One of the true advantages of owning a pickup truck, especially a pickup truck with four-wheel drive, is that you are never limited to the destinations found on the paved roads of America. Sure, you can travel the states in a sedan and see the Grand Canyon or Mount Rushmore, but that two-wheel sedan won’t get you through the Rubicon Trail in California or through Big Bend National Park in Texas. You need a truck with some gusto to navigate these locations, and there are no better options to compare than the 2021 Chevy Silverado vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500.
You could buy a Jeep or some other SUV to take to these spectacular destinations, but you are a pickup truck person through and through. Not everybody gets that, but being a pickup truck owner makes you a part of a greater family. Being a pickup truck owner also means that you can tow a camper with you on your travels, bringing all the comforts of home with you as you explore the country in a way that even the most capable SUVs cannot.
It might seem a bit early to start planning a summer trip, but we all need something to look forward to this year. A road trip to a great destination is a welcomed and much-needed escape from daily life and will make memories that will last forever. If you are going to do this, you need to do it right, which means some careful planning before you hit the road. Here is a list of things you don’t want to forget to pack for your road trip.
Packing for Your Trip
Regardless of your destination, it will probably take at least several hours to get there, perhaps even several days. Since you and the family will be spending plenty of time in the truck on the road, make sure you have all the key items that you need. After all, a road trip should be an enjoyable experience, and if you forget something important, it could spell disaster.
Something the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra share is they both have plenty of cargo space, which means you will have no problem finding a spot for the items you need for your trip. The Chevy Silverado offers just over 89 cubic feet of cargo volume in its long box, more than enough for your luggage, camping supplies, snacks, and everything else you need to enjoy your trip. The Sierra also enjoys plenty of cargo space, and you can choose the bed size. There is also plenty of space throughout the cabin of each to store stuff.
Safety is always a concern, and there is always a chance that something might go awry while on a road trip. It is important that you pack a first aid kit. Even if you don’t foresee a problem, you might happen upon a situation in which you can administer first aid because you are prepared. Speaking of safety, the Silverado comes with a plethora of safety features, including stability control, daytime running lights, and blind-spot monitoring. The GMC Sierra offers forward collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and front pedestrian alert.
Infotainment System and Navigation
We could go through a list of things you should pack for your road trip, but most items are up to you. It would be easier to list things you won’t need to pack if you have a quality pickup. For example, you don’t need to pack a map, even if you don’t have a smartphone with maps and navigation. This is because Chevy offers the MyLink navigation system for the Silverado. This system contains an integrated map with full coverage of the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Wherever you go, there is no chance you will get lost. The Sierra also offers a navigation system to ensure you reach your destination.
When traveling, people usually like to listen to their favorite music, and one way to enjoy music is with a collection of CDs. Now, if you have ever traveled through the midwest states, like South Dakota or Nebraska, you can usually only pick up six or seven radio stations in most areas. Unfortunately, four of five of those stations will play only country-western music, two will be talk shows, and one station will be dedicated to NPR news programs. This is not acceptable to many people, which is why they pack CDs for their trip.
If you are traveling through some of the more barren states in your Silverado and have limited radio stations, you are in for a surprise. The Chevy Silverado is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and has a mobile hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to play music through your iPhone or Android device. Whether you choose an app to play music or utilize a saved playlist, you can enjoy your favorite music for the duration of your trip – no more talk radio for hours on end. The Sierra also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with its infotainment system, which also supports two devices at the same time.
If you have a Chevy Silverado, there is no need to buy an expensive cooler and 20 pounds of ice to keep your snacks and drinks cold. This is because you can get your Silverado with two 120-volt electric outlets, so you can plug in a mini-fridge while you are on the road and keep sandwiches fresh and drinks cold. If you choose, you can even plug in a crock-pot and serve homemade sloppy joes for lunch. How cool is that? And just so you know, the Sierra also offers 120-volt electric outlets.
Don’t Forget the Kids
It might be tempting to leave the kids with a babysitter or relative while you head out on your adventure. After all, kids get loud, fidgety, and they can be quite the handful while attempting to reach your destination. However, if you own a Chevy Silverado, go ahead and bring the kids along; they will have the time of their life.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado crew cab boasts a roomy and comfortable cabin with up to six seats, so your kids will be less likely to want to stop and take a break all of the time. The seats of the Silverado are quite comfortable, and you can expect your kids to nap while on long stretches of road. The GMC Sierra 1500 also boasts a large and comfortable interior that the kids will enjoy.
Get Ready to Hit the Road
There is no doubt about it – you deserve a road trip to an awesome destination, and there is no better vehicle than a quality pickup truck. From an emotional and psychological standpoint, a road trip will create some pretty strong memories that will last forever. Travel has a way of helping you gain a more positive attitude, and it will also lower your risk of depression. There are plenty of studies that find road trips improve mood and they are good for your health. It will do you a world of good to start planning your trip now as it will give the entire family something to look forward to. Also, now is a great time to head to your local dealership and check out their line of Chevy Silverados or GMC Sierra 1500s. After all, every successful road trip starts with driving the right kind of vehicle.
