Chevy-GMC W-series Tilt Cabs (Isuzu)

[Ncostello]

What say ye about the Chevrolet and GMC badged Isuzu tilt cab trucks mostly seen running around as a city box truck. Are they built fairly durable? Are the inline 4's and automatics very good? High speed and tons of power are not required. As long as it moves down the road without much hassle, big power (ie: 325 hp Powerstroke 6. 0's) isn't needed.



My volunteer fire department is still making up its mind on a new squad. We've had a few used ones come our way but let them go. The idea is "lets go ahead and get a new one built". That means a 14000 lb (or larger) chassis with the service body of our choice to haul 4000 lbs of equipment.



I've kinda been looking at them and they seem like a decent deal. Plus I like having a tilt cab like all our other trucks. The shortness of the truck front end is also a plus. I'll do just about anything to steer clear of a F-450/550 6. 0 PSD cab chassis. But with the way the market is... it seems as though the F450/F550 trucks are in a class of their own.



3500 series trucks will just not give the GVWR (payload) thats needed for what we haul. Otherwise I'd like to get a new Dodge 3500.

 

[rbattelle]

I'm no trucker, but I've driven an Isuzu like the one you're referring to. It was a 6-cylinder, though, with a 5-speed. It was actually fun to drive, because it was really peppy!

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

I used to work for Snap-on and a lot of the Technical Reps use them. I've driven a few, and worked on a few. They are very reliable. The Auto trannies are pretty good, and a little costly to repair, not not any more than our Dodges. Head gaskets go on the 4 cylinder ones, but are easy to fix and don't usually hurt the motor when they go. They get better mileage than other similarly equipped trucks.



Joe

 

[Bill Lins]

The inline sixes are famous for burning the #6 piston about every 100k.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Hi Bill,

I've never seen that, not even once. What was the cause in the ones you've seen? Wonder if it a regional thing...



Joe

 

[Ncostello]

Were in contact with an Isuzu truck dealer now. It seems the GMC/Chevy versions are not available with an automatic/diesel unless you get the crew cab. The Isuzu truck does however.



A regular cab auto is available through GMC/Chevy but only with a 6. 0L GM V8 gasser.

 

[Bill Lins]

Originally posted by JoeBioDiesel

Hi Bill,

I've never seen that, not even once. What was the cause in the ones you've seen? Wonder if it a regional thing...



Joe

I don't know, but I do know that those trucks were pulling very heavy and "less than aerodynamic" loads.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Maybe that's the difference. The Tech trucks never get over 16,000 lbs total weight. They do have the big square box on them though (never bigger than an 18 ft box). Could be a cooling issue on that #6 when running at rated load for too long. Couold be lots of stuff... right?

Thanks for the reply.

Joe

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I don't know if you are refering to the isuzu NPR series of cabovers they are also badged as GMC as well, but donot and i repeat donot buy one of these if this is what you are talking about. email me if you want specifics

 

[hammersley]

To Bad you can't wait - DC has some great stuff

coming - But not built by Dodge!!!!