Sle Or Slt? And The Ham Radio?

piscator · January 31, 2009

I'm stuck between SLE vs SLT. I see advantages/disadvantages to both.

In particular, though, I can't figure out where to put my ham radio in the SLT. Here's the overall dilemma:

SLE: Better, ergonomic, dash layout -- seems to offer more space to mount my ham radio. I could build a center console for the SLE and still use the center seat. Or get rid of the center seat.

The SLE offers flexibility to tailor the truck the way I want. I can try it one way and change it if I like. Since it's less expensive, still have budget for sunroof and accessories.

SLT: Gorgeous and finished. Already looks 'upscale' -- but where do I put the ham radio? The radio/HVAC console in the SLT really eats up space. It's 'purdy' but less functional than it could be.

The advantage to the SLT is that it's complete -- so long as I can live with it the way it is.

SLE vs SLT? Any thoughts, advice, or opinions heartily welcomed!

piscator

P.S. The information I've gathered from you all has been invaluable -- Thanks!

C. Charles Hahn · January 31, 2009

It really depends on your needs and wants as far as options go. Like you said, the SLE interior is a bit better suited to having ham gear and other equipment mounted in-cab; that's not so much the case with the SLT, unless you were to remove the center console and put something different in there instead.

I'd suggest searching for pictures of the GMT900 Police Tahoe interior all kitted out... might give you some ideas of how equipment can be installed into the SLT truck interior.

Spurshot · January 31, 2009

I like the upscale trim and DIC of my LTZ. I don't like the loss of a center seat, but heck that piece of crap they put in the center doesn't qualify as a seat anyway.

If you're going to use it like a real truck, go with the SLE. If you're like me, only use it for a commutor most of the time and a small percentage of off-road work as a hunting truck, SLT/LTZ will give you daily appreciation of the goochy stuff.

alaska511 · January 31, 2009

I like the upscale trim and DIC of my LTZ. I don't like the loss of a center seat, but heck that piece of crap they put in the center doesn't qualify as a seat anyway.

If you're going to use it like a real truck, go with the SLE. If you're like me, only use it for a commutor most of the time and a small percentage of off-road work as a hunting truck, SLT/LTZ will give you daily appreciation of the goochy stuff.

I agree. I had an LT for a loaner while mine was in for some warranty work. I did miss my comfy interior. I commute, tow, and travel so the need for the open interior of a LT/SLE is not needed.

The concern over wanting to bolt on accessories or additional equipment is valid when it comes to an LTZ/SLT. There isn't room for such things. It would get cramped if you did, and look like hell.

C. Charles Hahn · January 31, 2009

The concern over wanting to bolt on accessories or additional equipment is valid when it comes to an LTZ/SLT. There isn't room for such things. It would get cramped if you did, and look like hell.

And to that end, check this out:

alaska511 · January 31, 2009

The concern over wanting to bolt on accessories or additional equipment is valid when it comes to an LTZ/SLT. There isn't room for such things. It would get cramped if you did, and look like hell.

And to that end, check this out:

AAAARGH gotta have my cupholders

huero626 · January 31, 2009

I would get the SLT

VMax2007 · January 31, 2009

I like the upscale trim and DIC of my LTZ. I don't like the loss of a center seat, but heck that piece of crap they put in the center doesn't qualify as a seat anyway.

If you're going to use it like a real truck, go with the SLE. If you're like me, only use it for a commutor most of the time and a small percentage of off-road work as a hunting truck, SLT/LTZ will give you daily appreciation of the goochy stuff.

I agree. I had an LT for a loaner while mine was in for some warranty work. I did miss my comfy interior. I commute, tow, and travel so the need for the open interior of a LT/SLE is not needed.

The concern over wanting to bolt on accessories or additional equipment is valid when it comes to an LTZ/SLT. There isn't room for such things. It would get cramped if you did, and look like hell.

+1

66nova · January 31, 2009

I like the upscale trim and DIC of my LTZ. I don't like the loss of a center seat, but heck that piece of crap they put in the center doesn't qualify as a seat anyway.

If you're going to use it like a real truck, go with the SLE. If you're like me, only use it for a commutor most of the time and a small percentage of off-road work as a hunting truck, SLT/LTZ will give you daily appreciation of the goochy stuff.

I agree. I had an LT for a loaner while mine was in for some warranty work. I did miss my comfy interior. I commute, tow, and travel so the need for the open interior of a LT/SLE is not needed.

The concern over wanting to bolt on accessories or additional equipment is valid when it comes to an LTZ/SLT. There isn't room for such things. It would get cramped if you did, and look like hell.

+1

Really depends on your needs.I love my LTZ, but for how I use it, it's perfect.

Do you have a pic of your ham radio set up? Maybe that would help us make a better jugdement.

BuckFeverZ · January 31, 2009

I thought I really want the full center console, but after test driving one with it, I decided against it. When I was driving it, my knee would always hit the console making it really uncomfortable.

piscator · February 1, 2009

Good comments all around!

I need my cupholders too -- but I dig that radio box!!

Buck, I tried both in the dealer's lot today. Just sat there. The SLT did feel more cramped. I liked being able to stretch my legs in the SLE.

My problem with the SLE is the 'interior by Mattel'. The black plastic is pretty severe, aesthetically, and doesn't look very durable. The upper glove box handle feels like it could snap off easily.

Between the SLE and SLT, I'm starting to think I could just flip a coin.

piscator

BuckFeverZ · February 1, 2009

Good comments all around!

I need my cupholders too -- but I dig that radio box!!

Buck, I tried both in the dealer's lot today. Just sat there. The SLT did feel more cramped. I liked being able to stretch my legs in the SLE.

My problem with the SLE is the 'interior by Mattel'. The black plastic is pretty severe, aesthetically, and doesn't look very durable. The upper glove box handle feels like it could snap off easily.

Between the SLE and SLT, I'm starting to think I could just flip a coin.

piscator

Personally, I think the SLE/LT interiors look better than the SLT/LTZ interiors. Looks more like a truck should. As far as the upper glove box handle, I don't think it would snap. Based on its design, you have to push and then pull on the handle so unless you yank the hell out of it, it won't break. The only cheap thing I find are the covers for the cigarette lighters. I know a few guys who have snapped those off already.

J-man67 · February 1, 2009

I agree, I love my SLE interior. I like how the radio and crap are aimed towards me. I just prefer it over the other. I also hate leather so the SLT was out for me.

See, its NICE!

Bowtie2Sierra · February 1, 2009

I agree, I love my SLE interior. I like how the radio and crap are aimed towards me. I just prefer it over the other. I also hate leather so the SLT was out for me.
See, its NICE!

+1

I like leather...I just don't like GM's leather (although it has improved). It's more like "pleather" compared to the real leather in my wife's car. So I chose the SLE to avoid the leather and I have always been happy with GM's cloth seats (no, the lint doesn't bother me). I like the instrument cluster better in the SLT but I like how the radio and HVAC controls are up higher and not as low in the SLE. Some like the fake wood in the SLT, others don't but you can always swap those inserts out if its not your style. I would be happy with either dash layout though...I have no complaints with the SLE interior so far.

Depending on options, you really won't save much getting the SLE either. Mine is optioned similar to a SLT and the MSRP wasn't much less than an SLT. I envy the painted door handles and mirror caps on the SLT though...

VMax2007 · February 1, 2009

I agree, I love my SLE interior. I like how the radio and crap are aimed towards me. I just prefer it over the other. I also hate leather so the SLT was out for me.
See, its NICE!

+1

I like leather...I just don't like GM's leather (although it has improved). It's more like "pleather" compared to the real leather in my wife's car. So I chose the SLE to avoid the leather and I have always been happy with GM's cloth seats (no, the lint doesn't bother me). I like the instrument cluster better in the SLT but I like how the radio and HVAC controls are up higher and not as low in the SLE. Some like the fake wood in the SLT, others don't but you can always swap those inserts out if its not your style. I would be happy with either dash layout though...I have no complaints with the SLE interior so far.

Depending on options, you really won't save much getting the SLE either. Mine is optioned similar to a SLT and the MSRP wasn't much less than an SLT. I envy the painted door handles and mirror caps on the SLT though...

-1

I do not like the SLE dash. I think it looks cheap. I LOVED the cloth in my 2000 and didn't really want the leather, but after hearing about the lint issue and seeing how GM cheapened the quality of the cloth seats, I am glad I got the leather now.

Oh, and I happen to have a spare set of Steel Gray mirror covers still in the box. I bought them assuming I would destroy my OEM ones while removing the cheesy Putco chrome covers, but I didn't. Sorry, I am keeping them as spares for when (not if) these get all dinged up from road debris in a few years.