I stand in awe of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ hooked up to my bass boat. Its bolded, striking exterior complements the elegant interior; however, what will really blow you away is the technology intergraded in the Vortec 5.3L V8 engine. All the mechanical standard equipment makes this truck one that anglers pulling boats are going to love.

Before getting too deep on the specifications of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ driven it should be noted that it was a 2 wheel drive pickup truck test driven, but anglers pulling a boat should really look into getting the 4 wheel drive version because some steep boat ramp or treacherous off-road launch areas just require more traction. The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ big Vortec 5.3L V8 engine with 315 HP @ 5200 RPM had 335 LBS of torque @ 4000 RPM. If that’s not a big enough engine you can get the Vortec 6.2LV8 is an available option.

Again it’s the technology utilized in this Silverado that makes it special.  The 5.3L V8 provides the power for a Hydra-Matic® 6-speed automatic overdrive standard transmission that will have no problem pulling your boat. The Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission maximizes acceleration with a steep first gear and has a quiet, low rpm overdrive when driving down the highway.  The advanced technology continues with Active Fuel Management™. Active Fuel Management is a patented cylinder deactivation system that’s able to shut down engine cylinders if they are not needed. This makes for increased MPGs especially during light driving situations. Note that drivers can check on this system by looking at the display below a gauge on the dash. I found it exciting to watch the MPG increase while coasting to a stop, but less than thrilling trailering my boat up steep inclines. Another technological advancement was the Variable Valve Timing that optimizes both low-revving torque and high-performance horsepower that basically increases the 5.3L V8 efficiency. The engine also came standard with the Oil-Life Monitor system. Basically, the Oil-Life Monitor tracks the condition of your engine's oil and lets you know when it should be changed.

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ has the pulling power, but it also has trailering design technology to keep it on the road and driving safely. Let’s start with the GM Automatic Locking Rear Differential. The Automatic Locking Rear Differential directs power from the Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission to whichever wheel has the most traction. This keeps you moving forward on slick boat ramps or on loose gravel. Once moving forward the Stabilitrak Electronic Stability Control System assists with keeping your truck and trailer on the road by adjusting the engine output and brakes accordingly while working in conjunction with the Trailer Sway Control for total control. Cruise Grade Braking is also included with the Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission that automatically down shifts to assist with slowing the truck and saving the brake pads on long, steep hill descents. Cruise Grade Braking is standard equipment on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ. Also standard equipment on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ is the Tow/Haul Mode. Anyone who tows a boat or trailer will find the Tow/Haul Mode a necessity when driving through the Ozark Mountains. The Tow/Haul Mode will adjust the shift schedule in the automatic transmission to keep it from excessive shifting. Optional equipment that an angler may want to purchase is the Rear Vision Camera System. The system allows the angler to back up to hook up their trailer using a camera to see that it’s pointed out and downward while viewing it on their rearview mirror or the navigational screen if the truck is equipped with a navigational screen.

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ test driven included the following equipment:

Mechanical & Performance

__·         Vortec 5.3L V8 Engine with Active Fuel MGT Technology

__·         6-speed Auto Transmission

__·         Boxed Frame Design With Hydroformed Technology

__·         Heavy Duty Trailering Equipment

__·         Locking Rear Differential

Safety & Security

__·         4-wheel ABS With Dynamic Rear Proportioning

__·         Seat Mounted Side Impact Airbags, Driver and Right Front Passenger

__·         Remote Keyless Entry

__·         Stabilitrak-Stability Control And Hill Start Assist

__·         Tire Pressure Monitor System

Interior & Exterior

__·         Auto Dual-Zone Air Conditioning

__·         Power Heated Bucket Seats With Driver Memory

__·         60.40 Split Rear Seating

__·         USB Port

__·         6-Gauge Cluster With Tachometer

__·         Chrome Rear Bumper

__·         18-inch Chrome Clad Aluminum wheels

__·         OSRV Mirrors With Power Fold, Heat & Turn Signal, and Driver Side Auto Dimming

__·         Remote Vehicle Start

__·         Front Fog Lamps

(Due to space not all mechanical, performance, safety, security, comfort & convenience, optional, and exterior features were listed in this article. Please check with your local Chevrolet dealer or go to www.Chevrolet.com for more information on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ). The EPA Fuel Economy Estimate is 15 city mpg and 21 highway mpg.

The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD Crew Cab LTZ makes getting to the lake a breeze with its powerful engine; however it’s the safety features that make this one truck that anglers will find worthwhile to pull their boat to the lake.