What Are Chevy Trucks Made Of?

Chevrolet features some of the best trucks on the market, whether you're driving a Silverado or Colorado. If you're wondering what separates Chevrolet trucks from the competition, it all comes down to the vehicle's construction. Chevrolet put a lot of thought into each element of its trucks, allowing for optimal performance and durability throughout. Below, we'll explain what Chevrolet trucks are made of and how this leads to some of the best trucks on the market.

Mixed Materials Strategy

Over the past few years, Chevrolet has been using what they call a mixed materials strategy. With this strategy, Chevrolet builds its vehicles out of a mix of both steel and aluminum. By switching to this method, Chevrolet was able to remove 450 pounds of weight from the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado, one of their signature trucks. This reduced weight, in turn, leads to better performance metrics. Let's take a closer look at how Chevy uses both steel and aluminum in their construction.

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Steel

The bulk of the Chevrolet Silverado body still comprises steel. For example, in the cab safety cage, you'll find seven different grades of steel. It tailored each of these different steel grades for specific applications, allowing them to better protect the driver and passengers. In fact, most of the frame is still made up of steel, coming in at around 80%. This high-strength steel varies in size from 2 to 5 millimeters in thickness, with each area optimized for the best performance, durability, and strength.

Chevrolet also uses steel for the truck bed's floor. In the past few years, Chevrolet increased the yield strength of its steel truck beds, going from 340 to 500 megapascals. This contrasts with Ford's decision to make its truck beds out of aluminum, which is typically less durable and cannot handle the same level of impact.

Aluminum

While the majority of the Chevrolet Silverado exterior comprises steel, there are a few parts made of aluminum. Specifically, the Silverado features aluminum exterior swing panels, which include the doors, tailgate, and hood. Both the inners and the outers for these enclosures are made of aluminum. In addition, Chevrolet also uses forged aluminum for the front suspension's upper control arms. Finally, some Chevrolet truck models feature aluminum wheels.

Interior Seats and Trim

Moving on to the interior, Chevrolet uses a variety of materials depending on the truck and the trim level. For example, some trucks have seats made of cloth while others feature leather or vinyl seats. These materials also extend to other surfaces within the truck, such as armrests, the dashboard, and the steering wheel. 

Engine Components

Another important part of any truck is the engine. Currently, many Chevrolet trucks use the GM L3B engine, which made its debut in the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This engine features a variety of materials for its different components. For example, the 2.7-liter turbo engine model features an aluminum block and cylinder head, which results in reduced mass. In addition, the crankshaft and connecting rods are made of forged steel, while the pistons are made of an aluminum alloy. 

Electronic Components

Finally, there are the electronic components of the Chevrolet trucks. These days, all trucks feature a wide range of technology systems that aim to make driving safer and more convenient. For example, your Chevrolet truck likely comes with a touch screen infotainment center, through which drivers can control various aspects of the truck and access their favorite media. 

Many Chevrolet trucks also feature cameras or sensors, which monitor the exterior of the vehicle and alert drivers if they're about to get into an accident. All of these technology upgrades rely on electronic components like computer processors, which allow them to perform lightning-fast actions while you drive.

Is a 2022 Chevrolet Truck Right for You?

Now that you know more about the materials that go into making a Chevrolet truck, you may be wondering if this is the truck for you. To help you decide, there are a few things you should consider. First, it's important to know that Chevrolet offers two truck models: the Chevrolet Silverado and the Chevrolet Colorado. The Silverado has several versions, such as the 1500, 2500 HD, and 3500 HD. In addition, each version of the Silverado and Colorado has different trim levels available.

When exploring these vehicles, you should think about what you primarily need your truck to do. For example, if you need a heavy-duty work truck, you'll likely prefer the Silverado 3500 HD over the Silverado 1500 LTD or the Chevrolet Colorado. On the other hand, if you want something that's more affordable, the Colorado or Silverado 1500may be a better fit for you. For each truck, explore its towing and hauling capacity, interior technology features, engine performance, and safety features. This will help you find the truck that's right for your needs and lifestyle.

Get Your Next Chevy Truck at Apple Chevrolet of Red Lion

There's a lot to love about Chevrolet trucks. At the surface level, they look great, provide exceptional performance, and come with plenty of the latest technology features that you're sure to want. Then, if you dig deeper, you'll discover that Chevrolet built its trucks by optimizing the materials at every opportunity, resulting in a truck that's powerful, durable, and safe.

If you want to get a Chevrolet truck and you live in the Red Lion area, look no further than Apple Chevrolet. We have a wide range of trucks available, including all the latest models. Our dedicated sales staff can help you find a truck that's perfect for your needs and answer any questions you may have. To get started, please browse through our current inventory to see what we have available. Then, please schedule a visit to our dealership by contacting us today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get your next Chevy truck.