The brute force approach
Written: Dec 15 '04
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Pros: Will haul just about anything, comfortable on long trips, as solid as trucks get
Cons: Insatiable appetite for fuel, factory tires adequate for paved roads only, large blind zones
The Bottom Line: Great work truck or for hauling large loads or trailers. It's way too much truck for the average personal user however.
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| rfman's Full Review: 2004 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab |
My work as a field engineer in the area of wireless communications often requires me to work in remote areas, often with large amounts of gear as well. It is mostly within this context that I have experienced this truck. As a work truck (I cannot fathom anyone buying a beast like this for personal use), the Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab is often called upon to tow heavy trailers and carry large payloads as well a four passengers.
The model we have is a 4x4 SLE with automatic transmission. The 4x4 system is electronically controlled via buttons placed on the dashboard. The engine is the 6.0L Vortec, producing 300 HP (FYI, this is the same engine that is used in the Hummer H2) coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. Our model features a 4.10 rear axle ratio, which provides good low-speed grunt to move a heavy trailer from a stop. This high ratio does make the engine operate at higher RPM at cruising speed, hindering the fuel efficiency of this very large engine.
General Impressions
My first impression can be summed up in one work: big. The truck is big, the engine is big, and this vehicle just exudes "big". At over 22 feet long, 6 feet wide (and that's not counting mirrors) and 6.5 feet tall, you'll never lose track of this vehicle in a parking lot. That is, if you can find a parking spot large enough to park it in. And remember that this is the regular box option. The exact same truck is available with a long box option which adds another few feet in length.
Mechanically, the 2500HD is just as big as its sheet metal. The 6.0 liter Vortec engine is the base choice for all 2500HD models. An 8.1 liter version of the Vortec is also available, as well as the Duramax diesel engine. For our needs, the 6.0L was more than enough, and I am somewhat unsure of why anyone would need anything more. Acceleration is not phenomenal in such a heavy vehicle, but there is enough torque to get you on your way even when pulling a heavy trailer.
The transmission shifts smoothly, and the tow/haul mode retards shifts points in order not to lug the engine at low RPMs when pulling heavy loads. Surprisingly enough, this affects fuel economy very little. The 4x4 system in our SLS is electronically operated, but not a full-time system that detects wheel slippage and automatically engages four wheel drive. Under most conditions, operating in 2WD mode provides maximum fuel savings, but on dirt or gravel roads, operating in 4WD HI-range provides extra stability on the loose surface. 4HI mode may be used at cruising speed, but it not recommended for day pavement use. 4WD LO-range is used mostly for off road use, being limited to low speeds and loose surfaces. The torque transferred to the wheels in 4LO is phenomenal and should suffice in getting you out of the worse conditions. The truck's wheelbase is rather long however, and the driver will have to be careful not to high-center the truck in the rough stuff, or else even the best 4WD system in the world will be of no help.
The healthy torque from the engine gets the truck up to speed reasonably well even when hauling this heavy load, and becomes very quiet at cruising speed. The transmission performs very well (as most GM automatic transmissions do) and never seems to get caught between two gears in slopes.
This relative ease exhibited under heavy load does come at a price though, and that price is paid at the pump. Our SLE model is equipped with an on-board computer that keeps track of average and instant fuel economy, as well as other useful features such as range with remaining fuel and engine oil life. Watching the fuel economy (quite the oxymoron in this vehicle) brings memories of the muscle cars of the sixties. With the truck empty, we normally get about 12 to 15 MPG depending on city vs. highway. With the truck loaded and pulling the trailer (which is typically highway only, at about 60 MPH), we're getting 8 to 9 MPG. I'm glad this is a work truck and not my own, because it really adds up when you need to stop for 25 gallons of fuel every 230 miles or so, and I'd hate to be paying for that.
When driving without a trailer and the box empty, the rear end of the truck gets a little bit more jumpy, due to the stiff rear suspension and the rather heavy engine up front. The ride never really gets harsh due to the long wheelbase and long wheel travel that the raised suspension in the HD models provide.
The driving position is very high off the ground (for shorter people, step bars are a must to get into this truck) and gives an impressive view of the surroundings. The oversized side mirrors are very welcomed, especially with a tall trailer that the driver needs to see around. The downside of being so high off the ground is that there are very large blind zones in front and behind the truck. This once resulted in backing up into 3-foot tall garbage can that never was visible behind the truck. You'd barely be able to see a compact car in your rear view mirror if it was tailgating you. So watch out for objects or children in front or behind this truck, it's surprising what can hide there.
The dashboard is very well laid out, with gauges for coolant temperature, voltage, oil pressure and even transmission fluid temperature being in plain sight. The transmission fluid temp gauge is nice to have when towing on hot days, although the external transmission oil cooler always kept it cool even on hot days. Headlights are automatic in this truck (although this may be a Canada-only feature, since we have Daytime Running Light regulations that are not present in the US). Whenever a light sensor measures below a certain threshold, the main headlights light up on top of the DRLs. It's an interesting effect to enter a tunnel or garage and have the headlights turn on by themselves.
The driving dynamics of the Sierra 2500HD are decidedly very truck-like. Manufacturers may be claiming that their trucks are being designed with more car-like behavior, there's only so much that can be done with a vehicle that's 22 feet long and has a center of gravity a few feet higher off than ground that your average car. Body roll will make you think twice about tackling that off-ramp too fast, and the rear end will slide out on you in the rain or snow if you're too throttle-happy. But then again, that's not the vocation of this truck. Everything is a compromise, and you'll enjoy the high center gravity when you hit a road covered in 8 inches of mud.
While I'm on the subject of handling, I'd like to mention that the Bridgestone tires that are fitted on the truck at the factory are suitable for asphalt use only (this may not be the case if you opt for a special off-road package). After a few thousand miles on gravel roads, the tread was tearing off in chunks due to abrasion for the rocks and gravel. Their relatively shallow tread won't help too much either if you end up sinking in soft soil or snow either. We replaced them with a set of four Goodyear Workhorse Extra Grip tires, and it makes a world of difference.
In late summer, I drove this truck, loaded with over 1000 lbs of gear, towing a 4500 lbs trailer, carrying 3 passengers from Ottawa, Ontario to Fredericton, New Brunswick, and back. This 2400 km trip (1500 miles) was handled effortlessly by the truck. The seats are very comfortable, and spending an entire day driving is no chore al all. With plenty of room to stretch out even in the rear seats (the rear of this truck is roomier than in many full-size sedans), passengers never complained of discomfort during the entire trip. I should mention that the gas-guzzling nature of this truck will impose refueling pit-stops every 4 hours or so, so you'll always get the chance to stretch your legs once in a while. The dual-zone climate control is very efficient and cooled the truck down in record time in the hot summer sun.
Outstanding features:
-The towing capacity and payload capacity of this truck are up there with the best, and the available engines have the power to back it up. This truck is pure brute force. It'll get the job done, no matter what. And that's the primary reason for owning one.
Problem points
-You can expect your fuel bill to be as high as the monthly payment on this truck, if not more. The amount of fuel this truck consumes is shameful, and it scares me to think of the quantity of greenhouse gases that it pumps out it its massive tailpipe.
-The height and size of the truck can be a problem at times. It is longer than most parking spaces, and also taller than most garage door openings. Driving this beast downtown is a challenge of its own, especially with the large blind zones in front of and behind the truck.
Value
When purchasing a truck like this, there aren't many alternatives that can do the job as well. You're basically limited to the Big Three automakers, and they sell their trucks at very close price points. The Dodge does not have as much rear passenger space as the GMC Sierra, and we decided to avoid Ford because of nagging reliability issues that they seem to experience. Just as a side note, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado only differ cosmetically. We went with the GMC because of availability, but this entire review would apply just as well to the Chevy Silverado 2500HD.
Who should buy this?
If you need to get to a worksite with lots of gear on less than ideal roads, get the job done and then get out, this truck is for you. It also seems quite popular for towing large camper trailers. I can't see any other reason to buy such a specialized vehicle.
Who should avoid this?
Basically, if you don't recognize yourself in the description in the above paragraph, this truck in not for you. It's too big, too heavy and too fuel-hungry for anything else. If you're looking for a versatile truck to tow a boat to the cottage and carry around the odd payload, take a look at the GMC or Chevy 1500 Crew Cab models. Those will manage your nerves and pocketbook much better than this 2500HD.
Final conclusion
In the end, the GMC Sierra 2500HD is a vehicle that I enjoy using for work, but this enjoyment stops there. I'd recommend it for heavy hauling jobs, but I would not want to have such a truck as a personal vehicle. It's much too cumbersome anf fuel-hungry for that.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 500/month
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: Crew Cab SLE Automatic 4x4
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Epinions.com ID:
rfman
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Member: Luc Delorme
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 103
Trusted by: 15 members
About Me:
Electrical Engineer, amateur photographer, car buff, technophile, video game player and collector.
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