GMC/Chev 1500

[Pierrepont]

My 4.8 V8 has had all of the power I've needed to plow well. It has been a tremendous engine.

The new EcoTec3 V6 has the same torque and horsepower ratings as my 4.8 V8. That is the only reason that I have given the V6 any consideration.

Thanks for the feedback. Any other opinions?

 

[MikePA]

I'm tempted to buy a brand new 2014 GMC K1500, with Snow Plow Prep.

Would a 2500 or 2500HD be better for plowing?

 

[Pierrepont]

MikePA -

Good question, but in my case no need for a 2500. This purchase would be my third Silverado 1500 with "plow prep package". The first two have been excellent snow removal rigs. I like the Silverado 1500 for the better gas milage, more car-like ride, and lower ride height. While the current 1500 sits higher than my 2007 Silverado, I can still reach into the box, (somewhat), to handle tools, material, etc. That has become impossible with the 2500 units.

Thanks for your question. Keep the thoughts coming.

 

[crashz]

New plow too?

Have you looked at the 7.5 HT? Its a bit lighter, but has down pressure and a chainless lift. I wish I had that on my 04, because I felt that that 7.5 HD was too much plow for the truck. Even with Timbrens and the correct ballast, it was heavy. The upside is that the HD will outlive many trucks.

 

[Pierrepont]

I've always used the Fisher 7.5' HD. I could transfer my current plow to the new truck for about $1,900. The plow unit is in good shape and has been well maintained BUT it is in its 9th winter. Therefore I've been thinking trading the plow in WITH the truck and buying a new Fisher 7.5' HD system for $4,650 plus tax.

I don't have money to burn, but I wonder how many more years my current Fisher would go before beginning to need replacement of electrical or hydraulic parts.

Anyone have real world experience to share?

 

[George2615]

I've always used the Fisher 7.5' HD. I could transfer my current plow to the new truck for about $1,900. The plow unit is in good shape and has been well maintained BUT it is in its 9th winter. Therefore I've been thinking trading the plow in WITH the truck and buying a new Fisher 7.5' HD system for $4,650 plus tax.

I don't have money to burn, but I wonder how many more years my current Fisher would go before beginning to need replacement of electrical or hydraulic parts.

Anyone have real world experience to share?

I've had many brands of plows over the years. Current power angle plow on my tractor is a Diamond brand 7 1/2' plow that was originally on my 1989 Suburban. The Suburb rotted out over the years and I ended up scrapping it but the plow was in decent shape so I kept it and used it on two more trucks.
I'm only using the blade now. The cutting edge was replaced a couple times, the skin has a steel patch welded over a rust hole but it still works great. I welded the A frame to a QA plate for mounting on the tractor. The original hydraulic pump, cables and valves are still in the garage for some future use. That's 25 years of plowing.
I didn't have much luck with Meyers or any electric / hyd. plow. Was constantly replacing solenoids and coils due to the salt. Any of the plows I had that were run by a hyd. pump seem to last longer with fewer parts to buy.
Only you know the condition of your plow setup. I do agree with some others though to buy a new plow and a light weight one. When I bought my 2013 pick up I asked the dealer about a plow and was told they wouldn't warranty anything damaged or worn out that could be related to plowing. Maybe your dealer has a different view.

 

[Pierrepont]

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.

 

[PILOON]

At the price of new plows I'd do whatever to refurbish your present Fisher including sand blast, cutting edge etc as Fisher's are just about the best plow to be had.
If all the holes are badly elongated from wear that would be another consideration however.
Blast, pins and edge should cost in the $700. or so range I would presume from my experience.
The cylinders are affordable to renew and hoses cheap.
Your only costly component could be the pump but at that still way ahead of a new rig but would not cause a catastrophic sudden failure. It would let you know when it is due beforehand.
My 2 cents.

 

[Pierrepont]

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?

 

[s219]

I haven't noticed anything like that on my Sierra, but it's a V8 crew, std bed, with 4x4, z71, and 20" tires. I am sure all of those factors influence ride/handling differently. I will note that the handling and steering was a strong suit of this truck, and was what tipped me over the edge to get a GM. Seen similar comments in magazine reviews. So I would expect the truck to handle well.

As far as engines, the V8 is giving me such good gas mileage (always 18-21 mpg per tank) I wouldn't even look at the V6. The V8 is smooth and mellow, with a nice rumble if you get on it.

 

[jejeosborne]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Chris,

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

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[LD1]

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]

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