New Tow Vehicle: 08 Silverado 3500HD Dually...
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New Tow Vehicle: 08 Silverado 3500HD Dually...
I've been keeping an eye on the new Silverado HD's that came out last year. It was real tough originally to find a dually and I gave up the search. I started looking again a few weeks ago and found the perfect truck. I took some pics of it the day i test drove it.
I was worried that it wouldn't be enough of a "truck" like suspension/feel/etc. like my Dodge was. The suspension to me is even stiffer than the Dodge, including more leaf springs in the rear. GM stepped up the hitch receiver size to 2.5", but includes a sleeve to run the 2". The diesel motor is very quiet at idle. The only thing that hasn't grown on me yet are the mirrors. I was used to the Dodge's over sized flip out trailer mirrors, these seem to have good expandability I just have to get used to them. The cheap chrome hubcaps leave a bit to be desired also.
As per the luxury side of the truck, It's definitely a better looking, nicer leather seats, and more functional interior than my old 04 escalade. Heated seats for both front passengers but no rear heated seat which was a disappointment. The power sliding rear window is pretty cool, you have access to it next to the sunroof controls on the front overhead console. It has every option ltz package, leather, nav, pwr sliding rear window, dual climate, rear dvd, etc.
As far as mods, I'm happy I went with the Silverado since I can tune her up with our HPTuners suite. This beats buying a $600+ handheld tuner that I cannot control everything with. We are going to be swapping on the Green CAI kit & a set of MBRP Smokers 6" mitre cut x 48" tall stacks. I'd like to see a mild 750rwtq, conserving the turbos life for now
Overall, I'm quite impressed with what Chevy did with this 'luxury/truck-like' pickup. I'd recommend a Silverado to those that are looking. Plus I'd rather have a Chevy pulling a Chevy
I was worried that it wouldn't be enough of a "truck" like suspension/feel/etc. like my Dodge was. The suspension to me is even stiffer than the Dodge, including more leaf springs in the rear. GM stepped up the hitch receiver size to 2.5", but includes a sleeve to run the 2". The diesel motor is very quiet at idle. The only thing that hasn't grown on me yet are the mirrors. I was used to the Dodge's over sized flip out trailer mirrors, these seem to have good expandability I just have to get used to them. The cheap chrome hubcaps leave a bit to be desired also.
As per the luxury side of the truck, It's definitely a better looking, nicer leather seats, and more functional interior than my old 04 escalade. Heated seats for both front passengers but no rear heated seat which was a disappointment. The power sliding rear window is pretty cool, you have access to it next to the sunroof controls on the front overhead console. It has every option ltz package, leather, nav, pwr sliding rear window, dual climate, rear dvd, etc.
As far as mods, I'm happy I went with the Silverado since I can tune her up with our HPTuners suite. This beats buying a $600+ handheld tuner that I cannot control everything with. We are going to be swapping on the Green CAI kit & a set of MBRP Smokers 6" mitre cut x 48" tall stacks. I'd like to see a mild 750rwtq, conserving the turbos life for now
Overall, I'm quite impressed with what Chevy did with this 'luxury/truck-like' pickup. I'd recommend a Silverado to those that are looking. Plus I'd rather have a Chevy pulling a Chevy
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My wife and I have been shopping for one and looked at every model. The chevys and gmc to me are just ugly. The rear sits so high from the tires, it looks like you can fit another tire above it..
Nice truck matt, just not for me..
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Moose: I agree that the back sits high but I do a lot of trailering and with this coming season probably going to 12-15 events it should ride nice when loaded.
Yes it does need rims, these cheap hub caps need to go, underneath is even worse lol.
Wolfgang: The diesel mileage is pretty decent on these. Plus I'll be tuning for part throttle with HPT. I have seen since I got the truck about 13mpg picked it up last night and it's been primarily all around town at almost wide open all times. It's definitely too sluggish for me in the stock form
I figured I'd let everyone know what I thought of it, the single rear wheel versions are nice too but for the extreme amount of towing I'll be doing this year this was the best option.
- Matt
Yes it does need rims, these cheap hub caps need to go, underneath is even worse lol.
Wolfgang: The diesel mileage is pretty decent on these. Plus I'll be tuning for part throttle with HPT. I have seen since I got the truck about 13mpg picked it up last night and it's been primarily all around town at almost wide open all times. It's definitely too sluggish for me in the stock form
I figured I'd let everyone know what I thought of it, the single rear wheel versions are nice too but for the extreme amount of towing I'll be doing this year this was the best option.
- Matt
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You might find that the DPF is a pain in the azz. The truck will regen alot with an upgraded tune. Mileage goes down the crapper when that happens. My filter started to clog and I got a message that said something like "Clean DPF Filter Now" while I was towing. Alittle stressful when your pulling a trailer a few hundred miles from home and don't know if the computer is going to get pissed and shut things down. I ended up going with an MBPR turbo back system from an LBZ. That elinimates the DPF and the truck runs sooooo much better! You'll need to program out the codes that you'll see through. If not, the remote start won't work.
That truck will look schweet with the nose leveled and 22.5" Alcoa wheels
Tom
That truck will look schweet with the nose leveled and 22.5" Alcoa wheels
Tom
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******* sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i put Alicola's on my dually when i had it, they look nice, but polished alum on a daily driver suck, go chrome or clear coat.
nice truck for sure!!
i put Alicola's on my dually when i had it, they look nice, but polished alum on a daily driver suck, go chrome or clear coat.
nice truck for sure!!
#15
Hope it fits between the buildings when backin up
nice set of wide as tires to replace the dual wheel looks pretty pimp if done right, just loose the safety factor of having one tire go and the other for backup.
nice set of wide as tires to replace the dual wheel looks pretty pimp if done right, just loose the safety factor of having one tire go and the other for backup.
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MBPR 6" x 48" exhaust stacks are going on. I already have HPT ready to go just waiting for the calibration file to come back from HPT since it's too new. Also the airaid should be arriving tomorrow for it. That's about the only mods I'll be doing for now. The wheels are on the list, but the race car has a long list to perform still.
Mike: Yes I like the color it does hide the dirt. Especially since it just can't go through the car wash, lol.
Mike: Yes I like the color it does hide the dirt. Especially since it just can't go through the car wash, lol.