New GM Trucks

[JRTJH]

Today GM announced the introduction of the 2014 Silverado and GMC 1500 series light duty trucks. There were some tweeks to engine performance but the same engine lineup with no significant changes there but coupled with a new 6 speed transmission, some changes in appearance, a new dash and interior update, heavier frame and exterior improvements such as foot steps in the rear bumper, etc. There was no mention of the new SAE towing standards, however hopefully by 2014 all four of the major truck makers will be onboard with the same standards for towing performance. There was no information on the 2500/3500 series trucks, but hopefully they will follow the lighter trucks in "creature improvements"

Here's the link on the GM pages:

http://www.chevrolet.com/2014-silverado-pickup-trucks.html

[Festus2]

John-
I think if you click on the 2500 link box at the bottom in the commercial, you will find these specs on the 2500 series:
397 HP, 765 ft/lb torque, 23000 lbs, max tow cap (gas) 7222 lbs, max tow (diesel) 5740 lbs. It didn't specify which model they were referring to with these numbers but they give the consumer an overall view of their new Chev 2500 truck.

[JRTJH]

Festus, when you click on the specs for the 2500HD at the bottom, it's for the 2013 model not the 2014 model. The only 2014 info so far that I can find is on the 1500 series. If you do find some 2014 2500 series info, let me know.

And, just in case anyone else happens to watch that infomercial, I wasn't sure what was about to happen when the truck literally started falling apart going down the road.... I'm glad it "fell back together" toward the end LOL

[hankpage]

Doesn't matter what Ford, GM or Ram does, everybody will be towing their space shuttles with Tundras. The latest commercial has a sales person telling a customer that when he asks if it will tow his boat. I'm sure someone out there will believe it. http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1112

[Festus2]

JRTJH -
Oops! :o Totally missed that. (ty) for the correction!

[chris199]

I don't mean to ignite a truck debate but you have to admit in its niche space the Tundra is a decent tow vehicle. My TT is average I guess and there are many, many larger and heavier TT and 5ers but the Tundra is strong for a 1/2 ton. 381 hp.....401 ft lb torque..and 4.3 rear are all stronger than the gas 2500 GMC. I know this because I am being lured to buy a diesel 2500HD......assuming diesel but the gas may work just as well for me. The thing that stops me is that I'd have to fork out big bucks above the the $$ spent on the Tundra and the Tundra does great for me. Why spend another $20K to 30K? Id love a bigger/stronger truck and if I was less conservative....Id go buy a 2500HD.

Its just my wife and I and an occasional passenger when towing so we are not exceeding payload. That's my biggest gripe on the Tundra.....there is no way to tow 9200 lb (new calc) and stay within payload limits. If I had 3 kids, 2 dogs and a bunch of stuff...Id def have to upgrade.

Is the Tundra the answer to all towing needs.....no way...but in its space it's towing abilities (rear, hp, torque) do a great job.

[Bob Landry]

I'm towing an Outback 277RL with a Tundra and it does fine. If I were full timing, or even towed on a regular basis, then a diesel would certainly make sense, but for my daily drive/tow ratio, it's really hard to beat.

[Festus2]

In your present situation, the Tundra makes perfectly good sense. Seems to me that you've already answered your own question...."Why spend another $20K - $30K?" It doesn't look like you have to.

[hankpage]

SORRY I was not trying to discredit the abilities of the Tundra. I was just trying to show my disbelief in Toyota's add saying it will tow 300,000 lbs. :banghead:

[chris199]

My apologies Hank! I need to let my skin thicken a bit I guess. In some ways I wish the Tundra was a little more deficient. Would make my conscience a little less of a problem when I try to convince my DW I just HAVE TO get a new truck.

BTW...The Tundra can only tow up to about 250,000 lb.....Even it has its limitations.....

:D

[jerseyphil]

The whole tow vehicle issue is so funny because all the major manufacturers are building really good trucks these days.

I have the Ford, but I could have easily justified one of the others.

Happy Motoring and RVing to all!!

Phil