2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali - viable?

[Furian]

Hey all.... this is my first thread here and I'm only just beginning to get into my overland adventures. I live in CO and have done some casual off roading, Jeep, ATV, etc, but never any extended trips yet.

I purchased a new truck last year, before I realized this is something I wanted to do. The truck is a 4x4, but it being a Denali (Luxury trim) I think it may be missing some of the offroad capabilities of the AT4. I've already got rid of the monstrous 22 inch rims and put some 17 inch rims and decent all terrain tires on it (which by the way was a major hit to my 27 mpg average!!!)

Just looking for some expert advice.... can I make it work, or should I start shopping for a new vehicle? I dont care if I get my pretty seats muddy! If I can make it work, what would be the first modifications I should make?

Edit: I do have the 3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel in this vehicle.

 

[WTSMatt]

You can absolutely make it work! That’ll be a nice comfortable rig to travel in. I’m not sure what the aftermarket looks like for your truck but I’m sure there is enough out there to build to your desires.

 

[tjZ06]

Hey all.... this is my first thread here and I'm only just beginning to get into my overland adventures. I live in CO and have done some casual off roading, Jeep, ATV, etc, but never any extended trips yet.

I purchased a new truck last year, before I realized this is something I wanted to do. The truck is a 4x4, but it being a Denali (Luxury trim) I think it may be missing some of the offroad capabilities of the AT4. I've already got rid of the monstrous 22 inch rims and put some 17 inch rims and decent all terrain tires on it (which by the way was a major hit to my 27 mpg average!!!)

Just looking for some expert advice.... can I make it work, or should I start shopping for a new vehicle? I dont care if I get my pretty seats muddy! If I can make it work, what would be the first modifications I should make?

Edit: I do have the 3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel in this vehicle.

Most of the differences are cosmetic. The biggest substantive difference would be the t-case, if I'm not mistaken (and I certainly could be) your Denali will have an AWD-type t-case vs. a true 4x4 case w/ Low Range, right? I'd say for what most ppl considering Overlanding that's not going to be an issue and it'll still be far more capable than Subis and Crossovers that are very popular/competent for Overlanding. The second biggest thing was the giant factory wheels with low-profile street tires, but you already took care of that. Really, I think it'll come down to how comfortable you are getting trail-stripes and rock-chips on your $80k pickup. ;)

-TJ

 

[Furian]

how comfortable you are getting trail-stripes and rock-chips on your $80k pickup. ;)

-TJ

Thats a great point! It's probably the largest thing on my mind atm. It was 64k, but is now worth 52k or so, and a trade that got 22k for. I have 36k left on this. I can recover some money, but not all, so do I just bite, and finish off the payments, fix it up and not worry about it, or go with something a bit more rugged and less to worry about when it comes to cosmetics. I think all in all, Im better just going forward with what I have, especially considering the market right now and how jacked up used prices are atm. I like that i can tow some things on occassion too.

I'm already looking at getting a Smarcap for it... although, nothing seems to be in stock. If there are other options out there beside the typical fiberglass tops, I'm all ears! Eventually I'll put a rack and tent up there as well.

BTW, I didn't want the Denali... i wanted the AT4, but at the time I purchased, there wasn't a single one in the entire country! I looked EVERYWHERE!

 

[Sparksalot]

No no no. Buy a Jeep, so you can throw half of it away to get robust, functional stuff instead.
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My upcoming rig is a Tahoe LT 4x4. With leather and stuff too. I put weathertech mats in the front.

 

[tjZ06]

Thats a great point! It's probably the largest thing on my mind atm. It was 64k, but is now worth 52k or so, and a trade that got 22k for. I have 36k left on this. I can recover some money, but not all, so do I just bite, and finish off the payments, fix it up and not worry about it, or go with something a bit more rugged and less to worry about when it comes to cosmetics. I think all in all, Im better just going forward with what I have, especially considering the market right now and how jacked up used prices are atm. I like that i can tow some things on occassion too.

I'm already looking at getting a Smarcap for it... although, nothing seems to be in stock. If there are other options out there beside the typical fiberglass tops, I'm all ears! Eventually I'll put a rack and tent up there as well.

BTW, I didn't want the Denali... i wanted the AT4, but at the time I purchased, there wasn't a single one in the entire country! I looked EVERYWHERE!

Those are calls you'll have to make. I like having low range, but my rig is heavy-heavy (over 10k lbs loaded out for a trip) and I do tend to seek more technical trails. If you don't mind a few scratches and such on it, I don't see any reason you can't just use it. They say "the best Overlander is the one you already have" but if you have bigger long-term plans where you see the lack of low, and the overall "fancy" nature of it holding you back now is the time to change, before you sink more $ into it.

-TJ

 

[Furian]

Those are calls you'll have to make. I like having low range, but my rig is heavy-heavy (over 10k lbs loaded out for a trip) and I do tend to seek more technical trails. If you don't mind a few scratches and such on it, I don't see any reason you can't just use it. They say "the best Overlander is the one you already have" but if you have bigger long-term plans where you see the lack of low, and the overall "fancy" nature of it holding you back now is the time to change, before you sink more $ into it.

-TJ

I actually have low range on my truck. I have not used it yet, but its there!

I'm guessing your rig is the Jeep Cherokee in your profile pic? I know that there are tricks that can help with payload, but I thought legally, and spec wise, you cant get past the factory listed GVWR and stay within tolerances of the frame, etc?

 

[tjZ06]

I actually have low range on my truck. I have not used it yet, but its there!

I'm guessing your rig is the Jeep Cherokee in your profile pic? I know that there are tricks that can help with payload, but I thought legally, and spec wise, you cant get past the factory listed GVWR and stay within tolerances of the frame, etc?

Ah, so if you have Low Range, with that being I don't see any compelling reason to switch. The AT4 really had no other functional advantages outside of the wheel/tire package and some factory skids that surely you can add (though chances are there are better aftermarket options). Yes, the '03 Grand in my avatar is one of my rigs: 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Build and the other primary is my SAS'ed D'max and FWC: Going back to a Full Size for my Overlanding My tertiary rig is the Xterra, but it's really more of a daily driver, but in a pinch I throw a tent in the back and head out.

WRT GVWR you'll find a LOT of threads on the topic, and even more opinions. With something like my Grand it's extremely non-stock and has been extensively modified and I would be totally comfortable operating beyond GVWR (there is no frame in any Grand Cherokee, they are all Unibody, but mine has been substantially plated/strengthened front to back, has non-stock axles, non-stock susp etc. etc. etc.) but that doesn't mean the GVWR has changed on paper/legally. WRT my D'max the exact same frame would be under a 3500 DRW with a much higher GVWR, so I again have no worries about it beyond GVWR, to an extent. (but that doesn't change the legality). In fact, the entire rear-end other than the outer hubs is the same on my 2500 SRW as a 3500 DRW, and my front axle would be found in a Ford F350 with a higher GVWR.

I don't think you'll run into GVWR problems with your platform unless you start looking into something like a FWC - but you should check your GVWR then weigh your rig and see what your available CCC is if you're concerned.

-TJ

 

[MazeVX]

To bring it down to your basic question: Yes it will work just fine!

If you ever run out of your trucks capability it's time for another vehicle but until then, just travel in comfort.

 

[WTSMatt]

I’d say don’t rush on the build out. Start taking trips, see what it can do stock and what you’d like to do. Start a list on your first outing of “stuff that’d make this experience better”. Most of us have bought stuff thinking we needed it or whatever then find out you actually don’t,.

 

[Furian]

I’d say don’t rush on the build out. Start taking trips, see what it can do stock and what you’d like to do. Start a list on your first outing of “stuff that’d make this experience better”. Most of us have bought stuff thinking we needed it or whatever then find out you actually don’t,.

This is great advice for those with that kind of patience . But thats kind of my plan. I'll get a camper top, bumper/winch and/or some recovery boards, and a rooftop tent to start. I was going to look at a 2-3 inch lift, but so many options to chose from, I may wait on that.

 

[MidOH]

Being that trucks right now have favorable trade in value.

I'd trade up to a Powerwagon or F250 Tremor 7.3l 4.30.

PW if you dont need to haul more than a jeep. Tremor if you do. I prefer the Tremor.

 

[MMc]

This is great advice for those with that kind of patience . But thats kind of my plan. I'll get a camper top, bumper/winch and/or some recovery boards, and a rooftop tent to start. I was going to look at a 2-3 inch lift, but so many options to chose from, I may wait on that.

I have a snug shell on my truck, if I were to do it over I would look a smart cap. I added 315 tires cause that is the biggest tire that fits in the well. save the money on the recovery boards and get a air pump or tank. A shovel and airing down will get you unstuck anywhere. I am not a RTT guy at all. I camp near the beach and don't like to roll all night with the winds.

 

[Furian]

I have a snug shell on my truck, if I were to do it over I would look a smart cap. I added 315 tires cause that is the biggest tire that fits in the well. save the money on the recovery boards and get a air pump or tank. A shovel and airing down will get you unstuck anywhere. I am not a RTT guy at all. I camp near the beach and don't like to roll all night with the winds.

yea, I've been looking at the different ones available, and I'm liking the Smartcap the most... just can't find any in stock.

 

[MMc]

I would order and wait. I know a guy that waited 6 months for his.

 

[Furian]

I would order and wait. I know a guy that waited 6 months for his.

I actually just found one, 2 hours from the house. Going Monday to have it installed!

 

[ThundahBeagle]

@tjZ06 hits the highlights. Something additional to consider is the magnetic ride suspension up front on the Denali. Unless that has been discontinued, there will always be an asterisk next to Sierra parts catalogs for you in the Denali, usually transaxle and front-end.

It is unheard of for me that if the dealership does not have what I want, I go the next level UP. Not me. I go down one. I have a 14 Sierra SLE optioned up to SLE standards, with Z71. Love it.

If you have that kind of money and aren't going to cry over chips and stripes, yeah, go for it.

The"lack of aftermarket support" for these trucks is offset by the rugged sheer capability, capacity, force and ground clearance of trucks in general. Someone mentioned they have a snug top but would go Smart Cap. Sure, if I had a million dollars in the bank. And I can see why. But the thing to remember, and the thing that works for me, is that a Leer cap will do just fine. Doesn't have to be built like a tank, even though it could be. More money left over for gas.

The z71 offers armor underneath, although at least the front skid/bash plate is plastic. I'm sure you could pick one off a junked AT4 or order it from the dealer. Not sure if the at4 ones are metal.

I built a platform for the back, put gear and clothes under, and we slept in the box of the truck under the Leer cap for a two week trip. It works.

Good luck. Keep us updated here

 

[Furian]

@tjZ06 hits the highlights. Something additional to consider is the magnetic ride suspension up front on the Denali. Unless that has been discontinued, there will always be an asterisk next to Sierra parts catalogs for you in the Denali, usually transaxle and front-end.

It is unheard of for me that if the dealership does not have what I want, I go the next level UP. Not me. I go down one. I have a 14 Sierra SLE optioned up to SLE standards, with Z71. Love it.

If you have that kind of money and aren't going to cry over chips and stripes, yeah, go for it.

The"lack of aftermarket support" for these trucks is offset by the rugged sheer capability, capacity, force and ground clearance of trucks in general. Someone mentioned they have a snug top but would go Smart Cap. Sure, if I had a million dollars in the bank. And I can see why. But the thing to remember, and the thing that works for me, is that a Leer cap will do just fine. Doesn't have to be built like a tank, even though it could be. More money left over for gas.

The z71 offers armor underneath, although at least the front skid/bash plate is plastic. I'm sure you could pick one off a junked AT4 or order it from the dealer. Not sure if the at4 ones are metal.

I built a platform for the back, put gear and clothes under, and we slept in the box of the truck under the Leer cap for a two week trip. It works.

Good luck. Keep us updated here

The denali was the only thing available at the time... and i looked as far out as I could go. The issue was dealer websites, etc, were NEVER accurate, so I had to call. Everywhere I called, no AT4s. I called as far out as the east coast sometimes. This was around June of 2021.

If I could sleep in the truck bed, I would, but I'd have to sleep in the open air, or get some type of rear cover so the tailgate can go down. I only have a 5'9 inch bed.

The Magnetic Ride Suspension is standard on Denali's as far as I know, and i have the Adaptive Ride Control (are they the same?) This is actually making it difficult for me to find a lift. BDS makes a 4 and 6 inch lift that will support all of my options, but I think thats a bit much..... especially considering I have brand new 265R17's on it, and they would probably look tiny with a 4+ lift. I"ll probably wait till tire time before i decide on a lift if any, although I probably need at least a leveling kit. The truck feels low to the ground to me.... especially when passing other trucks :)

 

[MMc]

I would not lift the truck. I put 315 (34.5) tire and picked up about 2 inches, I get most of the places I want to go. My truck isn't built for looks it is build for how I use it. If it doesn't help me get somewhere or haul my stuff, I don't add it. I am in the west and most of driving is in Baja and sierras, so dry, sand, rocks, I don't wheel hard. My truck looks more like a contractors truck to an overlander. I do not understand leaving all stuff hanging off the rig. I do see a lot of it.

 

[Furian]

I would not lift the truck. I put 315 (34.5) tire and picked up about 2 inches, I get most of the places I want to go. My truck isn't built for looks it is build for how I use it. If it doesn't help me get somewhere or haul my stuff, I don't add it. I am in the west and most of driving is in Baja and sierras, so dry, sand, rocks, I don't wheel hard. My truck looks more like a contractors truck to an overlander. I do not understand leaving all stuff hanging off the rig. I do see a lot of it.

Not sure how much bigger I can go without a lift... this truck doesn't even recommend the use of chains with stock tires due to the clearance.

Looks is a personal preference, or amount of money available, or both. Some people are perfectly fine with walking into walmart with a tshirt and sweatpants, some not so much. No different with vehicles. I certainly wouldn't mind having the best of both words, but I wont give up function or ALL of my gas mileage to get there!

I'm getting the camper top for my truck so I don't have to have stuff hanging off though. I'd prefer that stuff to be inside, for peace of mind. I'd constantly be worried about someone taking stuff off of my truck if I had to leave it somewhere. You wont stop the determined ones, but if they can't see it, they are less likely to go fishing.