks through the gauntlet.
Here's one about the 4 cyl GMC turbo.

 

[GinoandLinda]

That 2.7 Turbo Max has HP/TQ ratings very comparable to your 2013 5.3. And behind it is a much more modern transmission to make best use of its power delivery. These days there's lots more than the number of holes in the block that go toward making a good drivetrain for many uses.

Well said. Anymore, just as much consideration should be given to the transmission as the motor. IMHO

 

[Craig_TaB]

@CnK ; Have you visited any of the Truck Owner Forums . . . they always have towing experience threads.

Vehicle footprint of a 2000 Tundra is likely nearer today's mid-size trucks than full-size, if you don't need the interior space and like easier parking "at the mall" you might look at the mid-sizes . . . . same engines as you are considering, tow capacity, towing features in a lighter truck.

The Colorado/Canyon Owners Forum has positive remarks on the 4-cyl 2.7L as it has a diesel like power curve. Anecdotal data/reports suggest the 2.7L has more than enough power but gets slightly lower MPG under heavier towing loads/conditions then the V6 (same HP, lower Torque) it replaced.

Review how the 2.7L, etc specs compare to your Tundra engine . . . do they provide enough extra power?
If not then a full-size truck and optional higher output V6/V8 might be a better match for you.

 

[CnK]

OP here. We went with the GMC Sierra 1500 with the 2.7 4 cylinder turbo max engine. We towed the new 21NE from Chilliwack to California in January and had no problems throughout. So far very happy with the truck. It has a trailer mode that manages the shifting to help control descents without as much braking.

 

[iamunique127]

Good info to add to the mostly Ford F-150 info on the forum. Thanks