THE CHEVY SILVERADO HD IS PLOW READY
One of the most important aspects of everyday life during winter in the North is snow plow service. Without snow plow drivers, commuters would have difficulty getting to work, delivery services would cease to operate efficiently, and every metropolitan area would look like Atlanta did in Snowpocalypse 2014. Chevrolet is doing its part to make the snow plow industry more productive. Dan Tigges, commercial product manager of full-size trucks at GM Fleet, shares more.
MWS: THE 2020 CHEVY SILVERADO HD FEATURES A MORE INTEGRATED SNOW PREP PACKAGE ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL FEATURES TO MAKE THE JOB EASIER. WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA OF MAKING A SNOW PLOW DRIVER’S JOB AS EASY AS POSSIBLE?
TIGGES: The snow control market is very broad and includes some very harsh conditions, which can test even the best trucks. The market was looking for reliable and durable trucks that are comfortable, easy to upfit, and easy to use. The all-new Silverado HD provides more capability and peace of mind for this important market, which is critical to Chevrolet.
MWS: CAN YOU GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF SOME OF THOSE NEW FEATURES?
TIGGES: We offer two packages specifically for snow plow upfits. Our Snow Plow Prep Package includes all the basics, such as increased front gross axle weight ratings to handle the weight of ever larger plows.
Our Alaskan Snow Plow Special Edition adds a spray-in bedliner and appearance features including 18-inch aluminum wheels, roof marker lights, and special Alaskan graphics.
Our standard engine is an all-new 6.6-L gas engine with direct injection and 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. Also, we have new standard trailering mirrors that are mounted on the door sheet metal for better forward visibility. Non-trailering mirrors are also available.
MWS: HOW SIMPLE IS SNOW PLOW INSTALLATION ON THE NEW MODEL VS OLD MODELS AND COMPETITOR MODELS?
TIGGES: With the all-new Silverado HD snow plow installation has never been easier. The front bumper features a removable center section that allows plow hardware to be added without any modification to front end parts. It can be reinstalled when the plow is removed.
Electrically, we provide a 220-amp alternator, a 200-amp power provision in the battery electrical center, and the headlamp connectors that can be accessed underhood with no disassembly.
Finally, Silverado HD offers an optional integrated PTO with the all-new Allison 10-speed transmission and diesel engine to provide power for larger plows, spreaders, and dumps.
MWS: OF THOSE FEATURES, WHICH ONES DO CONSUMERS SEEM THE MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
TIGGES: The new Allison integrated PTO replaces aftermarket PTO drive units with a chain-driven factory PTO. It’s a quieter, more efficient, and capable system than gear-driven systems. Priced at $995 MSRP it will make PTO upfits easier, faster, and less expensive.
MWS: WHAT FEATURES ALLOW THE SILVERADO HD TO BE AN ULTIMATE WORK TRUCK ONCE PLOW SEASON IS OVER?
TIGGES: The all-new Silverado HD has plenty of new features on the “business end” of the truck that our competitors cannot match.
Access to the box has been improved by taking the standard, and very popular, rear bumper corner steps idea to the front of the box with a new BedStep feature standard on every HD. The box volume is best-in-class with 6 and 3/4-inch improvement in the interior width without changing the exterior width. We also provide 12 welded tie-downs, three in each corner, rated at 500 lbs each to make securing your load easier than ever. The box floor is made of high strength steel to take the hard use our customers expect. We also offer available features like, 110-V box power outlet, LED box lighting, power lock and release tailgate, and a rear hitch light.
MWS: SNOW PLOW DRIVERS ARE OFTEN ON THE ROAD FOR LONG HOURS. WHAT ARE SOME SWEET COMFORTS DRIVERS OF THE NEW SILVERADO HD GROW TO LOVE?
TIGGES: The all-new Silverado HD features best-in-class front headroom and legroom along with more rear legroom than ever before.
We also have available OnStar with 4G LTE WiFi, Sirius/XM radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There is also lots of storage and available heated seats and steering wheel.
MWS: HOW SIMPLE IS IT FOR SNOW PLOW TRUCKS TO RETURN TO EVERYDAY USE TRUCKS AFTER THE SNOW HAS MELTED?
TIGGES: Snow plows can be removed with little difficulty or changes to the front of the vehicle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel Tigges, a veteran of the automotive industry, has 34 years of experience with General Motors. For the past 20 years, he has served as GM Fleet’s commercial product manager for full-sized trucks. Prior to this role, his well-rounded career included roles in field sales, service, and marketing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University.
MODERN WORKTRUCK SOLUTIONS:
OCTOBER 2019 ISSUE
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