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The Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of Chevrolet’s most popular and iconic vehicles. A full-size, light-duty pickup, it’s a highly versatile option that’s terrific for San Antonio drivers. Its dimensions make it perfect for daily driving up and down the River Walk, while its capabilities make it right for contractors and agriculturalists with major tasks to tackle in the region. When it comes to a vehicle that captures the unique blend of Mexican and Texan culture of the Alamo City, it doesn’t get much better than this salt-of-the-earth, hardworking—yet humble—pickup. So, if you’ve been looking for a San Antonio Chevy dealer, pay us a visit at North Park Chevrolet. We’re a short drive out of the city and have all of the trims of the Silverado 1500. Because the Silverado 1500 comes in so many trims, we receive a lot of questions about what makes each one special and for which driver they’d be best suited. Two trims we get a lot of interest in are the Custom and the Custom Trail Boss. Their shared word “Custom” would imply the two have similarities—and they do. However, they also have important differences that we’ll cover, and that make them right for two very different respective drivers. more The Custom—A Step Up From the WT Let’s start with the Custom, which is one step up from the WT. The WT is the bare bones yet highly capable and durable trim that’s great for construction workers, farmers, and DIYers who just need a solid, no-frills pickup. The Custom builds on the WT with plenty of standard convenience features, which makes it ideal for those who want a little more in the way of creature comforts and a cabin that’s just as enjoyable as it is functional. The Custom also adds some features that boost functionality in light-duty work settings. One notable difference outside of comfort and convenience features to be aware of is the powertrain. While the WT has the standard TurboMax engine and the available 5.3L EcoTec V8 engine, the Custom ditches the available V8 and only has the TurboMax option. Custom Convenience Package Right away, you’ll notice that the Custom trim has a standard suite of features that the WT doesn’t, all wrapped up in the Custom Convenience Package. These include… Remote Start: This feature lets you start your ignition from your keyfob before you even get in your vehicle. Many drivers love this feature during San Antonio’s notoriously hot and humid summers because it enables them to start the air conditioning before getting into their vehicle. Content Theft Alarm: This will activate a distinctive alarm if an unauthorized entry is attempted on the vehicle. Rear-Window Defogger: As its name suggests, this feature will clear up that rear window when an interior/exterior temperature difference has caused a visibility issue. LED Cargo Bed Lighting: You’ll enjoy a clear view of the contents of your bed even after the sun sets (or before it comes up) with this feature. EZ Lift, Power Lock/Release Tailgate: With an internal torsion bar and damper, this tailgate requires less effort to open and close. Plus, it’s lockable, helping you better protect its contents when combined with a bed cover. Trailering Package The Custom trim also gets the Trailering Package standard, which the WT does not. This adds many features that increase your trailering capabilities and command, such as a trailering hitch platform, four- and seven-pin connectors, and an electrical harness to connect your trailer’s lights and brakes to your truck. Our favorite feature of this package, however, and one we love to show off in person, is the hitch guidance. When in reverse, this will show guidelines on the rearview camera that help you align your truck with your trailer and offer a close-up view of the hitch. Additional Perks Inside the cab of the Custom trim, you’ll find some additional perks that are nice to have. One of these is the ten-way power driver seat with power lumbar support, which lets drivers easily get into the most comfortable position for long drives and reduce lower back fatigue. Heated power outside mirrors add to the goodies in this trim and can quickly melt away ice that’s interfering with your ability to see the reflection of these mirrors. In both the cab and the bed, you’ll find 120-volt outlets, which are great for powering a variety of tools and appliances at work sites and campsites. Finally, the Custom trim enjoys 20-inch all-season tires with 20-inch bright silver painted wheels—a step up from the 17-inch tires of the WT trim. The Custom Trail Boss Beefs-Up the Custom Trim Now, you might be wondering where the Custom Trail Boss fits into all of this. The reason it shares the word “Custom” with the Custom trim is that it enjoys almost all of the comfort and convenience features that the Custom trim does. However, the “Trail Boss” part of its name is due to its more off-road-ready features, as it’s refined while also rugged. More Mechanical Options The Custom Trail Boss re-adds the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 as an engine option, but the TurboMax is still the standard powertrain here. It also adds a ten-speed automatic transmission, which earns drivers access to tons of other great capabilities like a tow/haul mode, powertrain grade braking, and cruise grade braking. The latter two features make intuitive adjustments to braking and shifting to boost command when going downhill. The Custom Trail Boss also has a standard two-speed automatic transfer case. Put simply, it gives you the option to drive in two-wheel drive mode when appropriate (like on paved roads) to save the truck’s four-wheel drive capabilities for another time. Plus, it allows for neutral mode when towing. Off-Road Capabilities So, where do the off-road features come into play? Some of them you can see right away, like the skid plates that protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris on unpaved roads. Then there are the red recovery hooks that will come in handy if your truck gets stuck and you need somebody to bail you out. You’ll also see much more intimidating tires. The Custom Trail Boss has Mud-Terrain Goodyear tires with wide, deep channels made for channeling mud away from the vehicle. Finally, this trim gets an automatic locking rear differential, which locks both rear wheels to turn at the same time when it senses a traction loss. The Custom Adds Convenience, and the Custom Trail Boss Takes a Rugged Turn With the Silverado 1500 being available in so many trims, many drivers need a bit of guidance in understanding which one will fit their preferences and their needs. As you get to know them better, you’ll find that the Custom is a terrific option for drivers who need a solid work truck but want to enjoy some added comfort and convenience features. Then the Custom Trail Boss is for those who like all the perks of the Custom but who need more rugged capabilities; it’s slotted above the WT in terms of comfort features but beneath the ZR2, the more serious off-road Silverado 1500 trim. If you’re still determining which Silverado 1500 is right for you, we’d love to answer your questions. We have all of the trims and a friendly, knowledgeable team ready to help San Antonio drivers find their best truck.

You can bet San Antonio residents know a thing or two when it comes to hot weather. While the guys up north might be worried about finding vehicles to get them through the ice and snow, as your San Antonio Chevy dealer, we have another thing on our mind, the heat. While the winters can be mild, San Antonio usually invokes the image of long, muggy days that seem to last for months. In that case, you’ll probably feel the need to seek out the nearest air conditioner. Despite that, you can’t stay indoors all the time, no matter how much you might want to. And while no one wants to get into a hot car on an even hotter day, sometimes you have no choice. more Though, to be fair, some vehicles fare better than others, and driving in the summer doesn’t have to be a drag. While things like a dark exterior paint color can absorb heat and make it harder to cool down, vehicles have more features than ever before to keep you cool, even on the hottest days. Features like ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, convertible tops, and tinted windows are all there to help make a sweltering day a little more bearable. Here are some of the best Chevy’s to help you beat the Texas heat this summer. #1: The Silverado Not a big fan of sweating it out? Even when the mercury is climbing, there are still things that need to be done, so let the 2022 Chevy Silverado help you out. While the heated and ventilated seats might have been paused for the Silverado due to the ongoing microchip shortage, production started back up again, just in time for hot weather. The Silverado will take you where you want to go while keeping you cool. Opt for lighter colors like Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, or Sand Dune to reflect sunlight, keep your interior cooler, and help your AC run more efficiently, leading to an overall better EPA. Ready to get off-road and into the shade to avoid the blazing sun? The Silverado will have no problem getting you there. Built to tackle uneven and harsh terrain, the 2022 Silverado gives drivers the choice of four premium engines, so they can match their truck to their lifestyle. Plus, with nine Silverado different trim packages to choose from, it means whether you’re hauling, towing, or ready to get off the beaten path, your Silverado is ready when adventure calls. #2: The Trailblazer The Chevy Trailblazer might look compact, but the vehicle was made to handle rough terrain and unforgiving weather conditions; this includes the hot Texas heat. The 2022 Trailblazer was a top safety pick for the IIHS and excels when it comes to performance. The sporty SUV is available in a range of cool hues to keep the sun off your back. Plus, with all the power and efficiency you can ask for, the Trailblazer is ready to tackle whatever you put in front of it. Take your SUV off the beaten path with the Trailblazer ACTIV, which includes sport terrain tires and a tuned suspension designed for off-roading. If your Trailblazer can handle a weekend in the mountains or a hike in the desert, it’s more than capable of handling your everyday jaunts around San Antonio. The 5-seater SUV has more than enough room to give everyone their space and keep cool when temperatures are rising outside. The 60/40 split seat gives you enough cargo room to fit all of your things and then some. Ready to jump in and go? The hands-free liftgate means you can open or close the back with a gentle kick and be on your way in no time. #3: The Malibu Dealing with the heat doesn’t mean you need a rugged off-roader to do it. Sometimes all you need is a dependable sedan to get you from Point A to Point B and back again. The 2022 Chevy Malibu is popular with drivers because of its durability and stylish good looks. If you need a car that will handle the sizzling blacktop of a Texas summer plus get you from work to home without worry, the budget-friendly Malibu is up for the task. A favorite of drivers near and far, the Malibu is a practical sedan with good looks and great features that make your day a little easier. Choose from the efficient 1.5L Turbo engine or the powerful 2.0L to customize your daily ride. Plus, with three models to choose from, it's easier than ever to find a Malibu that fits your busy life. And did we mention ventilated seats? This can be an overlooked feature if you live where winters last for months. But when the heat is bearing down on you, the porous fabric and cool airflow will keep you feeling refreshed. Plus, enjoy the dual-zone climate control, which allows drivers and their passengers to stay as cool or warm as they want, allowing a comfortable ride for all. #4: The Tahoe If you need a large and reliable SUV, the Tahoe is what you’re looking for. With great handling, user–friendly tech, and loads of power, it's no wonder the Tahoe is one of Chevy’s best-selling SUVs. The 7-8 passenger SUV ensures there is enough room for everyone and everything while assuring the driver it’ll get them where they need to go. Suitable for a variety of terrain from city to dusty desert, the Tahoe is a capable beast ready to tackle your toughest challenges. The six different trim packages mean there’s a Tahoe to meet all your needs and then some. But whatever package you decide, one thing remains constant, the Tahoe’s comfortable and user-friendly interior. Designed with drivers and their passengers in mind, the spacious cabin gives everyone room to breathe and relax; this includes those second and third row passengers that can often feel cramped. With best-in-class numbers when it comes to max cargo, the Tahoe makes it easy to load up whatever the journey calls for. The Tahoe gives drivers the flexibility they need to take them from work to play. If your weekend consists of hauling your boat to the lake, then let the Tahoe make it a breeze. Opt for the Tahoe’s 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine to get the most fuel-efficient and capable SUV out there, making it perfect for those summer road trips. Don’t Sweat It When the temps are rising outside, don’t let that stop you from taking on summer. Keep cool during your daily commute in Malibu, or take off for a weekend of swimming and sleeping under the stars in the Chevy Tahoe. When you live in a place like Texas, everything is bigger, that includes the heat index. If you’re thinking about a new vehicle, consider all the options out there to help keep you comfortable and safe. Ventilated seats, open cabins, tinted windows, and light paint colors are all great ways to bring down the temperature when you have no choice but to be outside. Chevy makes some of the toughest vehicles on the market, which makes its cars, trucks, and SUVs great for the beautiful, but extreme conditions of the Lone-Star State. So don’t sweat it! Take on the heat and cool off in a Chevy today.