Yesterday I did 110 miles off road in blistering 116 degree desert heat. The Chevy wheeled like a boss.
Engine temp never noticeably fluctuated even working truck hard with AC on. Trany temp stayed at 177 most of the time but did hit 199 once when working hard in 4WD low.
This is my 5th 4WD rig. My last one was a Chevy Avalanche so I am used to wheeling full size rigs. BUT...my leveled front end and the big hood on the Boss has made for a few heart stopping moments. This thing climbs like a champ. When your on the steep you have to pick your line far ahead of the wheels and hit the line. It's not a fault, it comes with wheeling a full size rig. You can't see over that hood. When it gets crazy is on a steep breakover when all you see is your hood and sky. Yesterday I hit one of those and after the front wheels broke the ledge I came down on my rock sliders and broke traction. The truck hung in there and scraped along to pull me up onto the ridge. The whole time I could not see anything but hood hood and sky. I was by myself and it was a little more excitement than I wanted but I love to do it. My life has been spent in the Arizona desert and the Rocky Mountains. Those are my stomping grounds.
Some other notes. By nature I am that grumpy older guy that scoffed at first over some of the tech. Like "Who needs hill descent? I will control the vehicle myself." Now, I LOVE that button. It flat out works! It blows my mind at how good it is as keeping the wheels rolling without lockup. I spent years learning proper descent control. Now you can push a button and be pretty confident the truck will help you out if you don't have years of off road experience yet.
The 10 speed transmission put this truck in a whole new league. I tow a 30 foot RV. It is stellar for that. When I am off road I run in manual and work the column button like it is a paddle shifter. Incredible performance. It would be cool if it was a paddle shifter...
If your a lurker here to see what owners have to say I say buy one. This truck is everything I need it to be. It's my work truck, my tow vehicle, and out of the box it is a very capable off roader.
Steve