New Truck Inbound

Jonahex2099 · 07-18-2023, 08:43 AM

Well, after a handful of trips pulling our Passport 2704RK with our Sierra half ton, we decided it was time to upgrade. I knew we'd be pushing it with the 1500 when we upgraded our camper (original camper was a Clipper 21RD) but *technically* everything was within spec (percentages not withstanding). We hadn't been pushing it too hard, mostly flat routes and one mild mountain pass, but we have places we want to go that I wouldn't have felt safe, so....was time...

Last night we test drove a 2024 Silverado 3500 LTZ (gas) and absolutely LOVED driving it, this after test driving a Ford F350 (hated it) and a GMC Sierra 2500 (loved it but feature set we wanted put it out of range). The Silverado fits the bill nicely...

Current Sierra specs: 5.3L V8, 6 speed tranny, shortbed. GVWR 7100lbs, max cargo of 1670, max ball weight 1100lbs. By the time we load up I wouldn't be surprised if we aren't over max cargo by a couple hundred pounds...and if we carry any water in the tank, forget it. Passport tongue weight is about 950 w/no water. (measured using a Sherline)

New Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ: 6.6L (Gas) w/Allison 10 spd transmission, standard bed, 11550GVWR w/4120lbs cargo weight and max ball weight of 1600lbs. So this should make for a way more comfortable experience.

We went gas mainly because the wife didn't want to deal with diesel...

Plus we had a set budget and this truck fell just into...Diesel puts it out of our reach.

So we're pretty excited...we've had the Sierra for 8 years (bought it as a fleet return, had 5k on it when we got it has 54k on it now, so no super long trips with it), and it's been an outstanding truck but it's time to step up.

**sourdough** · 07-18-2023, 09:19 AM

Congrats! I think you will really like the difference in towing capabilities as well as the actual towing - so much different and better than a 1/2 ton. You didn't give the rear axle ration which makes a big difference but that 10 speed also makes a huge difference with a gas engine. You aren't shorting yourself by going gas with a trailer that size so don't worry.

The ride will be a bit stiffer. I was really worried about it when going to the HD truck because my back is messed up so I put it off a long time. The worry was for naught; I am used to the ride now and actually prefer it to a 1/2 ton - I think just because I know of all the positives that ride brings in towing and hauling capabilities. I don't know what GM calls for as far as air pressure, Ram calls for 80psi in the rear on the door frame. I air down to 60-65 when empty (used to always go 65 but I'm currently experimenting with 60) and it's somewhat better but an HD suspension is an HD suspension. Again, congrats and good luck.

wiredgeorge · 07-18-2023, 09:39 AM

That 32' bumper pull must have been wagging a bit out back and the little engine in the 1/2 ton feeling pushed. I think maybe you did good with the 1 ton Chevy. Danny said the ride would not be as good but since the trailer won't be waggling and your truck won't be struggling I doubt you will miss the 1/2 ton's ride. Good luck.

Jonahex2099 · 07-18-2023, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Congrats! I think you will really like the difference in towing capabilities as well as the actual towing - so much different and better than a 1/2 ton. You didn't give the rear axle ration which makes a big difference but that 10 speed also makes a huge difference with a gas engine. You aren't shorting yourself by going gas with a trailer that size so don't worry.

The ride will be a bit stiffer. I was really worried about it when going to the HD truck because my back is messed up so I put it off a long time. The worry was for naught; I am used to the ride now and actually prefer it to a 1/2 ton - I think just because I know of all the positives that ride brings in towing and hauling capabilities. I don't know what GM calls for as far as air pressure, Ram calls for 80psi in the rear on the door frame. I air down to 60-65 when empty (used to always go 65 but I'm currently experimenting with 60) and it's somewhat better but an HD suspension is an HD suspension. Again, congrats and good luck.

Thanks - we did an extended test drive last night (not the truck we're getting but the exact same model, just not in our color) - and while I know it's going to be a bit different with the trailer behind us, the overall feel of the 3500 on the road was WAY better to me....not as bouncy (the sierra even when not towing has more bounce than I like), and the cabin is FAR quieter...

Jonahex2099 · 07-18-2023, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

That 32' bumper pull must have been wagging a bit out back and the little engine in the 1/2 ton feeling pushed. I think maybe you did good with the 1 ton Chevy. Danny said the ride would not be as good but since the trailer won't be waggling and your truck won't be struggling I doubt you will miss the 1/2 ton's ride. Good luck.

Just based on the unloaded weight on the 3500 I know I won't miss the ride on the 1500...

Oddly enough we never really experienced any sway/wag on the backend, but then I haven't really pushed the 1500 much past 60 and we've kept it on fairly easy routes since getting the Passport...where we felt it most is the pass we have to go over on occasion and the truck shows it's pain. We were originally going to get a 3/4 ton but the price/features/capability of the 3500 could not be ignored...so that's were we ended up

wiredgeorge · 07-18-2023, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonahex2099

Thanks - we did an extended test drive last night (not the truck we're getting but the exact same model, just not in our color) - and while I know it's going to be a bit different with the trailer behind us, the overall feel of the 3500 on the road was WAY better to me....not as bouncy (the sierra even when not towing has more bounce than I like), and the cabin is FAR quieter...

It isn't unusual for 1/2 ton trucks to have soft suspensions and passenger car tires as most are used a grocery getter and not meant for work.

Jonahex2099 · 07-18-2023, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

It isn't unusual for 1/2 ton trucks to have soft suspensions and passenger car tires as most are used a grocery getter and not meant for work.

Yeah, the Sierra was a fleet return work truck when we bought it, so had good tires, and when I had to replace them put better tires on it....when we got the Passport last season I had Airlifts installed, which helped some...it's been a fantastic truck just time to move on....

Jonahex2099 · 07-22-2023, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

You didn't give the rear axle ration which makes a big difference but that 10 speed also makes a huge difference with a gas engine. You aren't shorting yourself by going gas with a trailer that size so don't worry.

Missed that in your original comment.... 3.73

Jonahex2099 · 08-13-2023, 08:09 AM

Finally landed after a wait that was longer than expected.

**sourdough** · 08-13-2023, 09:43 AM

Congrats! She's a beaut. Figure I'd be out cruising around for at least a couple of hours to get to know her.

Jonahex2099 · 08-13-2023, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Congrats! She's a beaut. Figure I'd be out cruising around for at least a couple of hours to get to know her.

Thanks!

Since we have a trip coming up soon with the Passport, I'm driving it everywhere to not only get to know the ins and outs (more tech in this thing than I've ever had in a vehicle, including my Rav4), and get through the break in (500 miles before towing...)...

**chuckster57** · 08-13-2023, 05:23 PM

Congrats!!! That’s a very nice truck…even if it is a Chevy.

Jonahex2099 · 08-13-2023, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Congrats!!! That’s a very nice truck…even if it is a Chevy.

Thanks! I’m a GM guy at heart. Did look at all the options tho. This one checked all the boxes… and after watching Amiri Kings Silveraydo video on you tube I knew it was the truck for me.

**chuckster57** · 08-13-2023, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonahex2099

Thanks! I’m a GM guy at heart. Did look at all the options tho. This one checked all the boxes… and after watching Amiri Kings Silveraydo video on you tube I knew it was the truck for me.

As long as YOUR happy, that’s all that matters. I grew up in a Dodge household.

Jonahex2099 · 08-13-2023, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

As long as YOUR happy, that’s all that matters. I grew up in a Dodge household.

I'm beyond happy with this truck so far...tho the real "test" will be 1st trip with it over Labor Day weekend. So far tho it exceeds my expectations....

I grew up in Ford household

**sourdough** · 08-13-2023, 08:06 PM

Tim do you know what your rear axle ration is? I'm not a big GM fan but they have improved a lot. I ruled their trucks out (gas) because they only came with a max 3.73 rear ratio and a 6 speed tranny. You have a 10 speed (game changer) and if they offer an axle ration higher (lower) than 3.73 I would have to look into them again....my son loves his GM trucks - but doesn't pull an RV.

Jonahex2099 · 08-13-2023, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Tim do you know what your rear axle ration is? I'm not a big GM fan but they have improved a lot. I ruled their trucks out (gas) because they only came with a max 3.73 rear ratio and a 6 speed tranny. You have a 10 speed (game changer) and if they offer an axle ration higher (lower) than 3.73 I would have to look into them again....my son loves his GM trucks - but doesn't pull an RV.

3.73 - 3.42 is only an option with the 6.6L Duramax...I noodled with going that route, but at the end of the day, the gas model won out...I'm itching to get out with the camper, but am being a good truck owner and putting the miles it needs for break in on it first...

**sourdough** · 08-13-2023, 08:48 PM

Guess they didn't give any other options other than the 3.73 they always offered. That was a no go for me with a 6 speed, that 10speed I suspect is going to be super. I think your truck is going to do a great job towing your trailer.

Jonahex2099 · 08-13-2023, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Guess they didn't give any other options other than the 3.73 they always offered. That was a no go for me with a 6 speed, that 10speed I suspect is going to be super. I think your truck is going to do a great job towing your trailer.

Aye, I think so too...

pawpaw · 08-15-2023, 07:27 AM

Nice looking truck...Congrats!! Grew up as a GM fan in the 60's and 70's but Ford trucks since 1984. Never had any major problems with any of them. The 3500 gas engine may be tough on fuel mileage and ride a little rough but you'll get use to it.

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