I live in rural Vermont and own a 2002 Silverado 1500 4x4 work truck with 5.3L and auto. I use it to plow the snow around my property (two driveways and half a mile of dirt road; the plow is only mounted when in use), to haul loads of firewood over rough dirt roads, and occasionally to haul 400 gallons of water in winter if my pipes freeze or in summer if my spring dries up. Those are the heavy tasks, made worse by the fact that our roads are so rough from potholes, frostheaves and mud.

My truck was used as a plow and sanding truck for two winters before I got it, so it regularly exceeded its weight capacities. I suspect that may be why it bottoms out so often now under loads. I'm looking for a new truck this year. Would another 1500 handle what I need or should I move up to a 2500HD?

TIA

 

[8D] Go with the 2500 hd. the 1500 is nice, but if you believe you are overloading it, you are more than likelygoing to do the same with a new 1500 especially since there really wasn't a significant change in body style or body stiffening, unless you get a 1500 HD. . For the price of that one, you might as well go with the 2500 hd.

 

2500HD no doubt, the 1500 isnt something you want to put that much stress on and the 2500 will be well worth your money

 

I have the 2500HD and its nice but the gas is hurting at the moment. Its all stock at the moment. Its also got great pulling power.

 

What about helper springs? (I can't remember the technical name)