As a browser of this site, and not so much a poster, I would like to let you know that I have searched a number of the past threads looking for as many answers to questions as I could. That being said, I still have a few in mind.

I am a landscape contractor, and I've been contemplating replacing the '99 dump listed in my sig. Obvoiusly I have narrowed my choice to the 5500 4x4, and wouldn't really consider too many other brands, as the GMC's I've owned have served me well. As this would be the largest and most expensive truck I have ever purchased, I would like to make sure I have covered all my bases and not forgot anything before I proceed.

The truck would be equipped with a dump body - an aluminum one to keep tare wieghts down and payload up - and the dump body will be manufactured by Eloquip - a reputable builder here in Elora, Ontario. As such, the truck would require the 32 gallon rear tank. It will also be the 152" 19,500lb chassis, with 7K front and 15K rear. It will also have the stabalizer bars (front and rear), Allison 1000 with 5:13 rear end, rear limited slip, reinforced L-channel frame, Hystec cab mounts, heated mirrors, aluminum 19.5" wheels with Goodyear "highway traction" tires, and few goodies - 2 person pass seat, a/c, chrome appearance pkg.

It would be powered by the LRX Duramax - is this any different from the LLY? 300HP, 620 lb/ft. Governed to 75MPH, Electric PTO, 150 amp alternator.

I would also like to equip this truck with a snow plow for winter use - it would be used to clear city street in a survey, and a few large parking lots. Is there a snow plow prep available for these trucks? If so, what does it include?

To re-iterate, is there anything I'm missing? I have the opportinity to get an 05 already built, or an 06 yet to be built, with no price difference. I'm leaning towards the 06, but not sure if there are any technical advances or changes to the 06 models. Is there anyone currently using this model in an application similar to what I intend to use it for, and if so - is this a capable truck for what I intend to do?

In our landsacping business, this truck would be required to tow a skisteer(10K w/trailer), would often be loaded with granulars, soil, or building materials, woud seldom be travelled long distance (50 mile range). In the winter, plow snow, and spread anit-icing material (ie. treated salt). I know howard (chtucker) from another site, and he is quite satisfied with his, but the more input the better. Thankyou!

As a browser of this site, and not so much a poster, I would like to let you know that I have searched a number of the past threads looking for as many answers to questions as I could. That being said, I still have a few in mind.

I am a landscape contractor, and I've been contemplating replacing the '99 dump listed in my sig. Obvoiusly I have narrowed my choice to the 5500 4x4, and wouldn't really consider too many other brands, as the GMC's I've owned have served me well. As this would be the largest and most expensive truck I have ever purchased, I would like to make sure I have covered all my bases and not forgot anything before I proceed.

The truck would be equipped with a dump body - an aluminum one to keep tare wieghts down and payload up - and the dump body will be manufactured by Eloquip - a reputable builder here in Elora, Ontario. As such, the truck would require the 32 gallon rear tank. It will also be the 152" 19,500lb chassis, with 7K front and 15K rear. It will also have the stabalizer bars (front and rear), Allison 1000 with 5:13 rear end, rear limited slip, reinforced L-channel frame, Hystec cab mounts, heated mirrors, aluminum 19.5" wheels with Goodyear "highway traction" tires, and few goodies - 2 person pass seat, a/c, chrome appearance pkg.

It would be powered by the LRX Duramax - is this any different from the LLY? 300HP, 620 lb/ft. Governed to 75MPH, Electric PTO, 150 amp alternator.

I would also like to equip this truck with a snow plow for winter use - it would be used to clear city street in a survey, and a few large parking lots. Is there a snow plow prep available for these trucks? If so, what does it include?

To re-iterate, is there anything I'm missing? I have the opportinity to get an 05 already built, or an 06 yet to be built, with no price difference. I'm leaning towards the 06, but not sure if there are any technical advances or changes to the 06 models. Is there anyone currently using this model in an application similar to what I intend to use it for, and if so - is this a capable truck for what I intend to do?

In our landsacping business, this truck would be required to tow a skisteer(10K w/trailer), would often be loaded with granulars, soil, or building materials, woud seldom be travelled long distance (50 mile range). In the winter, plow snow, and spread anit-icing material (ie. treated salt). I know howard (chtucker) from another site, and he is quite satisfied with his, but the more input the better. Thankyou!

Make sure to get the 2 passenger seat as it is essential for storing winter items (chains, tow straps, extra winter clothes)

The plow prep includes a 150 amp alternator and the RDS allison, and a 3 battery with isolator. I don't know if it includes the 8k 4x4 front axle but MAKE SURE YOU GET IT. MY 5500 4x4 with a 10' Boss V plow is overweight on the 7k front axle. My truck (same everything except for the dump bed) tares at 10,300lbs

Don't let anyone talk you into anything but a 10' plow or bigger, Some have put 9.5' and have been dissappointed...

The rest you already know what I think....;)

looking at pretty much the sam truck.....looks like you got most of it...just make sure you get the tilt wheel..after sitting in one it will be needed i think if you have bigger drivers...i believe the LRX is the 605lbs torq version of the LLY

I'll look into the snow plow prep - thanks Howard - i'll check for 8K front too.

Is the M74 the 5-speed Allison? It says 1000 series with 0.71 OD. With optional PTO, transmission becomes RDS - Rugged Duty Series.

Under PTO - it says Electronic Activation Switch (Electric Hand Throttle) - 2 engine rpm presets, includes cruise control, includes driver's side access to pto gear in transmission.

It also has ZQ3 driver convenience package - does this include tilt?

How about an engine brake, I don't think that the factory offers one on the 4X4but BD power does. Have installed a few of them. You can get the truck with an electric air compressor and tank so it is just a matter of intalling a switch, and a few other parts.

Definitely think about upgrading the front axle to no less than 8K rating, you might even want to think about a 10K rating but no more than that. Having the higher rating will ease stress loads off parts when using the plow and if you happen to hit something solid when plowing. The engine and trans setup will do pretty good for what you want but if you decide to really start pulling heavy loads opt for a 2200HS or 2200 RDS. The rds will be great to run the hydraulics to lift the plow or to have setup for a dump bed.

I just spent some time on GM Fleet's website, and I found a .pdf file that says the following is new on the 2006:

- 605lb/ft of torque with Duramax 6600
- smoother shifting with Allison Gen IV controls
- 8000 lb front axle rating for 4x4 models
- exhaust brake available with 4x4 models

If this is the case, I'll probably order an '06 than settle for something already built. Depends whats available, I guess.

Definitely think about upgrading the front axle to no less than 8K rating, you might even want to think about a 10K rating but no more than that. Having the higher rating will ease stress loads off parts when using the plow and if you happen to hit something solid when plowing. The engine and trans setup will do pretty good for what you want but if you decide to really start pulling heavy loads opt for a 2200HS or 2200 RDS. The rds will be great to run the hydraulics to lift the plow or to have setup for a dump bed.

Um you can't go higher than 8k, you can't get anything about the 1000RDS allison from the factory on a 4500/5500

just thought some of you guys would like to see a picture of the prototype fire engine that the gov is experimenting with.... its a 05 4500 4x4 chevy. pretty sweet ride.... check out my picture

Our local FD just got a new 5500 crew - saw it for the first time today on a call - what a sweet rig! I'll try to catch some pics of it.

The '06 is at the body equipper - www.eloquip.com (http://www.eloquip.com)

Should be ready in 4-6 weeks!

My 5500 4x4 should be here from Regency in a few weeks. :) I'll post specs when it arrives.

Got a call from Eloquip to check out the install prior to final delivery, as they have the aluminum dump completed. Took a drive up there today - and am impressed. I'm really looking forward to putting this thing to the test - this should be a very capable truck and looks to suit our needs.

nice, thats exactly how ours is gonna look but blue....we went wit the alum. body too

What size is the body(dimensions)? How much does it weigh? If you don't mind, what is the cost difference over steel?? Aluminum corrodes, what do you do about this?? Is there a coating you can use??? What is the brand on the body?? Lots of ?'s I know. I have an 06 ordered and have spec'd to pull, haul payload,crew & tools and to plow with. I am extremely curious about the body. Thanks

The dump body was manufactured and installed by Eloquip - www.eloquip.com (http://www.eloquip.com) They are located in Southern Ontario, in Elora, but do have a distributor in PA, and one out west.

The box is a landscape dump - it is 11'4" long, 96" wide to outside, has a 48" front rack, 18" fold down sides, and a 24" two way tailgate. It has sideboard gussetes to increase the hieght of the sides.

Exact weight - It is about 1400lbs lighter than comparable steel, so I would guess total weight is around the 12-1400lb area. I do know that the hoist is powered up and down - because the box is too light to come down from it's own weight. The power down also keeps the valve closed, to prevent an empty box from bouncing off the frame during travel.

As far as corrosion issues - keeping it clean is a must. Fluid Film is your best friend to protect - I will probably coat the entire underside with Fluid Film. I am also considering putting a liner in the box, to prevent corrosion, and to give added protection against potentially damaging products - like concrete or armour stone.

Finally, cost - it is more than steel. This all aluminum body starts at $9275, which is about 20% more than a comparable steel body. With the many options on this box, total was $12,445. This includes items like backup alarm, electric brake controller, 2" hitch receiver, LED lighting, product chute in tailgate, nylon mesh tarp, shovel and rake rack, spreader chains, and a frame mounted storage box.

With the added payload (say 1/2 ton) that this box gives me, I should be able to recoup the added cost in one season. There is also the added benefit of not having to repaint and touch up every year. In addition, there are many of these boxes in use throughout Ontario, and many satisfied users.

Thank You!!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is incredibly helpful.:)