Why did the GMT 900s get so tall.

[cc1999]

I have noticed now that the last of our GMT 800s are starting to need to be replaced that all the new full size trucks have bedside that are way to tall to work out of like we have been with the GMT800s, load hights are nuts, for 2wd long WT trucks. The 3/4 tons are worse than ever. I am 6ft, and the 3/4 GMT900s tailgate cap is over my sholder when in the upright position. I have to ask why are the trucks getting so tall, it may look cool to some, but those that have to work out them , it makes no sense to have the bed hights that tall.

Its not just GM, Ford, Dodge, and Toyo are the same way. I use to buy the GMT800 WT long bed regular cabs, because they had the best load hights, and got the best fuel mileage. Now it seems the GMT900s have some of the worst load hights, and fuel mileage has dropped, not sure if they are related, but I suspect they are.

[Rumblebuffin]

From what I've seen, trucks are becoming more of a styling statement IMO. Sure they still get more power and capabilitites, but they are getting riddled with some pointless styling directions and features, such as large wheels. I met a design professor at a college I used to attend, and I agreed with him when he said that most people are buying trucks because trucks look cool; rarely do you see them carrying big loads.

I cannot really think of any good reason to raise the bedwalls other than to create a deeper bed floor for more cargo carrying (although this is easily possible with an IRS). I really love the height of the GMT-800s. My dad has one, and it is easy to work with, even with a slight lift from the oversized tires. My family's never had problems with the low height. It's just right.

And in terms of fuel mileage, I think the higher bedwalls are actually lowering mileage, because with the tailgate up there is an air buffer when the truck is going, so there is some aerodynamic buffer to reduce drag (this busts the myth that lowering your tailgate saves gas). But, if the bedwall and tailgate are higher, then the buffer isn't as great; the air passing over the cab hits the higher edge of the tailgate and creates more drag. This is my own theory though.

[eurohazard]

This is a COMMON complaint over RV.net. Many people with 5th wheels are having clearance issues because the bed is so high off of the ground. Generally speaking every blames Ford for starting the trend....then everyone bit off of them! lol

[cc1999]

These GMs are a lot taller than the Superduty F250s I am replacing. GM has taken it to a whole new level. I just pickup one of our new GMC 2500s from the upfitter that we get our power tailgates from. He said that everyone he deals with is up in arms over these new hights, picture trying to get a latter off your latter rack, or getting tools out of your side boxes. Its just nuts. Fords are tall, but the GMs are in a leauge of there own. Even the half tons set like the old 3/4s. We are now in the beginning of an age where the people buying trucks for looks or status is all but over, and the trucks that are on the market are not really what i would call user friendly at all for those that really need trucks now and will still need them tomorrow, for there work.

If you look down the sides of the GMT900s the fenders stick way out, IMO if you are going to take up that much space in the garage or going down the road, they just as well widen the inside the bed and the cab, and forget the dumb looking bubble fenders deal, and make the space functional, in there next design, either that or narrow the truck back up like the 800s were. These 2 new 2500 GMCs are our first of the 900s and I am not impressed with the redesign, nothing functional or helpfull has been done to them, quite the opposite IMO. They are larger and less functional than the 800s they replaced.

[eurohazard]

It sounds like you might be impressed with the 2009 Rams. They have optional storage in the bedside rails. I'm not sure how tall they will be though.

[SDRacing]

the increased bed height is due to the increased load capacity and taller bed sides. with the increased load capacities come longer leaves with more arch in them creating that taller ride height, although the front ends still seem to want to plow. ford started this "tall" look and everybody followed. there are a lot of people out there that do want taller work trucks, but by taller meaning "more ground clearance".

[t-rex]

Trucks are tall because their buyers' self esteems are so low...

[RamJet502]

Originally Posted by t-rex

Trucks are tall because their buyers' self esteems are so low...

We can't all drive BMWs or the world would be overrun with losers.

[cc1999]

I do understand the needs for taller 4x4s in reguards to ground clearance, in Oil patch or out on the Ranch, or Farms. But the needs in the city, delivery, or services industries, the hight on these 2wds is a real problem.

As a fleet manager I have looked at all the models out there none of them are short, like the old GM800s use to be, but then again none are as tall as the new 900s are. It just seems that GM has lost perspective of its core truck buyers, namly people that actually need trucks for real work porposes every day.

[Canyonaro]

I may be in the minority and yes I use my truck as a truck most of the time. But my Canyons bed is a little deeper then my dads Sierra GMT-800 bed. I like the deeper bed since I am able to fit more of a load then the trucks in the same catagory as mine.

That being said, I am only 5'-10" so I am not tall by any means. I guess thats why the higher sides never bothered me since I have to be creative to get things in and out of a full size.

[member12]

The deeper beds are nice for several reasons. I can fit more things in the back, even with the roll top cover closed. It also comes in handy when moving tall objects. The taller bed usually means that less tie straps are needed.

I do agree that they are getting difficult to reach into. I am 6'2" and I can barely reach the bed floor over the side of the rail. If there is an object in the center of the bed, then I have to climb in to get it.

Originally Posted by t-rex

Trucks are tall because their buyers' self esteems are so low...

And why do people buy BMWs, T-Rex?

We are not all stupid rednecks.

[HoosierRon]

The F100 will be the new F150. I sure hope that GM has something planned.

[RamJet502]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

The F100 will be the new F150. I sure hope that GM has something planned.

It better be a Colorado/Canyon redesign

[sj528]

I just picked up a 1500 2WD WT long bed for light hauling and DIY stuff. Looks like I will have to buy nerf bars or running boards for friends and relatives to get in. I can handle the height myself but a 5'4" friend could barely pull themselves up into the seat.

I'm almost tempted to lower it but will probably chicken out due to cost and warranty issues.

The excess bulk is unfortunate because the rest of the truck is pretty good. The upholstery looks like a nice car and they put an XM radio with CD in the work truck. You can even see transmission temperature on the odometer/trip readout.

[Bvonscott]

My GMT900 Sierra has a perfect load height. It's stock too. And I'm 5'10". So I have no idea what you people are complaining about. These trucks are badass, nothing else is as good for work or as goodlooking too. Geez