The New Sierra All-terrain Question Topic.

[grimmysnr]

Well what happened was, yesterday when I was making this post and hit Submit there was a Internal Server Error 500 resulting in only the topic being posted but not the body. So anyway my deal is this. I am selling my truck in January before I go on my deployment so that I can save for a new truck when I get back. I have my heart set on a 2009 or 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT ECRB Z71 with All-Terrain package. The problem is where I live there are no dealers that have a truck with this configuration, in fact they have such little inventory that finding an SLT with Z71 package is actually pretty rare. Needless to say the nearest dealer is in Denver about 4-5 hours away. I can use the USAA car buying service to save some cash and ultimately go pick up the truck at the Denver dealer. The issue is I will not be able to test drive for comparison until I actually get back from my deployment and make a drive to Denver. By then it may be too late. So:

 

1. I know some of the principal differences between the regular Z71 and the All-Terrain is tires, Rancho shocks, and some cosmetics. Those of you who went with the All-Terrain did you test drive a truck both with and without it? What was your opinion on road feel and handling between the two? What was the ultimate selling point for you that made the All-Terrain more appealing?

 

2. I have my truck built through the GMC website with everything I want. One of the option says "Off-Road" tires. Well many people have vastly different opinions on what constitutes an off-road tire. On your All-Terrain what tire came stock? I have seen some trucks come with BFG's brand new but not sure if that is what came stock on this package.

 

3. What additions or recommendations would you have done or made if you could purchase your truck again? Such as better tires, color choices, leather vs non-leather, Deluxe Chrome package etc. Additionally, what modifications have you made since purchase that made your vehicle that much better? This of course I mean something else besides the world-class $300 floor mats.

 

4. Lastly, I would like to see pictures of your truck especially if it has the 3" or 6" assist steps and Deluxe Chrome package. While I am not a chrome fanatic I think a Black truck with certain Chrome accents can really add a little extra touch when its not covered with 2" of mud.

 

Thanks and feel free just to add your opinion. Sorry for the post confusion.

[C. Charles Hahn]

1) Yes, I test drove several GMC and Chevy trucks with and without the Z71 package, however the A/T I bought is the only A/T equipped truck I have driven. By a long shot, it's the best riding and handling of all the ones I drove. Smoother on rough and smooth roads, and tracked more "true" than the others.

 

2) The stock tires on the A/T are Bridgestone Dueler A/T, not exactly an "aggressive" off-road tire, but not bad either. They could stand to be a bit taller than stock (285/65/18) though.

 

3) Personally I'd skip the two-tone leather. I've seen a few Z71 Tahoes/Suburbans with the two-tone and the lighter leather is a pain to clean, whereas the solid ebony like mine has is easy to maintain. I HIGHLY recommend the factory cargo rails, and would also highly recommend Line-X.

 

4) I do have the 6" oval assist steps... pics as follows:

 

 

 

 

[jgold121]

1) Yes, I test drove several GMC and Chevy trucks with and without the Z71 package, however the A/T I bought is the only A/T equipped truck I have driven. By a long shot, it's the best riding and handling of all the ones I drove. Smoother on rough and smooth roads, and tracked more "true" than the others.

 

2) The stock tires on the A/T are Bridgestone Dueler A/T, not exactly an "aggressive" off-road tire, but not bad either. They could stand to be a bit taller than stock (285/65/18) though.

 

3) Personally I'd skip the two-tone leather. I've seen a few Z71 Tahoes/Suburbans with the two-tone and the lighter leather is a pain to clean, whereas the solid ebony like mine has is easy to maintain. I HIGHLY recommend the factory cargo rails, and would also highly recommend Line-X.

 

4) I do have the 6" oval assist steps... pics as follows:

 

 

 

WHEREEEEE did you get that A/T receiver plug? I have to get one now, thanks.

 

-jG

[thewaterboy]

I have to be honest I really didn't care about the handling I just really liked the different look of the A/T pkg overall. Grill out front and the color matched trim tidbits and my favorite the rims.....ahhh yes the rims sold me... I've driven other sierra's and think they all handle very well overall. I don't care for leather interiors myself so I ordered mine with ebony cloth with no complaints. The Bridgestone A/T's that came on the truck are good all around tires but if you enjoy any mudding get yourself some more aggressive tires for sure. So far the only toys Ive added are a extang cover and 3" stainless nerf bars and a corsa exhaust. Its been almost 2 years now and I absolutely love this truck. You will too

[GobbleStalker]

I have the 2 tone leather with the ebony and grey. I also like the ebony and brown. The other nice thing with the 2 tone is it carries through your door panels which breaks it up nice.

I had my dealer swap out he Bridgestone tires for a set of BF all terrains and it makes the truck look so much better. I will post pics tonight when I get home.

 

Also did you make that trailer hitch cover or did you purchase it somewhere?

[Stevens03]

3" factory tube steps on a black truck

[C. Charles Hahn]

WHEREEEEE did you get that A/T receiver plug? I have to get one now, thanks.

 

-jG

 

Also did you make that trailer hitch cover or did you purchase it somewhere?

 

I made it. When I bought the truck I asked the salesman to throw in an extra "All Terrain" fender badge, so they ordered me one and left it in the glove box at delivery. Drove 2 miles down to AutoZone, bought a chrome hitch cover that had a "GMC" logo on it, and applied the fender badge over the "GMC" script. It's a perfect fit.

 

Hitch cover I used: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G3MQVW

 

I'd have to look up the P/N of the fender badge, but any GM dealer can get you one.

 

 

[jgold121]

WHEREEEEE did you get that A/T receiver plug? I have to get one now, thanks.

 

-jG

 

 

I'd have to look up the P/N of the fender badge, but any GM dealer can get you one.

 

 

 

Arghhh i've been looking for 30 minutes trying to find it online. No such luck...

[wawa]

all terrain leather two tone. nav dvd player 6.0l engine ordered thru dealer i work at. having driven my at 36000 km i gotta say it handles better that the regular z71's i drive at work. black with 6" gm steps. bug deflector and a mild tune. i get 650 to 700km to a tank at 115kph. now ive got to make a reciever plug for mine too. i pull at 29 foot jayco trailer with it and get about 400km to the tank at 105kph

im going to keep it when the lease is up.