2010/2011 GMC 1500 Opinions

[timswi]

My 2004 GMC is pushing 100K with no issues and am debating buying a new one. I know, I'm turning into a sissy moving on with that many miles, but I've run the last 3 GM pickups to 200K. I really don't have to do that anymore.

Looking at:

GMC 1500 4x4 extra cab w/ 6.5ft bed.

Tow package is manditory and an integrated brake contoller along with 3:73's.

Probably going to go with the 5.3 due to the 70 mile round trip to work, that's the motor I have now.

Anyone have one of the new GMC pickups that can offer an opinion as to general quality and towing ability. I only ask because the new ones appear to have been completely redesigned compared to my current one.

I'm buying GMC/Chevy, so attempts to change my mind are fruitless.

My only Ford was GM powered.

 

[Dmace]

If you get the Tow Package, make sure it comes with a transmission oil cooler. I heard all these new 6 speed transmissions tend to shift a lot when towing and get hot without one, even in tow/haul mode. An engine oil cooler is nice too!

Good luck! A new truck is always nice! :thumbsup:

 

[timswi]

If you get the Tow Package, make sure it comes with a transmission oil cooler. I heard all these new 6 speed transmissions tend to shift a lot when towing and get hot without one, even in tow/haul mode. An engine oil cooler is nice too!

Good luck! A new truck is always nice! :thumbsup:

Good point...I'll add that to the list..Thanks

 

[asylum575]

Good point...I'll add that to the list..Thanks

I just picked up a 2010Silverado 1500 Crew with 5.3/3.42 setup. It can tow
7k. I'm not sure if the 3.73 is still offered with the 5.3 Since they went from the 4 spd to the 6 spd the 3.42 can haul a bit more. I had a 2006 1500HD with the 6.0/3.73 setup. I great hauler, and she was always thirsty. This new rig is doing about 17MPG and I haven't taken a road trip yet. The old rig gave 12MPG and 14-15MPG if I was careful on a road trip.

They are different rigs, so it's apples to oranges. The new truck has a much softer ride and shifts alot more. It's got a few more bells and whistles. Nice truck overall.

 

[Diamondpilot]

While I do not care for GM trucks, usually like the cars, and they would be on the bottom of my buy list out of the 5 manufactures I think they are getting better each year. Still do not like the way the company is run and the things they had to do to keep alive. But to give them credit they seem to be doing things right and have been able to keep some of there customer base. That is very tough to do so hats off to them.

The same is true with the other manufactures, but I feel that GM is making the greatest strides in the truck dept.:thumbsup: They really have something that can compete with the others for the first time in a long time in my eyes. Especially in the HD diesel dept.

I think everything gets better each and every year so if you were happy with your last GM product you will probably be happier with your next unless you just get a lemon.

Chris

 

[bdeboer]

My 2004 GMC is pushing 100K with no issues and am debating buying a new one. I know, I'm turning into a sissy moving on with that many miles, but I've run the last 3 GM pickups to 200K. I really don't have to do that anymore.

Looking at:

GMC 1500 4x4 extra cab w/ 6.5ft bed.

Tow package is manditory and an integrated brake contoller along with 3:73's.

Probably going to go with the 5.3 due to the 70 mile round trip to work, that's the motor I have now.

Anyone have one of the new GMC pickups that can offer an opinion as to general quality and towing ability. I only ask because the new ones appear to have been completely redesigned compared to my current one.

I'm buying GMC/Chevy, so attempts to change my mind are fruitless.

My only Ford was GM powered.

A friend of mine special ordered a 2010 Crew Cab/Short Bed earlier this year with the 6.2L LT trim. He complained about the road noise over his 2005 that it replaced. After going the dealership route, he pulled the carpet out of the back seat area and found no insulation. He purchased some sort of insulation from the local speed shop and put it under the carpet and around the rear seat area. He said it is alot better now. I haven't seen complaints on the GM sites about the road noise.

I also have an '08 2500HD CCSB LT trim with the diesel and don't notice unacceptable road noise.

 

[bdeboer]

"He complained about the road noise over his 2005 that it replaced. After going the dealership route, he pulled the carpet out of the back seat area and found no insulation. "


I went and checked my '08 2500HD has about 1/2" of insulation under the back seat carpet. I do not know if the insulation was a cost cutting for 2010 or if it was a difference in the 1/2 tons.

 

[timswi]

I just picked up a 2010Silverado 1500 Crew with 5.3/3.42 setup. It can tow
7k. I'm not sure if the 3.73 is still offered with the 5.3 Since they went from the 4 spd to the 6 spd the 3.42 can haul a bit more. I had a 2006 1500HD with the 6.0/3.73 setup. I great hauler, and she was always thirsty. This new rig is doing about 17MPG and I haven't taken a road trip yet. The old rig gave 12MPG and 14-15MPG if I was careful on a road trip.

They are different rigs, so it's apples to oranges. The new truck has a much softer ride and shifts alot more. It's got a few more bells and whistles. Nice truck overall.

3:73's are still available...When I roamed a lot, 99% were 3:42, 1 was 3:73...probably trying to push the lighter gears for mileage/CAFE.

Thanks for the opinion, It seems that you like it. The 6.0 does drink gas and i'm not really sure the cost benefit is there vs a 5.3.

 

[Diamondpilot]

3:73's are still available...When I roamed a lot, 99% were 3:42, 1 was 3:73...probably trying to push the lighter gears for mileage/CAFE.

Thanks for the opinion, It seems that you like it. The 6.0 does drink gas and i'm not really sure the cost benefit is there vs a 5.3.

Thats the way it is around here also. They 3.42's used to be a big hit in towing capability. My neighbors dad has one, about a 06 or so. It s a pig. Now days with the 6 speed tranny its not as big of a deal and may be the way to go. You can put in a ultra low first 2 gears to get the load rolling.

Chris

 

[timswi]

All of my previous pickups have been at least 3:73. I've driven some 3:42's and didn't like the lack of torque. That was also with a 4 speed tranny. If the gears are wound down for 1,2,3 it may be enough to compinsate, I really don't know and that's a pretty expensive mistake. I doubt the dealer would let me test drive with a loaded trailer.

May have to special order or dealer trade to get what I want. Nothing is flat in PA, so the heaver gears are almost a given around here if you would use a truck as a truck.