KMK94

hey all! New to the forum. Never thought I'd be on a chevy forum, but here I am. I currently drive a 2012 ram 2500 diesel.... and I think it's time to try a 1/2 ton for once. I'm tired of the poor ride quality, high operating cost, and not so impressive mpg (among other things). The Chevy's have really caught my eye recently. So, I'd like to get some input from those who actually know a thing or 2 about them!!!

Im interested mainly in 2015-2017 years (not 2014 because I'll never buy a first year remodel again). Would like to have a crew cab 4x4 z71... and preferably a 6' bed. But I know those can be hard to come by in that configuration. Would also really like to have a full center console in the middle.

So so let me here it... good, bad, and certain things to look out for and/or stay away from.

Things i wonder are: 6spd vs 8spd auto, 2015 vs 2016 vs 2017, ride quality, mpg, overall reliability, customer satisfaction both on quality and dealer customer service, towing capability, best time to buy for discounts/haggling, etc.

id really like to go 2016-2017 but it will depend on what I feel like paying. The restyling is downright gorgeous!!!

tech2

any diesel will cost more to maintain. towing is when the diesel mpg is impressive...pulling with a gasser will be much worse.

-I would stay away from 2014-15 as they did have some vibration issues, a/c problems
-If fuel mileage is a thing, get the 8 speed trans...still won't beat a diesel when towing but you save a lot of "gas money" due to the maintenance and repair of gas vs diesel
-any independent front suspension is going to ride better than a coil and link set-up
-any 2500 will tow better than a 1500 so how heavy are you towing?

-customer service is dealer dependant

KMK94

I totally agree that a diesel is going to be much more impressive towing. With that being said, I don't need it. I tow light loads and not very often. The most I plan on towing would be a camper/toy hauler. 30' or so... usually less than 9k lbs. which a 1/2 ton can handle. And I wouldn't be towing it all across the country. Just weekend getaways every now and then. Other than that, I tow a 10' utility trailer for my rzr. That's about as extreme as it gets. May end up getting a 15-20' utility trailer at some point.

So with the 8 speeds, are they really shifty? Like to the point of being annoying? Does anyone know? And are they worth the extra coin that I'm sure a dealership is going to want for it? I can make the 6 speed work just fine if it is $2k less sticker price. As long as it gets pretty good mpg.

and yes I have noticed the 2014-2015 models have AC and vibration issues... it seems to be all too common..... that's unfortunate because 2015's can now be had for a decent price.

is there any real advantage of a 2017 vs 2016? A 2016 is definitely more in my price range.

KMK94

Bump.. any input?

tech2

I think your asking for trouble for a 1500 to tow a 9000lbs trailer...don't care what the book number is. for a trailer that heavy...have some extra capacity...you need a 2500

I replacing the rear end on one right now (not a chevy) with 5000 miles...customer pulling a 9000lb camper...I think (cause he's not saying) he got stuck and spun the rear wheels...one tire caught and stripped the left spider gears.

KMK94

damn... that is discouraging. I've seen a lot of people tow 30+ ft campers with 1500's... I guess you take a slight risk pulling with a light duty truck. But honestly I can't handle a 2500 anymore. I want the ride and mpg of a newer 1500. And I won't be towing very often. Just here and there.

tech2

if you don't mind the risk and have warrranty coverage, go for it.

towing is severe service so follow the severe service maintenance schedule. towing heavy creates a lot of heat generation and torque load on the transmission so the fluid life is much shorter.

KMK94

that is fine with me.

KMK94

Is it possible to get a z71 crew cab with a regular size bed (6.5')????? I looked at 2 dealerships now and I didn't see any...

tech2

not sure...see if you can build one on the gm website.