Same skin and styling, but with new bones under the sheet metal make this truck ready for the rough stuff.

By Andy Lightbody

From a historical standpoint, big pickup trucks were the rage in the 1970s. Then came the first infamous gas-crunch/crisis, and all the makers were sent scrambling to make mini-trucks, midi-trucks and down-sized squeak boxes! Fuel economy across the board was increased, but the lightweight trucks often felt flimsy, underpowered and not near as much fun in the dirt as their predecessors. Now, even though the “oil squeeze” is on again…. Either real or contrived, the big    pickup trucks are back in style. Why? Because often times, there are big loads to haul, carry and tow… for both work and play. Try loading tents, gear, ice chests and everything else that is needed for a summer camping or fishing adventure with your family or friends, and it becomes obvious that are you going to find that you have more room than you wish you had. It is as simple as that.
For 2011, the Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 2500 HD (Heavy Duty) probably doesn’t look a whole lot different from last year’s offering. But this is where looks are definitely deceiving and there is truth in the old saying…. Don’t judge a book by its cover!
Outside of some minor changes on the front grille to provide better air flow to the engine, and some engine hood refinements, it is going to be tough to tell the new model from last years. And that is why Chevy is telling everyone that it’s the same skin, but new bones under that sheet metal.
What is new is a completely new fully boxed frame that adds to the trucks rigidity and vehicle strength. Chevy then improved the ride—both on and off the road—with a completely new independent front suspension system with hydraulic body mounts, and increased towing and hauling capacities
For the gasoline engine guys, Chevy carries over the 6.0 liter V8 Vortec powerplant that throttles out a full 360 horsepower and 380 foot/pounds of torque for lots of low-end pulling and towing power. In the fuel economy department, the Silverado does not come with published figures. It’s so big and heavy, it’s actually exempt from having to declare any city or highway ratings. In our combination on/off road driving experiences… with about a 50/50 mix of city and highway, we averaged right about16 mpg. Nothing fabulous to write home about, but with the Silverado’s cavernous 36 gallon gas tank, we figured we had a cruising range of around 575 miles.
New offering for the diesel heads wanting to handle even heavier loads is a new 6.6 liter “Duramax” turbo option that is rated at 397 horses and a nearly unbelievable 765 foot/pounds of torque. And while we did not get to test this model/engine combination, Chevy claims that the increased capabilities of its diesel powerplant that is mated to a new Allison 1000 transmission will deliver 11 percent better fuel economy and lower emissions.
In the body style department, the truck is available as a regular cab, extended cab or crew cab model. Ours was the regular cab version that comes only with an 8-foot cargo bed. This has a plastic bed liner and plenty of top side-rail and interior tie downs to secure gear!
Driving on the highway as well as hitting the dirt, it’s instantly obvious that this is one big truck. Built on a wheelbase chassis of 133.6 inches and having a length of 225 inches, the Silverado is as large as a land-based aircraft carrier. Having a width of over 80 inches, if you are used to driving a small truck or crossover SUV, the 2500 HD is going to take a little getting used to in terms of both its on and off road manners.
Acceleration from 0-60 was right at 7.9 seconds and felt stable and solid in all our run up speed tests. At highway speeds, there is no denying that it is still a truck, but overall the ride is fairly smooth and quiet.
Cargo bed full of gear, we then hooked up a heavy 11,000 pound horse trailer to the standard ball hitch and hauled it through the city, on the highway and over some rather rough dirt roads. For the Silverado, it never even worked up a sweat! Towing in both 4x2 and then doing some creek crossings and hill climbing in 4x4 was virtually effortless.
For anyone wanting a truck that can work hard all week, and put on the proverbial happy-face for backcountry fun, the Silverado rates top in its class. And, as we also just learned, the Silverado with the turbo diesel option was just chosen as the 2011 Pickup Truck of the year by the prestigious Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP). Taking that top award from over 75 top auto journalists who are not fooled by a lot of puff-and-fluff or smoke and mirrors, means there is a lot to like about this big beast. Chances are excellent, you will too!