I may get the opportunity to replace my company vehicle and daily driver; a 2008 Chevy Silverado with a 2014 or 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. As much as a would love to get a Ford or Dodge, or fleets are GM, and specifically GMC. My personal vehicles are a 1999 Jeep TJ, and a 2006 Tacoma.
I would prefer a 3/4 ton, but since I use the vehicle to commute 60 miles a day its not justified. I tow trailers on a regular basis and probably exceed the rated capacity a couple times of the year. I supervise the operations on a 3300 acre program facility at 7,000 feet, and 300 acre property at 9,000 feet. Snow, mud, and ice driving are a regular occurrence, and if it gets ugly on any of our properties I am "essential" personal and will respond regardless of the weather. I spend about 50% of my time in suits, and the other 50% in carharts deep in the dirt at work.
It seems like the American Trucks are now prepackaging vehicles similar to the Japanese vehicles. I just want some guidance on the packages and options that will make me happy for the next 6 years and 150k miles.
BASE: GMC Sierra 1500:
Crew Cab, Standard Box (The Short Box would not be a deal breaker)
4 Wheel Drive, SLE Trim (Hopefully its a mistake on the web page, but the base trim Sierra has not transfer case? Its just AWD, like a lot of the new Suburbans?)
Option Packages::
Max Trailering Pack $1700: Automatic Locking Differential, Handling/Trailering Suspension Package, 9.76" rear axle, 3.73 axle ratio, integrated brake controller (I think this is what they used to call the heavy half option, and over sizes the axle/brakes. The only part I do not like is that it requires 18" wheels (P235/65R18) instead of 17". Not many LT tires in 18".) Requires the 5.3L V8.
SLE Value Package:$1620: Power Seats, Remote Start, Fog Lights, Universal Home Remote, Rear defrost, 110 vAC, Dual Zone Climate; Trailering Package.
All-Terrain Package: $1900: Z71 Suspension, Z82 Trailer Packaging, Eaton Locking Differential, Park Assist.
Add: Block Heater: $90.00
External Transmission Oil Cooler: N/C
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: N/C
Spray-on Bed Liner: $475
Fender Flares (Rugged Look) $399
Total Price $43,925 includes $5,500 incentive.
What do you GM experts think? Remember this is a company vehicle, it is a factory option or you don't get it, unless something breaks. You don't get the option of aftermarket builds.
Add on after purchase: VHF Commercial Band Radio, Larson NMO Antenna (current one on the fender, but I might drill the roof on this one, but they are hell in parking garages)
I would prefer a 3/4 ton, but since I use the vehicle to commute 60 miles a day its not justified. I tow trailers on a regular basis and probably exceed the rated capacity a couple times of the year. I supervise the operations on a 3300 acre program facility at 7,000 feet, and 300 acre property at 9,000 feet. Snow, mud, and ice driving are a regular occurrence, and if it gets ugly on any of our properties I am "essential" personal and will respond regardless of the weather. I spend about 50% of my time in suits, and the other 50% in carharts deep in the dirt at work.
It seems like the American Trucks are now prepackaging vehicles similar to the Japanese vehicles. I just want some guidance on the packages and options that will make me happy for the next 6 years and 150k miles.
BASE: GMC Sierra 1500:
Crew Cab, Standard Box (The Short Box would not be a deal breaker)
4 Wheel Drive, SLE Trim (Hopefully its a mistake on the web page, but the base trim Sierra has not transfer case? Its just AWD, like a lot of the new Suburbans?)
Option Packages::
Max Trailering Pack $1700: Automatic Locking Differential, Handling/Trailering Suspension Package, 9.76" rear axle, 3.73 axle ratio, integrated brake controller (I think this is what they used to call the heavy half option, and over sizes the axle/brakes. The only part I do not like is that it requires 18" wheels (P235/65R18) instead of 17". Not many LT tires in 18".) Requires the 5.3L V8.
SLE Value Package:$1620: Power Seats, Remote Start, Fog Lights, Universal Home Remote, Rear defrost, 110 vAC, Dual Zone Climate; Trailering Package.
All-Terrain Package: $1900: Z71 Suspension, Z82 Trailer Packaging, Eaton Locking Differential, Park Assist.
Add: Block Heater: $90.00
External Transmission Oil Cooler: N/C
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: N/C
Spray-on Bed Liner: $475
Fender Flares (Rugged Look) $399
Total Price $43,925 includes $5,500 incentive.
What do you GM experts think? Remember this is a company vehicle, it is a factory option or you don't get it, unless something breaks. You don't get the option of aftermarket builds.
Add on after purchase: VHF Commercial Band Radio, Larson NMO Antenna (current one on the fender, but I might drill the roof on this one, but they are hell in parking garages)