Denali AWD driving off road.

[Ilikemtb999]

Useless thread without pics or vids.

 

[petethepug]

Forgot to mention after 6 Mo w/o rain here in CA the 1st real downpour make all the roads slick as snot from petroleum residue. That w/ the majority of drivers on Summer tires makes rush hour hilarious.

Have to agree that a truck with 2WD/AWD on the dash would be nice.


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[Doubeleive]

ya it's to rain real good here pretty soon and we will see a car off the highway about every 1/2 mile or less

 

[Joseph Garcia]

It is great to have all these different choices available to us to select, and to have the freedom to choose what works best for us and our individual environments. (Assuming that we can actually afford our first choice, of course. )

 

[thompsoj22]

On the AWD, the transfer case acts like a 3rd differential so the tires don't protest during turns on the street.

This topic is interesting, I have an 08 xl1500 awd. Is the front diff a gov lock like the rear or simply an open diff? I realize the transfer case has a planetary but im unaware of it's purpose, I would think the front diff would manage unequal travel distance while turning and maybe the transfer case planetary would manage rear wheel spin with front wheel traction? Im going to try and find some more answers as i will be using the denali extensively this ski season in mammoth. Great topic though, and to the OP off roading a xl1500, more power to you! How would it do in blow sand like pismo beach?

 

[swathdiver]

This topic is interesting, I have an 08 xl1500 awd. Is the front diff a gov lock like the rear or simply an open diff? I realize the transfer case has a planetary but im unaware of it's purpose, I would think the front diff would manage unequal travel distance while turning and maybe the transfer case planetary would manage rear wheel spin with front wheel traction? Im going to try and find some more answers as i will be using the denali extensively this ski season in mammoth. Great topic though, and to the OP off roading a xl1500, more power to you! How would it do in blow sand like pismo beach?

The front is open and am not aware of anyone making a locker for it. Seems to be a regular criticism but do not see too many actual users complaining. The purpose of the AWD planetary is to allow the front and rear wheels move more independently of each other. When a 4x4 (engaged) tries to turn on pavement, such as turning in a parking lot, the front axle and tires groan in protest as they are more rigidly locked with the rear axle and all want to turn at the same speed. The AWD TC allows more independence.

Way back in 2013, TFL Truck on YouTube tested an AWD Sierra Denali and while they complained about AWD, it did everything they asked of it while off-roading.

 

[mikeyss]

Way back in 2013, TFL Truck on YouTube tested an AWD Sierra Denali and while they complained about AWD, it did everything they asked of it while off-roading.

I wish they would have tested the GMT800 AWD Sierra Denali, those had the really good transfer case that had a viscous clutch in the AWD case that was a 60/40 split during normal operation (like the gmt900), but mechanically could sent 100% power to the front or rear axle, instead of how the GMT900 uses braking system to try and get the power flow where it needs to be. I wonder why they stopped with the NP149 t-case, it was a MUCH better unit.

 

[gooffeyguy]

I had a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was AWD and it used a viscous coupler type transfer case. It went anywhere I needed it to go in the snow.

That being said, I've only used 4hi in my 01 Yukon a couple of times in the snow, when it was deep and unplowed. Otherwise I or the wife would use it in Auto when there was snow.

With the Denali, I wanted the 6.2l and figured with the AWD my wife wouldn't have to mess with switching it when it needs it. We've only had it 1 winter and it's done fine so far.

Tires play a big part too. My 01 has AT tires. The Denali has the OE type 20" all season Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza all season. I want to get AT tires for it, but I still have 9/32 tread all the way around.

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18

 

[thompsoj22]

I had a 95 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was AWD and it used a viscous coupler type transfer case. It went anywhere I needed it to go in the snow.

That being said, I've only used 4hi in my 01 Yukon a couple of times in the snow, when it was deep and unplowed. Otherwise I or the wife would use it in Auto when there was snow.

With the Denali, I wanted the 6.2l and figured with the AWD my wife wouldn't have to mess with switching it when it needs it. We've only had it 1 winter and it's done fine so far.

Tires play a big part too. My 01 has AT tires. The Denali has the OE type 20" all season Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza all season. I want to get AT tires for it, but I still have 9/32 tread all the way around.

2001 Yukon SLT
2012 Yukon Denali XL
2011 Yukon Denali RIP 5/20/18

It is worth researching how an actual "snow tire" works. I was unaware that they are designed to fill/pack the tread voids with snow and not necessarily "shed" the snow. It is the snow on snow contact that creates the traction. Agressive tread design associated with AT tires dont perform as well.Im not trying to rain on what works for you, but if the denali never see's mud/rocks maybe an actual snow tire will be quieter/smoother and provide better traction on packed snow, go into your tire shop and ask to see an actual snow tire just to check one out.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

It is worth researching how an actual "snow tire" works. I was unaware that they are designed to fill/pack the tread voids with snow and not necessarily "shed" the snow. It is the snow on snow contact that creates the traction. Agressive tread design associated with AT tires dont perform as well.Im not trying to rain on what works for you, but if the denali never see's mud/rocks maybe an actual snow tire will be quieter/smoother and provide better traction on packed snow, go into your tire shop and ask to see an actual snow tire just to check one out.

That’s how snow socks work too

 

[doc5339]

I'll say this: another thread has this thing called "over landing" mentioned. Never heard of it before. But that's sort of what we do. My son in law drives a land rover discovery or his ram 4x4 and we go over landing basically.

Once I learned how to drive the denali AWD. I don't have any issue getting where we want to go. I've got way more room (me and the wife sleep in it) and way more comfort.

Andi can keep up with the kids and their toys just fine.

Do you drive the Denali up and over many mountain passes? Planning to take mine to Colorado this summer and a bit concerned about not having the low range transfer case available.

 

[swathdiver]

Do you drive the Denali up and over many mountain passes? Planning to take mine to Colorado this summer and a bit concerned about not having the low range transfer case available.

Which trails are you thinking of?

 

[doc5339]

Which trails are you thinking of?

Nothing too hardcore, Ophir Pass and would like to do Imogene Pass but not sure the Denali is up to it. Might do some testing in Uwharrie National Forest on the easy-moderate sections.

 

[intheburbs]

Do you drive the Denali up and over many mountain passes? Planning to take mine to Colorado this summer and a bit concerned about not having the low range transfer case available.

I lived in Colorado for 10 years, and did quite a bit of offroading. Are you trail riding west of Denver, or are you doing something like the Alpine Loop?

If you're going to be just riding trails, and not doing hardcore stuff, then you should be fine.

One of the biggest benefits of the two-speed transfer case is descending steep grades. It allows you to use the brakes sparingly. If you're going to attack Engineer Pass, for example, you better plan extra stops on the descent to let your brakes cool.

It's one thing descending a steep 50- or 100-foot hill. Sure, you can do it entirely with your brakes. But long, steep grades going down hundreds or even a few thousand feet in elevation? That's a lot of potential energy that needs to be absorbed. I had a 5-speed manual and the 2-speed transfer case. I had 10 gear ratios to choose from and could pick the gear that allowed me to descend without touching either pedal.

Additionally, I've never been a fan of the half-ton braking systems on GM trucks. I they're under-braked and prone to premature wear/failure. So stressing it out on long steep grades could be problematic.

 

[doc5339]

I lived in Colorado for 10 years, and did quite a bit of offroading. Are you trail riding west of Denver, or are you doing something like the Alpine Loop?

If you're going to be just riding trails, and not doing hardcore stuff, then you should be fine.

One of the biggest benefits of the two-speed transfer case is descending steep grades. It allows you to use the brakes sparingly. If you're going to attack Engineer Pass, for example, you better plan extra stops on the descent to let your brakes cool.

It's one thing descending a steep 50- or 100-foot hill. Sure, you can do it entirely with your brakes. But long, steep grades going down hundreds or even a few thousand feet in elevation? That's a lot of potential energy that needs to be absorbed. I had a 5-speed manual and the 2-speed transfer case. I had 10 gear ratios to choose from and could pick the gear that allowed me to descend without touching either pedal.

Additionally, I've never been a fan of the half-ton braking systems on GM trucks. I they're under-braked and prone to premature wear/failure. So stressing it out on long steep grades could be problematic.

Thanks, not planning on the Alpine Loop. I fully appreciate the benefits of a 2-speed transfer case and that is why I have been asking so many questions regarding the Denali (Escalade) AWD real-world capabilities. I really do not feel like buying a new (used) 4WD with low range when my Denali is perfectly fine for 99.5% of the driving we will be doing. All of my questions are centered around the 0.5% of off-roading I would "like" to do.

Based on what I have been reading, looks like Ophir should be fine other than the tight shelf road. Last time I did Imogene Telluride-to-Ouray in a 2020 Defender 110 S (which was great), pretty sure than Denali would not make it, at least not intact.

 

[intheburbs]

@doc5339

The AWD system is less capable than a 4wd system.

As you see in my sig, I have both. The Denali is surprisingly lame in low-traction scenarios. I guess it's because of the third diffential in the driveline that it behaves more like a one-wheeler than a two-wheeler.

And make sure you turn both the Stabilitrak AND traction control off. Press and hold the button for 5 seconds. Last thing you want is the computer cutting engine power right when you need to maintain momentum slogging through some snow or mud.

Confirm that you have the rear locker - RPO code G80. That will at least help if you start to get stuck. It only locks below 20mph and if the difference in rear wheel speeds exceeds 100-120 rpm.

 

[Geotrash]

Nice video of AWD Denali in the mud. Not too shabby. Cost him a front bumper though.

 

[swathdiver]

Nothing too hardcore, Ophir Pass and would like to do Imogene Pass but not sure the Denali is up to it. Might do some testing in Uwharrie National Forest on the easy-moderate sections.

I think you'll be just fine for both if they're not too muddy. I was even thinking of doing Black Bear Pass if I ever get out that way! I've seen 2500 and even 1-tons do it so our little Yukon XLs ought to be able as well! LOL

 

[Geotrash]

I think you'll be just fine for both if they're not too muddy. I was even thinking of doing Black Bear Pass if I ever get out that way! I've seen 2500 and even 1-tons do it so our little Yukon XLs ought to be able as well! LOL

I did Black Bear in a stock '07 LR3 that had factory front, rear AND center electronic lockers. I don't think I would do it in a stock GMT900. Beautiful drive though.

 

[swathdiver]

I did Black Bear in a stock '07 LR3 that had factory front, rear AND center electronic lockers. I don't think I would do it in a stock GMT900. Beautiful drive though.

What would you change to make that pass?