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.
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.
