We’re about to pull the trigger on a 2008 Chevy Duramax K3500 SRW. Both have the trailer package. Choice comes down to the suspension (and color, but we won’t go there). One has the off-road suspension, the other has the trailer suspension. Sales guy says that it is a matter of how truck rides when empty, and the off-road will be just fine. The Chevy website is no help.

What is your opinion? We will drive the truck about 6,000 miles a year – feed, hay, trail riding and camping;  a couple of out-of-state trips. Right now we have an aluminum Cherokee slant 2H GN with a finished dressing room, it weighs around 4,000 pounds.  This is also likely to be my last truck, we had the last diesel for 15 years.

Horse Trailer World has been a tremendous resource for me, I’ve learned a lot by reading the postings. Thanks in advanced for your help.

The trailer package usually includes accessories  used in towing, IE heavy duty cooling packages, engine and transmission, a different rear axle ratio, trailer wiring harness, a frame mounted receiver hitch, brake controller wiring, overload springs, sometimes different tires, usually an all terrain type.

Off road packages usually include various skid plates, heavy duty shocks, aggressive "mudder" tires, fancy decals etc. Some systems are equipped with heavy steering stabilizers and items not needed for on the road travel. It may adversely effect the ride quality when used on the open road.

If I had a choice, and each truck is a 4x4, I would  favour just the trailer towing package for your intended usage.

Gard

Dealer Sales people ... Pooey!

Ask what's the difference in bed height between the two options.  Off-roaders like lots of suspension height under the truck for rocks & such.  With a GN, this becomes critical to your truck/trailer GN clearance.  A crushed bed side or tailgate is either ugly or expensive.