Truck Buying Odyssey
12-29-2016, 06:45 PM
#1
Truck Buying Odyssey
Last May after I inquired on here about what kind of truck I should get to pull a 26 ft Enclosed trailer, the consensus was a 3/4 ton diesel. I did my research and decided on a new GMC Sierra 2500HD with a Duramax diesel I went down to my local GMC dealer and placed the order on May 16.
The salesman told me it would be 6-8 weeks.
Yesterday, 7 months later, my new Sierra was delivered to the dealership. This has been the most unusual vehicle purchase I have ever experienced, but the results fall mainly in the positive column.
The dealership honored the original price even though my truck now comes standard with options I would have had to pay extra for last year. I also got a completely redesigned and improved Duramax with a hefty boost in torque and horsepower over the 2016 engine. I was also able to add on
some late available options that I wouldn't have been able to get (or retrofit) had the production not been delayed. Two of those options are ideal for pulling race cars in enclosed trailers. The first is an accessory camera package that integrates cameras in each side mirror, a camera that mounts
to the back of the trailer and a camera that mount inside the trailer. The camera images can be displayed either on the Nav screen or a smaller screen integrated between the tach and speedo in a multi screen display. The side mirror cameras are activated by the turn signal. The two remote
cameras are WiFi. The second option is an auxiliary TPM that integrates trailer tire pressure and temps into the existing TPM display, no more aftermarket displays to mess with.
Anyway, the journey is nearly complete. The salesman sent me some pictures of the truck and I noticed it came with Goodyear Wrangler HT tires which are not the best. I'm having them swapped for a set of Michelin Defender LTXs. Once that's done, I'll take delivery.
This will be my first 3/4 ton and first diesel so should be interesting.
Here are some pictures:
The salesman told me it would be 6-8 weeks.
Yesterday, 7 months later, my new Sierra was delivered to the dealership. This has been the most unusual vehicle purchase I have ever experienced, but the results fall mainly in the positive column.
The dealership honored the original price even though my truck now comes standard with options I would have had to pay extra for last year. I also got a completely redesigned and improved Duramax with a hefty boost in torque and horsepower over the 2016 engine. I was also able to add on
some late available options that I wouldn't have been able to get (or retrofit) had the production not been delayed. Two of those options are ideal for pulling race cars in enclosed trailers. The first is an accessory camera package that integrates cameras in each side mirror, a camera that mounts
to the back of the trailer and a camera that mount inside the trailer. The camera images can be displayed either on the Nav screen or a smaller screen integrated between the tach and speedo in a multi screen display. The side mirror cameras are activated by the turn signal. The two remote
cameras are WiFi. The second option is an auxiliary TPM that integrates trailer tire pressure and temps into the existing TPM display, no more aftermarket displays to mess with.
Anyway, the journey is nearly complete. The salesman sent me some pictures of the truck and I noticed it came with Goodyear Wrangler HT tires which are not the best. I'm having them swapped for a set of Michelin Defender LTXs. Once that's done, I'll take delivery.
This will be my first 3/4 ton and first diesel so should be interesting.
Here are some pictures:
12-29-2016, 07:16 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
killer truck congrats, will say I'm not a huge fan of the chrome/polished wheels... but that's an easy fix and entirely personal taste.
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12-30-2016, 06:08 PM
#8
Thanks guys.
Yes it is crazy. Turns out GM ran out of diesel engines shortly after I placed my order. Since they were releasing a completely redesigned engine for 2017, they weren't going to build any more 2016 engines, so orders left after the engine supply ran out were rolled over to 2017 model.
No, the rear cab area IS smaller than the front because this is a club cab. This version is 10" shorter than a crew cab (lose 10" of legroom behind the front seats). I decided to go with the club because a crew would be a tad too tight for my garage.
Will do.
It is crazy that it took so long to build it though.
Is it the picture or is that rear cab area smaller than the front area
Make sure to post up about the cameras and TPMS in the trailer when you use it.
01-02-2017, 09:08 PM
#9
I expect to see a moving LED in that hood scoop ala KIT or a Cylon every time I see that model truck. 
01-03-2017, 11:41 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
01-03-2017, 04:34 PM
#12
I expect to see a moving LED in that hood scoop ala KIT or a Cylon every time I see that model truck
Should be worth some laughs.
These trucks do a awesome job...and I'm a Ford fan
Does this have the def tank by the passenger side door?
The DEF tank hold a little over 5 gallons. After reading through the manual, it appears GM's philosophy is DEF refills should coincide with oil changes (7500 miles). As for the placement under the hood instead of next to the fuel fill, don't know for sure. Maybe it was done to discourage filling the DEF with diesel.
When I went for my first test drive of one of these trucks, the only truck in stock was nearly empty so the salesman had to bring a mechanic to the gas station so the mechanic could refuel the truck. We pulled up to the pumps and while the salesman pointed out some of the features inside, the mechanic jumped out to fuel. A few minutes later, the mechanic jumped back in and told us we were all set. The salesman kept talking and mentioned "diesel" and the mechanic says "this is a diesel?" and I told the salesman to take the key out of the ignition. Turns out the mechanic didn't read the "diesel only" sticker under the fuel door or notice the Green fuel cap that also said "diesel only" and topped us off with gasoline. That was the end of that test ride.
01-03-2017, 05:07 PM
#13
When I went for my first test drive of one of these trucks, the only truck in stock was nearly empty so the salesman had to bring a mechanic to the gas station so the mechanic could refuel the truck. We pulled up to the pumps and while the salesman pointed out some of the features inside, the mechanic jumped out to fuel. A few minutes later, the mechanic jumped back in and told us we were all set. The salesman kept talking and mentioned "diesel" and the mechanic says "this is a diesel?" and I told the salesman to take the key out of the ignition. Turns out the mechanic didn't read the "diesel only" sticker under the fuel door or notice the Green fuel cap that also said "diesel only" and topped us off with gasoline. That was the end of that test ride.
I thought that the nozzles were a different size for diesel to prevent just such an occurrence.
01-03-2017, 05:41 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Yes, the diesel nozzles are usually bigger, so it prevents you from putting diesel in a gas, but not vice versa. I always remind myself not to make that same mistake. I can't imagine how much of a pain that would be to dump everything.Awesome truck BTW! It almost makes me want to trade in my 15 for those new trailer camera features and such. I'm telling you, after you tow the first time, you will never want to go back to a lesser truck. Never!
01-03-2017, 05:44 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
Putting gas into a diesel tank and vice versa obv isn't good. Putting DEF or diesel into each others' tanks is actually way worse. At the pump, some DEF dispensers are locked out with a magnetic filler pipe and dispenser combo.
Last edited by DTMiller; 01-03-2017 at 06:08 PM.
