07-09 Rcsb Complaints? Praises?

C-Train · November 7, 2009

Hey all, I'm getting close to buying a new truck, and am obviously looking at the newer GMs. Right now I have a 2000 Silverado 1500 4x4 with the 5.3. Has 170K+, no complaints, would keep it... But it's kiiinnnddaaa Dad's truck haha.

Anywho, Uncle Sam is going to be paying me the big bucks soon, so it's time to get my own truck. I love the new body look, and love the RCSBs. Anyone on here have one? What engine? What are your complaints with the truck? What are your praises?

To be frank with you, I don't necessarily NEED a truck, but am a "truck guy", and living in New England, would like a 4x4. I don't need the extra cab space/seats, and really don't need much bed space, just enough to lug snowboards, fishing poles, and all my necessities around, while occasionally helping with the yard work and whatnot - which is why I am leaning towards the RCSB.

For the above reasons, as well as price (and the wishful thinking that a lighter truck = better MPGs ), I am looking at the RCSB. So what do you all think? Thanks!

AThomas7782 · November 7, 2009

I love mine. It's 2WD with the 4.8. The 4.8 seems to push the smaller truck around fine. Much more room than the RCSB F-150 I traded in. Only complaints are/were the nose down look seemed to be more noticeable on the shorter wheelbase (took care of that with a leveling kit) and the lack of the closed center on the jumpseat (WT/LS Trim). Only other thing was the crappy 245/70/17 tires, but if you're getting the 4x4, I think you'll at least get 265/70/17.

georgecdisc · November 7, 2009

I don't have a short bed but I do have a regular cab. I originally had a '98 RCSB stepside. I do not have any need to have passengers, so 1 is fine with me (I typically do not have people ride in the middle of the bench). If you are an audio guy and want subs, I will say that my '98 provided more leg room for the passenger, driver is about the same, when subs are put behind the seats. I've got the 5.3 and get what seems to be worse gas mileage than everyone with an extended/crew, but I blame that on the fact of the cab to bed ratio, causing me more drag (if not true I like to think so). Do you need/want a toolbox to put extra junk in? Because I have no real storage room in my truck (again, the subs) I have a tool chest in the bed to hold all my tools, extra fluids, straps, etc. Just something to think about. Toolbox = less bed space.

Spurshot · November 7, 2009

My advice would be to get at least a 6 1/2 ft bed. My new 2008 truck's 5 1/2 ft bed is damn small. If you're gonna put a bed toolbox in it, go look at a few trucks with the bed length you want that have boxes in them. It takes a lot of the bed.

Buy the truck with as many options as you will want down the road. Putting them on one at a time is some kind of masochistic sport around here. It's more expensive to add them later and takes a lot of work. Besides, I'm assuming you're financing the truck anyway. Buy the dang thing the way you want it in the end.

The 5.3 will be the best combination of power and mileage. The smaller engine makes for a real dog, the larger 6.0 and 6.2 L engines are thirsty but have lots of power.

Get a 6 speed auto trans.

If you're going to get big tires later, think about an appropriate gear ratio for them. Buying the ratio you'll need for the big tires with the truck costs you nothing. Changing gear ratios in a 4wd will be an expensive proposition later.

Think hard about a extended cab. If you have friends and family you do things with, it's really handy to be able to pile in 4-5 other people to go to lunch/dinner etc. Also, you can actually go on a road trip with a few people with a extended cab.

09Jimmy · November 7, 2009

My advice would be to get at least a 6 1/2 ft bed. My new 2008 truck's 5 1/2 ft bed is damn small. If you're gonna put a bed toolbox in it, go look at a few trucks with the bed length you want that have boxes in them. It takes a lot of the bed.

Buy the truck with as many options as you will want down the road. Putting them on one at a time is some kind of masochistic sport around here. It's more expensive to add them later and takes a lot of work. Besides, I'm assuming you're financing the truck anyway. Buy the dang thing the way you want it in the end.

The 5.3 will be the best combination of power and mileage. The smaller engine makes for a real dog, the larger 6.0 and 6.2 L engines are thirsty but have lots of power.

Get a 6 speed auto trans.

If you're going to get big tires later, think about an appropriate gear ratio for them. Buying the ratio you'll need for the big tires with the truck costs you nothing. Changing gear ratios in a 4wd will be an expensive proposition later.

Think hard about a extended cab. If you have friends and family you do things with, it's really handy to be able to pile in 4-5 other people to go to lunch/dinner etc. Also, you can actually go on a road trip with a few people with a extended cab.

Regular cabs are only available with the 6 1/2 foot or 8 foot box. Regular cab 4X4 with 6 1/2 foot box are only available with 4.8 or 5.3 and 4 speed auto. Regular cabs are not available with leather or LTZ trim.

That said, I love my 09 RCSB 4X4, 5.3 with 4.10 gears. Much lighter and faster than extended or crewcabs, fits in the garage, doesn't get high centered off road due to the short wheelbase. They are not very common and get a lot of looks because they seem so short. I also have a 2000 RCSB 4X4, 5.3, 4.10 gears and the GMT 900 gets 50% better gas mileage. In my 2000 I can get 400 miles highway to a tank and the 2009 will take me 600 miles.

C-Train · November 7, 2009

Thanks for the replies everyone, keep 'em coming.

I am not going to be putting in a tool box, so I think the 6.5 bed will do me just fine. And I have an extended cab now, and the back seat usually just ends up as a junk seat, with empty water bottles and whatnot... Plus, having just a front bench seat will save me from being the "driver" in a lot of situations, which I like.

I am going to be buying this truck used, probably an '07 or '08... Most of them that I find have the 4.8... are there many out there with 5.3? I'd prefer the 5.3...

I'm not really looking for a crazy loaded vehicle here... I have to spend 6 months in VA starting in March (most likely) then a few months in probably NC, and I am a single, no kids, military man. I'll be the only one riding around in it most of the time, and I figure when its time to start a family wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy down the road, it'll be time for a CC anyway

Question about gears... I'll probably be putting a leveling kit on it, and eventually some slightly bigger tires (would 33's fit with just a 2" level?) What gears would be the right choice for this?

Thanks!

Zembonez · November 7, 2009

Thanks for the replies everyone, keep 'em coming.

I am not going to be putting in a tool box, so I think the 6.5 bed will do me just fine. And I have an extended cab now, and the back seat usually just ends up as a junk seat, with empty water bottles and whatnot... Plus, having just a front bench seat will save me from being the "driver" in a lot of situations, which I like.

I am going to be buying this truck used, probably an '07 or '08... Most of them that I find have the 4.8... are there many out there with 5.3? I'd prefer the 5.3...

I'm not really looking for a crazy loaded vehicle here... I have to spend 6 months in VA starting in March (most likely) then a few months in probably NC, and I am a single, no kids, military man. I'll be the only one riding around in it most of the time, and I figure when its time to start a family wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy down the road, it'll be time for a CC anyway

Question about gears... I'll probably be putting a leveling kit on it, and eventually some slightly bigger tires (would 33's fit with just a 2" level?) What gears would be the right choice for this?

Thanks!

I have an 07 RCSB and I love it. Don't believe all of the folks that cut down the 4.8. It has about 300 HP and does a great job. I have a K&N and exhaust on mine and it is really strong. If you plan to go bigger on tires, I'd switch to 3.73 gears (I did). It wakes up the truck. Most came with 3.23s.

C-Train · November 7, 2009

I wouldn't at all mind having the 4.8. I don't really need more power than it offers, the most I will ever tow is probably a 24-foot pontoon boat. The only reason I would lean towards the 5.3 is the mileage... Doesn't the 5.3 get better mileage because of fuel management system? What do you get with your 4.8 RCSB? What do 5.3 RCSB's typically get? I will probably put dual exhaust on at some point as well, if that adds anything to the discussion. Thanks!

Zembonez · November 7, 2009

20HP difference. I'd bet nobody could tell by driving a truck which engine it has (295 to 315). Same exact engine architecturally but no godawful AFM.

Don't buy a V8 truck if you are wanting mileage. 4.8 and 5.3 get about the same. I can get 18 on the highway regularly driving 70 plus. Around town averages 15. My last truck was a 5.3 and it was almost exactly the same. I know a lot of people with 5.3 07 up trucks and they get anywhere from 14-18 as well. On this forum, you'll hear people chime in that say they get 25 mpg, but don't listen to them. It's bullshit.

C-Train · November 7, 2009

Oh i don't at all expect great mileage, but definitely want the V8 - I don't like the V6's in full-sized, and I am used to getting "truck" mileage. I guess I was more wondering of the hype over the 5.3s with AFM was true... Which I guess not haha thanks!

C-Train · November 7, 2009

On a side note Zem, nice truck

jjohns · November 7, 2009

Like some of the others, I would recommend that you at least consider an ECSB truck. They are just more practical in the long run. You may not need the extra space today, but you never know how tomorrow may turn out. Plus, I just like the looks of the extended cabs better. Bottom line is you are the one laying out the money for this truck. Get what you want and like.

Zembonez · November 7, 2009

On a side note Zem, nice truck

Thanks man!

Like some of the others, I would recommend that you at least consider an ECSB truck. They are just more practical in the long run. You may not need the extra space today, but you never know how tomorrow may turn out. Plus, I just like the looks of the extended cabs better. Bottom line is you are the one laying out the money for this truck. Get what you want and like.

Not EVERYBODY likes, wants, or needs an EC truck. I can afford any truck GM offers and I choose RCSB trucks because I Like the look and the fact that it doesn't drive like a bus. I've had Excabs and Crewcabs before but I like the RCSB best by far. At this point, I would not trade for anything but a RCSB.

FargoZ71 · November 7, 2009

Hello C-Train, what are ya joinging the army as? And Congrats.

It seems like your mainly going to use your truck as a personal getaway/ outdoors d/d. Don't get to tied up in the being single in the army too long, BAH and what not increases, all that said, i'm engaged to a army gal.

The RcSb will suit you fine, and if your in Basic / AIT and active army, I'd personally wait till i'm back from AIT, they have been shipping alot of new soldiers straight over, and if you can wait you 6 months, thats 6 months less payments to make, more depreciation on the same vehicle your going to buy.

Anyways, 4.8 and 5.3 generally get the same milage, my 03 ecsb even gets what most these guys get.. 15 in town , 18 hwy. Ever consider a colorado or something? Cause it doenst seem like your getting the truck for pulling or anything, just to be adventurous..

Gerald, 68w 34th ID.

C-Train · November 8, 2009

Hello C-Train, what are ya joinging the army as? And Congrats.

It seems like your mainly going to use your truck as a personal getaway/ outdoors d/d. Don't get to tied up in the being single in the army too long, BAH and what not increases, all that said, i'm engaged to a army gal.

The RcSb will suit you fine, and if your in Basic / AIT and active army, I'd personally wait till i'm back from AIT, they have been shipping alot of new soldiers straight over, and if you can wait you 6 months, thats 6 months less payments to make, more depreciation on the same vehicle your going to buy.

Anyways, 4.8 and 5.3 generally get the same milage, my 03 ecsb even gets what most these guys get.. 15 in town , 18 hwy. Ever consider a colorado or something? Cause it doenst seem like your getting the truck for pulling or anything, just to be adventurous..

Gerald, 68w 34th ID.

Thanks for the responses... I'll be commissioning as a 2nd Lt in the USMC-R in a few months (just graduated OCS in August), and have to do my 6 months at TBS and then probably a few more months elsewhere for my MOS school, so I am going to be needing to make this purchase relatively soon.

However, I just got back from checking out some trucks, and I really don't think I would fit in a RC haha (didn't get a chance to drive one yet, though)... Did see some nice CC's that I fell in love with, so maybe I will be getting an EC or CC after all.

Again, thanks for all of the responses!