I'd look over some of the growing pains the new models are having currently before I made that decision. They all have issues but it's good to be aware of them.

 

I like the concept of a "keyless" system but I don't like security risks of it. I'm happy I have a 2019 with a real key. Sure, my fob could be spoofed as well, but it's not transmitting all the time like a keyless remote.
There does seem to be some issues on the 20+ trucks in a cold environment with the DEF tank heater.

 

Agreed!

I also enjoy this ‘19 model compare to new model. It hasn’t grew on me.

OP, I hope you continue do more homework and hope you will be happy with whatever you purchase. Good luck.


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The 2019 has a huge advantage.. it looks much better than the 2020/2021

 

I pulled the trigger on a low mileage '19 3500 GMC over a '21 3500 GMC. Did a lot of research and had 4 used trucks on my list before buying the Denali. Plus my local GMC dealer got greedy and put a $10K premium on top of the MSRP on '21's. No way was I going to go the 'new' route.

 

Congrats Matt, and good luck!

$10K premium, greedy for sure.

 

After losing my primo condition 2009 Duramax in a fight with a poorly placed parking lot stop sign (embarrassing long story), I wanted to purchase a new 2020 GMC. Luckily for me, the new style being 9" longer than any previous model wouldn't fit in my garage. I didn't know it at the time, but it was a good thing. So, I looked and found a near perfect '19 Denali Duramax with just under 10K miles. It seems to me, the '19 version has less issues than the '20 and up. Just reading here and other places, there seems to be a lot more complaints about codes and other issues on the new body style. New body style growing pains.
Main thing I wanted was the heads up display (just for the cool factor), push button start, all the new safety stuff and cameras offered on the '20, but not on the '19. It would have been nice, but it wasn't a deal killer either. To be honest, I didn't really like the '19 Denali at first. Guess I was still grieving over my old truck, but I have to admit, it has grown on me this past year. It has been a great truck thus far and I am very glad that my garage was too short and I had to "settle" for a used '19. I don't know about the Chevy High Country, but you won't go wrong with a '19 if you can live with the price.

 

Chevy HC might not be a Denali, but it's still pretty bitchin...

The 19 Denali does give you a cooler dash cluster though. I have a row of four fixed gauges up top where you have all screen that you can customize a bit...

 

Nothing wrong with a '19 HC, for sure. I was really looking for an SLT, as I couldn't see paying the extra $$$'s for embroidered head rests and chrome "Denali" badging pasted on the doors, but couldn't find what I wanted. The Denali just kinda happened. Yesh, it only took me a month to figure out that the transmission temp guage auto replaced the volt meter when you engaged the tow/haul mode. Old dog here...

 

For me the 5,000lbs more the 20+ models are rated to tow at the bumper is what pushed me into a new one and not a 19.

 

I'm also torn between a 6.7 Powerstroke too lol I'm in a Ford now and it's doing well but looking for something bigger.

 

My SIL has a '12 Powerstroke and he had nightmares with codes and sensors. Cost him thousands after warranty until he deleted it. Now it runs great and no problems. Almost 400K on it.

 

Go with the 21'. Amazing truck. Just got mine almost a month ago and got 1700miles on it now.

 

Go with the 21'. Amazing truck. Just got mine almost a month ago and got 1700miles on it now. View attachment 1085222

This reminds me of my white tundra. Miss that beast!

Beautiful rig for sure!


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Love the white, what trim level?

 

Thanks! Trim Level= LTZ Z71 Sport Edition/ Convenience package l&ll/ Tech Pack/ Safety Pack l&ll/ Z71 Off-Road Pack.

 

The 20 / 21's have the 10 speed transmission, DEF fill next to the fuel fill, an improved engine oil cooler, a much larger cooling system with a 28" fan that has its own drive belt (thus the larger grill and taller front end), separate fuel cooling system, and the ring gear on the 3500 is 12" VS 11-1/2" on the 19 and older 3500's. These are the main reasons I went with the 21 3500, the technology also made it a no brainer for me. The rear suspension on the 3500's with the factory overloads makes them much better with large payloads and until loaded the ride is the same as the lighter duty 2500. The cost for the 3500 is very close the the 2500 so why not?
That sore thumb exposed DEF tank hanging down under the right door by it self was a deal killer for me on the older ones.

 

That sore thumb exposed DEF tank hanging down under the right door by it self was a deal killer for me on the older ones.

Seriously!!! What the heck were they thinking. I have already dragged it several times going up to my mountain property outside of Buena Vista Colorado. It has almost made me consider getting a Ford just to get a real truck front end

Does the later model hide it at least above the bottom of the frame rail?

 

Does anyone have any problems insuring a 2500/3500 with normal personal vehicle insurance?

 

Our vehicles including a 36' 2007 Winnebago motorhome and a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid are insured through National General Insurance company in NC. We live in CA. We have been insured with them for many years. I added my 21 3500HD that had an MSRP of 76K back about 2 months ago. I of course have full coverage with a $500 deductible on collision and $50 on other than collision. Liability is 250/500k, property damage is 100K, and uninsured motorist is 250/500k. The policy premium for this is $567 for 6 months of coverage. I listed 10,000 miles driven per year and the vehicles are garaged in our zip code. Knock on wood we have clean records and a long history with this company. In addition having 800 plus credit scores is important for decent rates. I thought that based on the insurance of my previous truck an 2007 Tacoma that id would cost much more to insure the new Chevy. Happily it does not but Freaking CA DMV costs sure make up for it I hope all this information helps you in your decision, good luck!

 

Good morning
I bought a used GMC 3500 SLT CCLB SRW L5P from Lipscomb auto group in Bowie TX.
I live in Massachusetts, they had a great deal and move a lot of trucks.
I love driving this truck. I only averaged 22 mpg going home but I didn’t know it was in 4 auto (new to me option). I have USAA and insure for personal use, MA even allows me to register as a passenger vehicle which saves me (nice option in tax or fee everything in New England region).
my only complaint is that no one knows how to service this transmission. I’m used to changing the spin on filter and draining and refilling the trans myself.
I also bought an additional bumper to bumper GM approved warranty to cover the electrical and everything else to 100,000 miles. I sold my 2013 LTZ 3500 LML with 275,000 mostly trouble free miles.

 

The newer models with the 10 speed tranny makes that the option of choice for me. it is so silky smooth!!! I looked at the Ram and Ford models. The Ram 6 speed is pretty old school vs the 10 speed on the Ford and GM products.

I like Ford products, just sold my 2014 F150 ( last of the steel models) with 72,000 very reliable miles for $25k. The CP4 issues scared me off of the F250. The aluminum was also a concern living in a state that gets frequent hail storms. Plus the Ford dealer wasn’t willing to deal as much either. Last but not least, I prefer the looks of the GMC.

Fingers crossed I hope I made the right decision on getting the GMC HD Duramax. So far after only 850 miles I’m impressed.


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2019... Allison 1000 6spd

2021... Allison "BRANDED" Ford 10spd

I would go with the real Allison 6spd transmission...

 

Please check your facts about this transmission.
The 10 speed that was a joint venture between Ford and GM was used in the light duty trucks. The new Allison tested and approved 10 speed that we are talking about is completely different and Ford was not involved in its design (see the video 2:20 in, from the Assistant Chief GM Engineer).
I have the Allison 2000 series trans in a W-24 chassis behind an 8.1 gas engine and yes it is a great transmission. That said time will tell on this new 10L1000 10 speed but so far driving a Duramax (3:42 rear ratio) with this trans is worth a thousand words. Running along at 65 mph around 1300 rpm in 10th gear, torque converter in lock up and getting 22 mpg is pretty neat. It would be nice if GM would tell you what gear the trans is in (when in drive) but my Banks iDash solves answers that question. Here is an interesting video on this new 10L1000 transmission:

 

All Marketing Hype...
A quote from Mike L's post on the another forum... "I was told by Allison to use the Ford 10R80 manual to get any info I needed for the Allison 10L1000."

Allison had a 9spd developed and ready for the T1 platform when GM heard about Ford's new 10spd. GM then cancelled the 9spd and "partnered" with Ford to save money since GM sold off Allison a few years ago.

Allison had delivered a new 9spd to Mike L. for him to review. It was in his shop when GM cancelled the program.

 

Okay, whatever, A quote from "Mike L" or a direct statement from a GM Chief Engineer? The Ford 10R80 is a 1/2 ton transmission that was co developed with GM, that is not what we are talking about.

 

I trust Mike L. over a "GM brand manager" engineer since Mike was on the inside with Allison. His quote was from an Allison Engineer so who do you believe, the engineer selling the product or the vendor who developed the 9spd before it was cancelled?

Mike L is a moderator on another forum and he had started a thread regarding the new 9spd Allison over 2 years ago. That thread follows the whole story from the 9 spd development to when GM partnered with Ford.

 

GM/Allison 10L1000 10 Speed Automatic Transmission Specs & Ratios

Allison 10 speed automatic transmission specs and gear ratios. The Allison 10L1000, manufactured by GM, was introduced for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 HD and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 HD. It features 10 forward speeds, sophisticated powertrain integration, and a chain driven PTO system.

www.dieselhub.com

Ford 10R140 TorqShift 10 Speed Automatic Transmission Specs & Ratios

Ford 10R140 TorqShift transmission specifications, gear ratios, and operational features. The 10R140 TorqShift is a 10 speed automatic transmission developed for and introduced to the Ford Super Duty platform (F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600) for the 2020 model year. The 10R140 10 speed...

www.dieselhub.com

Just the facts nothing else from some guy on another forum. The co-design between GM and Ford was not between these two transmissions. I don't know how else to prove this fact, choose to believe it or not it does not change the facts.

 

Dilemma here, I am looking at a few trucks for sale.

2019 is a High Country 2500 with 1500 miles on it, beautiful truck.

However, it's priced nearly the same as a damn new 2021 truck.

It of course has the 6 speed (true Allison) vs 10 speed, and of course the LP5 on 2017-2019 has a bit of differences from 2020+ trucks, mostly external from what I understand.

If you've had both or not, what are your opinions in this debate? I'm not 100% sure but I think the 19 HC has a regular key and not push button start which I find interesting, maybe that was a 2020 thing on HD trucks..

I had a 2018 3500HD LTZ Z71 Sport Edition and now have a 2021 3500HD LT Z71 Sport Edition. I like both trucks. When the 2020's came out I thought I would never switch, but when I could color match my bumpers from the factor again in 2021 I couldn't resist.

Here are the pro's of the 2021 over my 2018 that I personally like better:
-Push Button Start
-Tailgate drops with a push of the button from the tailgate, inside the truck or on your key fob (weirdly enough I've used it several times with stuff in my hands)
-Apple car play doesn't have to be plugged in, it works wirelessly (and works better)
-My 2018 was quiet and pretty smooth, my 2021 is even quieter and smoother (10 speed is amazing, normal driving and towing)
-The leather in my 2021 is more comfortable
-The reverse cameras
-The headlights. Instead of dull yellow, I have nice bright lights that actually give me great visibility.
-Lastly...the price. I sold my 2018 with 40k miles for $2k less than what I bought my 2021 for. (sold it privately) The new price of these trucks and the fact they are hard to get have driven the market up. I know I went from and LTZ to and LT but features wise I have more in this LT 2021 then I did in the 2018 LTZ. (outside of the bose sound system)

In my opinion you should buy a new one. Comes with a longer warranty, wont have any miles on it. But in the end, depends on which one you like/feel better about. Either's a great choice.

 

The difference between the two trucks from the front end illustrates the larger cooling system on the 20 / 21's. The air can flow through the Chevrolet script and the lower bumper as compared to the 18's smaller grill and closed area on the lower bumper. This and the larger oil cooler alone should be reason enough to go new. Here is a link to Gale Banks talking showing the improvements.

 

Just heard from a dealer, 6-8 month wait if you order a truck right now, that was for 2500/3500, not sure about 1500.

 

That's crazy. I just ordered my dad one on 2/12 build date is set for 4/26 and delivery is 2 weeks after that. I wonder if they are just trying to get you to buy a truck on their lot right now. I'm based out of Utah.

 

To the OP... some very good arguments for both. I was faced with exact decision two months ago.
ive owned 02,06,10,13,15. So went looking at the 2021. Cause it was time.
My dealers head service guy, I have a 20 year relationship. He “indicated” the 21 tranny and engine improvements aren’t quite as proven yet. Just his opinion.
Add to that the 9” longer wouldn’t fit in my garage without modifying my workbench not a deal breaker, but a consideration. I really did despise the looks of the 21 new design, nose is very nice, but too many other body changes overall just couldn’t get used to the look, I hate keyless entry in my wife’s car, I leave my keys in ignition that’s where they stay, I know where they are.
So I found a 2019 2500HC with every possible option, low 5000 miles obviously immaculate and barely broken in.
I drove 14 hrs round trip to Dealer in Pa, they were very generous on my pre arranged trade.
I paid top dollar for the 19, Pa dealer wouldn’t budge, knowing scarcity of low mileage pre owned, and possibly three months waiting for a new one.
The price was near the same as a 21... but I made the deal and am happy with the decision.
Two other consideration. Dealer allowed me to transfer my tonneau cover, and my under rear seat storage. Total to replace about $800.
Good luck, some valid points raised for both.

 

That dealer was near Hartford, CT, will check with some dealers in my own state as well

 

I would, I cant imagine Utah is able to get trucks any faster than anywhere else in the country. Good luck man!

 

I just traded a 2017 2500 HC l5p for a 21 Denali 3500 SRW LB.
The hard part for me was finding a truck available , then finding a dealer that would honor my employee discount. That said it was a no brainer for me as the gave me $50k for my old truck that I had purchased for $54k out the door nearly 4 years prior.
I can say without a doubt the new frame and 10spd transmission are head and shoulders above the older style. As stated above there are several other upgrades.
the 3500 actually rides better and is much quieter inside than the 2500.
If you can find a 21 you like , I would definitely go that route. Late model used trucks are at a premium right now.
Ive owned over 20 trucks in my life including 5 diesels and this is by far the nicest truck I’ve ever driven.

Good luck !

 

I just traded a 2017 2500 HC l5p for a 21 Denali 3500 SRW LB.
The hard part for me was finding a truck available , then finding a dealer that would honor my employee discount. That said it was a no brainer for me as the gave me $50k for my old truck that I had purchased for $54k out the door nearly 4 years prior.
I can say without a doubt the new frame and 10spd transmission are head and shoulders above the older style. As stated above there are several other upgrades.
the 3500 actually rides better and is much quieter inside than the 2500.
If you can find a 21 you like , I would definitely go that route. Late model used trucks are at a premium right now.
Ive owned over 20 trucks in my life including 5 diesels and this is by far the nicest truck I’ve ever driven.

Good luck !

Great review. Based upon this I think I'd be impressed and interested, except I can't get past the bad looks. Yet.