OEMs use the same sheetmetal between their full sized pickups, with the changes mostly in ornamentation. Same glass, doors, etc.
The pavement footprint is also very similar and again most differences are in the trim (ornamentation) levels
Where they differ is below the sheetmetal body (unibody) and is what it sits on
Frames are bigger and why higher class (higher GVWR) pickups will sit higher than lower class, half ton’s
Even the same ICE’s will have differences to increase their duty cycle ratings for higher class pickups
Ditto tranny’s and drive train. On that, half ton’s have RGAWR’s below 5K lbs and higher class has 6K lbs or more
Agree and have been saying for years...the OEMs are making all pickups taller to appease the buying public, who thinks taller means more capable. Their GVWR’s have remained pretty much the same
Maybe this procedure might help ease getting in and out of a tall pickup (Most try to get into the cab too soon)
Either a step/stool/etc or running boards (and recommend the flat and the round tube...even flattened...places too much pressure on a small portion of the shoe/sole)
Open the door all the way. If partial because between parked vehicles, this still works, but not as well...you will ding the other vehicle)
Step up facing the cab interior, stand up tall, but DO NOT try to get in yet.
Grab the steering wheel or any grab bar with your LEFT hand
Place your right hand on the seat back or anywhere on the drivers side seat
Place your RIGHT foot/leg into the cab and pull yourself in with the left hand
At the same time, grab the steering wheel with your RIGHT hand and pivot your hips into the seat while pulling with your RIGHT hand
Once your hips are on the seat...SLIDE the rest of your bottom into the seat while continuing to pull with your right hand
Now let our head go into the cab...it naturally will go and if long body...your head might hit the cab top edge
Am on the board for a 501-3C that cares for the elderly and take them often with a Odyssey mini van, but occasionally when it is in the shop, take them in the pickup or Suburban.
Of course reverse the above for passenger side. These are mostly little old ladies (us guys die off first). Oldest is 94 and average is 75-80 (I’m 72 and 5’11”) and most are around 5’1”...Rosalind used to be taller, but she is now 4’10”
They panic the first time, but after a couple times....they like riding higher than surrounding traffic
Getting out is the reverse and tough getting them to back out (yelling “butt first...then stand up before stepping down” makes them laugh, but it works). Step backwards onto the side-step and onto the 2 step platform stool....again, after they do it couple times, no more problems
