This is the best transmission, ever, in an HD. I swear, when the day is done and I'm pissed off about something, I hammer the gas to the floor and this 'box is swapping gears like a race car. It'll downshift the second I start to put pressure on the gas. I may be 35 lbs down on torque, but I'm way up on transmission points.
Now, before we get to the construction site, we've got to stop off at the company's yard and pick up some equipment. First thing, we load up the bed with a spare bucket and an auger. I never worry about payload, the truck can handle up to 1,266 kg (2,792 lb).
Next, we hitch up the trailer on which is anchored the company's brand new Terex TC37 (HR 3.7) Zero Tail Swing Compact Crawler Excavator. It, along with the trailer, weigh in at 10,500 lbs, give or take a few. This is not an issue as my Silverado can tow up to 13,000 lbs without breaking a sweat. I had considered getting the fifth-wheel hitch 'cause the capacity rises to 16,700 lbs. So far, I don't need it.
My LTZ comes standard with the Trailering Special Equipment Package. It includes a weight-distributing trailer hitch platform, a 2.5-inch receiver with a 2-inch adaptor, a 7-wire harness with independently fused circuits. This thing's ready to tow anything right out of the box.
The ride, whether loaded or not, is actually good. Steering is loose and sort of over-assisted, but I got used to it real fast. The fully boxed frame feels really tight and solid and this impression comes through. I can crash through the rough terrains around the site without concerning myself about bending or cracking anything; this is an HD after all. This also explains why I stuck with the 18” wheels instead of getting the 20s. A little more sidewall goes a long way.
The 4X4 works real well, as I'd expected. All I need to do is turn the switch from 2- to 4-wheel drive and on the Lo if I'm in the rough stuff. The LT265/70SR18 are well suited for some mild off-roading, but I took it a step further by opting for the Z71 package which includes off-road jounce bumpers, twin tube shock absorbers and engine, transmission, transfer case and front differential skid plates. There isn't anywhere I can't go, really.
Now, before we get to the construction site, we've got to stop off at the company's yard and pick up some equipment. First thing, we load up the bed with a spare bucket and an auger. I never worry about payload, the truck can handle up to 1,266 kg (2,792 lb).
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| The ride, whether loaded or not, is actually good. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Next, we hitch up the trailer on which is anchored the company's brand new Terex TC37 (HR 3.7) Zero Tail Swing Compact Crawler Excavator. It, along with the trailer, weigh in at 10,500 lbs, give or take a few. This is not an issue as my Silverado can tow up to 13,000 lbs without breaking a sweat. I had considered getting the fifth-wheel hitch 'cause the capacity rises to 16,700 lbs. So far, I don't need it.
My LTZ comes standard with the Trailering Special Equipment Package. It includes a weight-distributing trailer hitch platform, a 2.5-inch receiver with a 2-inch adaptor, a 7-wire harness with independently fused circuits. This thing's ready to tow anything right out of the box.
The ride, whether loaded or not, is actually good. Steering is loose and sort of over-assisted, but I got used to it real fast. The fully boxed frame feels really tight and solid and this impression comes through. I can crash through the rough terrains around the site without concerning myself about bending or cracking anything; this is an HD after all. This also explains why I stuck with the 18” wheels instead of getting the 20s. A little more sidewall goes a long way.
The 4X4 works real well, as I'd expected. All I need to do is turn the switch from 2- to 4-wheel drive and on the Lo if I'm in the rough stuff. The LT265/70SR18 are well suited for some mild off-roading, but I took it a step further by opting for the Z71 package which includes off-road jounce bumpers, twin tube shock absorbers and engine, transmission, transfer case and front differential skid plates. There isn't anywhere I can't go, really.
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| The 4X4 works real well, as I'd expected. All I need to do is turn the switch from 2- to 4-wheel drive and on the Lo if I'm in the rough stuff. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |