Should Have Done More Research?

[callyer]

I picked up this truck because it met all my needs, or so I thought.... It fits my family when needed, and It can haul, tow, and double as a tractor around the house........... I have always expected all of these things from a truck (except the family part... that is pretty recent for me) And for the amount of stuff I put in the back on a regular basis, the small crew cab bed didn't bother me at all......

 

Until lately.... Who designs a full size, V8 truck that can't (while still remaining under warranty) be hooked up to a small snowplow? or be used to move around a 5th wheel/ gooseneck. I may have been in denial, but from what I understand, you can't even use a snowplow if you have the 2500 duramax due to front end weight....

 

I LOVE my truck, but really, I think these should be standard things taken into consideration on ANY truck, I am not saying that you should be able to use ANY truck as a work truck, BUT I should be able to keep a plow on the front during the winter to help out with the drive, or other situations when needed... and it should be able to tow any type of trailer when the load is kept within the weight ratings (which they spend a great deal of time Boasting about)

 

 

Just seems a little strange to me... maybe the half tons have become a little too "soccer mom"???? and not enough cowboy????

Opinions?

[Heysdad]

Dude.....That is an awesome truck you have there.

 

With that much clearence, why would you need a plow? Just go power over it.

 

Is there that much snow in Chandler Az. that you need a plow?

 

As for the 5th wheel/camper issue...Get a tent.

[DamageInc]

Dude.....That is an awesome truck you have there.

 

With that much clearence, why would you need a plow? Just go power over it.

 

Is there that much snow in Chandler Az. that you need a plow?

 

As for the 5th wheel/camper issue...Get a tent.

 

I think it says he's moving to Ohio, under his name.

 

If I were the only person that used my driveway, I wouldn't normally plow it either (except after huge storms that leave giant drifts). However, my girlfriend, the mail carrier, and other guests would get stuck in my driveway if I just leave it.

 

I wouldn't worry about putting on a plow for light-duty plowing, but I wouldn't do it commercially (with a 1500). It's just lame that GM would void warranty for it. But then again, Callyer is obviously not worried about the warranty, since he already has that lift on it.

[csheatz]

I agree, I love my truck, as does my wife. But we both agree that every new body style gets a little more plasitc and a little more whimpy look. I have heard many times they are not how they used to be, grandpa said when I got mine " damn prolly can handle a 12K trailer" I smiled and said just 7700lbs! he went on and on about a 1972 1/4 ton GMC, with a 350 he had that he pulled 10 face cords of firewood home and he knew that was over 10K. well you would think that would be a one time thing? nope did it 3 times a year, then he says he traded it for a 84 full size van that had a 350 in it and pulled the same thing. says he was back in the woods with his 25' trailer that had 48" walls, and had it loaded to the max with fresh cut wet wood and that van pulled it out in 1st gear foot on the floor but it made it! he said that was the most weight he ever tried to move. The guy he sold the van to still drives it, over 300,000 miles.

 

This is also the same person that had a 70 something blazer to plow is yard with with a beast 400, and car tires with chains only on the front. he would push snow all winter long higher then the house, then park it behind the barn all summer, go out there in the fall and start it right up! of course it had straps and chains holding the body to the frame, it was so rusted. After its last day he got a K5 with a 305 hoping for a close replacment, ha he still bitches that it would not move its own dead weight in 6" of snow and he had chains on all 4 tires and 33" mud tires! useless POS. thats what led him to get a tractor with a plower and a small jeep to clean up with.

 

your not the only one who notices that we are nearing a soccer mom truck! Soft ride, heated seats. Its the market though, everyone wants a truck because they are "cool" some of us buy a truck to pull our toys, because thats what we need, but by marketing a truck for people who never tow/haul, or get it dirty is where the money is, now they can market it to everyone without the need as well as those of us with a need.

 

My wife works with a women who leased a nice Z71, and didnt even know how to use the push button 4 wheel drive, she got it stuck in 4 low some how and drove to our house on a saturday (about 20 miles) for me to get it out. she said it made a lot of noise and was really hard to turn! But she wanted a truck!

 

Sorry so long but I have the same thoughts sometimes!

[jgillott]

I'm reading this post and the topic is identical to the conversation my father and I were having the other evening. He just rolled over 200K on his 1998 S-10 2x4 short bed and he is beginning to search for what he considers to be the last new truck he may purchase. We've been looking together the last month or so, and he is just not impressed with what he is finding out there. He definitely wants another full size, but isn't sure exactly what to go with. To go a little further with this post, let me give you a little background.

 

When I was young, my father drove a 1967 Chevy C10 with the 250 I6 and a 3-speed manual trans. It was a short bed green/blue with a white cab. We used that truck for everything from hauling firewood, to hay and gravel. He also used it as his daily driver and racked up a little over 250,000 miles before he traded it on a new 1979 C10. Other than one valve job and the typical rust issues those trucks had, it was flawless.

 

He only drove the '79 for a short while before he gave it to me to be my first vehicle. Well, I liked the thing so much, that I wanted to keep it perfect. So, it basically went in the garage and stayed there. I drove an '84 Chevette for quite a while until I got my next truck. I still have that '79 sitting in my parents garage in fact. Here's a couple pics of it.

 

 

 

 

Anyway. I then purchased an '85 Chevy 4x4 that I literally drove until it wouldn't move anymore. It had 331,000 miles on it when the transmission finally gave out. I sold it at that time to a gentleman that replaced the trans and to this day uses it as a plow truck.

 

After that, I purchased 3 Dodge Ram 2500s for myself, a 1992, a 2001 and now a 2007. All of those were powered by the Cummins diesel. Here's a pic of the '07.

 

 

The newest Chevy that we own is a 2005 Silverado 1500 extended cab 4x4 that is primarily the vehicle my wife drives around. It has been a fairly good truck so far, minus a few issues here and there.

 

 

 

 

OK, after all that...here's the point to my story. I agree with anyone that believes that trucks have evolved over the years to appeal to a market other than a work oriented environment. With the exception of the '79, we have worked every truck as a truck. All of the 4x4's have been off road on a regular basis. Each new one that we purchase gets a little more comfortable, more refined, but seem less and less equipped to go out and work day in and day out. My '85 literally never had a cent spent on suspension and steering components. Our '05 has already been through 2 steering shafts and is in need of it's 3rd. Again, as long as I'm alive and kicking, I'll keep buying trucks to work. I just wish one of the manufacturers would go back to the basics and build a strong, capable, modestly equipped truck for those of us who could use one.

[pennzoil29]

Why on earth are you moving to Ohio? There is nothing here. Unemployment is at a 16 year high, and besides that, you're going to freeze your ass off.

[VMax2007]

I'm reading this post and the topic is identical to the conversation my father and I were having the other evening. He just rolled over 200K on his 1998 S-10 2x4 short bed and he is beginning to search for what he considers to be the last new truck he may purchase. We've been looking together the last month or so, and he is just not impressed with what he is finding out there. He definitely wants another full size, but isn't sure exactly what to go with. To go a little further with this post, let me give you a little background.

 

When I was young, my father drove a 1967 Chevy C10 with the 250 I6 and a 3-speed manual trans. It was a short bed green/blue with a white cab. We used that truck for everything from hauling firewood, to hay and gravel. He also used it as his daily driver and racked up a little over 250,000 miles before he traded it on a new 1979 C10. Other than one valve job and the typical rust issues those trucks had, it was flawless.

 

He only drove the '79 for a short while before he gave it to me to be my first vehicle. Well, I liked the thing so much, that I wanted to keep it perfect. So, it basically went in the garage and stayed there. I drove an '84 Chevette for quite a while until I got my next truck. I still have that '79 sitting in my parents garage in fact. Here's a couple pics of it.

 

 

 

 

Anyway. I then purchased an '85 Chevy 4x4 that I literally drove until it wouldn't move anymore. It had 331,000 miles on it when the transmission finally gave out. I sold it at that time to a gentleman that replaced the trans and to this day uses it as a plow truck.

 

After that, I purchased 3 Dodge Ram 2500s for myself, a 1992, a 2001 and now a 2007. All of those were powered by the Cummins diesel. Here's a pic of the '07.

 

 

The newest Chevy that we own is a 2005 Silverado 1500 extended cab 4x4 that is primarily the vehicle my wife drives around. It has been a fairly good truck so far, minus a few issues here and there.

 

 

 

 

OK, after all that...here's the point to my story. I agree with anyone that believes that trucks have evolved over the years to appeal to a market other than a work oriented environment. With the exception of the '79, we have worked every truck as a truck. All of the 4x4's have been off road on a regular basis. Each new one that we purchase gets a little more comfortable, more refined, but seem less and less equipped to go out and work day in and day out. My '85 literally never had a cent spent on suspension and steering components. Our '05 has already been through 2 steering shafts and is in need of it's 3rd. Again, as long as I'm alive and kicking, I'll keep buying trucks to work. I just wish one of the manufacturers would go back to the basics and build a strong, capable, modestly equipped truck for those of us who could use one.

 

While I do agree with what you said, there is more to it. Which truck would you rather get into a serious accident with, your 79 (or any of the older trucks you mentioned) or your 07?

 

New trucks may not built as "rugged", but they are more powerful, more efficient, cleaner running, safer and weigh less, especially considering all of the extra added weight from the numerous safety devices (8000 airbags, ABS, Traction Control, Stabilitrak, etc, etc).

 

Trucks may have been modernized for comfort and daily driving, but they are every bit as capable for working too. Offroading may be an exception.

[jgillott]

While I do agree with what you said, there is more to it. Which truck would you rather get into a serious accident with, your 79 (or any of the older trucks you mentioned) or your 07?

 

New trucks may not built as "rugged", but they are more powerful, more efficient, cleaner running, safer and weigh less, especially considering all of the extra added weight from the numerous safety devices (8000 airbags, ABS, Traction Control, Stabilitrak, etc, etc).

 

Trucks may have been modernized for comfort and daily driving, but they are every bit as capable for working too. Offroading may be an exception.

 

 

I agree with you 100% on the aspects of safety etc. God forbid, I certainly would never want to be in a serious accident. But if I would be, I would definately want to be in the '07. I would also agree that the new ones tow and handle better then any of the older ones did. Heck, just hopping in the '79 now for a short drive feels strange.

[callyer]

I'm reading this post and the topic is identical to the conversation my father and I were having the other evening. He just rolled over 200K on his 1998 S-10 2x4 short bed and he is beginning to search for what he considers to be the last new truck he may purchase. We've been looking together the last month or so, and he is just not impressed with what he is finding out there. He definitely wants another full size, but isn't sure exactly what to go with. To go a little further with this post, let me give you a little background.

 

When I was young, my father drove a 1967 Chevy C10 with the 250 I6 and a 3-speed manual trans. It was a short bed green/blue with a white cab. We used that truck for everything from hauling firewood, to hay and gravel. He also used it as his daily driver and racked up a little over 250,000 miles before he traded it on a new 1979 C10. Other than one valve job and the typical rust issues those trucks had, it was flawless.

 

He only drove the '79 for a short while before he gave it to me to be my first vehicle. Well, I liked the thing so much, that I wanted to keep it perfect. So, it basically went in the garage and stayed there. I drove an '84 Chevette for quite a while until I got my next truck. I still have that '79 sitting in my parents garage in fact. Here's a couple pics of it.

 

 

 

 

Anyway. I then purchased an '85 Chevy 4x4 that I literally drove until it wouldn't move anymore. It had 331,000 miles on it when the transmission finally gave out. I sold it at that time to a gentleman that replaced the trans and to this day uses it as a plow truck.

 

After that, I purchased 3 Dodge Ram 2500s for myself, a 1992, a 2001 and now a 2007. All of those were powered by the Cummins diesel. Here's a pic of the '07.

 

 

The newest Chevy that we own is a 2005 Silverado 1500 extended cab 4x4 that is primarily the vehicle my wife drives around. It has been a fairly good truck so far, minus a few issues here and there.

 

 

 

 

OK, after all that...here's the point to my story. I agree with anyone that believes that trucks have evolved over the years to appeal to a market other than a work oriented environment. With the exception of the '79, we have worked every truck as a truck. All of the 4x4's have been off road on a regular basis. Each new one that we purchase gets a little more comfortable, more refined, but seem less and less equipped to go out and work day in and day out. My '85 literally never had a cent spent on suspension and steering components. Our '05 has already been through 2 steering shafts and is in need of it's 3rd. Again, as long as I'm alive and kicking, I'll keep buying trucks to work. I just wish one of the manufacturers would go back to the basics and build a strong, capable, modestly equipped truck for those of us who could use one.

 

While I do agree with what you said, there is more to it. Which truck would you rather get into a serious accident with, your 79 (or any of the older trucks you mentioned) or your 07?

 

New trucks may not built as "rugged", but they are more powerful, more efficient, cleaner running, safer and weigh less, especially considering all of the extra added weight from the numerous safety devices (8000 airbags, ABS, Traction Control, Stabilitrak, etc, etc).

 

Trucks may have been modernized for comfort and daily driving, but they are every bit as capable for working too. Offroading may be an exception.

 

 

 

Good point, then do you think it is just "legal mumbo-jumbo" that we can't have a personal plow on the front of our vehicles, and still be covered under warranty? Or is it that the front ends carry less? (it seems unlikely since ratings have increased)

If they are more capable, they should have a less restrictive warranty, as opposed to what they have now.

 

By the way, I have my vehicle in for warranty service all the time, and the lift/ tires don't affect my coverage, the service guys actually argue over who gets to take care of my vehicle... just for the record.. and the lift/ tires came with a 3 year/ unlimited mile warranty. So should be no worries there. The dealerships here always have a few lifted trucks with huge tires on them on the lot sold as new, so it would be difficult for them to argue their point! Unless they can prove that the difference in wear was directly caused by my larger tires (which would have to wear harder on the truck than towing max rated load like a lot of work trucks do. (lift should not affect anything, besides the lift kit itself should not directly affect anything that would matter)

 

I guess goosenecks/ 5th wheels aren't mainstream enough to take into full consideration, but I think they should have some sort of manufacturer's plan, even if it means a VERY limited capacity, and a hitch farther back in the bed. Just sayin' it can't be done, is not acceptable in my book, what if I just needed to move gooseneck trailers around empty as part of my occupation? There should be some guidance!!!!

 

 

And as far as moving to OH, it is home for our family, we have been in AZ too long already, (12 years) now that we have kids, we need to get them out of this city, ASAP. Back to small town, USA. right down the road from the kid's grandparent's farms.. with houses that are right on great bass fishin' lakes, and yards that kids and dogs can run and play in. Where you know not only your neighbor (which is unlikely in this town) but most of the other people in town, and you can go outside in October and have it be under 100 degrees!!!

I do understand that the job market is not great, but resourceful people always figure $h!t out!!!! Do you have a job opening? I guarantee I am the best at whatever I do!!!!

 

Craig

[Steveman]

I am not sure about this but I think one reason GM does not want you to put a plow on the 1500s is the new front suspension. With coil springs it might not be as heavy duty as the older torsion bar design used in the GMT-800 vehicles, so probably it is fine to plow with the 2500 and 3500 because they still use the torsion bars. The reason the 1500s use the coil springs is for comfort and control.

[Darkanion]

Maybe I missed something here, but it sounds like your needs have changed...

 

If you knew up front you wanted to put a plow on it, you should've verified it'd be able to fit the bill. If you knew up front you were going to be pulling a gooseneck, you should've made sure it could do it. From what I'm hearing, it sounds like you bought something that fit you needs at the time, but now the times (and your needs) have changed. They build trucks that can do what you want... It's just not the truck you bought, unfortunately.

 

Another thing to think about... The dealership in AZ may be cool with the lift, tires, etc.. But, nothing says the guys in OH (or elsewhere) may not give you grief about it and try to revoke the warranty. Just because you're dealing with cool guys in one place doesn't mean you will in another. They may be more strict or less strict.

 

If the manufacturer says it's not designed for a certain task and you do that anyway, you're taking any repairs into your own hands. If they say the front-end isn't built for plowing and you put a plow on it and you hit something solid and jack things up and need a bunch of repairs, don't expect the dealer to cover it. If you attach that gooseneck and mis-load the trailer and you break springs or an axle or whatever - after you've been advised to not do that - don't expect the dealer to cover it.

 

If "you" think it can do it, against the advice of the manufacturer and the people you've asked, go for it.. Just don't expect a bail-out with the warranty if things go bad. I'm not saying they WILL go bad... But, "if" they go bad, that could be hella-expensive to fix and I'm pretty sure GM is going to say "thanks for buying our truck, but we ain't fixin' it, because you did things we said it can't (or shouldn't) do."

 

That's my buck-fifty on it.. (since you can't be SQUAT with two cents these days! )

 

Best of luck, man!

[biller007]

I would say you should have done more research for sure. It's not really a secret that the crew cab won't haul a 5th wheel.

[jrrod2004]

trade that puppy in for a 2500HD with the gasser and 8 foot bed. that will take care of your problems.

[callyer]

trade that puppy in for a 2500HD with the gasser and 8 foot bed. that will take care of your problems.

 

The snow plow thing was always in mind, but I have grown up around people with plows, half of my family and friends work for GM and have traded trucks every 6 months practically since they have worked there, and for my entire life, I have heard that for plowing (not for business) you should get 3 things:

Automatic trans

4 wheel drive

and preferably the V8

and if you take into the assumption that these trucks today are rated to tow/ haul more, I NEVER would have guessed that you shouldn't strap a plow to the front! I am not bitching, nor am I pissed at GM.. just wanted to know if others were as shocked as I am about these things!

 

As far as the 5th wheel/ gooseneck goes, I never thought I would own one, but someone has offered me a trade for one of my motorcycles, and this may be my only option for trailering all my family's possesions across country one time, and then put it up for sale... It had never entered my mind though that a truck would not be "rated" for a

5th wheel, just seems there should be some rating, even if that rating is LOW, and stipulated a tapered front end, or something. Just seems strange is all, and I was wondering if I was the only one.

 

I purchased a Nissan titan Crew Cab 4x4 in 06, and the first time I tried to pull a shrub out of my neighbor's front yard, I threw it in 4wd, and BLAM.. the front diff blew up, that truck was traded in on my wife's Envoy XL within the next month or so. Maybe I do expect to much as a MINIMUM standard for a truck, that's why I am asking for opinions.. and from the replies.. seems like I am not the only one that is taken off guard.

 

and once again, just for the record, I LOVE MY TRUCK... just looking for some opinions here.

 

Thanks

[jhoff8487]

These half ton trucks can plow, if properly equipped. If you get the snow plow prep package, which I have(meaning only available on RC/LBs) then it is fine to plow. If that is something important to you and your needs, I'd say trade what you've got for a 2500HD and be done with it.

 

I do believe that it's rather shocking too...but it is how it is. Plowing is one of the hardest things ya could ever do to your truck. Maybe not occasionally but commercially plowing is just hard on it.