I picked up a 2014 over <blank> because...

DRS 95 Silverado · August 19, 2013

I was trying to figure this out myself. from what I gathered.. the cooled seats only come with the seats that also have the driver alert "shake" feature. You can't get driver alert seats with the All Terrain - I have no idea why. I also have no idea why they can't add the cooled seat feature to the seats that don't have driver alert.

Personally I don't want driver alert... but I wouldn't mind the cooled seats.

You can get heated and cooled seats without the alert package. But you can't get the alert package without the cooled seats. Thats on a LTZ or a SLT without all terrain package. I ordered mine with the alert package, may or may not save me from a wreck down the line. Can't add it later.

Joe_K · August 20, 2013

Hey guys, well I'm on the tail end of my truck shopping cluster-duck, and I finally got to drive a sharp 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE w/ the All Terrain package. I have to say I loved it, definitely top of my list, but I'm having a hard time justifying the cost premium over a new Ram Big Horn. I'm going to be looking at an SLT model of the Sierra (w/o All Terrain), so the cost is a little closer to the Ram, but since the Ram is a 2013, I'm able to get a better deal on it. Just wondering from some of you fellas who took the plunge, what really put you over the top to get a 2014 Silverado/Sierra versus one of the others? (Ford, Ram, etc)?

Only get the Ram if it has the new 8-speed, the 65RFE 6-speed (that's actually a 5-speed) is a piece of crap, take my experience on that one. I had three of those trans on my last three trucks, and it was the only thing that gave me problems. If you don't believe me take a look at some Ram forums, it's hated by owners. Other than that, I liked my Ram's, and I think the 4th gen Ram is a better truck than the GMT-900's, but the K2XX is better than anything Ram has right now.

He won't be able to buy a 2013 chevy now that he drove the 2014... not a chance even though it's much cheaper.

You're damn right, he's already been spoiled.

Joe_K · August 20, 2013

I would be hesitant to buy a Ram just because the payload numbers would not be high enough for me. Otherwise it would be a very tough choice.

I still do not understand how Ram can not get their payload numbers up.

Good point, they have poor payloads because of the coil spring suspension. I will say though, I had my Ram bed loaded up over payload several times, and it did fine. Just had a bit of rear end squat to it. If you're towing though, the low payload wreaks havoc with tongue weights, and loading the truck up.

ShotgunZ71 · August 20, 2013

Been waiting for GM and Dodge to make a half-ton crew cab with a 6.5' bed. Both finally did (at the same time, I might add), and I went looking for what I wanted. Truth be known, if my ext cab was a 4-door instead of a 3-door, I may have held off a little longer. No regrets, though. Loving the new Silverado. If the dealer didn't have it when I got there, another dealer had a Sierra to my specs, also. Getting it for below invoice also helped speed things along.

BNSF · August 20, 2013

All Terrain pkg is available on SLE and SLT models

Correct, except A/T Plus not available on SLE. See attached pic for features.

20's much nicer than 18's.

06Voy · August 21, 2013

Good point, they have poor payloads because of the coil spring suspension. I will say though, I had my Ram bed loaded up over payload several times, and it did fine. Just had a bit of rear end squat to it. If you're towing though, the low payload wreaks havoc with tongue weights, and loading the truck up.

The tahoe and suburban use a coil spring suspension and have payloads of around 1700lbs so its just Ram that has this issue. I could never buy a pickup where if I took it on a hunting trip with a total of 4 guys and dog plus gear I am at max payload and not even able to hook up a atv or boat.