Less problems with HD's?

dmax_highcountry · March 23, 2017

16k trouble free miles so far. Have taken several road trips pulling a camper and have zero complaints.

4x4Pete · March 23, 2017

Well with the responses so far it would seem that the HD's have less problems. I do see more older HD trucks on the road vs LD trucks of the same vintage. The HD's do have more reliable drivetrains and are more robust overall. Who knows the amount of 1500 trucks that get used like a 2500 and have problems because of this. I know of a few guys who use 1500's for snowplowing- they usually look pretty tired after a couple seasons. I also know a few guys who would not use anything less than an HD for snowplowing and landscaping and the trucks are still pretty straight after several seasons. I think the HD trucks are worth it as they usually sell easier and for more money than a equivalent condition 1500.

RJP44 · March 23, 2017

I currently have both a 14 1500 and a 15 2500hd, the 2500hd has been flawless thus far (knock on wood), my first 2014 Silverado was constantly having issues with the transfer case, all covered under warranty but it must of been in the dealer 10 times before 20k miles. Got out of it as quick as I could and went into the 2500hd, then added another 2014 rally edition that has been great so far (knock on wood). I know my first 2014 was one of the first and relatively new on the market where as my rally edition was a late in the year if not should of been a 2015; so hopefully they've worked some of the bugs out.

The reason I think you see more issues with the 1500s on here is the fact that there are just soo damn many out there. I must pass 5 1500s for every 2500 I see so naturally you will see more issues.

As far as longevity, without a doubt the 2500s will last longer than any of the new 1500s. There are plenty of 6.0s out there with well over 300k running strong.

revrnd · March 24, 2017

Well with the responses so far it would seem that the HD's have less problems. I do see more older HD trucks on the road vs LD trucks of the same vintage. The HD's do have more reliable drivetrains and are more robust overall. Who knows the amount of 1500 trucks that get used like a 2500 and have problems because of this. I know of a few guys who use 1500's for snowplowing- they usually look pretty tired after a couple seasons. I also know a few guys who would not use anything less than an HD for snowplowing and landscaping and the trucks are still pretty straight after several seasons. I think the HD trucks are worth it as they usually sell easier and for more money than a equivalent condition 1500.

Since they intro'd the HD version of the 2500, look @ the frame compared to the 1500's. The rear portion is a lot 'deeper' on the 2500HD than the 1500. Not sure how the material thickness compares to the 2 model.

magnum74 · March 25, 2017

Since they intro'd the HD version of the 2500, look @ the frame compared to the 1500's. The rear portion is a lot 'deeper' on the 2500HD than the 1500. Not sure how the material thickness compares to the 2 model.

One of the things that surprised me about my 2016 was the #6850+ weight. Much heavier than the similar 2008 Chevy LTZ 6.0 I had. They definitely beefed up that frame and other parts. My 2014 Ram 6.4 in identical configuration was only slightly heavier.

dasimmon · March 25, 2017

Well with the responses so far it would seem that the HD's have less problems. I do see more older HD trucks on the road vs LD trucks of the same vintage. The HD's do have more reliable drivetrains and are more robust overall. Who knows the amount of 1500 trucks that get used like a 2500 and have problems because of this. I know of a few guys who use 1500's for snowplowing- they usually look pretty tired after a couple seasons. I also know a few guys who would not use anything less than an HD for snowplowing and landscaping and the trucks are still pretty straight after several seasons. I think the HD trucks are worth it as they usually sell easier and for more money than a equivalent condition 1500.

i agree

newdude · March 29, 2017

Since they intro'd the HD version of the 2500, look @ the frame compared to the 1500's. The rear portion is a lot 'deeper' on the 2500HD than the 1500. Not sure how the material thickness compares to the 2 model.

GM has the HD specs, but the 1/2 ton ones aren't in the order guide...HD frame is .181" thick.

http://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NASApp/domestic/graytabcontroller.jsp?graytabtype=7&rpoid=36178&vehicleid=17043&section=oi_def

GlenS · March 29, 2017

well I agree way more 1500s out there.Now that being said.. I dont even know where to begin with my 11 2500 hd.

first set of brakes was a 4500 miles (warped)

next time at 7000

again at 12000

oh again at 17000

at 21000 they rebuilt the transmission

and brakes again at 23000

Oh dont worry we know you have a existing brake issue we cant figure out.... ha ha ha.

30000 miles brakes again. Gm restructures and they told me too bad. They did only charge me for parts out of the kindness of there hearts... cost me 500 cuz they wouldnt give me the parts to put on myself. Told me a few months later if I wanted to trade it in towards a new one within 6 months they would give me an extra 2500 at trade.. I wasnt in place to do it. I have had 5 2500s over the years never had these issues. Why I bought a new gm product is kinda beyond me,but I have a 16 now 3500 miles no issues yet. New dealership and new service department ill use for this truck.. See it goes...

Anyway.. They do make bad trucks and I believe I had one once.

4x4Pete · March 29, 2017

Wow! I hope you're issues are behind you. That sounds like an issue with the hydraulic system. Surprising they couldn't figure it out. I feel HD trucks are better, just imagine what trouble you would have had with a LD.

ewbldavis · April 1, 2017

The only explanation was that GMC owners had higher expectations than the Chev owners.

Professional Grade baby - of course we have higher expectations!

I have to jump on the sales ratio bandwagon. Most of the 1500's are family wagons anymore, not trucks, and I can find 10x the variety in a 1500 when window shopping versus a 2500.

My 1500 has been great for almost 15,000 miles. Not high mileage I know, but no worries none the less.

i82much · April 1, 2017

Professional Grade baby - of course we have higher expectations!

I have to jump on the sales ratio bandwagon. Most of the 1500's are family wagons anymore, not trucks, and I can find 10x the variety in a 1500 when window shopping versus a 2500.

My 1500 has been great for almost 15,000 miles. Not high mileage I know, but no worries none the less.

i agree 100% on the availability of a wide range of 1500s. On the other hand, it kind of depends what you want. I got a cc 6.5 bed work truck 2500hd from dealer stock. I do not think I EVER would have found that configuration in a 1500. And believe it or not, the msrp for that configuration (cc 6.5 wt) is higher for a 1500 than for a 2500!

Cowpie · April 1, 2017

MSRP is based a lot on demand, not necessarily on component cost. And that is why, generally, the 2500's offer a much better value for the dollar. I would be willing to bet that many overlook the 2500's because they look at price tags on 1500's and automatically assume that 2500's cost more, when in fact, the opposite is most likely true. Sure, a 2500 might not be the best choice as a daily driver simple transportation vehicle, but as a general purpose pickup for a wide range of activities and long lasting, it is a great pickup. Gas or diesel. That is why a lot of commercial users buy them.

4x4Pete · April 1, 2017

You're theory doesn't work here in Canada. My '16 2500 stickered for $69,900 it's a gas LTZ Z71 and has leather but no parking assist. My '15 1500 was an LT 5.3 4x4 but was loaded everything except leather for $51,000 sticker. The '15 was a double and the '16 is a crew but I don't really know where the 18,900 difference is besides 1500 vs 2500. Weird but true. I love the overall utility aspect of a 2500 vs a 1500 but if I didn't really need a 2500 I definitely would have a 1500 like everybody else. I think the sales ratio has some merit as well. There are way more 1500's around. Anybody wbo sees my truck automatically thinks I'm a contractor, which most 2500's up here are used for. If you own a 2500 you either are a contractor or have a big 5th wheel.

Patrick983 · April 2, 2017

I had an early 14 sierra slt loaded to the gills. I was very inpressed with the ride, quiet interior, fit and finish and features. I had no failures or problems. That being said it didnt feel nearly as solid, i noticed alot of parts were "lighter duty" than previous gens. My upper control arms weigh 3 lbs for example (joke). It got great gas mileage and was a dream on the highway. These trucks are being evolved to what people use them for, daily groceey getters. I traded for a 15 2500hd work truck package, gave up my features, my ride, my mpgs, but i got a TRUCK again. I beat on this thing relentlessly and it doesnt skip a beat, and i have full confidence it will be doing the same thing in 200k miles. I could not say that about my 1500.

And yes the "made in usa" sticker on the door jam puts a smile on my face every day.

Cowpie · April 2, 2017

You're theory doesn't work here in Canada. My '16 2500 stickered for $69,900 it's a gas LTZ Z71 and has leather but no parking assist. My '15 1500 was an LT 5.3 4x4 but was loaded everything except leather for $51,000 sticker. The '15 was a double and the '16 is a crew but I don't really know where the 18,900 difference is besides 1500 vs 2500. Weird but true. I love the overall utility aspect of a 2500 vs a 1500 but if I didn't really need a 2500 I definitely would have a 1500 like everybody else. I think the sales ratio has some merit as well. There are way more 1500's around. Anybody wbo sees my truck automatically thinks I'm a contractor, which most 2500's up here are used for. If you own a 2500 you either are a contractor or have a big 5th wheel.

I am sure that regionally the price variations can be significantly different. In the Upper Midwest of the U.S., 2500's can be had easily for the same price or even less than a comparable 1500. At least when leaving out the Dmax versions. Not uncommon to see $9K - $10k off the sticker price for 2500's with hardly any negotiation. My current one, the start quote by the dealer was $9K off the sticker price. I live rural and my pickup has to serve in a lot of rolls, of which towing is a low percentage of what it gets used for. Mostly hauling, and that many times is more than is practical for a 1500. Just dragged some old cut down cedar and maple trees and stumps Friday with my 6.0L 2500 to another location on the property where I will pile and burn them later. A lot more convenient and quicker for that job the other day than using the tractor.

And the argument that if one doesn't need the capability of a 2500, getting a 1500 can be a good choice. But I see many times where folks get a 1500 and then want to do things with it that are better done by a 2500. You can see it many times in various threads on the forum, for example.