Ordering 3500 Denali DRW tomorrow! Help!

[boatguy64]

Hi. I am looking for some advice and help. I have enjoyed a 2013 Silverado 2500 HD for the last 3+ years. Its a Duramax with 80,000km. I get lots of compliments mostly because its just levelled and sitting on some fairly high sidewall At type tires. But things have changed and I need to tow a very heavy (19K) fifth wheel around the country for a few years. So it was recommended that I go with a 3500 HD DRW Loooong box. I have come to terms with the dually, as I believe in the long run better to be underloaded than overloaded. The truck itself stays well in the specs of what I need to handle the loads I have.

 

Here is the first question. I still want something that looks a little tough, not just a highway runner. So during the build process I noticed I can get AT tires for a minimal fee. But I can't find a photo with them (GM Factory installed) anywhere on line? Has anyone seen them? Are the really loud?

 

Next question, the 3500 seems to have a rake and sits lower on the front end. Could I put a 2 inch leveller on the front to straighten it out, or when I put a lot on it am I going to look like I am driving uphill all the time.

 

And lastly, the Denali seems to have most options and all I added was the 220 Alternator, high idle switch, and of course the prep for the fifth wheel. Is there anything else that is a don't miss option?

 

Thanks for any input. Sorry for the hurried questions but I need to get an order in and have the truck found and delivered soon.

[becker87]

The suspension is the same as a not duel wheel truck so you can level as needed but be careful that when loaded your front end is not higher than the rear.

[Rvduck]

I can offer my opinion on a few things. I towed a 33 foot Montana Fiver for 10 years, the last 8 were with my 08 Silverado Dually. You will love towing with a Dually, they are rock solid. My 08 was not as high as my 16 High Country Dually and I had to leave the front end stock and lower the rear end on the 08 to keep my Fifth wheel level and not have it damage the rear box corners when backing on uneven ground. I know I would have to do the same to my 2016 if I was still towing a Fifth wheel. As you know, towing level is necessary for the trailer brakes to work properly and also to live in your Fiver without unhooking. Now the Fiver you are towing may not require this, just be aware. I ordered the AT Michelin tires, they are quiet and smooth riding, do not look aggressive at all. I am not sure if your 17 will have the same tires as my 16 did. Last of all my High Country came pretty pimped out but I ordered the safety feature that gives you lane drift warning by buzzing your driver's seat and also the front collision warning that are fantastic and possibly life saving options. I also love the heated steering wheel which is probably standard on a Denali. Best of luck with your new truck, I think you are going to love it. This 16 is my second Dually HD pickiup and I had 8 HD SRW pickups before that. As long as I haul or tow heavy, I am sticking with a Dually.

[boatguy64]

Thank you. Just the input I was hoping for. We will be pulling a 40ft Redwood. Its a bit heavy because of the residential style. Thank you for confirming what I was thinking. DRW is not only safer but might be more stable as well. My only concern was that we will use it to get around once we arrive and it will be my daily driver any winter months that we are home. Guess I will just get used to finding a bigger spot and walking a bit further from the corners of the parking lots. I confirmed it does have lane departure and collision warning but not auto braking. Also confirmed it has heated steering wheel and vented/heated seats. I think I will go for the AT tires just to help in the winter if I am here. I will hold off on levelling until I see what happens when we put the fifth wheel on.

 

Thanks again for the quick response

 

John

[becker87]

Post some pics when you get it to!

[newdude]

Some info in red;

 

Hi. I am looking for some advice and help. I have enjoyed a 2013 Silverado 2500 HD for the last 3+ years. Its a Duramax with 80,000km. I get lots of compliments mostly because its just levelled and sitting on some fairly high sidewall At type tires. But things have changed and I need to tow a very heavy (19K) fifth wheel around the country for a few years. So it was recommended that I go with a 3500 HD DRW Loooong box. I have come to terms with the dually, as I believe in the long run better to be underloaded than overloaded. The truck itself stays well in the specs of what I need to handle the loads I have.

 

Here is the first question. I still want something that looks a little tough, not just a highway runner. So during the build process I noticed I can get AT tires for a minimal fee. But I can't find a photo with them (GM Factory installed) anywhere on line? Has anyone seen them? Are the really loud?

 

The factory All Terrain tires are Michelin LTX AT2 in an LT235/80/17 E size. http://www.michelinman.com/US/en/tires/products/ltx-a-t-2.html#

 

Next question, the 3500 seems to have a rake and sits lower on the front end. Could I put a 2 inch leveller on the front to straighten it out, or when I put a lot on it am I going to look like I am driving uphill all the time.

 

You could do a leveling kit (which is new torsion keys) but the cheapest way to see if you like it leveled or not would be to turn the torsion bars up a bit. HD trucks from GM as of 2011 have around a 3 inch rake. 5 turns of the adjuster bolt will take around 1.2 inches out of the front end.

 

And lastly, the Denali seems to have most options and all I added was the 220 Alternator, high idle switch, and of course the prep for the fifth wheel. Is there anything else that is a don't miss option?

 

Make sure the 5th wheel stuff is RPO code Z6A which is the Gooseneck / 5th Wheel Prep Package. That gets you the holes pre-drilled in the box, a 7 way plug in the driver's side inner box panel, and a hitch platform.

 

Thanks for any input. Sorry for the hurried questions but I need to get an order in and have the truck found and delivered soon.