Need help with a few new truck options!

[Mattyd]

Friends..It is my goal to be up and running with a new truck and camper for next summer. I am working on specking out a new GMC 3500 dually diesel crew cab long bed. I am either going to try and find a left over 2013 or wait a few more months to order a 2015.
My questions for you experienced TC brethren is as follows...Are they worth it or not for a truck that will be primarily a TC hauler? I want to do it once and do it right. How or why would you justify the following options?

Snow Plow Package $495. I am not going to plow snow but it equips the tuck with a heavier front axle.

Auxiliary Heavy Duty Battery $135.

160 Amp Alternator $75 -

Dual Alternators $270. -

High Idle Switch $200 -

Power Sliding Rear Window $250

Thanks in advance for all your help. Can't wait till next summer!!

[Bedlam]

Coastal Wanderers wrote:
Yes to the snow plow package. You get larger cooling system and alternator.

Fords only get heavier front springs and a larger alternator - The cooling is the same.

Diesel front springs:
Stock - 5200 lbs
Camper Pkg - 5600 lbs
Plow Pkg - 6000 lbs

[K_Mac]

I did all ,plus remote starter as nycsteve said. With plow pkg. front end sits a little higher because of added suspension upgrades when TC's on. Had a few more people flash their high beams at me compared to my 08 without plow pkg. I also added a fifth wheel frame from factory in case my knee's don't last as long as I hope they will,cost $ 370.

[nycsteve]

Get factory remote start which doesnt compromise vehicle security like an aftermarket. Remote start advantage; starting the engine to charge TC battery from bed while boondocking. Beats the heck out of getting out of the TC into the truck cab to do it. Plus the remote has a timed run and auto shutoff. Really convienant.

[Coastal_Wandere]

Yes to the snow plow package. You get larger cooling system and alternator.

[Bedlam]

Unless you will hauling a heavy front bumper with winch or a cargo track with generator, you do not need the heavier front suspension.

High idle option is useful if you have PTO operated devices or plan to run heavy electrical loads while stationary.

Dual or high output alternators allow you run a dedicated supply line to the TC and run your refrigerator or warmers on DC while traveling. If you add auxiliary lights and are driving slower, you will appreciate the the extra charging available to handle the load. Ford has auxiliary switches in the cab for electrical loads (upfitter switches) - I have one circuit connected to a 2000w inverter allowing me to power tools directly out of my truck without running the TC generator or when I do not have the TC on the back.

We have a manual rear slider window and will drive around town with it open, but once you get to highway seeds the road noise gets offensive and you will be happier running your fresh air vents or have side windows cracked open.

If GM has a camper package like Ford, it is worthwhile. Mine came with front and rear sway bars, upper overload spring pack, and TC electrical harness connection point. I opted to use the rear 7-pin plug on a Y-adapter because of fear of damaging an in-bed plug when hauling things in the bed other than TC, but the option is always available for me in the future.

[timdan94]

I bought a 2013 3500 with they snow plow prep and it gives you a 6000lb front end over the standard 5600lb and it gives you adjustable torsion bars. if you put a plow on all you have to do is crawl under and tighten or loosen 2 bolts to either raise or lower the front end to stock height

[CAJW]

MattyD, regarding the snow plow prep, I do not recall seeing anything listed about additional weight bearing capabilities with that package when I got mine. I understood with that option you got the dual 125Amp alternators and wiring up to the overhead console for an aftermarket searchlight install. Researching this a bit more, their pdf downloaded from their website states a front axle wt. limit "up to 6,000 lbs.", but my door sticker shows 5,600 lbs. Lots of fine print to read for sure.

[Mattyd]

WOW! You guys are great.
Here is what I have concluded so far...looks like it is time to sit down with my GMC dealer and learn a little more. Their website does leave some to guess work.
I never gave it a thought but it would be logical that the dual battery and HD alternator all come as standard equipment when you get a Duramax.
As far as the Snow Plow Prep..guess I need to confirm for sure what is gained and given up with that feature.
A few more comments...
Crickeydog - LOL..usually how I roll on big purchases like this ...Spend once..cry once!
69 Avion - Excellent idea. Some of the places we plan to go/stay - that could be valuable.
Gripnriprod-Looks like we have similar taste...I will be in touch as AF 990 is one of the options we are looking at.
CAJW-You have good taste as well (grin). Can you clarify if the Snow Plow Package equips with a heaver duty front axle?

[jimh406]

I'd get them all.

[rabidcow]

I don't think I'd worry about adding the powered rear window (our camper doesn't even have the front window) or the snowplow package since the front end of the truck won't actually be carrying much extra weight. The dual batteries are for the diesel engine as are the dual alternators. I would get the heavy duty alternator if at all possible because the extra charging current will be used to charge your camper batteries once you have it set up correctly.
Good luck with your decision!
Jeff

[CAJW]

On our 2013 we got the snow plow prep which included the dual 125 amp alternators. I thought the 160 amp option was for the single, but could be wrong. We also got all the options you have listed minus the high idle switch and haven't missed it. We find the power rear window isn't such a must have, but it's there if cross ventilation is desired. Our rig has turned out to be a fantastic TC hauler, very happy with the results and minimal suspension additions. Sounds like you're headed for TC bliss as well. 😉

[Gripnriprod]

That is the equipment I ordered on my truck except for the high speed idle switch. It was a little confusing as I was worried the truck wouldn't idle up for warm up but that wasn't the case. The high idle switch would be beneficial if you were running a PTO but as an option for a TC hauler, there was no advantage.
Feel free to send me a PM.

[69_Avion]

I personally like the heavy duty alternators and whenever I can get them, I do so. I also like a sliding rear window, but I can't think of a time when I need it "powered". I really don't know if you get a stronger axle with the snow plow option. If it was better, I would probably do it, especially if you are going to keep the truck. If it is stronger, I would put a winch up there instead of a snow plow.

[12V_Cummins]

Personally No to snow plow prep if you are not going to plow commercially.. They tend to level a truck out which is not so good when adding a tc.