Rented a PU truck:

[speeder]

New 2012 Chevy Silverado w/ 9k miles on it. 1/2 ton 2WD. Sometimes I rent trucks from Enterprise for a day or two when I need an extra or mine is out of commission for some reason.

The last one was a new F-150 w/ 5.0, so I wanted to try a Chevy this time. Even though I've owned mostly Ford trucks, I really like Chevys. I've also rented a new Dodge Ram.

This new Silverado is hands-down the nicest truck of the bunch. The Dodge isn't even in the running with the other two, (feels like a cheap POS but gets the job done), the new Ford was nice but more jerky/less smooth than the Chevy. They are all going for a *car ride* in the large 1/2 ton trucks, both the Ford and Chevy ride nice but the Chevy is absolute butter. I drove it out to the desert to pick up some furniture and it was so quiet and smooth that I almost could not believe it. Zero wind noise, no perceptible tire noise, as quiet as a brand new Cadillac. Beautiful interior, (IMO), nice radio and HVAC knobs, great seat, gorgeous uncluttered dash, etc., etc...

It has the 4.8 engine which looks to still be pushrods(?) Nice power all-the-same. I really hate to return it.

[kaisen]

All current GM V8s are pushrod. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Interesting that you liked it even though it is the base, base version with the smallest engine

[porsche4life]

I've liked the modem gm trucks I've driven. Hell our 05 with 150k is still running down the road quite well.

[Instrument 41]

The 4.8 ssuuuuccckkkssss. From take off it as if your pulling out of a deep hole.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by Instrument 41

The 4.8 ssuuuuccckkkssss. From take off it as if your pulling out of a deep hole.

You had the old one, with a 4 speed automatic, and a heavier crew cab

I'd guess that this reg cab 6 speed does a little better.....still not what a Ford 5.0 would do

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Instrument 41

The 4.8 ssuuuuccckkkssss. From take off it as if your pulling out of a deep hole.

If it has tow/haul mode, just flip it over to that. Remaps the shift points and makes the truck feel like it's in Sport Mode.

I rode in my friend's new GM truck. It was bare bones and rode hard unloaded. But, I too have rented extended cab GMs and found them to be very comfy. Unfortunately you have to buy all bells and whistles to get that nice ride.

Understanding new truck suspension packages is something even the parts guys have a problem with. You CAN take a cheap truck and make it handle really well. But springs, shocks and bed load all have to be synchronized. I got the back wrong once and the truck bucked like a horse.

[ODDJOB UNO]

sheeeett thats EXACTLY LIKE STEPHEN SEAGULLS RIDE!


i have 33k FLAWLESS miles on my 2011 k-1500 chev 4x4 extra cab 5.3L -LTZ version.


my last k-1500 went 286K before oil pump started to fritz. and it did alot of prerunning in baja(not normal driving by any means). 3000 mile oil changes religiously.


tranny will last forever with filter/fluid change and never TOWING IN OD! always TOW in drive.

[1990C4S]

I don't drive new cars. It makes returning to my own car too depressing.

[speeder]

The 4.8 ssuuuuccckkkssss. From take off it as if your pulling out of a deep hole.

Maybe for towing, but empty running @ sea level it drove like a dream. On the freeway, it was butter. I could have drove it 2k miles and stepped out fresh as a daisy.

[LakeCleElum]

Speeder - Thanks for the great eval on all 3 brands....What kind of fuel mileage, did you check it?

I last bought a product from the BIG 4 in 1968. Might have to buy American for my next p/u.

[vash]

i have the same truck but with the bigger motor as a work rig.

70k ugly miles on it with no hiccups.

[vash]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Speeder - Thanks for the great eval on all 3 brands....What kind of fuel mileage, did you check it?

I last bought a product from the BIG 4 in 1968. Might have to buy American for my next p/u.

i got 17.8 mpg..just checked yesterday. not bad considering i drive like i am not paying for the gas..hehe.

[Noah930]

Hmmm. Anyone in the LA area need help moving?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by speeder

This new Silverado is hands-down the nicest truck of the bunch. The Dodge isn't even in the running with the other two, (feels like a cheap POS but gets the job done), the new Ford was nice but more jerky/less smooth than the Chevy. They are all going for a *car ride* in the large 1/2 ton trucks, both the Ford and Chevy ride nice but the Chevy is absolute butter. I drove it out to the desert to pick up some furniture and it was so quiet and smooth that I almost could not believe it.

Ford experimented with a few different techniques in search of a better ride.

Here is test #468

[azasadny]

I have noticed that the Dodge trucks tend to rust more than the Ford and GM, at least here in MI. I've seen many late model Dodge trucks with rust at the body seams, bumpers, etc...