I still have under 10K on mine and do not have NHT. However, that being said about 6500 of that is towing a 7Klb RV. I will say it tows very well and my average is 15.2 on a 4500+ trip up the east coast and back I did in September. Unloaded I average around 26+ but I don't usually use the truck for short trips. I have a company ride and the wife's Highlander for that stuff.

I will say this, if GM offered a de-rated 2500 with the 3.0 in it I would have jumped on it in an instant. My only complaint is lack of capacity on the 1500 platform.

 

X2 on the 2500 with the 3.0 I would’ve been all over that.
I just overload my LM2. Personally I think the LM2 is better than the LZ0 but both are amazing regardless

 

Even though the LZ0 piston is steel, it is shorter in height than the LM2 piston. They both have steel connecting rods. So, I wonder how much difference weight there truly is. MPGs from people who have had an LM2 and LZ0 look pretty close. GM rates the LZ0 a hair better in the city for mpg, the LM2 a hair better on the highway, and both the same overall. If the MPG is lower, it more likely caused by the increase in HP/torque and tighter emissions requirements.

 

Thoughts ?

Personal preference but I do like the aluminum pistons over the steel, the steel may-be stronger but aluminum disperses heat better which will in return be better/stronger piston.
Also the LM2 is an over square cylinder, just like a Cummins. Meaning the

Even though the LZ0 piston is steel, it is shorter in height than the LM2 piston. They both have steel connecting rods. So, I wonder how much difference weight there truly is. MPGs from people who have had an LM2 and LZ0 look pretty close. GM rates the LZ0 a hair better in the city for mpg, the LM2 a hair better on the highway, and both the same overall. If the MPG is lower, it more likely caused by the increase in HP/torque and tighter emissions requirements.

ah yes I forgot the shorter in height, another reason I liked the LM2. The LM2 pistons length is also more optimal for making power/torque.
The tighter emissions on the LZ0 also isn’t favourable.

 

According to the design guy at GM for both the 3 liter engines (Barta) the HP/TQ gains come from different injectors, a retuned turbo, and a new piston bowl design which gave better burn characteristics over the alluminum bowl design (iirc), the steel pistons were said to retain heat better allowing the engine to be more efficient at warming up and producing lowest emmisions sooner, diesels run best (and with lower emmisions) when near the top of their heat signature so he said, again, iirc.

 

Thermal Analysis of Steel and Aluminium Pistons for an HSDI Diesel Engine

Chromium-molybdenum alloy steel pistons, which have been used in commercial vehicle applications for some time, have more recently been proposed as a means of improving thermal efficiency in light-duty applications. This work reports a comparison of the effects of geometrically similar aluminium and

www.sae.org

On the towing question whether it is F150, Tundra, 1500 series GM, it seems like everyone who tows a travel trailer runs up against the payload capacity (and RAWR) before the GCVWR or tow rating. A very common complaint with 1/2 ton and midsize folks. Our Canyon tows our 5,000 lb trailer great, but 1540 lb payload is maxed very quickly.

 

Yep ^ this 100%. when it comes to the unicorn half tons that have those 13k ratings they are normally the lightest truck they build so it has the max payload and towing. Normally 2wd stripped with the smallest cab they make. Start adding options and cab space and the numbers go down and dramatically in some cases. They still put somewhat lofty tow ratings on them that a lot of times the truck simply does not have the payload to handle.

My old 2019 Ram 1500 limited had a 11400# tow rating but only 1330 payload. With an 11k trailer i was pretty much instantly overloaded factoring in tongue weight and two people. Basically that truck had no business towing that much, ever.

 

Good info so far everyone, continuing to follow.

 

I’m going to wait till spring to do anything more to my truck as it’s just too cold right now to mess around outside, as I don’t have a shop.
if I go to the dark side though I’ll make sure to tip toe around logistics and give y’all a review. Getting rid of all these sensors and have a 400hp babymax sure excites me. Just a matter of pulling the trigger though.
I also like the GDE tune for the LM2.

As for towing I’m looking to get a set of timbrens soon and down the road a B&W turnover ball.

 

My early 2022 LM2 with 3.73 gears, 4WD towed my 6k lb camper effortlessly. It was only rated to tow 9300 lbs. The 2022 1/2 and 2023 1500s with the same tow pkg. and 3.73 gearing rating was increased to 13k lbs. I never found out if the tow rating increase was due to change in rear axle and/or heavier leaf springs added to the later trucks. I've since upgraded to a 2024, 2500HD LT, L5P and am looking forward to some cross country travels. My LM2 was absolutly trouble free and I'm hoping to have the same good fortune with my L5P.

 

I have looked at probably over 100 used and new 2022+ models and have yet to find a 3.73 4WD, do they exist? Every single one I've found, regardless of package, is 3.23

 

Thanks. I have basically limited my search to SLTs even if they don't have the package. Quotes for leftover 2023s are pretty high... I can see on the GMC website there's a huge inventory of these things, not sure why they aren't being heavily discounted.

 

I also just purchased the little diesel. It doesn't have the max towing option. How do i determine tow capacity. It has the crew cab, 4x4 SLT package. I rarely tow even over 8K but I do use this as a work truck. I understand the 1850lb (est) max weight but was curious as to the tow capacity and why its so hard to find. I understand its option driven. I'm a little upset i pulled the trigger with a sales representative that told me 13,300 but then the vehicle I purchased didn't have it. I know from the 18" wheels. This is my fault and I think I'll be fine but wish I would have did more research on this option prior to purchasing and not just walking into a dealer and say the 13K tow capacity is important to me.

 

How do i determine tow capacity

Look at the sticker in the driver side door frame. Mine is similar to your truck and is rated to tow 9k.

 

Hmmm I did. It gives GAWR, GVWR but not tow capacity. I scanned the QR code and when i got home I looked up option codes and didn't find NH3. So by default, according to what I've seen its 9000lbs. I would rarely, if ever, exceed that, but want to be legal if I do. I'm certain the engine is capable.
Thanks,

 

I don't believe there's a legal concept of towing capacity in most (or perhaps all) jurisdictions. If you're within your GAWRs, sum of GVWRs (for tow vehicle and trailer), and tire ratings, you're legal.

 

My stickers look like this.

 

Interesting, your Silverado 1500 LTZ CCSB 3.0 LZ0 is functionally identical to a Sierra 1500 SLT CCSB 3.0 LZ, but the max I see on those so far has been 8800 CTWR. For the standard box I looked at I think it was 8700...

 

The tow ratings between a Sierra and Silverado can be slightly different for 1500s. This is due to the SAE towing procedure requires the manufacturer to use EPA mass as curb mass for calculation. For EPA mass, you must include every option that has over 33% take rate. GMC sells more highly optioned trucks so their towing is usually equal to or less than chevrolet.

#iworkforGM

 

My Sierra 1500 SLT is rated at 8800 CTRW. I pull a TT that is 6k loaded with no issues. That being said, it's 11' high and wind resistance is the biggest factor. I hauled 500 miles last week in a 20-25 mph crosswind which was interesting but ok with a WDH. My towing mileage has been between 12-14mpg traveling between 65-70 mph.

 

Thanks, I ended up finding a 2024 with the max trailering, so I'm hopeful that'll be adequate for a 10K lbs tow every now and then. A lot more 2024s available with that package than 2023s, and the price was about the same.

 

I’m no more educated on half ton specs than the next guy with internet access and a fairly friendly GM dealer but:

Check out any of Chevy’s towing guides, they will answer how to spec a pickup to get to certain towing capabilities.

To get into the 13,xxx’s with the diesel, you have to have 20” rims (gives you heavier springs for some reason) and a short bed with the NHT max tow package. You can spec it this way to this day. Search on any car sale website with the keyword “7300” to find ones for sale. They are out there. I made this account just to reply here and I can’t add links yet. Just excited to participate

Anyway, any time you find a current generation 1500 with 7,300# GVWR you have a NHT truck with 3.73 rear end regardless of 5.3, 6.2, or 3.0 diesel (though the gassers may have a 3.23??? Still a 9.75 ring gear though I am pretty sure).

I got the privilege to spec a new work pickup the beginning of 2022. I wanted an LTD as they had great deals going on at the time, but I missed the order window by like a week. I ended up with a 2022 facelift LM2 NHT truck and I will drive to the wheels off of it. I love it. Mine got built February of 2022 and I took delivery on April 7th. Almost had it for 2 years now, just rolled 82,000 miles.

Mine is a standard (6.5’) bed with 18” rims which puts the GCWR at 17,800, bumper pull trailer at 11,700, and gooseneck of 8,100. With a short bed you gain another 100# of capacity, and with 20” rims you gain GCWR and ~1,500# of trailer (but not gooseneck interestingly enough). I would have loved that capacity, but the packaging that the 20” rims came with didn’t fit my fancy, cost too much, and I didn’t like the availability of tires.

These engines are amazing if taken care of, LM2 or LZ0. Also it’s a new truck. Honestly you can pull more with any new half ton than you could with most one tons from 25 years ago (if obeying factory ratings). That being said, no matter how you spec it, you will run out of rear springs or rear axle capacity before trailer capacity. If you are really aware of balancing a trailer, pulling 13,000# every now and then is well in the capacity of these pickups. When you load tongue heavy, you get in trouble quickly.

I work in agriculture service and see plenty of mixed driving in all conditions. When I pull a trailer, it’s a 14,000# car trailer (5,000# empty, it's a tank and I wish it was lighter). Heaviest I’ve been is 19,000# combined and hauled about 200 miles one way at that weight in the summer at 85F through hills and on the highway at 70mph. No issues. When towing I see 14mpg and 25mpg empty. Lifetime average is 24.1mpg.

In summary: get a 3.0. Period. You will not go wrong. If you are savvy enough to find an NHT and know what you have, load it properly and let her eat! Otherwise, keep your trailer below 10k and your tongue weight legal, and you will have plenty of engine to pull. You will run out of frame, axle, and springs well before you run out of power, braking, or cooling capacity with any 3.0. If you don’t pay attention to how you load a trailer, buy a 3/4 ton.

 

Thanks for the summary. I ended up buying a 24 SLT Premium short bed 4x4 with NHT in early January. With all the options, the sticker rating went down from 13,300 to 12,900. I think that'll be plenty for my use. It's my first truck and I really like it so far.

 

Sounds like a fantastic build, glad to hear you found what you were looking for!

 

I think I've found one of the final unicorns of 2024: A GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation CC with the 3.0 and NHT/Max Tow. Elevation Premium package. Total price before Taxes and fees with all the discounts is around 58K. I've been driving a 2014 SLT 1500 with the 5.3 and the Z71 package. I tow a 23' fiberglass boat. Should I hop on this? Will I notice the difference towing?

 

Does it have 4low?
I believe you can’t get 4low without the Z71/X31 package. If it doesn’t have 4low personally I’d pass.

Will you notice a difference though? Absolutely. The 3.0 will out tow your 5.3 all day

58k for an elevation seems a little high to me also as I’ve seen that trim lower at least in Canada. I’d probably opt for a used one with a higher trim package for cheaper.
I’ve seen used Denalis even with the 3.0 going for 40-45k.
just have to shop around

 

I paid 68K OTD with title taxes and fees for my 24 1500 SLT NHT in January. It has every premium package available on the SLT, a sunroof , is a CC and short bed. No 2-speed transfer case on the GMCs with NHT, but you could get it on the Chevy high country NHT from what I've heard. I wanted a longer bed, but this one fits in my garage and with the multi-pro, I can get it extended to almost 94" I think. I had initial issues with emission sensor and exhaust stuff, but that's been cleared up.

My biggest issue currently is the infotainment is so buggy it's basically unusable. I took it in for the firmware update and they only flashed the serial gateway module, not the head unit itself. I'm going to be taking it back and demanding a firmware update and/or head unit swap. The infotainment problem exists on all of them, so it's not unique to what you're looking for.

The drivetrain itself is actually really nice. With the 3.73 gears, it's surprisingly quick, and the most fuel efficient vehicle I own.

 

I’ve had a 3.0 with the max trailer pkg on order for two months and yesterday the order finally been accepted by GM. I found several 3.0 with the max trailer opt but they were missing other options I wanted like the technology pkg that gave me HUD so I passed on them. Good luck, where you located?

 

I have about the most loaded SLT spec you can get I think, and I don't believe the technology package was available on it. A loaded SLT was the highest trim available with the max tow when I bought my 2024. Definitely could not get max tow with the Denali or AT4 trims. I'm located in the US, Virginia specifically.

 

I’ve had a 3.0 with the max trailer pkg on order for two months and yesterday the order finally been accepted by GM. I found several 3.0 with the max trailer opt but they were missing other options I wanted like the technology pkg that gave me HUD so I passed on them. Good luck, where you located?

 

Follow this:

I have looked at probably over 100 used and new 2022+ models and have yet to find a 3.73 4WD, do they exist? Every single one I've found, regardless of package, is 3.23

You need the max trailer pkg to get the 3.73

Not entirely true. In 2022you could get the Diesel Off-Road Package (B4U) that came with 3.73 axle (GT4), LT275/65R18C MT Goodyear tires (R30), Chrome Assist Steps (BVT) and Hard Folding tonnearu Cover (VOZ) and was not compatible with Max Trailer (NHT), Snow Plow Prep (VYU), or Z71 Off Road and Protection Pkg (PDZ). IIRC the tow rating was higher than with 3.23 but not as high as NHT.

The Diesel Off-Road Package (B4U) required Duramax (LM2) and Z71 Off Road Pkg (Z71). IIRC this was also the only way to get the 3.73 rear axle with the 2spd transfercase in an LT or RST.

Your partially correct. The NHT has compatibility issues with a lot of trim packages and other options. Not sure about 2022, there water over the bridge. I was referring to the 2025 build during Feb 2025 when i was trying to do a build. changes can happen anytime during the model year not to mention 3 yrs ago.

You replied to a post looking for 2022+ trucks with Duramax and 3.73 4WD and said you need NHT to get 3.73. WHile that is true for a 2025, when a guy is looking for used 2022-???? model and you say NHT is the only way to get 3.73 you are wrong, since Diesel Off-Road Package (B4U) had diesel + 4WD + 3.73 but no NHT.

What is produced today only matters if they want NEW, but is irrelevant when they are searching for a used 2022+; if they wanted new they would search for NEW not USED. The LM2 w/ B4U trucks are out there and I almost bought one with the only reason we did not being that the wife did not want another white vehicle so we passed and a friend ended up buying it and he gets better mpg with the 3.73 than ours with the 3.23, most of which is likely due to 60mph speed limits where the 3.73 goes to 10th at a few rpms lower than the 3.23 does in 9th.

 

Follow this:







You replied to a post looking for 2022+ trucks with Duramax and 3.73 4WD and said you need NHT to get 3.73. WHile that is true for a 2025, when a guy is looking for used 2022-???? model and you say NHT is the only way to get 3.73 you are wrong, since Diesel Off-Road Package (B4U) had diesel + 4WD + 3.73 but no NHT.

What is produced today only matters if they want NEW, but is irrelevant when they are searching for a used 2022+; if they wanted new they would search for NEW not USED. The LM2 w/ B4U trucks are out there and I almost bought one with the only reason we did not being that the wife did not want another white vehicle so we passed and a friend ended up buying it and he gets better mpg with the 3.73 than ours with the 3.23, most of which is likely due to 60mph speed limits where the 3.73 goes to 10th at a few rpms lower than the 3.23 does in 9th.

Used 2022+ means used 2022-2025. There are some used 2025 out there.

 

I couldn’t imagine waiting months for something so useless as the NHT package.
IMO it’s useless without 4low which can only be had with the X31 package.
just get the truck you want in stock and fine tweak it to your liking

 

That's your choice, buy what you want. I will buy what I want. I've been towing with Chevy's for 40 yrs and never had to use 4low once while towing. There are other things in the NHT pkg that make it worth waiting for, maybe you look to see what they are.

 

Stick, 4Lo, hubs out used to be great for backing in tight spots… back in the day. Not stuck, just maneuvering tight spots. Don’t need to be “stuck” to use 4Lo…