Purchasing a '14 Sierra (First Truck) Have a few Questions

[JGMC]

Hi all, it's getting about the time to get a new vehicle, and while I had decided that I was going to go with full truck this time around, I recently settled on the Sierra after looking at whats out there and test-driving them. I currently drive an '03 Envoy SLT 4WD that I bought new 10 years ago and am buying in Dec/Jan. (May be earlier if I have to order)

 

 

I work as an environmental scientist (wetland restoration), and enjoy hunting/fishing/paddlesports.

 

Functionality I need:

• Haul muddy equipment/clothing (I currently use large rubbermaid bins in the trunk)
• Work reliably in the sand, mud up to 6", and snow (No longer trust current 4WD system in my Envoy)
• Tow 12-16 foot rigid inflatables and center consoles (2-5000 lbs w/trailer)
• Good MPG (In the truck world)

 

The features I want are:

• Crew Cab Short Box
• SLE Trim
• Value package
• Convenience Package
• All-Terrain Package
• Integrated trailer brake
• Black, Iridium, or Stealth Grey
• 5.3 V8

Aftermarket additions I am considering:

• Diamondback 270-S tonneau
• Bedrug Bedliner
• Some sort of simple, black, nerf board/step
• Front/Rear Mudflaps
• All Weather floormats
• Some sort of simple bull bar
• Two forward roof mounted widebeam lights
• Two Rear roof mounted lights that I can point where needed

Now for the questions I have.

1. Should I go with the 3.42 rear ratio or the 3.08? I'm coming from the 4.1 on the Envoy, and my MPG avg is around 12. I would much rather see that at 18.
2. Do I really need the V8, or should I get the V6?
3. I have no interest in any big lift, I need the bed of the truck to be easily accessible for equipment/entry. Will the stock configuration of the All-Terrain be suitable for my needs?
4. Will leveling the front add any functionality besides appearance?
5. Can you get the rear sliding window with the all-terrain? I couldn't find it on the website.
6. Any other additions/aftermarket or factory/dealer you would recommend?

 

 

On a side note, anyone else notice that the all-terrain package option is missing on the GMC Build-It-now? You can add the components which appears to add the package, but it doesn't list it as an added package now.

 

I was also trying to get the LPO/RPO codes for the packages/options to send out to dealers but having problems finding them for the 2014 Sierras, any ideas?

 

Thanks for your thoughts/feedback/help I do appreciate it.

 

 

 

[GMC-AT]

1. 3.42 - end of story. Do some research.. pretty much everyone that got the 3.08 hates it.

 

2. V8 ( dont think you can get a V6 with All Terrain)

 

3. Yes

 

4. Not really - but I does make the truck look better.

 

5. Yes, I have it on mine.

 

6. just get what you need.. as noted above..

[newdude]

- 3.42 gears and the 5.3 all the way. Will give you the towing grunt you need but also get fuel economy. Best of both worlds the 3.42 and 6 speed transmission.

 

- As for accessories...I may be slightly biased...but...GM makes some pretty nice boards if you aren't looking for one that is "special." Black or chrome, 4 or 6 inch, and they mount up from behind the rocker panel area, not using the body mounts like some aftermarket running boards do. Body mount mounted boards can lead to squeaks/creaks down the road with the body mounts.

 

- Floormats, in my opinion, Weathertech. I have had 3 sets and love them.

 

- The OEM molded mudflaps are quite popular and look good and function nice.

 

- Have you considered a spray in bedliner vs the bed rug?

 

- The GM LED bed cargo lights are a nice addition. They plug right in and work with the cargo light switch in the truck. If you consider these, make sure they are on the window sticker already as its only a $60 option. If you buy them after you buy a truck, its $135.

 

RPO codes:

 

All Terrain package: GAT

 

SLE Value Package: PDU

 

SLE Convenience Package: PDD

 

LPO, Black tubular assist steps, 4": RVS

 

LPO, Black tubular assist step, 6": RVQ

 

LPO, Front and Rear Molded Splash Guards: VQK

 

Trailer Brake Controller: JL1

 

3.42 axle ratio: GU6

 

Cargo Box LED Lighting: UF2

[redwngr]

Consider the double cab with the standard box. (which today is the 6.5 footer as the 8 footer we used call 'standard' is now labelled a 'long' box)

Same wheelbase (both are 143.5" WB), but more outside storage (assuming that rear seat passengers is occasional rather than everyday)

 

Crew cab, standard box would be a 153" wb. ( fwiw, the heavier series 2500/3500series crew cabs are only available as std box or long box.)

 

Black trucks are gorgeous when clean, but .......you know the rest. And they get hotter sitting in the sun.

[crushNchowda]

I'm one of the people here who hated the 3.08 w/ 5.3 combo, so much so that I traded the truck back in on a 3.42 equipped black All terrain SLT - couldn't be happier. Based on what you're going to do w/ the truck, I would absolutely get the 3.42s - my MPG only suffered .7 overall. And I'm a very good barometer for that considering I drove the 3.08 for 5,000 miles and the 3.42 for 3,000 miles so far. If you're worried about MPG I wouldn't step up to the 3.73 as you'll probably lose another .5-1 mpg and then you're dipping into like 17hwy ouch.

 

ALso based on what you say you'll use the truck for I would absolutely get the bed sprayed w/ rhino liner or line-x, and not the bed rug.

 

Lastly, based on what you say you'll be using it for it may make sense to order an All Terrain with the chrome bumper that has the integrated assist steps, most AT's come w/ body matched bumpes and no step.

 

I have a black AT w/ the chrome 6" steps and body colored "higher end" OEM mudguards - great looking combo.

 

Lastly, I also have the weathertech mats and love them. And, I went crew cab long bed, its huge but it is basically like a luxury SUV w/ a giant bed and nice rims.....