2020 GMC Sierra 2500/3500 Pull Boats at Reveal - PickupTrucks.com

Posted by Mark Williams | January 28, 2019

When you want to make a dramatic entrance, nothing says, "Hey, look at me," like towing a 225,000-pound (which is heavier than the space shuttle) dry boat dock complete with boat — especially in front of a group of automotive journalists (see photo number 1 below). That's exactly what GMC did recently when it introduced the all-new 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 crew-cab 4x4 dually to the world.

Four straps secured the 80-foot fully reconditioned fishing boat to the massive mobile boat dock that was pulled up a boat ramp by a fully loaded 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali. A 2-inch-thick single synthetic rope looped around the elevated gooseneck ball in the bed (2). We're told the massive nautical structure was towed in low-range 1st gear. That was probably smart, and it made for one heck of a photo during the reveal. As you might expect, all the new GMC heavy-duty models — dually and single-rear wheel — are much bigger and taller (3), but we also noticed several changes as well.

To begin, while it doesn't look like the Duramax engine has been touched, the intake looks different and its location has been moved slightly (4). When asked why power numbers for the HDs didn't improve, GMC representatives said customers weren't asking for more than 910 pounds-feet of torque, so they didn't get more. There's still no way to see what gear you're in while driving unless you're shifting by thumb manually. We suppose no customers asked for that change either. However, customers must have been asking for a better transmission with more gears because the 2020s now have an all-new Allison 10-speed transmission with a new computer software setup. We're guessing the new heavy-duty automatic should make the truck's power plant even faster and stronger than before.

We also noticed some changes to the slotted air intake embedded in the hood that removes water, snow and debris from the air before it enters the airbox (5); it's been upgraded to move more cooled air to the engine. We were told GMC changed the width of the flow tubes and reduced the amount of turbulence created when air moves through.

Another change we like is the placement of the fill tube for the diesel exhaust fluid (6). For years it's been in a hard-to-reach corner of the engine compartment — something consumers have criticized for years. The 2020 models have it sensibly placed behind the fuel filler door next to the diesel fuel filler.

Finally, the new split-level towing mirror (7), which we assume also will be available for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 lineup, looks good with electronically extending and retracting capabilities (8). The mirrors are attached lower on the doors, so they can be more solidly mounted for less vibration and better visibility, with a face-forward and face-rear camera lens underneath (9).

Here are more photos from the recent reveal; you can bet we'll have more when we see these trucks at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show in early February. We'll be sure to shoot a video or two so you can take a closer look. More to come.

Cars.com photos by Mark Williams