Trying to decide between two trucks that are close in specs

[Jason Clark]

Heya folks, I currently own a 2016 Silverado LT with the 5.3.  When I first bought the truck I really wanted the duramax v6, but alas it was not out yet.  I tow dirt bikes on the weekends as well as a 30' camper (weights around 7000lbs loaded).   The reason I want the duramax is a) I owned a 2007 2500hd duramax prior and loved the diesel torque and b) fuel mileage when towing the dirt bikes for 3-4 hours every weekend and the trailer (no I don't tow the dirt bikes and trailer at the same time).    I'm looking at two different trucks, one is a 2020 silverado rst in black with the z71 package and a few other packages, and the other is a 2020 silverado rst in shadow grey with the advanced trailer package and safety package.   

 

Main differences between the two is really offroad package, vs safety and trailer camera packages (at least from what i can tell).   Any words of wisdom on what benefits / drawbacks there are between the packages in these for what I do with the truck?

 

Black:

z71 package 

dual exhaust treatment

convenience package I and II

true north package

trailer package

hitch guidance

 

Shadow Grey (https://www.myersorleansgm.ca/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Chevrolet-Silverado_1500-RST-Orléans-ON/4660060253)

Safety package

Convenience package

Dark essentials

Trailer package

Trailer camera package

Advanced trailer package

 

 

[btj_z71]

1 hour ago, Jason Clark said:

Heya folks, I currently own a 2016 Silverado LT with the 5.3.  When I first bought the truck I really wanted the duramax v6, but alas it was not out yet.  I tow dirt bikes on the weekends as well as a 30' camper (weights around 7000lbs loaded).   The reason I want the duramax is a) I owned a 2007 2500hd duramax prior and loved the diesel torque and b) fuel mileage when towing the dirt bikes for 3-4 hours every weekend and the trailer (no I don't tow the dirt bikes and trailer at the same time).    I'm looking at two different trucks, one is a 2020 silverado rst in black with the z71 package and a few other packages, and the other is a 2020 silverado rst in shadow grey with the advanced trailer package and safety package.   

 

Main differences between the two is really offroad package, vs safety and trailer camera packages (at least from what i can tell).   Any words of wisdom on what benefits / drawbacks there are between the packages in these for what I do with the truck?

 

Black:

z71 package 

dual exhaust treatment

convenience package I and II

true north package

trailer package

hitch guidance

 

Shadow Grey (https://www.myersorleansgm.ca/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Chevrolet-Silverado_1500-RST-Orléans-ON/4660060253)

Safety package

Convenience package

Dark essentials

Trailer package

Trailer camera package

Advanced trailer package

 

 

My suggestion is you go onto the Chevrolet site and build your 2020 Silverado.  Build it exactly how you want it and understand the different options and packages available.  Then, take your build to the dealer of your choice and simply tell them this is what you want.

 

You can also use Chevrolet's website to filter Silverados on dealer lots to find a Silverado which meets yours wants and needs.

 

I custom ordered my 2020 LTZ Z71 3.0L Duramax because there simply were not any trucks on lots that were optioned like I wanted.  Received it 8 weeks after ordering.  Normal delivery time is 6 to 8 weeks.

[f8l vnm]

Can you even order a 2020 anymore? I think now its 21 models you can order now right ? 

[OnTheReel]

As a whole, the black one is better equipped for day to day use. Convenience Package II adds a lot including Bose stereo that doesn’t make your ears bleed like the base stereo, higher resolution backup camera that is actually usable, SiriusXM 360, sliding rear window, 120v power outlets. Z71 also adds the 2 speed transfer case with 4 low instead of terrain mode.

 

Specifically for towing the grey one is certainly better. Having the trailer brake controller, trailer tire pressure monitors, bed view cam and trailer camera provisions is nice.

[Gangly]

I have a 2020 Z71, 5.3L, 8 Speed, w/ the Convenience II package and I regularly haul 2 dirt bikes in the bed of the truck, which are NOT lightweights (650 and 300).  I drive a little under an hour each way to get where I want to ride, and the truck doesn't even feel the bikes, gear, etc.  My mileage is usually around 17-18 mpg when loaded up with bikes, gear, ice chest, etc.  I have the Convenience II package as well which I really enjoy and the factory trailer brake controller is nice, though I've never needed it on any trailer small enough for dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.  I say this so that you can readily decided whether or not you NEED the advanced trailering package, because if all you are doing is hauling dirt bikes, the black Z71 truck you are looking at would be a much more enjoyable ride with additional conveniences while the grey truck with the advanced trailering package is not needed.

 

Its not my choice, but the black Z71 truck is more than capable of the work you are describing and the work would never over tax the truck's abilities.

Edited September 30, 2020 by Gangly

[stonedigity]

The mirrors on the max trailering package look ridiculous (very functional, but UGLY). Buy the black one. Still plenty capable for the off and on towing you do but much better for the day to day. 

[newdude]

3 hours ago, Jason Clark said:

Heya folks, I currently own a 2016 Silverado LT with the 5.3.  When I first bought the truck I really wanted the duramax v6, but alas it was not out yet.  I tow dirt bikes on the weekends as well as a 30' camper (weights around 7000lbs loaded).   The reason I want the duramax is a) I owned a 2007 2500hd duramax prior and loved the diesel torque and b) fuel mileage when towing the dirt bikes for 3-4 hours every weekend and the trailer (no I don't tow the dirt bikes and trailer at the same time).    I'm looking at two different trucks, one is a 2020 silverado rst in black with the z71 package and a few other packages, and the other is a 2020 silverado rst in shadow grey with the advanced trailer package and safety package.   

 

Main differences between the two is really offroad package, vs safety and trailer camera packages (at least from what i can tell).   Any words of wisdom on what benefits / drawbacks there are between the packages in these for what I do with the truck?

 

Black:

z71 package 

dual exhaust treatment

convenience package I and II

true north package

trailer package

hitch guidance

 

Shadow Grey (https://www.myersorleansgm.ca/VehicleDetails/new-2020-Chevrolet-Silverado_1500-RST-Orléans-ON/4660060253)

Safety package

Convenience package

Dark essentials

Trailer package

Trailer camera package

Advanced trailer package

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you have a link for the black truck?  Those two trucks aren't "too" far apart.  Going off the VIN on the Shadow Gray (the one you linked) it has:

 

PCH Convenience Package with Buckets

PCM Convenience Package II (including Bose because RST)

PQB Safety Package

 

For whatever reason, they didn't just do the PDU True North on it.  True North is the same as All Star in the US which is Convenience I and trailering pkg.  So both have Convenience I and II, the trailering pkg, they both have hitch guidance, it sounds like they both have the Advance Trailering pkg because to get hitch guidance, you need the advance trailer pkg and to get the advance trailer pkg you need convenience II.

 

The only real differences I see is color, Z71 vs 4x4 and the safety package.  

 

 

Edited September 30, 2020 by newdude

[Jason Clark]

48 minutes ago, Gangly said:

I have a 2020 Z71, 5.3L, 8 Speed, w/ the Convenience II package and I regularly haul 2 dirt bikes in the bed of the truck, which are NOT lightweights (650 and 300).  I drive a little under an hour each way to get where I want to ride, and the truck doesn't even feel the bikes, gear, etc.  My mileage is usually around 17-18 mpg when loaded up with bikes, gear, ice chest, etc.  I have the Convenience II package as well which I really enjoy and the factory trailer brake controller is nice, though I've never needed it on any trailer small enough for dirt bikes and 4 wheelers.  I say this so that you can readily decided whether or not you NEED the advanced trailering package, because if all you are doing is hauling dirt bikes, the black Z71 truck you are looking at would be a much more enjoyable ride with additional conveniences while the grey truck with the advanced trailering package is not needed.

 

Its not my choice, but the black Z71 truck is more than capable of the work you are describing and the work would never over tax the truck's abilities.

 

So the dirtbikes are just one towing duty, we tow a 30' travel trailer that weights ~7000lbs during the spring/summer/fall to camp/vacation.  You get better mileage than my 2016 5.3 for sure  Guess, the new cylinder deactivation and 8 speed helps more than I thought it would.

[Jason Clark]

14 minutes ago, newdude said:

 

 

Do you have a link for the black truck?  Those two trucks aren't "too" far apart.  Going off the VIN on the Shadow Gray (the one you linked) it has:

 

PCH Convenience Package with Buckets

PCM Convenience Package II (including Bose because RST)

PQB Safety Package

 

For whatever reason, they didn't just do the PDU True North on it.  True North is the same as All Star in the US which is Convenience I and trailering pkg.  So both have Convenience I and II, the trailering pkg, they both have hitch guidance, it sounds like they both have the Advance Trailering pkg because to get hitch guidance, you need the advance trailer pkg and to get the advance trailer pkg you need convenience II.

 

The only real differences I see is color, Z71 vs 4x4 and the safety package.  

 

 

 Unfortunately, no link as they don't have it up on the site yet.  Vin is 1GCUYEET8LZ370719.   I think they both have hitch guidance but the black one doesn't have advanced trailer pkg, or hitch guidance with hitch view.  

[newdude]

6 minutes ago, Jason Clark said:

 Unfortunately, no link as they don't have it up on the site yet.  Vin is 1GCUYEET8LZ370719.   I think they both have hitch guidance but the black one doesn't have advanced trailer pkg, or hitch guidance with hitch view.  

 

So the black truck doesn't have advance trailering so no trailer TPMS capability, hitch camera nor the trailering app but it does have the CTT hitch guidance lines.

 

So, I would base your decision on the following.  Do you want/need trailer tire pressure sensors?  If you do, the shadow gray truck has ZL6 advance trailering so it will have the trailering app, the ability to do trailer TPMS and the hitch camera view.

 

Do you want to add GM trailering mirrors?  If so, safety package prevents you from doing so.  The black truck you can add the GM tow mirrors from the accessories catalog.

 

Do you want/need low range transfer case?  Black truck with Z71.  The 4x4 have a crawl mode but no physical 4 low. 

[redwngr]

1 hour ago, f8l vnm said:

Can you even order a 2020 anymore? I think now its 21 models you can order now right ? 

No, but the dealers can price and accept orders for the 2021's.

 

Even if you decide to buy something currently at a dealer, be sure to check out the advertising on the trailering feature improvements for 2021's to see if any of them are important to you. 

 

Nothing worse that having one home for few weeks and then finding out the there is some desirable feature that was available a few weeks after the purchase.

[Supercup]

If you tow 30' trailer - be sure and get the Trailer Package with tow mirrors - you can't see arount an enclosed trailer with standard mirrors.

 

The trailer package with side and see through cameras is awewome - I had a 2019 Caron Pro AT4 without trailer mirrors or two cameras - traded for a 2020 Carbon Pro AT4 with trailer mirrors and trailer camera package, the difference when towing in visibility is night and day - so much safter and better visibility.  Love the 2020 with the trailer package! 

 

Good luck finding right truck.

 

John 

Edited September 30, 2020 by Supercup

[Jason Clark]

3 minutes ago, Supercup said:

If you tow 30' trailer - be sure and get the Trailer Package with tow mirrors - you can't see arount an enclosed trailer with standard mirrors.

 

The trailer package with side and see through cameras is awewome - I had a 2019 Caron Pro AT4 without trailer mirrors or two cameras - traded for a 2020 Carbon Pro AT4 with trailer mirrors and trailer camera package, the difference when towing in visibility is night and day - so much safter and better visibility.  Love the 2020 with the trailer package! 

 

Good luck finding right truck.

 

John 

Do you mean the advanced trailer package?  re: two cameras?  I believe both have the trailer package, but i'd have to add the mirrors on the black one or get slip ons (eww).

[Supercup]

Here is photo of my 2020 AT4 - tow mirrors and trailer.  Tech package included Bed view camera with 2 trailer camera provisoins (plugs above trailer plug for accessory cameras) and outside trailering mirrors - when combined with Tech package when trailer is plugged in the cameras in the side mirrors can be used for viewing down side of truck and trailer when driving.  The accessory cameras - one for back of trailer to create the "see through" effect and a 2nd one if you want inside your trailer to see what is going on with cargo inside.  The accessory cameras have been backordered - I am still waiting for one to go on the back, but the tow mirrors work great.

 

I looked into adding the tow mirrors and no dealer near me in S. Cal could figure out how to do it, plus it was going to cost way more than getting the from factory on new truck.  So if you want that get it in your deal and make the dealer do it for you.  It can be done (another thread on that here), but it is not easy.  

 

The slip overs mirrors don't work well - I tried 3 different ones for my 2019 - and none of them helped with visibility much - the mirror were to small or low quality and don't go out far enough.  Finally I started looking for a 2020 with to mirrors.  Found truck with same options, fair deal and made the change - was a very good decision.  The 2020 is so much better with cameras in mirrors that see down the sides and the dual mirror, plus the mirrors extend out - there is no comparison on what you can see and how much safer it is.  

 

Edited September 30, 2020 by Supercup

[Supercup]

Here is window sticker with what mine has so you can see exactly how they word it.