Need A Work Truck

Chevron · February 2, 2008

Im looking into a new GM/Chev 1500, primarily a work truck for a carpenter/general contractor. Trying to figure out how much truck I need, engine size, axle ratios, suspension and options-

Usually will be hauling personal tools and equipment, occassionally (couple times a month) need to haul heavy loads up to 1500 lbs like 30 sheets of plywood, building materials etc. I never tow, so considering not even getting the tow package.

Also need to put on a contractor's cap with side toolboxes, looking at the leer 180cc(anyone know how bad these are for drag?)

mostly city driving, occasionl highway.

I want a no-frills, WT-level trim, but dont know what I should go for as for other options. Any suggestions?

pm26 · February 2, 2008

Recommended options on a work truck:

5.3 V8. 3.73 axle ratio, locking rear differential, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD radio, heavy duty chassis/suspension, towing package. And of course, heated and cooled cup holders.

Even if you do not intend to tow, the tow package is a desirable option on a work truck and better for resale.

jsn0801 · February 2, 2008

+1^

I am a contractor also and that description is really close to what I purchased. Trade the cup holders for tinted windows and make it an extended cab 4x4, and thats my truck.

I couldn't be happier.

marko · February 2, 2008

Get the towing package. I'm just a hobbyist and I used to never tow until:

1. I got a second-hand utility trailer.

2. I decided to build a garage, and needed to haul building materials.

3. I needed to haul garbage out of the in-progress garage.

4. I needed siding for the garage (too big for the bed)

5. I needed concrete forms for the garage (ditto)

6. I needed a load of topsoil for the garden.

7. I needed a load of manure for the garden.

8. I will need sods for the yard.

9. My friend needed a jackhammering job done and I had to tow a compressor over to his place to do it.

10. The concrete I jackhammered out needed hauling away.

11. I bought a hot tub and had to bring it home.

12. My friend bought a hot tub and had to bring it home.

13. Camping season is coming up and it will soon (but not soon enough, getting tired of winter) time to take the trailer down to the lake

14. I needed to go and get a load of firewood to burn this winter....

And so on....

Once you have a hitch you will start hauling stuff in the trailer not the truck. It's way more convenient and keeps your truck clean.

And it allows you to buy an extended cab to provide room for valuables, family, and work stuff. And plenty of fast food wrappers. Having had a regular cab and an extended cab I'd never go back to regular cab. Especially not now that I have a trailer!!

And you can still pack plywood sheets in the ext cab box with the tailgate down.

Matter of fact, most contractors (4 of my neighbours are contractors) I know put a knaack box in the back of their truck which they rarely use, and haul around a trailer containing their tools. They prefer it to the truck because you can walk inside the trailer, and you can park it someplace secure. For the price of that canopy I bet you can buy yourself a second-hand U-Haul trailer as a mobile shop. Seems carpenters tow around trailers with pickups, and electricians and plumbers drive around in vans. Go figure.

You've probably thought of all this already, so sorry if I am going a bit overboard. Just my $0.02

unit731 · February 2, 2008

www.gmbusinesschoice.com

If you are buying off the lot then get the most WT truck available. Work trucks are very limited in stock in my area. And I looked in 3 states.

Do yourself a favor and visit GM Business Choice as you do qualify. You get 5 options at Business Choice - from cash cards to business equipment like storage boxes and bed racks. Free.

If ordering, then seriously look at vinyl carpet and vinyl seats. Much easier to keep clean.

What is stated above for engine/axle is good. The 5.3 does get better gas mileage than the 4.8. Towing Package is a must. You won't regret that one.

You didn't state whether you are up north or down south. If down south, then 2WD is OK. If you north, then do get the 4x4.

For a work truck, the 8' bed is usually mandatory. That limits you to regular cab and extended cab. Geting an extended cab and 8' bed makes for a real long truck. Depending on jobsites, turning around can be an issue.

Get air conditioning.

There are many more option combinations available in the GM Business Choice Program. As a Business Choice even colors are offered that are not in catalog. Most dealer salesperson do not know much about Business Choice. Always ask for a fleet salesperson. They do know. Even though you are not making a fleet purchase.

Below is a 2008 GMC Work Truck. No extra cost for color. Ornamentation Delete.

Chevron · February 2, 2008

Some good info, Thanks.

Very true, the hitch will probably come in handy eventually.

unit731 · February 2, 2008

Some good info, Thanks.
Very true, the hitch will probably come in handy eventually.

And note: Every dealer I visited, emphatically stated that the truck picutured above could not be ordered. Even though I am not a fleet, with Business Choice Program, a buyer can order anything available to fleet sales. Zero salespeople were aware of this. That is why I recommend speaking with the fleet salesman/person.

I ended up informing most of the dealer sales people about Business Choice and ultimately ended up with a fleet salesperson where I did order above truck.

j.roffel · February 2, 2008

What does the ornamentation delete do with the front grill?

unit731 · February 2, 2008

What does the ornamentation delete do with the front grill?

There are three ornamentation deletes.

8F2 is total ornamentation delete

9M4 is ornamentation tailgate delete

9R1 is ornamentation delete pickup box

The front grille remains the same no matter what code above is used in ordering. Truck still states GMC on front - or Chevrolet if a Chevy.

I got the GMC as the Chrome front bumper is standard. Painted on Chevrolet. All options same cost/price. Some do like the painted bumper.

One does lose the body side moldings so be forewarned if that is important to you.

marko · February 3, 2008

www.gmbusinesschoice.com

If you are buying off the lot then get the most WT truck available. Work trucks are very limited in stock in my area. And I looked in 3 states.

Do yourself a favor and visit GM Business Choice as you do qualify. You get 5 options at Business Choice - from cash cards to business equipment like storage boxes and bed racks. Free.

If ordering, then seriously look at vinyl carpet and vinyl seats. Much easier to keep clean.

What is stated above for engine/axle is good. The 5.3 does get better gas mileage than the 4.8. Towing Package is a must. You won't regret that one.

You didn't state whether you are up north or down south. If down south, then 2WD is OK. If you north, then do get the 4x4.

For a work truck, the 8' bed is usually mandatory. That limits you to regular cab and extended cab. Geting an extended cab and 8' bed makes for a real long truck. Depending on jobsites, turning around can be an issue.

Get air conditioning.

There are many more option combinations available in the GM Business Choice Program. As a Business Choice even colors are offered that are not in catalog. Most dealer salesperson do not know much about Business Choice. Always ask for a fleet salesperson. They do know. Even though you are not making a fleet purchase.

Below is a 2008 GMC Work Truck. No extra cost for color. Ornamentation Delete.

What ornamentation?

unit731 · February 3, 2008

I am seriously thinking of obtaining a Toyota logo - large enough to cover my big GMC on front grill.

Most people don't have a clue what truck I have unless they are directly at front. So I put a Toyota logo there - voila - I have a new Toyota truck.

Why? Just for plain old fun. Nothing philosophical.

unit731 · February 3, 2008

I am seriously thinking of obtaining a Toyota logo - large enough to cover my big GMC on front grill.

Most people don't have a clue what truck I have unless they are directly at front. So I put a Toyota logo there - voila - I have a new Toyota truck.

Why? Just for plain old fun. Nothing philosophical.

punmax · February 3, 2008

I am seriously thinking of obtaining a Toyota logo - large enough to cover my big GMC on front grill.

Most people don't have a clue what truck I have unless they are directly at front. So I put a Toyota logo there - voila - I have a new Toyota truck.

Why? Just for plain old fun. Nothing philosophical.

Lmao put a Honda sign there

marko · February 3, 2008

I am seriously thinking of obtaining a Toyota logo - large enough to cover my big GMC on front grill.

Most people don't have a clue what truck I have unless they are directly at front. So I put a Toyota logo there - voila - I have a new Toyota truck.

Why? Just for plain old fun. Nothing philosophical.

That color truck should have a "John Deere" badge on it!

rogerf · February 3, 2008

Im looking into a new GM/Chev 1500, primarily a work truck for a carpenter/general contractor. Trying to figure out how much truck I need, engine size, axle ratios, suspension and options-
Usually will be hauling personal tools and equipment, occassionally (couple times a month) need to haul heavy loads up to 1500 lbs like 30 sheets of plywood, building materials etc. I never tow, so considering not even getting the tow package.

Also need to put on a contractor's cap with side toolboxes, looking at the leer 180cc(anyone know how bad these are for drag?)

mostly city driving, occasionl highway.

I want a no-frills, WT-level trim, but dont know what I should go for as for other options. Any suggestions?

For what you described, the basic reg cab, long box W/T is the ticket. My previous truck was a 2wd W/T with a 4.3L V-6, 3.73 limited-slip diff that worked fine for the hauling weight you describe. Wasn't a powerhouse but it got the job done and won't eat your lunch in fuel. Get the tow package for the suspension upgrade and larger air filter. If you want a few extra toys, may want to consider at an LT trim and spec order with a rubber floor if you don't want carpet.