GMC/Chev 1500

jejeosborne · Feb 17, 2015

Pierrepont said:
Yesterday I test drove a 2014, K1500 GMC Sierra, with plow prep, for about 60 miles. (Its a regular cab, 8' box, the style I like.)

I came away with mixed feelings. The all new V6 struck me as a coarse engine, some noise and not real smooth. (In the 1990s I had two Dodge pick-ups with their 3.9 V6 and that was a pretty smooth, quiet engine. But not very powerful.)

This new Sierra also had an odd handling characteristic. It kind of rode like a Hobby Horse (it porpoised) rocking front to back almost continuously. At first I thought it was a fair amount of snow in the bed. I returned to the dealership and the salesperson and I shoveled most of the snow out. I drove it again, that helped a good bit but it still would rock front to back over a 3 year old, modern highway. It was kind of like riding in a poorly designed boat that can't stop porpoising.

I also noticed a good bit of driveline shake. (Perhaps the tires? Very cold temperature?)

As I told the salesperson, I want to like this truck. I'm going back to drive it again. But if my first impression is confirmed, I'm going to stick with my 2007 K1500 Siverado "Classic" (GMT800) for now.

Any similar Sierra / Silverado driving experiences?

Hate to go here but are you dead set on only looking at GM products?

wawajake · Feb 17, 2015

Pierrepont said:
Yesterday I test drove a 2014, K1500 GMC Sierra, with plow prep, for about 60 miles. (Its a regular cab, 8' box, the style I like.)

I came away with mixed feelings. The all new V6 struck me as a coarse engine, some noise and not real smooth. (In the 1990s I had two Dodge pick-ups with their 3.9 V6 and that was a pretty smooth, quiet engine. But not very powerful.)

This new Sierra also had an odd handling characteristic. It kind of rode like a Hobby Horse (it porpoised) rocking front to back almost continuously. At first I thought it was a fair amount of snow in the bed. I returned to the dealership and the salesperson and I shoveled most of the snow out. I drove it again, that helped a good bit but it still would rock front to back over a 3 year old, modern highway. It was kind of like riding in a poorly designed boat that can't stop porpoising.

I also noticed a good bit of driveline shake. (Perhaps the tires? Very cold temperature?)

As I told the salesperson, I want to like this truck. I'm going back to drive it again. But if my first impression is confirmed, I'm going to stick with my 2007 K1500 Siverado "Classic" (GMT800) for now.

Any similar Sierra / Silverado driving experiences?

I have a 2014 Doublecab 4x 4 Sierra with 6 ft 5 box.........no problems with ride whatsoever, better than any of my previous and test drives of other 2014. I added the weight of a Leer cap a few months after purchase and it did not effect ride at all...........I have the 5.3 V8 and like others have stated the mileage is very good anyway so happy in my choice. very quiet vehicle too, but responds well when you step on it. (and no turbos to eco bust)

Diamondpilot · Feb 17, 2015

We have a fleet of new GM 1/2 ton trucks. About 20. All 4x4 and all 5.3 motors. That 5.3 has matured into a sweet power plant. We had a few also that had a driveline vibration which is not surprising. I have replaced many carrier bearings and u-joint on GM trucks, especially in newer models, 07 and up. It's the weak point. All trucks have weak points and this is GM's, so I'm not picking on them.

As for the ride I think they are very nice. Much better than previous generation's. I personally like the ride and steering on my F150 but the GM seems more tame overall.

I wonder if it would calm down with the plow on it?

Chris

RollingsFarms · Feb 17, 2015

There seem to be common issues with the new GM trucks such as the vibration you mentioned, loose drivers seat, and one other I remember reading about but it slips my mind at the moment. It seems you have one of the issues but I've never heard of a truck having all of the issues. My truck had the loose seat but it was taken care of. My truck doesn't vibrate at all, supposedly they vibrate at higher speeds I've been told. Luckily I don't have that problem and apparently I won't have it since the trucks that are affected seem to either have it or they don't. The loose seat is the only warranty claim I've had the truck in for in the year I've owned it, had some recalls that were performed but the only ones mine needed were some airbag sensor and to check a hose on the transmission which mine was fine.

Pierrepont · Feb 17, 2015

To jejeosborne:

Yes I'm only looking at GM half-ton trucks. I will only buy a half-ton for a variety of practical reasons.

GM is the only company that still builds half-ton models with a Snow Plow Prep. package.

Thanks to all responders. Any more thoughts?

tcartwri · Feb 17, 2015

The driveline shake could have been snow in the wheels. These **** 20" rims vibrate like a sob with just a tiny bit of snow or mud in them.

Diamondpilot · Feb 17, 2015

Pierrepont said:
To jejeosborne: Yes I'm only looking at GM half-ton trucks. I will only buy a half-ton for a variety of practical reasons. GM is the only company that still builds half-ton models with a Snow Plow Prep. package. Thanks to all responders. Any more thoughts?

Look at the Tundra. Around here the plow guys use them 10 to 1 over any other 1/2 ton. Most run a Boss V on them, no whimpy little plow.

Chris

Pierrepont · Feb 17, 2015

Chris,

Do you know if the Tundra is available with a plow prep package?

Thanks for the suggestion.

LD1 · Feb 17, 2015

Pierrepont said:
Chevrolet builds, as a factory option, a plow prep package for their half-ton pick-ups.

No warranty questions as long as the truck was factory built to accept the plow.

And as long as you dont put too big of a plow on.

Not sure what the fine print is, or weight limit. But before you make the decision to keep or part with your current 7.5HD, I'd be finding out wiht 100% certainty that they will warrant it with that plow.

If you put a 11' municipal plow on a 1/2 ton, I dont think the "it has a plow prep package" will save you when it comes to warranty issues.

Find out what is allowed and what is not, then go from there.

Diamondpilot · Feb 17, 2015

Pierrepont said:
Chris,

Do you know if the Tundra is available with a plow prep package?

Thanks for the suggestion.

I am assuming so because our local Toyota dealer has about 10 new Tundra trucks with plows at any one time. They are linked in to Indiana's largest JD dealer. These trucks are tough. I bet 50% of our farmers use them.

Chris