Silverado TRAIL BOSS This boss has a taste for off-road adventure. LT Trail Boss is one serious four-wheeling machine, with a 2-inch lift right from the factory, the Z71 Off-Road Package, Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac MT tires, an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case and an automatic locking rear differential.
Joel Stocksdale, with autoblog, wrotewe took an LT Trail Boss, out to Bundy Hill off-road park in Jerome, Mich., where each Trail Boss-specific component came in handy. The park is hilly and heavily wooded. Every path from access roads to hardcore trails are dirt, and on the day I went, it was overcast and wet. The suspension provided great body control over big dips and ruts, keeping us from smacking the ceiling or bottoming out the suspension. The tires were also welcome, providing great traction in the muddy parts. In fact, we never had to use four-wheel-drive low, and only once could we feel the automatic locking differential activate. And as a bonus, the tow hooks made for a great spot to attach the mandatory antenna flag for visibility. Of course, had we become stuck from being overambitious, they would have been handy for getting hauled out of deep muck.
The stiff suspension means the Trail Boss doesnt roll much in corners on pavement. With some actual grip, it could almost feel sporty. The steering is hefty, precise and responsive, which is particularly surprising considering the squishy tires. The powertrain is pleasant, too, particularly the 10-speed automatic. Each gear simply melts into the other, never disturbing the occupants inside. Connected to the transmission, on this Trail Boss is the optional 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It is smooth and provides adequate acceleration.
This Crew Cab also features the Dark Appearance Package with black badging, rocovery hooks and a Chevytec spray on bedliner.