When Chevy set out to update its Silverado fleet, the 4500HD and 5500 HD trucks were considered just as necessary as the regular pickups. After all, the 4500/5500HD lineup is essential to businesses. These top performers are often upfitted for a unique role, working hard every day to achieve a specific goal.
Chevrolet engineers looked first at the cost and complexity that comes with upfitting. They wanted to avoid rusting frames and to eliminate bumps such as rivets and brackets that interfere with clean mounting. The new factory-painted structure resists rust. It has one-piece frame rails streamlining even further; fuel fill lines run through the frame. The top sections are smooth and unobstructed to make a flush mount easier.
When thinking about the right Silverado for you, getting the right frame size can be as important as the right truck size. In some cases, trucks will have frame rails without enough length behind the rear axle. This forces owners to use extensions or reinforcements to mount larger cargo boxes. To eliminate this common problem, the new Silverado 4500HD/5500HD will offer seven cab-to-axle options, and these will have five axle-to-back-of-frame lengths.
Since big trucks are more labor intensive, repair costs go up. Chevrolet is helping to address the problem with a new lightweight hood. This clamshell design is front-hinged. The engineers then combined that with a 50-degree wheel cut. Now technicians can get easy access to under-hood components. This should mean faster, less costly maintenance and repair.
The driver is essential to the success of a heavy duty truck's daily mission. As such, engineers made important revisions to increase visibility and drivability. The new hood has been contoured to provide a better view of the road. Even better, the driver should have less trouble with turning because engineers have improved wheel cuts dramatically. This individual narrows wheel turns and helps reduce the overall turning radius of the big truck.
Chevrolet has created a factory-installed rear air suspension that will reduce bounce. This makes steering and travels more predictable. It also improves the ride quality for the driver. You won't find this at Ford or Ram.
In the truckmaker's efforts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, it also used huck bolts throughout the frame which provides superior clamping force. Engineers also triple-sealed the new inset doors.
In another attempt to improve usability, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank placement has been moved. Now on the passenger side, it is on the opposite side of the fuel fill. This should eliminate typical refueling errors that come with poorly-placed or poorly-marked DEF tanks.
Power is, of course, of paramount importance, and Chevrolet has provided a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine that's sure to please drivers. It generates 350 horsepower and 700 lb.-ft. of torque. The two-wheel drive can be replaced by the four-wheel drive with an Allison transmission Power Take Off option. The new frame and other architectural updates help ensure ample strength for the job.
Connecting drivers is another important goal for many businesses. The right connectivity includes navigation, the ability to contact home base, and the ability to access orders and forms electronically. Now that's possible with the Silverado 4500HD/5500HD. The Chevy MyLink system includes Bluetooth streaming with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can use their phone-specific apps and stream maps to the screen. They can also use OnStar with an available built-in 4GLTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Other options include wireless charging and Chevy's Commercial Link services.
Find out more at Reliable Chevy. Our staff and our service technicians can help with all of your commercial truck needs.
