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FREDERICK, Md., -- You could say as the sales of heavy duty pickup trucks go so goes the economy. Or, as the economy goes, so goes the sales of heavy duty pickup trucks. It’s really a bit of both.
 As the economy strengthens, GM is in a position to continue its resurgence with its much improved heavy duty pickup trucks for 2011. The new versions cover offerings from Chevrolet and GMC. We’re talking about more than 30 new models.
GM concentrated on three areas: capability, performance and security. Capability started with the chassis for these new trucks. Although they don’t look much different from the 2010 models they replace, there is only one minor part of the chassis that is not all new on the 2011 GMC Sierra HD and the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD.
Bending and stiffness of the frame was increased 92 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The box sections of the frame are now five times stiffer. Plus there is less vibration due to larger engine and transmission mounts.
 In short, both the Sierra HD and Silverado HD provided very comfortable rides for heavy duty pickup trucks. There wasn’t any harshness to the rides and both models handled reasonably well. I thought it interesting that we were test driving on narrow, twisting two lane state highways through this rural area which is about one hour west of Baltimore.
It wasn’t the sort of route you’d think would be chosen to test drive pickups, especially heavy duty pickups. But both the Sierra and the Silverado handled the route well. What’s more, the engines of the diesel powered Sierra and the gasoline powered Silverado were quiet. There just wasn’t a lot of outside noise intrusion into the passenger cabins from the motor, the road or the wind.
Gear shifts were imperceptible. And what was really impressive was that our diesel powered Sierra had 3,000 pounds in the bed. That weight seemed like nothing, no matter the steepness of the hills or the sharpness of the curves.
 Both trucks we had were crew cabs and the news within the news is the upgraded diesel engine. The 6.6-liter V8 now produces 397 horsepower and 765 foot-pounds of torque. It can tow up to 21,700 lbs. or haul up to 6,335 lbs.
The 6.0-liter V8 produces 360 horsepower and 380 foot-pounds of torque when gross vehicle weight is less than 10,000 pounds. More weight than that and horsepower drops to 322. At 380 foot pounds towing capacity is 14,700 pounds.
Access holes were added to the rear frame section for easier installation of fifth-wheel/gooseneck-style hitches. GM says the frame mounted hitch for conventional trailering can now support up to 17,000 pounds.
 The lineup of the 2011 Silverado HD has been broadened and includes 10 2500HD models and eight single- and dual-rear-wheel 3500HD models – including a new 3500HD Crew Cab with a 6.5-foot cargo box.
WT, LT and LTZ trim levels are offered, and popular features such as the EZ Lift tailgate and rearview camera system return. All models bring greater capability, improved ride and handling and a greater feeling of driver control.
The new diesel has 11-percent greater highway fuel economy, up to 63-percent lower emissions, B20 biodiesel capability and quicker acceleration. The larger fuel tank and other fuel economy improvements allow a range of up to 680 miles between fill-ups.
Other improvements include exhaust brake which provides greater control of braking on downhill grades which reduces brake pad wear, trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake control, hill start assist, automatic grade braking, intelligent brake assist and of course larger brakes
What I found particularly customer friendly was Bluetooth connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar 9.0, navigation and mobile WiFi connectivity. An awful lot of heavy duty truck buyers use their trucks to work jobs of one sort or another. In other words, they use their trucks as tools, now they can also use them as offices with internet connection.
The 2011 GMC Sierra and 2011 Chevrolet Silverado are on sale now. Prices start at $29,960 for either the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD or the GMC Sierra HD.
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