Donstar

If you're buying new tires for looks, then I suggest taking your time, look around, and continue the discussion with other '19 owners. If you need a more aggressive tire now to take you to remote locations then consider remaining with close to stock size. (I sometimes go +1 on the width or aspect) Your best highway and city performance will be achieved with remaining stock. Looks are important but spending a large amount of money to replace new tires for a negative impact needs serious consideration, imo. When I go slightly larger, it is strictly for my personal mini-macho boost. I know very, very few people who would notice or value larger tires on my pickup :-)

I would choose your method and wouldn't want to render my stock switch useless. I have a topper with separate lighting and a switch at the tailgate. I also have the factory box lighting so I'm covered!

Thanks for the good information! Looks like it was always there. I find the evolution of automotive wiring fascinating. At one time you'd simply have installed a pair of three-way switches to be able to operate box lights from two locations. This was popular when camping in the back of your truck. (Much more comfortable with an 8' box.) I think if someone is looking to do this mod, and doesn't already have the optional box lighting, a pair of three-way toggle switches and a fuse tap may still be the easiest option.

Glad it all worked out for you. Was your battery not covered by warranty?

I ran the cable passed the firewall to a rubber grommet found under the carpet by the driver's door. The door sill trim is attached to the cover trim next to the emergency brake. It all pops off easily by lifting up on the sill and allows you plenty of room to run your wire up to and under the dash and/or to a power source in the left side fuse panel. I used an aftermarket wireless camera and monitor setup so just needed to use a fuse tap. I suspect your oem camera should have specific plug in or splice type wiring instructions. (?)

Beautiful truck!

Unsprung weight is definitely a consideration. On my last truck I switched from Michelin LTX MS2 P rated tires to Michelin LTX MS2 LT rated tires. (Same size-same pattern) I felt the switch significantly hurt my MPG's. although don't have data to support my "feeling".

Last tire purchase I struggled with the same dilemma. There is nothing to gain by going with a higher aspect except a perceived better look. Nobody else will notice or care. The slightly larger and heavier tire will not improve performance, economy or function. In the end, I decided to go stock. However, my situation at the time was different and expenses required a higher level of justification! If you decide to go with slightly bigger tire then I definitely vote with tnchevy and say go for the 285/65/18. The look will be noticeable and you will have the same height as the 265/70/18. (I heard the argument about wider tires reducing traction in snow when I switched my '00 Silverado's tires from 235 to 245) Tall, skinny tires have their advantages/appeal but it would require very unique driving conditions to have a 265 mm wide tire out perform a 285 mm wide tire.

It's great when you have a dealership that you trust. I actually enjoy taking my truck in for service and I find it unfortunate that some members have significant problems with their local GM service departments. I really like your modifications to your house! The solar panels and rain barrels suggests keen environmental awareness. Good on you!

I believe you're referring to installing spacers in the front along with Bilstein 5100 in a raised position. Op didn't mention that he added spacers to the front. It does sound like he found the solution to his problem. Bilstein level on max setting and 2" replacement rear blocks makes for a much nicer look than indicated in his pictures and I'm not surprised there may have been a error in setting selection! Hopefully we'll see the "after" pictures!

I've replaced the original tires on my past three trucks shortly after purchase with Michelin LTX MS or LTX MS2 or Defender. They are available in P or LT rating. They don't have an aggressive look or receive admiring stares. However, they ride nicely, get me through every road condition that I encounter and maintain their new look a long time.. I also now choose the size specified for my truck or very close. This way I am guaranteed a proper fit and will not lose any performance or efficiency. The improvement in traction, ride and comfort is very noticeable and worth the upgrade, imo. (I also find that fresh take off tires from a new truck sell easily.)

There are many aftermarket systems that are much less expensive and do a great job. I know it is preferable to go OEM and use the existing monitor but if money is tight they are worth considering. . I wanted a rear vision camera for my travel trailer and struggled with the same issue. I ended up with a seven inch monitor on my dash with three wireless cameras for the kind of money you are suggesting. It will serve as a dash cam, front parking assist, and trailer rear-view. I currently just use it like a dash mounted rear-view mirror when pulling my travel trailer. It works well and my investment will not have to stay with the truck when I sell. The monitor on the dash is bothersome for the first 5 minutes but now an integral part of the controls!

The ultimate modification for, "What have you done to your k2 today?" !! Congratulations, I'm jealous, enjoy!

I agree with Karnut. Pros and cons with increasing wheel size would apply with the other engine choices.

If you regularly hit bumps that cause your truck to jump then you probably should have your alignment checked on a regular basis. I agree with others that your tire pressure is too high and will lead to uneven wear and a less comfortable ride. Your shocks could be worn or faulty and ask to have them inspected while getting an alignment.

I don't know about the need to remove the bumper but I appreciate bulb replacement isn't a routine task like in the past. My front signal light went out a couple of years ago and it turned into a warranty claim! Maybe you should try another service centre for a second opinion.

Gas prices here have surpassed $1.70 per litre ($6.63 US Gallon) in my area. Saving, "a mpg or two here and there" is noticeable at these prices. I learned during the volatile gas crisis years of the 70's just how unnecessary it was to have a V8. (Getting the most miles out of a limited supply of gas was more significant than the cost.) My preference has long been the 6 cylinder in my pickups and wouldn't hesitate to move to the 4 cylinder. I appreciate the history of the V8 and respect the reasons for choosing this option but (IMO) I believe a replacement for displacement was found many years ago.

Shortly after I purchased my '15, I put a V6 badge on the tailgate. It provoked nothing but positive discussions. You are correct that the assumption is there will be 5.3 V8 powering your GM 1500.

Interesting thread! This engine would be my first choice as long as the towing specs meet my needs. I paid $117 to fill up yesterday and I wasn't on empty. Gas prices aren't going down nor is my salary going up. GM does an excellent job, imo, of matching engines/powertrains to their advertised capacities. My current CC 4X4 4.3 is rated to tow 7K lbs. The GVWR of my current travel trailer is 7K which is a a perfect match for my truck. I have no trouble accepting change, especially when it saves me money! I truly hope that this engine is embraced by the public which in turn will help to increase demand for more efficient ways to move our trucks.

If you're annoyed by the feel of the start/stop feature then you may need warranty work. This is a feature that will help you enjoy all the benefits of truck ownership and maintain reasonable fuel economy. I am in total disagreement by comments like, "It's a fullsize truck, it's not supposed to get supreme fuel mileage". In the words of Alfred E. Newman, "Why not?" Where I live, the most popular/common mode of transportation appears to be the four door pickup. I am sure this wouldn't be the case if they drank fuel like their predecessors.

Tough call for me. I like my 15 so much, I thought of buying an 18 to refresh my odometer. There are still some good deals but the financial part of the equation still favours keeping my 15. I anticipate there will be additional repair costs associated with higher miles and no warranty but they won't match the trade-in costs.

Woops. Missed that. I haven't used custom bumpers for many years but do know there is a wide variety of pricing . Looks like you found a good deal on a very nice bumper! Another suggestion for those still looking for a custom bumper is to find an independent fabricator in your local "want ads". Some work from home or do side work for extra cash. Fabricators I have known usually have enough personal equipment at home to fabricate a step bumper!

Find a picture (or draw a picture) of the bumper you would like and take it to a local metal/aluminum fabrication shop. You may find they can make you a bumper that surpasses your expectations.

I have the same thoughts. I've not changed the oil on this truck but using an appropriate funnel would be the first option that came to my mind. I have a long neck angled funnel that I use on my motorcycle that I think would be perfect for the task! The fill tube modification looks like a great option for those who regularly service their own vehicles.

Did you get an owner's manual with your truck? These features along with useful tips are explained in the book. This may also be online.