Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
for some of us the difference is very distinct. My certified aftermarket upfitter only gives a warranty on GMC, NOT Chevy.
Toughest duty cycle on the planet, if any other brand is used there is no warranty. Ford even specifically prohibits my kind of mods in writing.
And anyone who thinks their big trucks are 'lame' simply hasn't driven one. My Dmax is fantastic pulling a 33 foot fifth wheel rig at 19k pounds all over the country.
My problem is I want to tow a bit more, say a 25k pound trailer and machine combo, I also want a dump body.
Problem with the 1 ton GMC trucks is just that, they are a 1 ton truck. GM used to offer more heavy duty frames and running gear under the pickup cabs. Smaller trucks are nice you can park they in tighter places.
I was just at the dealer comparing them.
Put a 2011 Silverado or GMC 1 ton alongside a Ford F450/550. Its night and day. The frames, suspension, brakes etc are all hugely upgraded on the heavier duty Ford's. But they have the standard pickup cab so they don't really drive or park any different than any other dually. Price is also quite different too, the F550 is about $25k more.
To get the same components on a GM I would have to upgrade to their Kodiak or whatever they call it. It looks like a real truck but really isn't. Problem is its also larger like a real truck, which defeats the purpose of a light duty dump truck. At that point your better off getting a small Freightliner or Mack.
Now if GM put the 4500/5500 frame under the standard Silverado cab we would be in business, but they don't.
I actually don't care for either truck, I don't really have a lot of faith in Fords new engines. So I'm going to wait another year since I hear a new Silverado is coming down the line. Maybe GM will build what I really want.
