Can A 2014 1500 Silverado Plow As Good As a 2004/2002 2500HD?
I have had my eye on a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LT Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 5.3L V8. Only problem is that it is a 1500! I currently have a 2002 Silverado 2500HD crew cab LS with 167K miles and a 2004 Silverado 2500HD crew cab LS with 115K miles (The body has 142K). I have beaten my 04' to hell and back and it's time to replace it! My 02' however is in near mint condition. I tow a big trailer with 3 commercial lawnmowers on it. I also plow in the winter (in Minnesota). Can I plow with a 1500 or will it not workout at all? Will it stress the truck out more than a 2500? Should I just wait for the 2014 2500 to come later on?
Comments
Under the circumstances, I might wait for the 2500, but remember that most of the additional 'strength' in the 2500 frame is for increased bed and rear-frame capacity. If you are plowing -- unless you have a heavy rotary or are constantly hitting drifts hard -- the 1500 frame ought to be fine, especially if you're only 'pushing' it with the 5.3L.
Likewise, with an equalizing hitch and electric brakes, the load required on the rear of the frame in tension ought to be something the 1500 underpinnings can take. One thing you might seriously consider is a Kelderman rear (which provides the equivalent of leveling bags nearly all the way to the back of the frame) which neatly eliminates any tendency for the ride height to sag with the trailer loaded, but doesn't impair a reasonable ride. (A Kelderman is even more worthwhile on a 2500...)
I think I'd be more concerned with the transmission (and transfer-case and axles) than I would be with the frame. If I were doing this, I'd want the Duramax and Allison, but that may be overkill for you.