This episode (Ep.12) of Ask Mr.Truck has a lot to do with transmission in pickup trucks. First is a question about the upcoming 2017 Chevy Colorado ZR2. GM midsize trucks are currently using a 6-speed automatic with the 2.8L Duramax I4 engine. Will GM pair the little diesel with an 8-speed automatic in the Colorado and the ZR2? There are rumors that this will happen for the 2018 model year, but this is no confirmation of this from Chevrolet.
Imagine that you have a 10,000 lbs (dry weight) trailer and you are trying to make a choice between a Ford F-250 and a Chevy HD 2500. Would you go for a diesel or a gas V8? Which truck and engine would you choose?
If you are towing a 13,000 lbs trailer on a bumper hitch with a Ram HD 3500 dually, should you be concerned about getting a weight distribution hitch with sway control?
Finally, where is the pickup truck transmission trend going? We now have pickups with 7, 8, and 10-speeds. Will we see an 18-speed transmission in a pickup truck in the future? This brings up another question. Vehicles with electric motors generally have a single-speed transmission. Gas/electric hybrids often use CVTs (continously variable transmissions). Will we see pickup trucks with CVTs?
Truck Nuts Book is a great resource for all things pickup truck. It’s currently the number #1 best seller on Amazon.com in the Automotive Guides category.
You can also join the discussion in the Ask Mr.Truck Ep.12 video below.
