4500/5500 series Gmc/Chevy

Robbie Hegwood · Dec 21, 2006

I am looking for more truck to pull and mainly stop my trailer/tractor. The new medium duty line of 4500/5500 series GMC/Chevy's seem to be the ticket. Anyone have one or experience with them? Thanks in advance. Robbie

burnetma · Dec 22, 2006

Robbie,

I looked at couple of used units, but they were the early Duramax models where fuel injector problems were way too common. New models I suppose would be better. I need to start looking on a couple of the diesel forums for more information.

Yes, a hauler is on my list of must haves. My old F250 just won't fit the bill anymore.

Mark

Robbie Hegwood · Dec 22, 2006

Mark, I'll go ahead and tell you, get the most truck you can. The weight adds up quickly. My F-350 has plenty of engine and suspension but after a panic stop on the expressway yesterday {actually emergency lane change} I need more brakes. I'm going to get a better trailer brake actuator soon to buy me some time. But the bottom line is I just need more truck. I'll just have to shop around and work hard. I've found a F-450 locally but for the money I'm still going to persue bigger. I believe it's the safest route. What year was the injector problem so I can stay away from those? Robbie

TCBoomer · Dec 22, 2006

Robbie Hegwood said:
What year was the injector problem so I can stay away from those? Robbie

04 and older were the affected models. There is a Special Policy...7 yrs/200K miles regardless of owner that covers the injectors if the vehicle is out of warranty. So far the replacement injectors have been problem free.

ronjhall · Dec 22, 2006

Our Motorhome is on a C5500 chassis. Dealer where I get mine serviced has several C4500 pickups. Sure like their looks.
2004.5 model year had the LLY engine. 8th digit in Vin # should be 2 for the LLY engine.
Our Motorhome weighs 19000 lbs loaded plus we tow a 3500 car behind. With disk air brakes and exhaust brake it has lots of braking power. Many of the items that were down sized to fit the pickup are sized big for the C45/5500 chassis.
If you search on Ebay for a Chevy Kodiak or GMC Topkick you will find some of these pickups listed.

wushaw · Dec 23, 2006

Robbie, have you thought of going with a MDT like the Freightliners FL-50, 60 or 70 or International models.

DieselPower · Dec 23, 2006

I quit working at the local Chevrolet dealer when they came out with those new trucks, they are the single reason I quit. Have you actually looked under the hood? OMG, where's the engine. Personally I would go with a Freightliner or International as wushaw suggested.

Robbie Hegwood · Dec 23, 2006

I've seen hauler version of the Freightliners and they are nice, not sure of there pricing. I'm not ruling anything out so thanks for the suggestion. The main reason for looking at the 4500's was they are at the local dealer. But now that the freightliners have come up there is a dealer for them near also. Any experience with them? The freightliner would probably hold up better for it is truely a scaled down bigger truck and not a scaled up one ton per say. Keep the comments coming, that is why I asked. Thanks again Robbie

supertiger · Dec 24, 2006

Might want to try a 1.5 ton Fuso, i use mine for a lawn moweing and bush hogging business. they make 4x

4s and crew cabs too.

ScottAR · Dec 24, 2006

What year is your F350? 03 and up have the same brakes as F450-F550 till 05 or so. The 06 up have bigger brakes than 03-05. Although, the F450-550 have a lot heavier suspension and sway bars. The little Freightliners or cornbinders would be my ideal choice if a little unwieldly in small neighborhoods.

Can't have too much truck IMO.