new truck (new to me)

[bassdog]

Well guys and gals, after being one of the minority on this board with an older truck (94) I have finally stepped up to join the majority with my newest purchase!  

 

Though I have not taken delivery yet (tonite), I wanted to try and pick everyones brain and hear from experience without trying to search thru tons of threads.

 

The truck is a 2001 Rado ext cab 4 door, short list of options I know about:

4:10 gears

auto 4WD (push button)

stereo / CD

5.3L

Auto

SL Z71

security message (not sure what this is called)

keyless entry

 

 

Questions:

with 19,882 miles it still has FireBlown original tires, can I trade these in under recall still?

 

I need to install a class III hitch, Uhaul any good? Does it bolt right up? Factory or aftermarket tranny cooler? Towing bassboat ~ 2500lbs.

 

TSB's - because it is under GM warranty (I'm assuming) still, can I take it to my Chevy dealer and request all TSB's be taken care of? How does this work?

 

 

Anything I should look out for or avoid?

 

 

Sorry this is so long, this is the first vehicle I've owned that I really need to ask questions   . Besides, I have to try and catch up to the GM-Trucks Jones'  :thumb:

 

Thanks!

[chevy4x4trucks]

I bought a Reese Class IV hitch for my truck (price was the same as the class III so why not ).  I ordered it from checker auto and I believe it was in the 120 dollar range.  Also, above your spare there are some wires that dead end so you can easily hook up your trailer wiring.

 

 

If you can't get some new tires under warranty just save up a bit for a nice set of 285's

 

And CONGRATS, you'll love it  

[bassdog]

Thanks Jon!

 

And congrats to you as well (been meaning to do that  )!!

[RyanbabZ71]

Congrats!!!

 

You cant just go in and request all TSBs taken care of your truck has to experience the problem first.

 

There was never a firestone recall only way to get em to replace them and get some $$$ would be to go to a firestone dealer.  Cant hurt to try.

[Black02Silverado]

Congrats on the new truck!

 

Now for the tires, I asked the dealer when I bought mine and they told me that the tire's on this truck are in a different class than what is or was being recalled. I didn't go into it anymore with him because I was going to just change them out myself anyway. 30k miles later and I'm still waiting to change them out.

 

Transmission cooler, if you want to put an aftermarket on great, that will always benefit you in making your tranny last longer. Towing a 2500lb boat isn't really that much if you live in a flat area like I do, where the transmission never really changes much in and out of gears because it is flat.  

 

It is one of those extra piece of minds that you can do and isn't much in cost.

 

My understanding on the TSB's is if you take your vehicle in and ask to have them all complied with then they have to. But if your in for just general maintenance and don't mention the TSB's they don't have to volunteer them. Now that is my understanding but I could be wrong. I guess you can just do it and see. "Nothing ventured nothing gained". :thumb:

 

[SilveradoWV]

Uhaul hitches are really good, they arent actually Uhaul, they are made for Uhaul by Valley. Not sure about the factory chevrolet hitches but the one I ordered from GM for my ZR2 Blazer came direct from Valley even though I ordered through my dealer who orderd through GM. So they probably have a deal with Valley just as Uhaul does.

[MountaineerTom]

When you get the hitch, if you need a trailer wiring harness, and this one will work for you, just let me know.  

 

Hoppy Trailer Wiring Harness For Sale.  ($10, I pay shipping)

[bassdog]

Thanks guys

 

Tom - It looks like it will work but I only need the 4 prong for the boat, not sure where the 7 fits in.

 

I'm use to buying Valley hitches at PepBoys, but the last one I bought for the 94 was not a direct fit and required drilling  ??? . I guess I'll do some searching around the area for installed prices.

 

Looks like I'll have to live with the FireBlowns for a little while longer then  

 

Kepp the info coming  :thumb:

[MountaineerTom]

If it has that plastic plug tucked up there between the spare tire and lisence plate, the Hoppy wire harness should plug right in.  If you just have some wires up there, with out the plastic plug aready attached, it would be easier for you to just get a straight 4 flat harness and wire it up.

[SilveradoWV]

I installed the factory hitch myself (really easy), you might want to check to see how much your local dealer will want for a hitch, although I got mine free with the deal they werent too bad on their price compared to everyone else.

[k1500chevy97]

When I bought my hitch they gave me free instalation.

You will notice a small power difference with the 5.3 (less grunt than the 350) but its not all that much

 

Congrats  

[bassdog]

You will notice a small power difference with the 5.3 (less grunt than the 350) but its not all that much

 

I hope you were kidding cuz I'm noticing a major difference  

 

It hops of the line and I'm finding I don't have to wind it out as much as the 350. I dunno, maybe it's the 4:10's  :thumb:

[Stepside Z]

Congrats on the new truck.  

[timk49]

I've got a Draw-Tite hitch on my truck and it bolts right up to the frame. I don't think a hitch is the place to go for a savings. Get a good one. Sure would'nt want to see that boat pass you on a down grade going 60 MPH.

Have fun with the new truck.

[sincityZ71]

Congrats on the new truck bassdog.   :thumb: Get us some pics sometime when you get a chance.