New Member, Currently Shopping

[NewKindOfClown]

Hey, folks. I've been lurking on this site for a couple months, doing a ton of research. I need to replace my 1986 Jeep J10 with something reliable that can tow my Wrangler a few times each year. My dad has a 2015 Silverado that I love, and a buddy works for a local dealer. I was shopping for 2014/15 models to save money until my friend told me he could sell me a new truck for the same price.

 

I commute 35 miles each way into Washington DC, 4-5 days/week, but I want to shorten that commute either this year or next. A CC Standard Bed is more truck than I need, and it would be a pain in the city. On the other hand, I've read complaints from people with carseats in a Double Cab. For those reasons, I'm looking at a CCSB as the best compromise between seating and cargo for my needs. I'm interested in input from the folks here who have experience with these trucks.

 

My minimum requirements are a Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4 with the 5.3L and a heated 40/20/40 bench seat (edit: and the integrated trailer brake controller). I have three 'ideal' configurations that I'm interested in:

 

LT Z71 (Not much cheaper than the LTZ Z71 when equipped as desired)

LT Plus

All-Star

Heated Seats

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

Spray-on Bedliner

Cargo Box LEDs

Bose Audio

 

LTZ (I don't tow often, but I like to have the option)

Max Trailering

LTZ Plus

Spray-on Bedliner

 

LTZ Z71 (Preferred configuration, but I'm having trouble finding it without thousands of dollars in extra add-ons)

LTZ Plus

Midnight Edition

Cargo Box LEDs

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

 

Feel free to pitch in with advice on any options I should consider adding to my "required" list or avoiding altogether. I'd love to hear from people who actually own these things.

(On a side note, just to brag... I'm very excited because a one-family '65 K10 might be falling into my lap soon at no cost!)

[Krusty]

Well my 2017 CCSB max tow just hit 800 miles today and loving it - been in it almost a month. Since price is also one of your minimum requirements obviously you will find a configuration on the lot and deeply discounted.

 

I don't think you can go wrong in any configuration - I would say make the CCSB max trailering a priority and settle on some of the other things. Nothing wrong with the bucket seats either...........

 

[Donstar]

Welcome to this forum! Your option preferences can also be found on the GMC line of trucks. I would take my list to your local Chevy / GMC dealers and let them try to sell you on a truck! A Crew Cab shortbed with a 5.3 is a popular combination and you will find lots to choose from!

[NewKindOfClown]

Well my 2017 CCSB max tow just hit 800 miles today and loving it - been in it almost a month. Since price is also one of your minimum requirements obviously you will find a configuration on the lot and deeply discounted.

 

I don't think you can go wrong in any configuration - I would say make the CCSB max trailering a priority and settle on some of the other things. Nothing wrong with the bucket seats either...........

 

 

My problem with bucket seats is a simple one: I like to have my girl by my side while I'm driving. All my trucks have been bench seat models, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

My two concerns with Max Trailering are minor: 1) Cosmetically, I like the monotone Z71 look on these. 2) I can't seem to find one equipped how I want.

I'll definitely be shopping off-the-lot because I need something very soon. It'll probably be a dealer swap, though, so my options are vast.

 

Thanks!

 

Welcome to this forum! Your option preferences can also be found on the GMC line of trucks. I would take my list to your local Chevy / GMC dealers and let them try to sell you on a truck! A Crew Cab shortbed with a 5.3 is a popular combination and you will find lots to choose from!

 

I actually like the GMCs a little more, but I won't get the same pricing that my friend can offer me at his Chevy dealership. Thanks for the welcome!

[Krusty]

 

My problem with bucket seats is a simple one: I like to have my girl by my side while I'm driving. All my trucks have been bench seat models, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

My two concerns with Max Trailering are minor: 1) Cosmetically, I like the monotone Z71 look on these. 2) I can't seem to find one equipped how I want.

I'll definitely be shopping off-the-lot because I need something very soon. It'll probably be a dealer swap, though, so my options are vast.

 

Thanks!

 

 

I actually like the GMCs a little more, but I won't get the same pricing that my friend can offer me at his Chevy dealership. Thanks for the welcome!

 

 

Ol'Skool - Used to be there too when a bench seat was truly a bench seat, like 1978........

 

Had the split bench in the 2007.5 Duramax - middle was not comfy and only fit kids sized people.

 

Well you can add tow mirrors to anything - and if you don't tow heavy - max tow not truly needed true..........

 

But then neither is my 6.2L truely needed - but it did skoot by a texting person who just sat at a stop sign today - then proceeded to drive 15mph because he didn't like getting honked at. Too bad he couldn't out accelerate my little Silverado - although he tried.....

 

[NewKindOfClown]

 

Ol'Skool - Used to be there too when a bench seat was truly a bench seat, like 1978........

 

She's 5' even and prefers to lay down across the bench than actually sit in the middle, so I'm not too concerned.

But I know what you mean there. I had an '88 Jeep Comanche, '79 F150 SuperCab, and my current '86 Jeep J10, all with flat benches. Now they just use bucket seats with a jump seat in the middle.

[Billy346]

I've got "option 1". LT CCSB Z71, similarly equipped but no trailer brake controller. My only gripe about this truck is the mirrors. They are too narrow and there is a large blind spot. If you plan to trailer, you might want to look at the max tow model. That model gets you towing mirrors and a lower ratio rear end.

[Krusty]

 

She's 5' even and prefers to lay down across the bench than actually sit in the middle, so I'm not too concerned.

But I know what you mean there. I had an '88 Jeep Comanche, '79 F150 SuperCab, and my current '86 Jeep J10, all with flat benches. Now they just use bucket seats with a jump seat in the middle.

 

Exactly - Go on an extended test drive and have her really consider that thin lid in the middle comfort wise. Then test drive a rig with bucket seats....... We test drove 3 different rigs - over a 2 week period - to get a feel for several configs. That's the problem...... Sooooo many choices....... That's a good thing!

 

 

 

I've got "option 1". LT CCSB Z71, similarly equipped but no trailer brake controller. My only gripe about this truck is the mirrors. They are too narrow and there is a large blind spot. If you plan to trailer, you might want to look at the max tow model. That model gets you towing mirrors and a lower ratio rear end.

 

Coming from a 2500 no way was I going to puny mirrors - love the blind spot mirrors - never really a need to turn your head....... U know what is and isn't there in those mirrors.... And when you are towing the trailer brake controller for world class braking - and back-up cam for hooking up - both really help.... Both can be had without the max trailering package.

 

 

 

[BlueCrayon]

Personally like the CCSB....good combo of room inside for kids plus some bed room. If you can afford it I'd definitely go LTZ Z71 for the Z71 monochrome look/offroad package and a lot of it is which engine you want. I specifically ordered an SLT because my ONLY requirement going in was the 6.2L, which I believe you need the LTZ for the 6.2L as well. I kind of wish I would've gotten the offroad package, but I didn't. People's opinions differ, but I also think anything smaller than 20" wheels on these trucks just doesn't look right, so I also ordered the package with 20's, running boards and the upgraded Bose with sub, which is also pretty decent sound system.

[Thomcat]

My 2 cents.....If you plan to tow anything heavier than a canoe or kyack make sure to get the integrated trailer brake controller at $275 extra on MSRP...........controls and displays integrated with the dash panel, DIC display and steering wheel.

 

LTZ71 comes with a stock 3.42 rear end which I find ideal for towing especially trailering navigating the 7 degree decline on Rte 340 in Harpers Ferry. The LTZZ71 comes with a stock 3.08 which in my opinion should have the optional 3.42 if you plan to tow and aren't worried about wasting 10 cents worth of gas to move the freight.

[Lgetz]

NewKind take your time and test out the different configs and get what suits you. Combined Jeep and trailer weight should be around 7500-8000 pounds and a 5.3 with a 3.42 rear will handle it. My preference would be a Red or Blue Z-71 as I dig the monochrome treatment. Make sure to get a truck with JL1 option brake controller regardless if Z-71 or not. This cannot be added for a reasonable price after the fact regardless of what ANYONE tells you. If truck doesn't have bed lights or a spray liner have them include it. Right now with 20% off MSRP you should get a good deal.

[Donstar]

 

She's 5' even and prefers to lay down across the bench than actually sit in the middle, so I'm not too concerned.

But I know what you mean there. I had an '88 Jeep Comanche, '79 F150 SuperCab, and my current '86 Jeep J10, all with flat benches. Now they just use bucket seats with a jump seat in the middle.

The other seats are the same for trucks with or without a center jump seat. The center seating is useful for those times when you are carrying a full load of passengers but I wouldn't use it on a regular basis. Lap belts are fine when you don't have a choice but I wouldn't recommend them if there is a shoulder harness available!

[Krusty]

The other seats are the same for trucks with or without a center jump seat. The center seating is useful for those times when you are carrying a full load of passengers but I wouldn't use it on a regular basis. Lap belts are fine when you don't have a choice but I wouldn't recommend them if there is a shoulder harness available!

 

Not sure how many belts a person uses laying down.........

[NewKindOfClown]

I forgot to mention it in the original post, but the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller is definitely on my list of non-negotiable requirements. Spray-on bedliner is something I really want, but the local Line-X shop has a great rep. I could get it done there after the fact if the right deal comes along without the spray-in option.

 

I looked into the 6.2L, but there are a few reasons I don't want it. First, I simply don't need it. It's extra money for no significant benefit. Second, it has the lasting cost of premium fuel. Finally, you can't option the 6.2L with the LTZ Plus package and a front bench seat. It requires bucket seats with the 6.2L and LTZ Plus.

 

Thanks for all the input, guys! Keep it coming.

[Billy346]

Finally, you can't option the 6.2L with the LTZ Plus package and a front bench seat. It requires bucket seats with the 6.2L and LTZ Plus.

 

Thanks for all the input, guys! Keep it coming.

The seats are the same whether you get the "bucket" seats or the "bench" seats. The only difference is the center console. "Bench" seats get you the fold down arm rest and "bucket" seats get you the center console.

 

I didn't want the center console because I have long legs. Center consoles always make me feel cramped and constricted.

 

Since you're in the area, you should check out Country Chevrolet in Warrenton, VA. That's where I bought mine. They stock lots of trucks, and they order them just the way you seem to like.