2014 Chevy 1500 WT opinions?

If it has a hitch, you hopefully have the factory tow PKG, which includes a locking rear. Look in glove box for G80 in option code sticker. The Eaton locker in many cases is better than an open diffed 4x.

Marty

Picked it up today and not perfect with miss matched tires and idling a little rough but happy with it so far. Looking at the last oil change sticker vs current mileage it was parked for a year. Not 4x4 which I’d prefer but does have an 8’ bed. Thanks again guys the input is appreciated.

donfla wrote:

APT wrote:
I would avoid that truck. 2014 first model year of that design. 4.3L - fine unloaded, skip for hauling or towing.

Now this concerns me being one of the 2005 6.0 Powerstroke buyers that ended in disaster cost wise. Are there any specific failures you know of for light towing?

While I know nothing about the new version of 4.3, I can only say that APT's advice is generally spot on, and I would listen to his advice. He has vast knowledge, especially concerning GM products.

Jerry

APT wrote:
I would avoid that truck. 2014 first model year of that design. 4.3L - fine unloaded, skip for hauling or towing.

At close to 300hp, 300 lb ft of torque, a 4.10 first gear, ok so a tallish 3.23 AR.......still has more torque to rear wheels, and HP available than the first BB 454 I had in the late 80s!
My son's 1500 with a 4.8 V8, 4 so auto, 3.42 gears pulls a 7000 lb equipment trailer better than the 454s I had did, I would suspect this V6 will do fine pulling 7000 lbs also. No it will not be fastest rig on planet. It will pull it fine.
Payload wise, trucks like that wieghs 4700-4800 empty, with 7500 lbs of axle ratings, 6800 warranty rating, should be able to handle a ton of stuff in the bed. 3000 for shorter distances.
I have yet to hear of any issues with this motor. Even the previous versions basically ran and ran!
This will not be like buying the VT365/6.ohno in a frod. I've considered trading in my C2500 for a 14-18 version. Altho thing more of a 4x dual can. BIG issue on this model is 6.5' bed.....a reg cab may have to do. 4x versions are few and far between in the reg cabs.

Marty

APT wrote:
I would avoid that truck. 2014 first model year of that design. 4.3L - fine unloaded, skip for hauling or towing.

Now this concerns me being one of the 2005 6.0 Powerstroke buyers that ended in disaster cost wise. Are there any specific failures you know of for light towing?

I would avoid that truck. 2014 first model year of that design. 4.3L - fine unloaded, skip for hauling or towing.

donfla wrote:
Thanks guys, it's sounding like a solid buy.

Yes I know a couple traffic control companies that drive the wheels off of those V6 half tons. They are good.
I had a couple 2014 chevies with major electrical malfunctions when new. But may have been related to the extreme conditions they were operated in. Never looked into it. Rentals and I just shoved them on a trailer and sent them back across the tundra.

gbopp wrote:
I can't comment on the 2014.
Over the years I've had a Monte Carlo, two Blazers and a full size 4x2 truck with the 4.3, they were only the 4 speed automatic.
They were fantastic engines, I wish I still had the truck.

Totally different 4.3 and totally different vehicles. Not even remotely comparable.

With the V6 and 2WD, you have less to maintain...and the truck will take on less stress (like from towing large TT's). Point is, with proper oil changes, maintenance, it will last you a looooong time, and your cost per mile over your ownership will be low. Sounds like a good deal.

I once had a 1995 F150 XL work truck, white, rubber mat floor, and it had only 2 options....automatic and AC. Manual roll up windows. It had the 4.9L straight six. Bought it with 40k miles, and at 140k, it still needed nothing but oil changes and occasional brake pads/tires. I drove back/forth to work, hauled stuff from Menards, and took ATVs out on occasion. Loved it...miss the simplicity.

That engine and the six speed is as good as a Gen 3 5.3L with the four speed and possibly as good as the Gen 4 5.3L with the four speed.