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Is the Trail boss a bad deal?

Chris walker

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Chris walker Enthusiast

Chris walker

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I'm a HUGE fan of the Trail boss...with that being said the more I play with the build/configurator on Chevy's website Im not sure its that good of a deal. I can build an LTZ premium with many more options (some unavailable in a Trail boss) for about the same price. I realize it doesnt have a 2 inch lift but I can pay the dealership to add Chevy's lift and add some nittos for a couple of grand. I'm sitting in a MUCH nicer truck for just a few grand and still be under factory warranty. I optioned out a high country and it would only be about 5k more than a trail boss after chevy lift and tires. Im feeling like Chevy is sitting on a gold mine and will be stuffing money in both pockets with the Trail boss...Am I missing something?

 

The only thing stopping me from going this route is the chrome on the LTZ/High Country...Im not a fan of the chrome. If Chevy comes out with an LTZ midnight/dusk edition its not going to be a tough call

Chris walker Enthusiast

Chris walker

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3 minutes ago, rikhek said:

You can lift the LTZ the same 2" for less than $100 yourself.  You don't need different shocks or shafts.

I didnt even think about ^^^^ that.  I can basically take that 2k and dump it into new wheels and tires to do away with 50% of the chrome.

 

aseibel Senior Enthusiast

aseibel

Posted
Posted
44 minutes ago, Chris walker said:

I'm a HUGE fan of the Trail boss...with that being said the more I play with the build/configurator on Chevy's website Im not sure its that good of a deal. I can build an LTZ premium with many more options (some unavailable in a Trail boss) for about the same price. I realize it doesnt have a 2 inch lift but I can pay the dealership to add Chevy's lift and add some nittos for a couple of grand. I'm sitting in a MUCH nicer truck for just a few grand and still be under factory warranty. I optioned out a high country and it would only be about 5k more than a trail boss after chevy lift and tires. Im feeling like Chevy is sitting on a gold mine and will be stuffing money in both pockets with the Trail boss...Am I missing something?

 

The only thing stopping me from going this route is the chrome on the LTZ/High Country...Im not a fan of the chrome. If Chevy comes out with an LTZ midnight/dusk edition its not going to be a tough call

I think you're right. The trail boss is for those who want that custom package look without having to do anything but drive it home. Serious modders would rather choose their own parts and options on the truck. You can go which ever way you like. sounds like you already know which will make you happy. go for it!

bfrank02 Enthusiast

bfrank02

Posted
Posted

I struggled with this too as I wanted the vented seats and heads up display. But the chrome was the deal breaker so I just went with the Trail boss as I think its the only version where the front end looks really good (except for the dark color RST's)

rkj__ Enthusiast

rkj__

Posted
Posted
20 minutes ago, aseibel said:

I think you're right. The trail boss is for those who want that custom package look without having to do anything but drive it home. Serious modders would rather choose their own parts and options on the truck. You can go which ever way you like.

You got it. 

 

A lot of buyers like to have all costs rolled into the financing, and backed by the manufacturer warranty.  Some (not all) service managers can get all pissy when you put any non-OEM part on your vehicle, which can be super annoying. 

 

Typically, you end up paying more for these OEM upgrades though, so if your goal is to have the coolest, most unique truck within your budget, a DIY approach might be for you. 

Back in a Bowtie Enthusiast

Back in a Bowtie

Posted
Posted

same way in that a ZL1 is a "bad" deal vs a regular ss... or the hellcat is a "bad" deal vs a SRT.  You could mod the cheaper ones to make more power and handle better far cheaper than buying the others.  But you lose out on a factory warranty and then you have to do all the work.  purely buyer preference

Sierra Dan Senior Enthusiast

Sierra Dan

Posted
Posted

If you like the LTZ features....  Option out an RST platform to get the painted grille, mirror and handles. :thumbs:

gothp28 Enthusiast

gothp28

Posted
Posted

Not sure if the AT4 is set up the same way or not but. I can get in at4 4K cheaper than a denali. With every option that I was getting on the denali. What I saw as a difference was different rims and you do not get power running boards. I thought of it as being a cheaper deal.
I basically had both vehicles totally loaded with everything but the trailer package. I didn't like the fact that it removed some cameras.

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SILVER SLED Senior Enthusiast

SILVER SLED

Posted
Posted

It's just my opinion, but although the Trail Boss is lifted, it is far from level.  The nose on the Trail Boss sits way low on the one's I've seen, like they need a level kit.  The non Trail Boss's I've seen sit fairly level, seemingly more level than 18 and older.   

gothp28 Enthusiast

gothp28

Posted
Posted

All gmc and chevy sit with the front lower for Aerodynamics regardless if it's a standard, denali and trail boss.

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Chris walker Enthusiast

Chris walker

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3 hours ago, Sierra Dan said:

If you like the LTZ features....  Option out an RST platform to get the painted grille, mirror and handles. :thumbs:

Interesting idea - Isnt an RST way down on features compared to the LTZ?

silveradonationfan15 Enthusiast

silveradonationfan15

Posted
Posted
6 hours ago, bfrank02 said:

I struggled with this too as I wanted the vented seats and heads up display. But the chrome was the deal breaker so I just went with the Trail boss as I think its the only version where the front end looks really good (except for the dark color RST's)

I just wish they offer the LTZ Z71 model again, it was the LTZ with body colored grill and bumpers and with Z71.

GMC-AT Senior Enthusiast

GMC-AT

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, Chris walker said:

Interesting idea - Isnt an RST way down on features compared to the LTZ?

Yes.. on my RST order (fully loaded) I couldn't get power side mirrors or power passenger seat.. no matter how much $$$ I spent.  These are the two things I wish the RST had.   I could get an LTZ that has this stuff, plus vented seats, rear heated seats, etc,  for less $$.   

But I just can't stand the chrome exterior of LTZ, etc. 

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