Light-duty Truck Offering Expands

For 2007, there are more viable choices than ever for the contractor. The following provides an overview of the 2007 light-duty trucks. We have omitted compact trucks and full-size vehicles not specifically targeting the commercial work truck market.

General Motors

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups are built on a new platform that includes a fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Wider front and rear tracks — approximately 3 in. wider in the front and 1 in. wider in the rear — enhance stability and driving confidence. A revised Hotchkiss-type rear suspension features a splayed arrangement for the shock absorbers for isolation.

Five suspension systems are available, each tailored to meet specific driving requirements. They include:

• Z83 — Delivers a solid, smooth ride with monotube front shocks and twin-tube rear shocks
• Z85 — Designed for enhanced handling and trailer towing, with monotube front and rear shocks
• Z71 — Delivers enhanced off-road capability; features specific monotube front and rear shocks
• Z60 — Designed for maximum street performance and offered with 20-in. wheels
• NHT — Designed for maximum towing capacity; includes monotube rear shocks, 17-in. wheels and off-road tires and high-capacity rear springs

A four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard on all models. The General Motors StabiliTrack electronic stability control system is standard on Crew Cab models and is available on extended cab models. When linked with the four-channel ABS, the StabiliTrack helps mitigate the occurrence of rollover events.

Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT) are designed to help fuel economy. And a FlexFuel engine allows customers to power their trucks with either E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups also feature new, distinctive exterior designs that set them apart from previous models. The interiors are more spacious with more storage capacity. Extended cab models feature 170° opening rear access doors, while extended and crew cab models offer a power sliding rear window.

A new cargo management system is available on all Silverado and Sierra models. This is complimented by a range of dealer-ordered accessory packages. Upper and lower rails enable the use of an overhead utility rack rated at a 500-lb. capacity; a sliding diamond plate toolbox; a sliding diamond plate divider, etc.

A new tailgate design includes a lock and an available EZ Lift feature with torque rod assist. The tailgates are easily removed by opening to 45° and pulling straight out and away from the vehicle.

The 2500 and 3500 models start production the first quarter of 2007.

Click here to view PDF version of the Chevrolet Pickup Trucks chart.

Click here to view PDF version of the GMC Pickup Trucks chart.

Dodge

For 2007, Dodge introduces the Ram 3500, a purpose-designed Class 3 chassis cab. It boasts a 10,200-lb. single-rear wheel GVWR and a frame made of a one-piece, 50-ksi steel C-channel.

The flat frame rails are configured with industry-standard 32-in. spacing, and all chassis components are below the frame surface. There is U-bolt access every 18 in. along the length of the frame, and shear plate mounting locations are identified. Bolt-on exhaust hanger brackets provide increased flexibility. Riveted crossmembers behind the cab allow for easier modification.

An exhaust brake option that helps increase brake pad life should contribute to a low cost of ownership. A 52-gal. fuel tank is standard.

The Ram 3500 Chassis Cab will be available in several configurations, including two-wheel and four-wheel drive, single- and dual-rear wheel, regular cab and Quad cab models. There are two power choices: a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 gas engine or a new 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel that will produce 305 hp at 6,000 rpm and 610 ft. lbs. at 1,600 rpm in this application. Transmissions with PTO capability, including a new six-speed automatic, are also available.