Category: DR Product Reviews

Edge Insight CTS3 Review

Posted on by Kamil

Do you currently own a truck with an OBD2 port? If you do, you are a person that can benefit from one of many available performance monitors or digital gauge displays. They give you real-time data parameter monitoring and a number of other features that truly give you insight into how your vehicle is operating. There is one display that has been around for a while and is very familiar to most diesel truck owners, the Edge Insight CTS2. It features a large display, outstanding usability, and a ton of features that make it significantly better than most other performance monitors. Now I love the CTS2, but Edge recently released a new monitor called the Insight CTS3 that looks even more impressive. I lucked out and was given an Edge Insight CTS3 monitor to review.

After having the unit on my truck for over 10,000 miles it’s finally time to give you all my thoughts. Before I get into my Edge Insight CTS3 review however, I want to go over all the features this new digital gauge display offers and how it can benefit you and your truck. Let’s get into our Insight CTS3 feature breakdown.

Edge Insight CTS3 Monitor in my pickup truck
Edge Insight CTS3 Monitor Mounted on my truck’s windshield.

Edge Insight CTS3 Feature Breakdown

What is the Edge Insight CTS3 Performance Monitor And How Can it Help You?

The Edge Insight CTS3 Performance Monitor is a digital gauge display that can show you tons of different vehicle data and parameters in real time. It offers customizable dash layouts, so you can pick and choose what parameters you want to monitor. You can also set alerts, so when a certain parameter reaches a certain point, it will make a sound to alert you. It also offers a ton of other features beyond just being a digital gauge in a monitor. These include trouble code (DTC) reading and clearing, and a ton of features allowing you to customize your vehicle. In our next sections we’re going to highlight the most important Edge Insight CTS3 features that you ought to be aware of.

Real-time Data Parameter Monitoring

The most important benefit of purchasing an Edge Insight CTS3 is its powerful parameter viewing capabilities. The Insight CTS3 offers a huge, touchscreen display where you can display a ton of different parameters simultaneously. You can pick the individual parameters you want to monitor. You can even pick how and where they’re displayed.

Customizable Digital Gauge Display with 20 Different Layouts

Before performance monitors and digital gauge displays, you would need an individual old-school gauge for everything. Many truck owners would have multiple gauges incorporated into the side Pilars or mounted to the dash. While it worked, it doesn’t look nearly as good and you’re still limited to what you can view. Now with one unit, the Edge Insight CTS3 or other like it, you have a ton of different parameters at your finger tips.

The Edge Insight CTS3 has 20 different layouts you can choose between to view your PIDs. You can also adjust the colors or even the background image on every different layout too. This makes it not only very functional, offering a layout for pretty much everyone’s liking, but it also allows a personal touch.

Pairs with other Edge Devices

The Edge Insight CTS3 can pair with other Edge products to offer even more capabilities. You can pair the CTS3 with the L5P Duramax Pulsar Tuner to easily control power level shift-on-the-fly. You can also pair it with the Edge License-plate back-up camera, to add on a backup camera to your truck. The CTS3 also can control different accessories on your truck by acting as a switch. Aftermarket lighting, air compressors, and other accessories can be engaged or disengaged when you get the EAS Power Switch. This means no drilling into your dash or ugly switches installed in your truck.

Edge License Plate Back-Up Camera

Does your truck not have a back-up camera? Make hooking up to a trailer or even just reversing much easier with the Edge License Plate Back-Up Camera!

EAS Power Switch

Use your CTS3 to power different accessories with the EAS Power Switch upgrade.

EAS Data Logging Kit

The EAS Data Logging Kit offers two additional EGT sensors, two Boost sensors, and two other temperature sensors. This is the perfect kit for heavily modified diesel trucks with aftermarket turbos and other mods!

Code Reading & Clearing

Another capability of the Edge Insight CTS3 is its ability to read and clear trouble codes. Often when your diesel truck has a problem the truck will store a code that can help pin-point the problem. Most shops or dealerships have expensive code reading devices, but now for only a couple of hundred dollars, you can gain these same capabilities.

Performance Testing & Data Logging

The Edge Insight CTS3 allows you to test 0-60 mph times, 0-100 mph times, 1/8 mile, and 1/4 mile runs. You can also store this data on a newly designed track ticket style data sheet. The Edge Insight also allows data logging so you can capture PID data and export it if needed. This is especially useful when you tune your vehicle with custom tuning, so you can send your tuning company information on how your truck is running. It will allow them to make tweaks to improve performance and reliability.

Vehicle Customization/Updating Capabilities

Edge Insight CTS3 Review

Value & Price

At roughly $400, the Edge Insight CTS3 digital gauge monitor is similarly priced to other units commonly used on diesel trucks. Unlike other digital gauge displays however, the Insight CTS3 comes as a complete kit. It includes the mounting solution, an OBD2 hookup cable, and a USB cable for updates. Many other digital gauge displays require you to purchase the mounting solution separately.

The CTS3 monitor also offers a ton of “bang for the buck” with its huge list of features and capabilities. For $400 you get a code scanner, a digital gauge display, performance tester, and a ton of other vehicle-specific features depending on what type of truck you have.

Design

The Edge Insight CTS3 has more sleek, modern look compared to the outgoing model, the CTS2. It has a 5″ high-definition touchscreen, and it features rounded edges and a thinner frame. It looks significantly less bulky when mounted on the windshield and significantly more luxurious too.

The CTS3 comes with a mounting kit that features a windshield mount that utilizes a suction-cup. The monitor then slides into place on the windshield mount in a matter of seconds. It installs or un-installs in a matter of seconds. This makes it easy to travel with, allowing you to hide it quickly when needed.

Now I love the physical design of the Edge Insight CTS3, but where it really shines isn’t its physical appearance. It’s the internal design. The CTS3 has an easy-to-use display that is simple to navigate. By simply swiping up on the monitor you can view the most important menu options without visiting the home page. You can also swipe down to access other CTS3 features. This makes accessing all of the CTS3’s features very easy.

Not only is the CTS3 easy to navigate, but it was also designed to be highly customizable. You can change gauge themes, colors, and even upload a unique background picture. I love this capability because it allows you to completely personalize your CTS3.

Edge Insight CTS3 Mounting And Set-up.

Performance

The Edge Insight CTS3 digital gauge display offers quick, reliable performance when hooked up in your vehicle. It turns on faster than the previous Insight, and also loads pages faster. It offers a highly customizable gauge layout where you can pick which PIDs or parameters you want to monitor. I love this capability because depending on what you’re concerned about, you can configure your gauge layout to view everything that is important at one time.

Available PIDs are dependent on what vehicle you have. Newer trucks like my L5P come equipped with EGT sensors so I didn’t need to add an EGT probe. On older trucks however, your truck might require the addition of a pyrometer.

CTS2 Vs. CTS3

Load times are less than the CTS2 but it still takes longer than a couple of seconds for the gauge screen to initiate. The CTS3 definitely offers smoother operation though. The new touchscreen is very responsive and unlike the previous model, it doesn’t glitch nearly as often. With the CTS2, sometimes the screen would switch between gauge layouts and other menus as if someone were pressing the screen.

One thing I am sad about it that Edge left the maintenance manager tool off of the CTS3. Maybe the tool wasn’t as popular amongst consumers, but I loved the ability to set alerts for different maintenance items. It kept stickers off of my dash and was a much more reliable tool than a calendar or phone notification.

CTS3 On the L5P Duramax

I tested the Insight CTS3 on my L5P Duramax. One feature that I really love is that I can control the power levels on my Edge Pulsar Tuner. This makes changing tunes easier, especially for others driving the vehicle. Other really useful CTS3 features for my L5P include the ability to initiate a manual regeneration, re-calibrating the speedometer for bigger tires, and even adjusting the TPMS sensors to accommodate different tire pressures.

If you have a 2017-2019 Chevrolet or GMC HD truck with the l5P Duramax engine, I strongly recommend the CTS3 and the Pulsar Tuner together. You can find out more information about this tuner in my Edge Pulsar Review.

Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner Review
Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner

Quality

When comparing the Edge Insight CTS3 to competitors and even the CTS2, the difference in quality is immediately clear. The unit has a more modern feel and design. Every feature works seamlessly. Even when connecting the CTS3 to other Edge products, it works like it’s supposed to. If you’re looking for a high-quality, digital gauge display this is it!

The unit itself seems capable of holding up in both extremely hot or cold climates. I’ve left the unit on my windshield in the Hot Summer Months in Florida and also in the Winter in the Smoky Mountains. Either way, the unit turns on and functions just fine.

Overall Thoughts

The Good

In my Edge Insight CTS3 review, I’ve listed a ton of my favorite features and how this digital gauge display can help you and your truck. It offers the most customization of any performance monitor available. The CTS3 can also help you keep an eye on literally hundreds of PIDS for better insight on how your truck is operating. It even can be used to add accessories like a backup camera for your vehicle, or even to control accessories like a light bar or air compressor when paired with the EAS Power Switch.

The Edge Insight CTS3 seems to exceed expectations in every way. It’s the highest quality performance monitor I’ve had on one of my trucks so far. Performance has also been improved over the previous model, the CTS2. It offers quicker loading times, it’s easier to navigate, and it doesn’t have the same glitches experienced in the previous unit. As far as digital gauge displays go, the Insight CTS3 is a home run!

The Bad

While my Edge Insight CTS3 review has been overwhelmingly positive, I do have some negative feedback as well. One of my favorite features, the maintenance manager has been discontinued and isn’t available on the CTS3. The Unit also doesn’t load quite as fast as I would like it to. In a time when we’re used to the instant load times of the latest iPhone, it can be frustrating waiting for a digital gauge display to load.

The Edge Insight CTS3 also doesn’t come with tunes. Instead, if you want tuning, you need to get the Edge Evolution CTS3. Just check and make sure that it has available tunes for your truck because tunes aren’t available for every single vehicle.

Buy The Edge Insight CTS3 on Amazon

EDGE INSIGHT CTS3 REVIEW
Edge Insight CTS3 Digital Gauge Monitor Pictured Above. – photo taken from Edgeproducts.com

Edge Insight CTS3 Accessories

ProductPart #
Edge License Plate Backup Camera98203
EAS Power Switch98609
EAS Data Logging Kit98618

Edge Insight CTS3 FAQS

How Much Does the Edge Insight CTS3 Cost?

The standard price of an Edge Insight CTS3 Is around $400-$450.

What is the Edge Insight CTS3?

The Edge Insight CTS3 is a digital gauge display and performance monitor.

What is a performance monitor or digital gauge display?

A performance monitor, or digital gauge display, is a device that allows you to view hundreds of different vehicle parameters and information in real-time. The Edge Insight CTS3 is a perfect example because it lets you view things like EGTS, Coolant temperatures and other PIDS from one single monitor. These devices also often offer vehicle customization settings and code reading/clearing.

Does the Edge Insight CTS3 have tuning built in?

No, the Edge Insight CTS3 does not include any tuning. It can control power levels when paired with other Edge products however. I control the Power levels of my Edge Pulsar tuner for my 2019 L5P Duramax diesel with this device.

Will the Edge Insight CTS3 work on my truck?

If you have a 1996 or newer truck with an OBD2 port you can use the Edge Insight CTS3 on your truck. Parameters will be determined by what truck you have however. If you have an older truck with less OEM sensors built in, the Edge Insight CTS3 won’t include those parameters. You can add additional sensors to monitor EGTS, Boost, and more by adding EAS products. Find out more about these EAS add-ons in my Edge Insight CTS3 review.

Build Your Next Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke

2017-2019 Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner Review

Posted on by Kamil

The L5P Duramax Diesel engine found in 2017 and newer Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD trucks and GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD is very impressive on its own. At 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque from the factory, it comes stock about as powerful as a tuned LML Duramax, the previous Dmax generation. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have room for improvement though. Tuners are one of the best L5P Duramax upgrades offering significant performance increases for minimal cost. The Edge Pulsar is one of these L5P Duramax tuners, and one you should definitely consider for your truck. It’s arguably the best L5P Duramax tuner when it comes to value proposition, offering a ton of “bang for the buck”. Find out how in this post, our Edge Pulsar Tuner Review.

Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner Review
Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner

We’ll Get to our Edge Pulsar Review, But First…

Before we get into our  Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax tuner Review, we want to let you know a couple of things first. The Edge Pulsar tuner review is based on my experiences with this tuner installed on my own 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD L5P Duramax. Most of our testing experience has been in Florida, which is mostly flat land. We did have a brief trip in the Smoky Mountains however, where we got to test the Edge Pulsar at higher elevations. 

There are a lot of factors that go into diesel performance. The environment you live in and other external factors can impact your gains. With that being said, we’re confident the Edge Pulsar offers a ton of value for anyone, no matter what climate or conditions you live in. Now, let’s get into our Edge Pulsar Tuner review and feature breakdown.

Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner Feature Review

Easy To Install

L5P Duramax tuners and programmers are different than most tuning we’ve seen thus far. This is because GM utilizes ECMs that no one has been able to crack. The result is there are really no truly plug-and-play tuners that simply plug into the OBD2 port anymore. Several companies have found a couple of different ways of navigating this ECM allowing you to tune your vehicle with a little extra work. 

The Edge Pulsar is probably the easiest L5P Duramax tuner to install. You just need to disconnect the factory ECM, attach the Pulsar Device into it, and then insert it back into the vehicle. The toughest part about the whole thing is just getting the ECM in and out of the vehicle.

Switch-On-The-Fly Tuning with 5 Power Levels

The primary reason for interest in the Edge Pulsar Tuner for L5P Duramax trucks is for its tuning capabilities. The Pulsar comes preloaded with 5 different power levels. These power levels offer varying performance improvements. The highest performance is achieved in power level 5 which offers up to 90 more horsepower and 156 lb-ft more torque. Here is a chart showing all the different Power Levels and their respective performance characteristics.

Power LevelHorsepower GainTorque Gain
0StockStock
119 horsepower46 lb-ft of Torque
237 horsepower71 lb-ft of Torque
352 horsepower105 lb-ft of Torque
467 horsepower125 lb-ft of Torque
590 horsepower156 lb-ft of Torque
L5P Duramax Power Gains – Taken From Edge Products Website


These 5 power levels listed above are switch-on-the-fly capable, meaning you can easily switch to a different power level without re-flashing the vehicle. Its in-line tuner design connects directly to the vehicles ECM to offer instant tuning and other benefits as well. This design allows you to change power levels by pressing the +/- cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. You don’t have to install a switch or anything, making it almost impossible to tell your vehicle has tuning without looking closely under the hood.

Edge Pulsar Tuner Dyno Result Found from the Edge Products team. Photo taken from www.Edgeproducts.com

If you purchase the Edge Pulsar Kit, this is what I run on my truck, you also get the Edge CTS3 Insight Monitor. When your vehicle has a Pulsar tuner installed and you connect an Edge CTS3 insight, it will allow you to adjust power levels through the monitor instead.

Smart, Safe Tuning

Unlike other tuners that give you more power but lesser reliability, the Edge Pulsar is a “smart” tuner that monitors EGTs and the transmission for slippage. If EGTs get too high, power will decrease to protect the engine. If the transmission slips, power will also decrease to protect the transmission. This makes the Edge Pulsar significantly safer to use than alternative tuning methods that don’t offer these fail safes.

Other Standalone Edge Pulsar Features

The Edge Pulsar doesn’t just let you add tuning to your L5P Duramax, but it can also let you adjust ton of settings you would normally have no control over! You can adjust the TPMS (tire pressure monitor sensors), adjust the speed limiter, re-calibrate the truck when you add larger tires, adjust the gear ratio, clear DTC codes, and more!

Here are some more Edge Pulsar Features:

  • start a manual regeneration
  • Start a transmission re-learn
  • built-in throttle sensitivity control for improved throttle response
  • High-Idle user settings to control rpms

When the Edge Pulsar is paired with the Edge Insight CTS3 you also unlock a treasure trove of new features. Check out all these features in our Edge Insight CTS3 Monitor Review.

Edge Insight CTS3 Monitor
Edge CTS3 Insight Performance Monitor mounted on the windshield of my truck. Notice how on the left side you can change your Edge Pulsar tuning levels by simply pressing the up or down buttons on the screen.

Initial Thoughts:

Why I Chose the Edge Pulsar for my L5P

2019-Chevrolet-Silverado-2500hd-L5p-Duramax
Photograph of my 2019 L5P Duramax, the test vehicle.

One of the primary reasons I chose the Pulsar tuner to review for my Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is because I didn’t want to spend $3,500-$4500 swapping out the ECM and I wanted a tuner that is CARB Certified. The Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax meets both of these criteria, and to prove it, it has a CARB Certification Number of D-802-9. This means it’s a legal diesel performance modification for your truck that you don’t need to hide. It leaves all emissions systems in-tact and it can be used without deleting emissions components.

I also wanted something that is easy to use, user-friendly, and easy to install. I’ve gotten tuning before that required a 15-20 minute re-flash every time I wanted to change a power level. I’ve also had to trouble installing tunes because it required uploading tunes onto the device myself, and using a specific computer. Pretty much every tuning software isn’t compatible with Apple computers so I literally had to buy another computer just to use download tunes to my device and then install them on my truck.

After doing my research I decided the Pulsar met both of these criteria. It’s affordable and after reading the installation instructions I felt very comfortable with this device. I also LOVE Edge products and have used their CTS Monitors in almost every truck I’ve owned. The fact that I could pair my CTS3 Insight with my Pulsar was another serious plus.

After getting a free Pulsar tuner for my L5P Duramax from Edge to try out, here are my thoughts. I’ve had this tuner on my truck for almost 10,000 miles now, so I’ve had a pretty good trial period to develop my review. Let’s dive in.

Value & Price

At about $800, the Edge Pulsar sits similarly priced to other L5P Duramax tuners that don’t require you to exchange your ECM. Where the Pulsar differentiates itself however is its other capabilities. If you take a look at the features the Pulsar has, it offers many capabilities that you would need to purchase a monitor for. Things like DTC clearing, adjusting TPMS sensors, or calibrating the speedometer are valuable tools for any diesel owner.

If you want additional value and more “bang for the buck”, you should seriously consider purchasing the Edge Pulsar Kit instead of the Pulsar by itself. The Pulsar Kit includes an Edge CTS3 Insight monitor and the Pulsar for a better price than what you can buy them for individually.

Design & User Experience

One of the best characteristics of the Edge Pulsar tuner is its design. It doesn’t require re-routing wires and the install is simple. It’s an in-line computer that offers immediate power and comes with safeguards to protect your truck like EGT backdown and transmission slip power back downs. You don’t have to install a switch to change power levels, instead you simply use the +/- cruise control buttons on your steering wheel. It is also built to connect with other Edge devices like the CTS3 Insight, offering greater capabilities.

Now, I was worried as the Pulsar unit sits in the engine bay right next to the engine. It’s exposed to extreme heat when the vehicle is operating and extreme cold when your vehicle is parked outside during winter months. After driving my truck over 8,000 miles with my Pulsar I haven’t had a single glitch or issue. When I was in the mountains in January and faced extremely cold temperatures, my Pulsar worked perfectly. Even on long drives in Florida, 90+ degrees Fahrenheit, I didn’t experience any issues either.

Performance

I’ve always been an advocate for custom tuning, but when it comes with a $3000+ price tag for the L5P Duramax, I wanted a more affordable option with still-respectable performance gains. The Edge Pulsar really impressed me right out of the box. It has 5 power levels that pretty much cover the spectrum, offering a tune level for every individual. While running through these different tune levels I also closely monitored my CTS3 Insight Monitor to see the tunes’ impact on my L5P.

I wanted to see if my number of Regenerations would increase and also how the tunes impacted various fluid temperatures and EGTS. After thousands of miles, I really didn’t notice an increase in the occurrence of regenerations taking place. When I drove to Tennessee with the tuner installed I only had one Regen occur on my way up.

EGTS slightly increase when using higher level tunes, but even so they don’t reach levels in which you should be worried about unless you are sustaining full throttle. If you are towing heavy or you encounter difficult terrain or other external conditions, you should choose a lower setting.

My average fuel economy improved slightly, but not as much as I’ve experienced in the past on deleted vehicles. At best, I experienced about a one MPG increase. Some of this could be attributed to my chronic smashing of the accelerator pedal because the higher tunes just make driving the truck so much more fun.

Quality

The quality of this unit is apparent immediately. The design was very well thought out and the unit itself fits seamlessly onto the OEM ECM. It has also exceeded my expectations in terms of durability. If you think about it, the Pulsar is right next to an extremely hot V-8 Diesel engine in a crammed engine bay. If it wasn’t up to the task, you’d find out very quickly.

Final Thoughts

The Good

I found significantly more good than bad during my Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax tuner review. Tuners can sometimes be tricky or you can definitely tell there is a lack in user friendliness or even just usability. The Pulsar is easily one of the most impressive tuners available, straight out of the box. It’s easy to install, even by a diesel novice, and it doesn’t require any complicated set-up on the computer. It works seamlessly and provides instant power with varying levels. I Love the safety features that were incorporated to make this tuner as safe as it is powerful. If you are looking for a tuner that will make your L5P Duramax more fun to drive and more capable, the Edge Pulsar is it.

The Bad

The only really negative comments I have about the Pulsar is that the fuel economy gains weren’t as big as I was hoping for. I do have bigger AT tires than the factory ones however, 34×11.50R20 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, that could contribute to the lower fuel economy. The other thing I disliked about the Edge Pulsar is that it doesn’t come with a monitor. Many of the features are going to require you reading from the product manual for instructions on how to complete them. If you get a CTS3 Insight however this becomes a non-issue. The Edge Pulsar is also not available for 2020 or 2021 L5P Duramax trucks yet.

Is the Edge Pulsar Tuner Right For You?

If you are daily driving your vehicle or using it for work this is a great tuning device for you and your vehicle. It provides a number of different power levels without sacrificing fuel efficiency or reliability. It’s also extremely user friendly and easy to install, making it a great choice for novice mechanics or people who just want a quick, solid tuning solution without the headaches.

Edge Pulsar 2017-2019 L5P Duramax Tuner

Not A Emissions Deleting Tuner for the L5P Duramax

If your vehicle isn’t street-driven, this tuner might not be the best option for you. It doesn’t have emissions deleting capabilities, so if your truck is going to be a competition truck or used for things like sled pulling, this is not the tuner for you. Instead you will need to pay the higher price of swapping the ECM and using custom tuning through the HP tuning software. Just remember, deleting your truck’s emissions is 100% federally illegal on registered and highway driven vehicles. If your truck isn’t used in competitions, emissions-compliant tuning is the way to go,

How to Install the Edge Pulsar L5P Duramax Tuner

Disconnecting the ECM is easy, you start by disconnecting the battery. Then, you need to let the vehicle sit for 5-10 minutes! Than there are a couple of bolts you take out, and three connectors that need to be disconnected. After that, the Pulsar is pretty much ready to come out. Just be careful as it is a pretty tight fit! We had the best luck removing it with two people. One person maneuvers the ECM out, while the other pushes/pulls hoses and other vehicle components out of the way.

Once the ECM is removed, you plug the Pulsar device into it. It’s easy to tell how it connects if you simply look at the two devices. You just align the plug locations and then push the Pulsar onto the ECM firmly. You need to make sure you plug the Pulsar in from directly over top of it, and you push straight down. There are hundreds of tiny pins you can damage so you want to make sure to approach the ECM from straight on.

After it’s plugged in, there are two brackets that Mount into the new, larger ECM unit. These brackets are what you use to secure the unit when it plugs back in to the vehicle. Once these brackets have been installed, you re-install the ECM into the vehicle. Make sure you re-connect the connectors and secure them with the factory clips. Re-connect the batteries and insert the mounting bolts to secure the ECM.

L5P Duramax Edge Pulsar FAQ

How much horsepower and torque can be gained from the Edge Pulsar?

The Edge Pulsar tuner has 5 different power levels offering a best performance increase of 90 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.

How much does the Edge Pulsar Cost?

The Edge Pulsar retails for an average price of $800.

What is the Edge Pulsar?

The Edge Pulsar is a tuner for 2017-2019 Chevrolet and GMC Heavy Duty trucks with the 6.6L L5P Duramax Diesel engine. Different Edge Pulsar Variants are also available for other trucks.

What is a tuner?

A tuner is a device that improves performance on your vehicle by changing the engine’s factory settings. Manufacturers often limit power to improve reliability. Many vehicle owners choose to tune their vehicles to improve horsepower, torque, throttle response, and fuel economy. Diesel tuners are one of the best performance modifications for any diesel truck.

Will the Edge Pulsar work on my Duramax?

If you have a 2017-2019 GM HD truck with the L5P Duramax Diesel engine the Edge Pulsar will work with your truck.

How do you change power levels on the Edge Pulsar Tuner?

You can change power levels on your Edge Pulsar by pressing the +/- buttons on your steering wheel that are used for controlling cruise control when cruise control is not activated. Your vehicle’s speedometer will change showing you which power level is selected when you change power levels.

Buy The Edge Pulsar Tuner
Buy the Edge CTS3 Insight
Build Your Next Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke

Edge Insight CTS2 Review

Posted on by Kamil

What is the Edge Insight CTS2?

The Edge Insight CTS2 is a diesel performance monitor. Performance Monitors are a must-have upgrade for any diesel truck owner. They give you real-time insight and performance monitoring so you know exactly how your truck is running at any given time. They also give you tremendously helpful tools like trouble code reading and clearing, and performance testing. They’re extremely easy to install compared to traditional gauges, and they are highly customizable, allowing you to set up a number of different gauge layouts. While there are a couple of name brand performance monitors, the Edge Insight CTS2 is one of the most popular choices.

Edge CTS2 Insight Monitor
Edge Insight CTS2 Monitor

What Does the Edge Insight CTS2 Do?

If you use your truck for heavy hauling or if you’re a modified performance junkie, the Edge Insight CTS2 is one of the first performance upgrades you should consider. It utilizes the OBD2 Port to display detailed vehicle parameters like exhaust gas temperatures (EGTS), transmission temperatures, and DPF status. Unlike traditional gauges, the Insight CTS2 is a monitoring device that can be configured to your liking. You can adjust the layout, pick which specific parameters you want to display, and even set-up alarms to warn you if something is out of whack. Even a stock truck used for commuting can benefit from the addition of an Insight CTS2. It has a fuel economy coaching tool that can help you increase mpgs. There is even a maintenance tool that reminds you when it’s time for an oil change or other maintenance tasks.

Key Feature Breakdown

Diagnostic Tool

When your truck has a problem, you often find a warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. While it alerts you to the problem, it doesn’t help you identify what the issue is. The CTS2 gives you the ability to read trouble codes, allowing you to identify the problem. Diagnosis becomes much easier, and sometimes fixing the problem can be as simple as clearing the code. Modern diesel trucks are very complex and there are a lot of sensors that can go bad. Sometimes a truck can even go into limp mode when there is an issue. By clearing the code, you may be able to limp your truck home, saving you from paying an expensive tow.

Gauge Display & Performance Monitoring

In the past, gauges had to be installed if you wanted to view performance parameters that weren’t available in your instrument cluster. Today, monitors like the Edge Insight CTS2 offer digital gauge displays that adjust to your preferences. Installation is way easier than traditional gauges, and digital monitors also offer insights that traditional gauges can’t display. After you’ve set up your display to your liking, it’s also very easy to change layouts and parameters quickly if you want to take a look at something else.

One feature that makes the Insight CTS2 unique is it offers you the ability to set-up audible and visual alerts. This way, even if you’re not paying attention, you’ll know when a temperature gets too high or if another problem occurs.

Edge CTS2 Gauge Layout Options
Different CTS2 Gauge Layouts

Other Noteworthy Features

Maintenance Manager

The CTS2’s maintenance manager is one of my favorite features. You can input a variety of maintenance tasks and set up mileage alerts that notify you when it’s time for service. This is a great tool if you service your vehicle yourself, because you won’t forget when it’s time to change your oil or fuel filter.

Fuel Mileage Coach

Another cool feature is the Fuel mileage coach. You can set up different parameters for fuel economy on your main gauge layout. Then, the Edge CTS2 will keep track of your average fuel economy and give you tools to keep track of your true fuel mileage. You can even input the cost of diesel or gasoline in your area, and it will calculate your average cost per mile.

Diesel Resource Review of the Edge CTS2 Insight Monitor

Now that you know the impressive features of the Edge Insight CTS2, I want to tell you about my experience using it with my L5P Duramax. I’ve used this monitoring device on my other trucks and I loved it. Let me tell you what makes this performance monitor so special and i’ll elaborate on the few things I think it lacks.

Value & Price

The Edge Insight CTS2 costs an average of $430. While it’s slightly higher than some of the other performance monitors on the market, like the Bully Dog BDX I’ve previously reviewed, it’s worth the higher price. There is more value when you purchase the Insight CTS2 as you get a complete kit. It includes a mounting solution which many of the other competitors do not. No stock tunes are included though, if you want some basic box tunes you’re better off going with the Edge Evolution CTS2, which still offers the same data monitoring capabilities with the added benefit of box tunes. Recently, Edge released their Insight CTS2 Pro which is the Insight CTS2 with custom tuning capabilities through HP tuning software.

Design

The CTS2 monitor is one of the premium monitors on the market. The design has much to do with it. The kit is designed to be a complete and simple installation, utilizing the OBD2 port and a suction cup mount. The cable that connects the CTS2 to the OBD2 port is small and doesn’t feature any extra boxes or connections that make hiding the cable difficult. Everyone wants a clean install, and that’s exactly what you get with this monitor. Edge also makes dash, pillar, and center console mounts that can make the installation look even better.

Edge CTS2 Insight Suction Cup Mount
Edge Insight CTS2 installation in my L5P Duramax Using the supplied Suction Mount
Center Console Mount for Edge CTS2 Insight on 2015-2019 Duramax trucks
2015-2019 GMC/Chevy Center Console Mount to be used with the
Edge Insight CTS2.

Another important design feature I really like is that the suction-cup mount doesn’t use a magnet to hold the monitor. I can’t tell you how many times when I’ve used competitor’s products, the monitor falls off the mount when I make a turn. I haven’t had that problem a single time since I’ve installed this product on my L5P Duramax.

The overall design of this monitoring device is exceptional. The monitor itself is sleek, featuring a touch screen to change screen. Everything is very customizable to personal preferences. You can change displays, layouts, and even upload a custom picture to display in the background. Another exciting design feature is that this product has a bunch of accessories that can be used in conjunction with it. These include things like pyrometers, switches, and additional sensors.

Updates are done over the internet by plugging in the device to a computer. That brings me to my only complaint about the design, being the lack of easy updating via the cloud and wifi. I think that one addition could take the product to another level and make it much more convenient to update the device.

Performance

There are a lot of tools and features that make this performance monitor a good investment. The primary reason we all get this product is because we want to monitor critical parameters, but this unit offers much more than just a digital gauge display. The diagnostic feature is extremely useful. While my L5P Duramax is too new to have problems, i’ve used the CTS2 on some of my work trucks in my family’s air conditioning company to identify problems. Even on a new diesel though, this product can be very useful. You can force a manual regeneration event to clean the diesel particulate filter found on newer diesel trucks. You can also performance test your truck to find out quarter mile and 0-60 mph times.

In the era of immediate gratification, we expect things to work immediately or very fast. I’ve seen in some reviews of the CTS2 that people complain about the loading screen time when turning on the unit. While it doesn’t boot immediately, by the time i’ve put on my seat belt, plugged my phone, and i’m ready the drive, the unit is one my gauges. I think the gauge display loads very fast compared to other units i’ve owned.

Quality

While it may not load as fast as we’d like it to, the one issue i’ve never had is that it doesn’t turn on. Other performance monitors i’ve used don’t turn on when I turn my truck on. I have to unplug the unit from the OBD2 port and then plug it back in for it to turn on. The Insight CTS2 is consistent. It’s always worked. I had a CTS2 unit sitting in one of my drawers for two years. When I graduated college, I re-installed it, and it worked perfectly still! That speaks a lot about the quality of this product.

Another impressive factor is that I keep my CTS2 hooked up on my windshield everyday. I live in Florida, where it’s consistently scorching hot. My unit has survived this extreme heat and sun exposure without any issues.

Overall Thoughts

The Good

If you’re looking for strictly a performance monitor, the Edge Insight CTS2 is one of the best options available. It gives you a lot of features that are very useful, and once you have them, it’ll be hard to survive without them. This product offers one of the most customizable and comprehensive gauge layouts. It’s reliable, and it comes with everything you need to install it and put it to work immediately.

The Bad

The major downside to the CTS2 versus other products like the Bully Dog BDX is that it doesn’t offer box tunes or custom tuning. If you want to tune your truck, you have to use the Edge Evolution for box tunes or the Edge Insight CTS2 Pro for custom tuning with HP tuning. It also has to be updated by plugging into a computer directly which is a little outdated compared to some other options that update automatically via the cloud.

Buy the Edge Insight CTS2 on Amazon

Buy this product by clicking on the picture below! If you’d like more information, check out the Edge Products Website.

Buy it HERE.

Edge Insight CTS2 Accessories

Product DescriptionLink to Buy
DAILY DRIVER/TOW KIT EGT
W/ STARTER CABLE CS/CS2&CTS/CTS2		98620
POWER SWITCH W/ STARTER KIT98609
12V POWER SUPPLY
STARTER KIT FOR CS2 & CTS2		98615
SOTF (Shift-On-The-Fly) Accessory
11-14′ 6.7L Powerstroke
15′-19′ 6.7L Powerstroke
10-18′ 6.7L Cummins
01′-04′ LB7 Duramax
04.5′-10′ LLY, LBZ, LMM Duramax
11-16′ LML Duramax
See Below
98650
98651
98652
98655
98654
98653
Build Your Next Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke

Bully Dog BDX Programmer & Monitor Review

Posted on by Kamil

Everything you need to know about Bully Dog’s BDX Programmer And How to Get $40 Off

Tuners and programmers are one of the easiest mods to improve performance on a diesel truck. They can provide a serious boost in horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. Not all tunes are the same though. There are box tuning packages which offer generic tuning and custom tuning designed specifically for your truck. I recently received the Bully Dog BDX which is unique because it offers both box tunes and custom tune capability. It does significantly more than just program your truck too. I’ve spent a couple of months with the product and I wanted to give you guys my final thoughts. I liked the BDX so much that it made it to my list of best Christmas Ideas for 2019. Here’s everything you need to know about the BDX tuner and monitor.

What Can the Bully Dog BDX Do For You?

The Bully Dog BDX gives you more control over your diesel truck than you’ve ever had. Not only can you adjust powertrain performance, increasing horsepower and torque, but you can also keep an eye on important vehicle information, and adjust so many features on your truck. The BDX allows you to adjust settings like tire size or the speed limiter. You can even force a manual regeneration to clean that dirty Diesel Particulate Filter! For a full list of BDX capabilities, visit Bully Dog’s Website here.

Easy, Reliable Monitoring & Data Logging

Bully Dog BDX Tuner
Bully Dog BDX Tuner & Monitor

A little over 2 weeks ago, I bought my first Powerstroke and I conveniently had two of Bully Dog’s latest products, the Bully Dog BDX and the GTX laying around to help me. They actually helped me in my purchasing decision of the truck. After a visual inspection of everything on the truck and driving the truck like a maniac for an hour, I decided to plug-in my BDX. I had to go through a couple of screens, but then I was able to search the truck for any diagnostic codes. Luckily enough, there were none. But having the Bully Dog BDX handy gave me peace of mind. If there had been any codes, I’d have known about them before I bought the truck. A good monitoring device is so valuable and is a must-have for any truck owner.

The Bully Dog BDX is Highly Configurable

I’ve always been a fan of the digital monitors to monitor my trucks’ vitals. Everything you need is on one easy-to-use screen. For a daily driver, it definitely beats having multiple gauges all around the truck. The BDX gives you close to a dozen pre-set gauge displays that you can configure to your exact liking. You can set up your own display featuring the specific parameters you want.

Bully Dog BDX Available with Box Tunes & Custom Tuning Options

BDX Dyno
Bully Dog BDX

I mentioned at the beginning of this article that the BDX is very unique. It offers standard box tuning for guys wanting a simple solution, while also offering custom tune capability. Unfortunately, not all trucks will have the standard Bully Dog tunes available. Before you buy the BDX, I recommend calling and making sure there are tunes available for your specific truck. Certain vehicles will need custom tuning as tunes directly from Bully Dog or SCT won’t be available. Even though my BDX came with boxed tunes for my 2014 F-350 Powerstroke, I chose to purchase a set of tunes from Innovative Diesel.

Get $40 Off Your New Bully Dog BDX

Use Code “DieselResource” at check-out to get $40 off your order when you get your BDX tuner direct from Bully Dog! This Offer only applies if you spend $399 or more and can also be used for a discount on other Bully Dog products as long as you meet that minimum dollar spend threshold. Buy it here.

Build Your Next Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke

GatorTrax Tonneau Cover Product Review

Posted on by Kamil

My Experience with the GatorTrax Tonneau Cover

Tonneau covers come in all different styles. There are roll-up tonneau covers, tri-fold tonneau covers, retracting tonneau covers, bed toppers, and even single-piece carbon fiber tonneau covers. Which tonneau cover is best though? The simple answer is the one that makes the most sense for you. For my 2018 Ram 2500, the Gatortrax tonneau cover from RealTruck looked like it checked all the boxes.

  • Top View of GatorTrax Tonneau Cover
    Top View of GatorTrax Tonneau Cover
  • Side View of GatorTrax Tonneau Cover
    Top View of GatorTrax Tonneau Cover
  • Inside-Bed View of GatorTrax Tonneau Cover on my 2018 Ram 2500.
    Inside-Bed View of GatorTrax Tonneau Cover on my 2018 Ram 2500.
  • Gatortrax Cover can be locked or unlocked using a key without opening the tailgate.
    Gatortrax Cover can be locked or unlocked using a key without opening the tailgate.

I wanted a retractable tonneau cover that locked, and provided a very good seal so my cargo would stay dry. Retractable covers are also much easier to open or close. They still let you use almost your entire bed should you need to store something large and tall. Retractable Covers come in two variations, electronically controlled retracting covers and manually operated covers. I’m a fan of simplicity and function. The manually operated retracting tonneau cover seemed like a no-brainer to me.

Installing the GatorTrax Bed Cover

Installing the GatorTrax tonneau cover was a breeze. The whole process only took about half an hour. It’s important to know ahead of time that the installation is a two person job. Once you attach the rails to the case that holds the cover with a couple of bolts, and assemble everything according to the install instructions, you simply lift the assembled cover into the bed. It’s really important to make sure you get the gasket that sits cabin-side to sit flush for a waterproof seal!

Install Picture of Side-Rails for Gatortrax Cover
GatorTrax Tonneau Cover can be used with the undercover swing case toolboxes.

Be sure to use the drain lines found on the bottom of the GatorTrax tonneau cover. Drain lines mount to the bottom of the casing and then exit the truck through bed drain holes. My truck had two plastic caps covering outlets for draining water. You want to stick the drain lines into these holes and mess with the hoses to make sure they drain properly! I think the fact that they incorporated these drains is brilliant. When it rains or when you pull the cover into the casing, the water enters. These drain lines keep water from accumulating and help ensure extended product life.

Drain Tubes found on the bottom of GatorTrax Cover
Drain Tubes are found at the bottom of the case.

The Review:

After driving my 2018 Ram 2500 over 2,000 miles on the trip to The Ultimate Callout Challenge 2019, Im ready to report everything I like and dislike about the GatorTrax tonneau cover. I really had the opportunity to gauge just how good this tonneau cover is at keeping cargo dry as it rained the entire weekend in Indianapolis for the event. Here is my full GatorTrax Tonneau Cover review.

Undercover Swing Case Toolbox Review

Posted on by Kamil

My Experience with the Undercover Swing Case

Every daily driven truck should have a tool box. They provide additional dry, storage space in your bed and help keep tools organized. Unfortunately, they usually reduce storage space in your bed and most of them don’t work with a tonneau cover. Another issue is that you have to climb into the bed of your truck to access them. I don’t know about you, but I hate being at a job site and climbing in my truck every time I need a part or a tool. It’s a waste of time and productivity! Recently, I stumbled upon a product I thought would be the perfect solution, the Undercover Swing Case toolbox.

RealTruck is one of my go-to retailers, so I called in and ordered one for the passenger side and one for the driver’s side. I also purchased the GatorTrax tonneau cover. I wanted to see if these toolboxes would work with the bed cover! After installing both products, here is my full review of the Undercover Swing Case Toolbox!

  • Front View Undercover Swing Case installed on 2018 ram 2500
  • Open View of Undercover Swing Case tool box with top shelf
  • Two Undercover Swing Case toolboxes

EGR Painted Fender Flares Review

Posted on by Kamil

Are you running wide tires or wheels with negative offset? Your tires throw dirt and mud down the sides of your truck that can cause paint chips or other damage. No need to worry! There is an easy solution! One of the best ways to preserve the sides of your truck is with the use of fender flares. Most fender flares are bolt-on and they come in a variety of styles and finishes! I’ve always been a fan of the “bolt-on” look flares as I really think they can make a truck look tough. Painted-to-match fender flares also look much better! I only found two companies that manufacture painted-to-match Fender Flares. I own an EGR Bug Guard, so I decided to purchase the EGR Painted Fender Flares from Realtruck.com. After installing them and driving with them for 2,000 miles, I wanted to give you guys my thoughts and observations.

  • EGR Painted Fender Flares Front Drivers View
    Front Driver’s Side
  • EGR Painted Fender Flares Driver's Side View
    Side View of my 2018 Ram 2500 with EGR Painted Fender Flares installed
  • EGR Painted Fender Flares Front Driver's side fender flare
    Notice how the Fender Flare doesn’t sit flush because of the “Turbo Diesel” emblem on truck
  • Rear Driver's side view of EGR Painted Fender Flares
    Rear Driver’s side view
  • Rear Passenger side EGR Painted Fender FlaresPressure
    Passenger Rear Fender Flare
  • Front Passenger Side EGR Painted Fender Flares
    Passenger Front Fender Flare sits on top of “Turbo Diesel” Emblem as well
  • EGR Painted Fender Flares Close-up View
    Close-up
  • Side View of EGR Painted Fender Flares
    Width of Fender Flare
  • Full truck view equipped with Fender Flares

N-Fab Growler Step System Review

Posted on by Kamil

Running Boards Built For Work

Running boards serve an important purpose. They make getting in and out of the cab easier, while simultaneously adding some extra protection to the side of your truck. Most trucks come from the factory with running boards, but they’re often of a lesser quality, unaesthetic, and offer less than satisfactory performance and durability. Many truck owners turn to aftermarket steps. There are literally hundreds of options out there for every make and model truck. About a month ago, we received a free set of N-Fab’s Growler Step System from RealTruck.com to try out on our 2018 Ram 2500 Megacab. After installing the running boards and using them on my truck for a couple weeks, I wanted to give you guys my honest opinion about these new steps. Here’s what I thought!

  • Factory Running Boards 2018 Ram 2500 Megacab
    Factory Running Boards
  • N-Fab Growler Step System Steps Installed on a 2018 Ram 2500 Bighorn
    Growler Step System Installed on a 2018 Ram 2500 Megacab Bighorn
  • N-Fab Growler Step System on 2018 Ram 2500
    Back-To-Front View
  • Hardware and components of the N-Fab Growler Step System
    Hardware & Components
  • Side-by-side View of Factory Running Boards Vs. N-Fab Growler Step System
    Side-by-side View of Factory Running Boards Vs. N-Fab Growler Step System
  • Side-by-Side View From Above of N-Fab Growler Step System
    Side-by-Side View From Above of N-Fab Growler Step System
  • Close-up Virw of N-Fab Growler Step System
    Close-up View
  • My Truck with the Growler Step System Installed

Pricing Released for 2019 Ram Heavy Duty Trucks

Posted on by Kamil

Ram made history with their optional Aisin/Cummins combination capable of 1000 lb-ft of torque this year. They didn’t just claim the trophy for first truck to 1000 lb-ft of torque, but they are also introducing a myriad of new features to make the daily struggles of Ram truck owners easier. A new body style was introduced to give trucks a fresh, new look. Ram really worked hard to create an all-new truck capable of whatever you throw at it. While we have a good grasp on these trucks’ capabilities, we have had zero details about pricing! Today, Ram released their pricing for new 2019 Heavy Duty trucks, both the Ram 2500, and Ram 3500. 2019 Ram heavy duty trucks will start at $33,395 along with a $1,695 destination fee that is not included. Ram Cab and Chassis trucks including the Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 will start at $34,750.

Starting prices reflect 4×2 models featuring Ram’s standard 6.4L Hemi V8 Engine. Prices go up quickly based on upgrades like 4×4, upgrades in trim, or the optional 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. The standard 6.7L Cummins with a six-speed 68RFE transmission is a $9,100 upgrade. High output Cummins trucks with the available Aisin transmission are an $11,795 upgrade. MegaCab models are available for an extra $1500.

2019 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Pricing

Ram 2500 Pickup Model: Price:
2500 4×2 Reg Cab Tradesman – LWB DJ2L62 $33,395
2500 4×2 Reg Cab Bighorn – LWB DJ2H62 $37,645
2500 4×4 Reg Cab Tradesman – LWB DJ7L62 $36,295
2500 4×4 Reg Cab Bighorn – LWB DJ7H62 $40,545
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Tradesman – SWB DJ2L91 $36,950
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Tradesman – LWB DJ2L92 $37,150
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Bighorn – SWB DJ2H91 $42,100
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Bighorn – LWB DJ2H92 $42,300
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Laramie – SWB DJ2P91 $49,100
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Laramie – LWB DJ2P92 $49,300
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Longhorn – SWB DJ2R91 $56,300
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Longhorn – LWB DJ2R92 $56,500
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Limited – SWB DJ2M91 $61,300
2500 4×2 Crew Cab Limited – LWB DJ2M92 $61,000
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Tradesman – SWB DJ7L91 $39,850
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Tradesman – LWB DJ7L92 $40,050
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Bighorn – SWB DJ7H91 $45,000
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Bighorn – LWB DJ7H92 $45,200
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie – SWB DJ7P91 $52,000
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie – LWB DJ7P92 $52,200
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Power Wagon – SWB DJ7X91 $52,900
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Longhorn – SWB DJ7R91 $59,200
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Longhorn – LWB DJ7R92 $59,400
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Limited – SWB DJ7M91 $64,200
2500 4×4 Crew Cab Limited – LWB DJ7M92 $63,900
2500 4×4 Mega Cab Bighorn – SWB DJ7H81 $46,500
2500 4×4 Mega Cab Laramie – SWB DJ7P81 $53,500
2500 4×4 Mega Cab Longhorn – SWB DJ7R81 $60,700
2500 4×4 Mega Cab Limited – SWB DJ7M81 $65,700

2019 Ram 3500 Pricing

Ram 3500 Pickup Model: Price:
3500 4×2 Reg Cab Tradesman – LWB D23L62 $34,845
3500 4×2 Reg Cab Bighorn – LWB D23H62 $39,095
3500 4×4 Reg Cab Tradesman – LWB D28L62 $37,645
3500 4×4 Reg Cab Bighorn – LWB D28H62 $41,895
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Tradesman – SWB D23L91 $38,300
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Tradesman – LWB D23L92 $38,500
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Bighorn – SWB D23H91 $43,450
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Bighorn – LWB D23H92 $43,650
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Laramie – SWB D23P91 $50,450
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Laramie – LWB D23P92 $50,650
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Longhorn – SWB D23R91 $57,650
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Longhorn – LWB D23R92 $57,850
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Limited – SWB D23M91 $62,650
3500 4×2 Crew Cab Limited – LWB D23M92 $62,350
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Tradesman – SWB D28L91 $41,200
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Tradesman – LWB D28L92 $41,400
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Bighorn – SWB D28H91 $46,350
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Bighorn – LWB D28H92 $46,550
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie – SWB D28P91 $53,350
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Laramie – LWB D28P92 $53,550
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Longhorn – SWB D28R91 $60,550
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Longhorn – LWB D28R92 $60,750
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Limited – SWB D28M91 $65,550
3500 4×4 Crew Cab Limited – LWB D28M92 $65,250
3500 4×4 Mega Cab Bighorn – SWB D28H81 $47,850
3500 4×4 Mega Cab Laramie – SWB D28P81 $54,850
3500 4×4 Mega Cab Longhorn – SWB D28R81 $62,050
3500 4×4 Mega Cab Limited – SWB D28M81 $67,050

Don’t forget! The pricing for 2019 Ram Heavy Duty trucks listed above does not include destination charges or the addition of one of the available Cummins Engines! Add the respective upgrade cost for complete pricing for a cummins equipped truck!

My First Big Diesel Event: Reveal of the new 2020 Chevrolet HD trucks

Posted on by Kamil

Well, I just took a major step for Diesel Resource. I became a member of the “fake news” media. Chevrolet invited me to attend their 2020 Silverado HD reveal as a member of the press core. While I’ve been to several truck shows and large auto events, I’ve never been to the exclusive reveal of a diesel truck before. It was AMAZING and I absolutely plan on attending more truck events just like this one. Don’t worry though, I won’t feed you any political BS- just insightful truck information.

Prior to the Event

It’s hilarious honestly, I believed it too good to be true. I’m a young guy, 24 years old to be exact, so of course I told my parents.  The first thing my mother said was, “the whole thing is probably a sex trafficking scheme Kamil.” Oh yeah, mom, I’m sure I’m the ideal candidate for abduction by a trafficking organization. Sadly, the conspiracy theorist in me led me to call around to make sure it was legit anyways. As you can probably guess, it was legitimate!

But really, what an opportunity this was for me. I’ve owned several Duramax trucks already, and I know quite a bit about them. However, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this event. Was I as knowledgeable as everyone else?  Would I fit in? How would my writing compare to others? Who knew. As Im sure you all would agree with me, no man should back down from a challenge or uncertainty. So I went, and here’s what happened.

Day One

Upon arrival, a member from Chevrolet greeted us. They helped us load our bags, and we departed to the hotel in a brand new Chevrolet Tahoe. When we arrived, I got the keys to my room, went upstairs, and relaxed for an hour. Around six, I went downstairs for dinner. Chevrolet had a bus waiting to take us to the Tap House. Waitresses guided us to several long tables reserved for our party in the back of the restaurant when we arrived.  

The Dinner

Initially, I was nervous. This was my first, BIG-TIME networking opportunity and I didn’t want to screw it up. Fortunately, the guys and gals around me were amazing. I met some really inspiring people that gave me some terrific advice and insight. Some of them had been doing this for around 40 years- that is almost twice as long as I’ve been alive. If you’re reading this, I can’t thank you enough, Dave, Russ, and Mike. Be sure to check them out by clicking their respective links. They are some incredibly insightful guys that do some really neat stuff in the automotive industry. I tried to soak in every granule of information and advice possible. The bus took us back to the hotel after dinner.

According to the itinerary, we had to meet downstairs no later than 9 AM for transportation to the event the next morning. Originally, with the intent of waking up early and being extra productive, I set 10 alarms between 6 and 7 AM. There was no way I was going to be late to this event. Then, I spent a little bit of time working on some articles and posts, and I went to sleep.

Day Two

Not a single alarm went off the next morning. Thankfully, I’m a morning person. I woke up at 8:15, tried to get my $h!t together and proceeded downstairs. I made it down to the lobby at 8:55.

After all of us- the media- had taken a seat on the bus, we were taken to the Chevrolet manufacturing center where the underbodies for heavy duty trucks were built. There was a Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD dually conveniently placed right in front. The truck had a digital white/grey camo color scheme and I’m convinced it was put there as a tease, because we would only see SRW Silverado HDs that day.

After snapping as many pictures as possible, we were escorted to a large conference room in the facility. Chevy had set up an impressive reception for us. There was an abundance of food and drinks and even a staff of waiters. They gave us around 30 minutes to network before we were led to the location of the debut.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD Debut

Several new 2020 Chevrolet HD trucks attached to massive trailers sat next to a huge screen that displayed the beginning of the presentation that was about to take place. Many of the higher-ups from Chevrolet were there, including the President of GM. I took a seat in the third row, and I awaited the start of the presentation. 

By this time, I could hardly contain my excitement. I was literally shaking. My heart was beating out of my chest and I won’t lie, I was really nervous too. So nervous in fact, I was sweating bullets. If you watched my first ever IG TV and YouTube videos covering the new HD trucks you may have noticed.  

The Presentation

After a couple of minutes, the presentation started. The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD was introduced in style. Hype music, accompanied by the arrival of the presenters included the upper echelon of Chevrolet who listed facts, specifications, and highlighted some of the critical changes in the 2020 Heavy duty Silverado trucks. Upon conclusion, we had access to five sparkly, new trucks in varying trims, and two huge trailers.

The 2020 L5P Engine was on display along with the all-new 10-speed Allison Transmission that will be featured on 2020 Duramax trucks. Engineers and product specialists surrounded every single item of interest so we could ask questions and interview them about pretty much anything we wanted to. 

Because I’m the primary writer for a Diesel blog, DieselResource, I focused on the Diesel Trucks. I took over 700 pictures and videos in the course of maybe two hours. I talked to the engineers involved in the New L5P engine and the 10-speed Allison Transmission, and I took my very first live video for Facebook and Instagram. After watching it, to my surprise the video wasn’t as awkward as it felt while filming. No one starts out perfect; I’m just glad I did it. Once I finished, I returned to the conference room for lunch. That was it for the debut!

Touring GM’s HD Truck Facilities

The only thing cooler than the debut of the new truck was seeing the manufacturing process for Chevy HDs. The three facilities we visited were massive- millions of square feet between them to give you an idea. Our guide told us to stay with group before our visit because we could easily get lost, for instance.

UnderBody Facility

We began our tour with the Underbody facility. This facility is home to hundreds of machines and incredible robots responsible for assembling the foundation of the trucks. Now, while we did get to see the machines replicate their intended duties, they weren’t assembling any trucks. We met with several engineers who guided us through their respective roles.

Paint Facility

Next, we went to the state-of-the-art paint facility responsible for applying paint to the heavy duty trucks. Our first part of the tour took place where the HDs received their base layers. My initial theories of the painting process were completely wrong. Paint being applied categorically by color was how I had always envisioned it. In other words, X amount of white trucks would be painted, followed by Y amount of black trucks etc… Instead, machines paint the Silverado HDs one after the other in all different colors. Quality control workers scrutinize the trucks after every step of the paint process. They re-route trucks with defects for correction. Trucks move to the next facility when they have successfully passed all QC measures.

Mechanical Assembly Facility

Next, we visited the mechanical assembly plant. This is where the trucks receive their final assembly. This was by far my favorite part of the tour. There had to be hundreds of workers assembling all the different trucks. I remember one particular station, where we watched workers assembling multiple types of trucks.

I thought there would be a separate line for each distinct powertrain combination. This was not the case! Major props to GM’s workers for having the know-how to assemble every truck they put out. Workers wasted no time when putting together HD trucks. In true assembly line fashion, workers complete their designated portion of the truck. The trucks hardly stop, they just proceed along inch by inch. By the time the truck had left two workers, it was inching into the space of another pair, who proceeded with their role. It was teamwork at its finest.

HindSight And The Road Home

After the event, Chevrolet took me to the airport. My mind was full of ideas for future events, and how I could better serve my audience. All it takes is one big break. Chevrolet made that happen for me. If you’re reading this Chevrolet, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate the opportunity. Everyone I met from Chevrolet was wonderful, and willing to help. I am looking forward to working with you in the future!

Find Out More About the 2020 Silverado HD

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD had exceeded my expectations. It was definitely Chevrolet’s most unique heavy duty truck to date, featuring a multitude of new features and a redesigned body. Check out the full article covering the new trucks by clicking here. Make sure you subscribe to our Diesel Blog! We are actually going to Las Vegas next week for our first look at the new Ram 2500! Don’t Miss Out!