5 New Convenient Features of the 2020 L5P Duramax

Whether you’re a Duramax, Powerstroke, or Cummins fan, you know that there are some small details that can really be a pain in the a$$ or a serious eye-sore when it comes to your truck. Unfortunately, you usually don’t notice these minute details until after you buy. While you put up with them, life would be a lot easier if they just had a better design from the manufacturer. GM just released their 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD, and 2020 GMC Sierra HD Duramax trucks. While you may not appreciate the new body style yet, you will appreciate these 5 small, convenient features that make a BIG difference on the 2020 Duramax.

DEF Fill Location

When it comes to Duramax trucks, I have always HATED how the DEF fill location is under the hood. While you don’t have to deal with it that often, it’s just so inconvenient. No matter what precautions I take, I ALWAYS manage to spill some DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid). I can actually remember one distinct occasion when the cheap spout of my BLUE DEF bottle actually came off. Diesel exhaust fluid went all over my truck, and I was angry to say the least. Well guys and gals, GM finally moved the inlet under the fuel cap. Now, just like your Cummins and Powerstroke friends, you can fill your DEF tank from under your Fuel Door. Hooray!

2020 Duramax new DEF Fill Location
New DEF Fill Location on 2020 Duramax Trucks

GM’s Biggest Eye Sore: The DEF Tank Location

It took me a while to get accustomed to the new LML trucks when they came out. The only thing I noticed was how huge the DEF tank was and how awkwardly it was located. It was actually why I waited until the L5P to get another Duramax. I just couldn’t get past it because I knew it would drive me nuts. Then, the L5P was released, and I just couldn’t resist buying the truck because of their sheer performance numbers. But guess what? That DEF tank still made me bitter every time I approached my truck, until finally, I bought some running boards. While they helped, it still didn’t resolve my issue as the DEF tank was still glaringly obvious. GM finally moved the Diesel exhaust fluid tank, and relocated it further back on the Frame and out of sight.

New Bed Steps: Easier access to the front of your Bed

GM’s corner steps integrated into the Duramax trucks’ rear bumpers are an awesome feature that make getting into the bed a lot easier. What about accessing the front of the bed without hopping in though? This is something every truck has struggled with. Running boards or nerf bars were the only solution! Not any longer! GM just introduced new bed steps that are located in front of the rear wheel openings to make accessing this area much easier.

2020 Duramax Bed Step
2020 Duramax New Bed Step

New Easy-Access Engine Block Heater Outlet

Because I live in Florida, this isn’t one of my pet peeves, but i’m sure it drives a few guys up north bonkers. Engine block heater outlets are an eye sore when situated behind the grille or near the bumper. We’re uncertain if this issue was resolved on GMC trucks. However, Chevrolet placed the engine block heater on the lower, side portion of the front bumper. The new Engine block heater outlet is unnoticeable and better protected from the elements. You no longer have loose hanging cords or have to open the hood for plug-in.

New Snow Prep Package

Snow plows aren’t something we use every day in Florida. I know how important they are to you guys up north though. We’re not sure about GMC, but Chevrolet introduced a new snow prep package. Chevrolet designed the front end of these trucks for easy removal of the Air Dam and skid plate for easier installation of snow plows and their hardware. You don’t even have to drill additional holes in your front bumper! We can all appreciate the goodness of a bolt-on design. When you take the plow off your truck, your truck will now maintain its clean, aesthetic appearance.

New 2020 Silverado HD Snow Prep Package
New 2020 Silverado HD Snow Prep Package

Chevrolet took many of the photos used in this article. You can find them here.

Looking For More Information on the L5P?

Check out some of our other helpful resources for diesel owners and enthusiasts. Our l5P Duramax Specifications resource will give you all the nitty-gritty details you want to know about these new trucks.

New 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD

I know, we’re a little bit late to the party. GM released their new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD last year. But we’re writing this article as these new trucks are finally being shipped to dealers nationwide. I actually just saw my first one in person the other day driving down I-75, so I decided now is as good a time as ever to bring some attention to these new workhorses Chevrolet designed to meet the needs of their Commercial customers.

Features of Chevrolet’s New 2019 Medium-Duty Trucks

As an avid diesel truck enthusiast, I love when auto manufacturers release a diesel truck that just seems to be a little bit badder than the rest of them. Chevrolet just released their brand new 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD, and no, they don’t look anything like their new 2020 Silverado 2500HD and Silverado 3500HD relatives. The only exterior feature these two different segments share is the iconic Chevrolet bowtie.

Chevrolet claims that this truck is the most customer-centric Medium Duty truck of any major competitor. Powered by a 6.6L Duramax Motor, and an Allison transmission, these new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HDs, 5500HDs, and 6500HDs are up to whatever task you throw at them. Not only do they feature GM’s legendary Allison-Duramax Powertrain combination, but they also have many of Chevrolet’s latest connectivity innovations. These include OnStar, 4G Wi-Fi, Wireless cell phone charging, Bluetooth, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto Support. Optional factory-installed rear air suspension gives the truck a more comfortable ride both on and off-road. Triple-sealed, inset doors dampen noise while driving, and at the job site. These features make Chevrolet’s new 2019 Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD not only a very capable work truck, but a very capable mobile office as well.

As you can imagine, trucks this large can oftentimes be difficult to drive because of their poor turning radius and the driver’s lack of visibility. With these trucks, Chevrolet introduced up to 50-degree wheel cuts, to make sure these trucks can maneuver easily. The lightweight, contoured hood was designed to make sure the driver has maximum vision of the road. Speaking of the hood, they were designed with a front hinge, resulting in a “Clamshell” design. When opened, instead of opening up and to the rear, the hood pulls forward. This makes working on these trucks vastly superior to trucks featuring a standard hood design. Technicians can easily access everything under the hood, and service these trucks without having to use a ladder or climb on top of the truck.

The New 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500 HD, and 6500HD are Highly Customizable.

The new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD allow for a wide variety of cargo boxes and flat beds. They did this by creating seven different Cab-To-Axle choices, from 60 inches all the way to 162 inches. Chevy’s new medium duty trucks also have five different axle-to-back-of-frame lengths. These trucks also come in a single cab, or crew cab configuration. No matter what your business needs, these new medium-duty trucks can be outfitted for you.

Make Sure You Stay Tuned

Stay tuned! We will be writing about and featuring the new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HDs on our site as soon as we possibly can. All photos used are courtesy of Chevrolet. Find out more about these new Medium-Duty trucks on Chevrolet’s Site here.