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Over the past year, Business Insider provided an important article snapshot regarding just how truck-crazy consumers are right now. Pickup trucks and crossover SUVS definitely dominate the American market with the Ford F-Series, our beloved Chevy Silverado, and the Ram Pickup being the top three best-selling vehicles in America during the first half of 2018. Frank Aukofer is the auto writer for NorthJersey.com, where he hit the nail on the head during the first sentence of a 2019 Chevy Silverado review when he reflected that when you are dealing with the scope of trucks, “it’s all about loyalty.”

There are really six truly full-size pickups in the U.S., and it could be arguable that they all do the same things. They have the ability to carry large loads, tow heavy equipment, and haul the family around in a properly raised-up-off-the-road comfort level. Everyone here at Jim Butler recognizes wholeheartedly that luxury car features have been finding their way into truckbeds for a few years now, and each specific model has their own type of follower. Focusing on elements such as tailgate design, interior luxury appointments, and various built-in storage boxes have helped steer loyal followers from one brand to another as specific tastes materialize.

The Silverado is definitely looking to win over potential new buyers with its off-road capabilities, which smaller vehicles like Jeeps and crossover SUVs love to tout as prime selling points. We had really strived to get the point solidly across that the Silverado could conquer a dedicated off-road course despite its large size: it’s more than 19 feet long, and proudly weighs over 5,000 pounds. At the Monticello Motor Club in New York State, members can happily wring out their well-equipped vehicles on a 4.1-mile road racing course, with an off-road section that definitely delves into the very demanding side of things.

The most challenging section takes the form of an area where you have to reduce speed to single-digits, with various ditches, berms, steep hills, creeks, and frame-contorting mounds that lie awake to provide a true challenge. The Silverado LT Trail Boss Crew Cab was the test vehicle for the course, powered by a 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine that makes 383 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic. We were excited that the Silverado in question was aided appropriately with the Z71 off-road equipment package: it provides a driver-selectable 4-wheel drive suspension system with low range for challenging terrain, along with a suspension lift, skid plates, locking rear differential, hill start assist, and 18-inch off-road tires that are the lonely canyon wanderer’s true delight.

One very important fact about usefulness is that the Silverado’s cargo bed uses a higher-strength steel floor than the outgoing model, along with 12 different tie-down points, and a choice of 4 tailgate varieties. The LTZ, High Country, and LT trims all provide remote vehicle starting, and remote locking tailgate, and one of our outright recommendations for those dealing with demanding duties is the max trailering package: with heavy-duty rear springs and a 9.76-inch rear axle, it also provides enhanced cooling and an integrated trailer brake controller to provide the maximum in power and comfort while performing rugged duty!