Lets talk about z71 vs max tow package suspensions for a minute.

O_J_Simpson · April 16, 2017

Im not towing anything I just need the payload capacity.

You like big chicks too?

redwngr · April 17, 2017

If your going to regularly carry 2000lbs, you should get a 2500.

For the larger brakes, if nothing else.

Payload includes the weight of driver, passengers and optional equipment. 1500 series configurations will all have payload ratings less than 2000 lb.

Mine (CC std box) is a max tow, and it's payload rating is 1803 lb. ( Book rating for 2016 CC std box 4wd is 1740 lb, so a little less than the max tow.)

michigan2500hd · April 17, 2017

My 2015 double cab 4x4 NHT has a payload capacity of 2110#. Not all are under 2000#

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newdude · April 17, 2017

My 2015 double cab 4x4 NHT has a payload capacity of 2110#. Not all are under 2000#

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That may be fact, but...if you have three people in the truck, and 2000lbs of whatever, you are now over weight. GM calculates payload with the weight of 1 driver (150lbs) and optional equipment. 2000lbs constantly does make the 2500 the more proper choice.

FreeAmerican · April 17, 2017

As for the mirrors, I love the tow mirrors. I added mine on because I have a 30 ft travel trailer. But in day to day driving they help a lot. Merging in traffic, backing into tight spots, not to mention each side has spot lights you turn on when you turn on your bed light.

As others have stated, the Rancho shocks on the Z71 are terrible. at 20k miles, 3 out of 4 on mine were bad. 2 were leaking and the 3rd was just plain dead and cavitating. I ended up switching to Bilsteins.

A couple of things not mentioned: heavier radiator, I wish I had. May add it later. Bigger from anti-roll bar. I added a Hellwig 1.5 in bar. The Z71 is considerably thinner. Max tow is not as big as the Hellwig but close. It make driving with a load more pleasant.

What frustrates me about GM is you can't find what you really want and they won't let you order exactly what you want. I wanted a max tow but couldn't find one. But really I also wanted the Z71 skid plats.

I really think you would do better with the max tow.

michigan2500hd · April 17, 2017

That may be fact, but...if you have three people in the truck, and 2000lbs of whatever, you are now over weight. GM calculates payload with the weight of 1 driver (150lbs) and optional equipment. 2000lbs constantly does make the 2500 the more proper choice.

I agree with that much weight with any regularly a 2500 is the safe choice. I'm guilty of hauling way more than I should in a number of trucks but that was it of nessesaty. I wouldn't do it often if I could help it.

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ewbldavis · April 17, 2017

I'll add to the LOVE the tow mirrors - even when NOT towing!

If payload, not towing, is issue then the above 2500 notes are definitely what you want. And while visibility sucks, you can get a 2500 without the jogger-smackers.

powerhaulic · April 17, 2017

I'll add to the LOVE the tow mirrors - even when NOT towing!

If payload, not towing, is issue then the above 2500 notes are definitely what you want. And while visibility sucks, you can get a 2500 without the jogger-smackers.

Jogger smackers.........LOL I love it, thats a good one.

They must have been invading my personal space

Sierra706 · April 17, 2017

As for the mirrors, I love the tow mirrors. I added mine on because I have a 30 ft travel trailer. But in day to day driving they help a lot. Merging in traffic, backing into tight spots, not to mention each side has spot lights you turn on when you turn on your bed light.

As others have stated, the Rancho shocks on the Z71 are terrible. at 20k miles, 3 out of 4 on mine were bad. 2 were leaking and the 3rd was just plain dead and cavitating. I ended up switching to Bilsteins.

A couple of things not mentioned: heavier radiator, I wish I had. May add it later. Bigger from anti-roll bar. I added a Hellwig 1.5 in bar. The Z71 is considerably thinner. Max tow is not as big as the Hellwig but close. It make driving with a load more pleasant.

What frustrates me about GM is you can't find what you really want and they won't let you order exactly what you want. I wanted a max tow but couldn't find one. But really I also wanted the Z71 skid plats.

I really think you would do better with the max tow.

Factory z71 comes with a single skid plate over the transfer case. Your better off buying the GM shield set for 200 after the fact

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AFournier · April 20, 2017

I was just looking at True North and it says "heavy duty suspension". Is that the same suspension as the max tow trailer package suspension??

Ridersfan · May 4, 2017

I was just looking at True North and it says "heavy duty suspension". Is that the same suspension as the max tow trailer package suspension??

No, not at all. You can get True North PDU and Max Trailering NHT on the same truck though.

Cowpie · May 6, 2017

That may be fact, but...if you have three people in the truck, and 2000lbs of whatever, you are now over weight. GM calculates payload with the weight of 1 driver (150lbs) and optional equipment. 2000lbs constantly does make the 2500 the more proper choice.

Indeed. My 2500 LT Z71 DC with snow plow prep and towing package, full tank with two people on board and about 200-300 lb of tools and such in the back, tips the weigh scales at about 7200 lb. That leaves about 2300 lb of payload capacity left. And 2000 lb in the back just brings that pickup to level with no additional suspension support.