Forum Discussion

jimh406's avatar
jimh406
Explorer III
Mar 07, 2018

Next Truck Camper Hauler ... New GM!

Interesting new Class 4/5. Too bad the cab is so tall although I know people use the Kodiak.

Part of the text is below.

http://autoweek.com/article/trucks/chevy-expands-silverado-medium-duty-lineup-bid-outgun-ford-ram



General Motors new Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty truck will compete in more segments than initially expected, a strategy coinciding with the automaker's plan to expand and improve its commercial dealership network.

The automaker, when unveiling the vehicle at the Work Truck Show here Wednesday, said it will compete in Class 6 chassis cab trucks in addition to Class 4 and 5, which were previously announced. The addition helps expand GM's reach and differentiate it from competitors such as Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, according to executives.

"This will be the biggest thing we've ever done for commercial," Ed Peper, U.S. vice president of GM Fleet, told Automotive News on the sidelines of the show. "I think it's a real inflection point in our business. This just says a lot about the support from our leadership and the resources that we're getting to continue to grow this business."

Medium-duty trucks range from Class 4 through Class 6 based on gross vehicle weight ratings, which is the maximum operating weight/mass of a vehicle. The new Silverado has a max of 22,500 pounds, which reaches into the middle of the Class 6 trucks, where Ram does not compete, and Ford has a truck but on a different frame than its other medium-duties.
  • I'm not sure, but I guess it would have more ground clearance. At least, those look like 22.5s. Hopefully, it won't be too long before we see the specs/dimensions.
  • Definitely a GM pickup cab but it’s sitting up on a big channel frame like the old kodiaks.
    Decent looking rig compare to the older versions, but I think Ford and Ram still have it nailed with the lower profile class 4 and 5 trucks. More practical for professional and recreational use. Was hoping GM was going to put out a beefed up pickup like the F450s.
    Take that same truck in the pic and make it a 4wd and I bet it’s about as tall as the old ones. Although cabover campers may clear the cab better since cab itself is shorter. Still be a tall setup with a big Host camper on it.
  • 3_tons's avatar
    3_tons
    Explorer III
    I believe some states require a special license classification, but not sure...

    3 tons
  • It looks like the standard cab to me on cab/chassis. I would think a truck camper would work on a flatbed just like a Ford 450/550. The overall height might be an issue with the taller chassis.
  • I've heard about these trucks for months but hadn't seen one yet. The picture doesn't match what I had heard. They were saying the cab would be just like a pick-up which I thought would allow for TC use. That picture looks like a TC cabover might be a problem. I'll be anxious to see one for real and do some measuring. If it will work for a TC it may well be the replacement truck I've been waiting for.
  • It does look like a Silverado cab. Still, it looks really tall.
  • I'm retired and not that flush. Call me when you decide to off it and I'll make an offer.
  • I though the cab was the same one GM uses on its smaller trucks and only the front clip changed? It does sit higher on the frame which means overall height may come into consideration, but it looks shorter than the older Kodiaks.