Fleet & Commercial:
Medium Duty Vehicles
For immediate release
GMC TopKick has consistently been a segment leader in the medium duty market because it delivers more of what customers demand from their medium duty trucks – durability, versatility and reliability. The 2009 model year is no exception, as TopKick enhancements include greater weight-carrying capacity, larger available wheels, revised air seats for even greater comfort and more vehicle diagnostics for additional peace of mind.
Higher GVWR
For 2009, TopKick 5500 4x4 customers benefit from an optional higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – 21,500 pounds. That’s an increase of 2,000 pounds over the base 19,500 lbs. To accommodate the additional weight rating, 5500 4x4 models are equipped with larger, 70-mm front brake calipers (compared to 64-mm on 19,500 GVWR models). The 21,500-pound GVWR requires the Allison 2350 six-speed transmission and 19.5-inch wheels.
22.5-inch wheels available
For applications that require increased ground clearance, larger diameter 22.5-inch by 7.5-inch wheels are offered on 4500 and 5500 4x4 Regular Cab models up to 19,500 GVWR. Available in either steel or aluminum, these wheels are equipped with 245/70R22.5G tires. The 22.5-inch wheels require the 9,000-pound front suspension and 35-gallon under-the-cab fuel tank.
Revised air seats
GMC TopKick raises the comfort level for 2009 with National 2000 Series air seats on all C4500/C5500 applications, including buses. These seats are designed to increase comfort and feature an integral air compressor in the seat base for a cleaner installation. The seats are easily adjusted to accommodate taller and shorter drivers and feature an adjustable back recliner, a standard inboard armrest and mechanically adjustable lumbar support. The new seat design also delivers cost savings to customers who require only a single air seat.
Allison Prognostics
For increased productivity and peace of mind, Allison 3000 and 3500 Series transmissions deliver enhanced diagnostics for 2009 via Allison Prognostics. Allison Prognostics informs the driver when the transmission fluid and/or transmission filter need to be changed. It also lets the driver know when clutch maintenance is due. This information is displayed on the transmission selector for quick reference.
Powertrains
The standard engine in 4500 and 5500 models is an 8.1L gasoline V-8 that delivers 325 horsepower (242 kW) at 4000 rpm and 450 lb.-ft. (610 Nm) of torque at 2800 rpm. Available on both models is the Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel. It was recently enhanced to deliver reduced emissions while taking advantage of the cleaner, federally mandated ultra low sulfur diesel fuel. The Duramax 6.6L is available in two horsepower and torque configurations:
C6500, C7500 and C8500 models, meanwhile, are powered by one of three engines:
To enable engine power to be optimized for various operating conditions, all TopKick models feature electronic throttle control. It optimizes throttle progression, giving these medium duty trucks outstanding throttle control for slow-speed maneuvers, as well as an immediate response when power is demanded under the most rugged on- and off-road conditions.
Allison six-speed transmissions
Allison six-speed transmissions are the norm for TopKick models. 4500/5500 models are mated to 1000 or 2200 Series transmissions and a six-speed 2350 Series Allison with 30,000-pound (13,600-kg) GCWR and park pawl is available for heavier towing applications. All Allison six-speed models in 4500 and 5500 models are close-ratio, fully automatic and electronically controlled transmissions with double overdrive ratios for improved fuel efficiency.
TopKick 6500 and 7500 diesel engine models also use Allison six-speed transmissions. The 2500 Series offers a 33,000-pound GVWR/GCWR without a park pawl, while the 2200 Series and the 2550 Series offer a park pawl with maximum GVWR/GCWR of 26,000 and 30,000 pounds, respectively.
Six-speed transmissions are also standard on C4500/C5500 gasoline models; C6500/C7500 gasoline models will continue to be equipped with standard five-speed transmissions.
Maneuverability, visibility
TopKick's class-leading attributes begin with its maneuverability. The wider front track permits up to a 53-degree wheel cut on 4x2 models, resulting in a turning diameter as tight as 38.4 feet (11.7 meters). In addition, the sloped-hood design and large windshield provide outstanding visibility for safety and a better view of the job site.
The net result is the ability to see objects on the ground as close as 13.8 feet (4.2 m) in front of the truck (as measured from the front bumper), giving TopKick up to a 13-foot (4 m) sight advantage over comparable competitive models (with their average of 26.8 feet / 8.2 m). That’s even better than the forward visibility measurements of many compact pickup trucks.
TopKick also features state-of-the-art exterior mirrors that are attached to the solid structure of the body-side cowl, reducing vibration during operation. The mirror housing provides a wider field of vision from the lower convex mirror. Because they do not move when the doors are opened, the driver maintains rearward visibility at all times. These mirrors can also fold forward and backward through 90 degrees, making them less prone to damage, and are available with a built-in heating element to help clear away ice, snow and mist.
Reliable, durable and efficient
GMC TopKick delivers a host of features designed to increase reliability and lower the overall cost of ownership. For instance, all 4500 and 5500 Series models are designed off a medium duty chassis featuring a more robust and durable foundation frame that is constructed with higher 50,000- and 80,000-psi-strength steel.
TopKick 6500-8500 models use 50,000-, 80,000- and a 120,000-psi heat-treated frame for an even stronger frame rating. Compared to 4500 and 5500 models, 6500-8500 feature larger-sized frames and offer a wider selection of wheelbases and single and tandem rear-axle configurations to accommodate larger-sized bodies. Single-axle models can easily accommodate bodies up to 30 feet (9.1 m) in length without requiring any extra-cost frame extensions. TopKick is available in GVWRs ranging from 16,500 pounds (Class 4) to 63,000 pounds (Class 8).
World-class braking
TopKick 4500-7500 models feature hydraulic four-wheel anti-lock disc brake systems with standard four-channel ABS, electronic brake distribution and available traction control. Traction can be further enhanced thanks to an available limited-slip or locking rear axle differential.
All 4500 and 5500 trucks use standard four-piston front caliper brake design and Hydro-Max brake systems to optimize performance for their particular GVWR requirements. Reduced stopping distances, low pedal effort and quieter, longer-life operation are the benefits of this robust brake design. Heavier GVWR 5500 and 6500/7500 models, meanwhile, feature low-drag, four-piston opposed piston, fixed-caliper brake design with diameters sized to particular GVWR load requirements. Premium, high-capacity 70-mm, four-piston brake systems are standard on both the front and rear.
The Hydro-Max brake booster for brake actuation uses the power steering pump to supply the booster power. A tandem (split) master cylinder provides the independent front and rear circuits for the hydraulic brake system. Sensors warn the driver of “low fluid” or secondary brake failure.
Ease of body installation
The key to easy and low-cost modifications rests with industry-standard width and superior-strength frames. All models feature a stamped, straight-section, C-channel frame, providing maximum strength and a clean back-of-cab design for easy, low-cost body and equipment installations. By using three variations of frame design and strength, TopKick models optimize weight- and load-carrying capability for their specific applications.
The C4500 and C5500 frames are so strong that even the lowest-rated frame has a higher strength rating than the 36,000-psi rating of some comparable competitive frames. Cross members are web-mounted to the frame, providing additional torsional stiffness and rigidity.
The stronger frames allow wheelbases ranging up to 308 inches (7,823 mm) on TopKick 8500, with plenty of rear overhang for upfitter applications. Fuel tanks, available in multiple capacities, are mounted cleanly between the frame rails on 4500 and 5500 models. 6500, 7500 and 8500 models feature outboard step tanks with up to 100-gallon (379 L) capacity provided by dual tanks. For even greater flexibility in body mounting, the 4500/5500 4x4 Regular Cab diesel models offer a driver-side, under-cab, 35-gallon fuel tank.
Full model range
The TopKick 4500 and 5500 Series are available in Crew Cab, Regular and Commercial Cutaway Chassis Cabs, as well as vocational packages to cover motor home, school bus, fire and rescue, ambulance, shuttle bus, wrecker and snowplow requirements.
For larger tasks, the 6500, 7500 and 8500 Series (Class 6, 7, 8) trucks offer Regular, Crew and Commercial Cutaway Chassis Cab offerings. The T-Series is a range of low cab forward trucks in GVW classes 6, 7 and 8 offering the widest range of product specifications in the segment.
The GMC TopKick medium-duty trucks are produced at the Flint Assembly Plant in Flint, Mich. The plant features state-of-the-art machinery and best practices, resulting in consistently high quality.
# # #
Contact:
Jan Thomas
GM Communications
Phone: 313-665-2445
Fax: 313-618-7391
E-mail: jan.1.thomas@gm.com
Kelly Wysocki
Product Development Communications
Phone: 586-492-0122
E-mail: kelly.wysocki@gm.com
GM de Mexico Communications
Juan Bernardo Urrutia
Phone: 011-525-6250-3046
E-mail: juanbernardo.urrutia@gm.com
Overview |
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Models: |
2009 GMC TopKick 4500 and 5500 |
Body style / driveline: |
one-three person Regular Cab; 1-6 person Crew Cab, motor home cutaway cab chassis, commercial cutaway chassis cab and school bus chassis; front-engine, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive |
EPA vehicle class: |
Class 5 (C4500) trucks available in 16,500- to 17,500-pound GVWR Class 5 (C5500) trucks available in 18,000- to 21,500-pound GVWR Class 6 (C5500) trucks available in 22,000- to 26,000-pound GVWR |
Manufacturing location: |
Flint , Mich. |
Key competitor: |
Ford SuperDuty; Dodge 4500/5500 |
Engines |
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Vortec 8100 8.1L (L18) |
Duramax 6600 6.6L (LMM) |
Application: |
C4500 or C5500 |
C4500 or C5500 |
Type: |
OHV gas V-8 |
OHV diesel V-8 |
Displacement (cu in / cc): |
496 / 8128 |
403 / 6599 |
Bore & stroke (in / mm): |
4.25 x 4.37 / 107.95 x 111.0 |
4.06 x 3.90 / 103 x 99 |
Block material: |
cast iron |
cast iron with induction-hardened cylinder liners |
Cylinder head material: |
cast iron |
cast aluminum |
Valvetrain: |
overhead valve, 2 valves per cylinder |
overhead valve, 4 valves per cylinder |
Fuel delivery: |
sequential fuel injection (coil-near-plug) |
turbocharged, intercooled direct injection diesel with high-pressure common rail |
Compression ratio: |
9.1:1 |
16.8:1 |
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
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LRX: 300 / 224 @ 3000 LYE: 330 / 246 @ 3000 |
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): |
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LRX: 520 / 705 @ 1600 LYE: 620 / 841 @ 1600 |
Recommended fuel: |
unleaded 87 octane (minimum) |
No. 2 diesel |
Maximum engine |
5000 |
3250 |
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Transmissions |
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Allison 1000 HS/RDS (MBV) |
Allison 2200 HS/RDS (MBZ) Allison 2350 HS/RDS (MHE), |
Type: |
six-speed automatic. Available vocational models (HS, RDS, EVS, MH and PTS) |
six-speed automatic. Available vocational models (HS, RDS, EVS, MH and PTS) |
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First: |
3.10 |
3.10 |
Second: |
1.81 |
1.81 |
Third: |
1.41 |
1.41 |
Fourth: |
1.00 |
1.00 |
Fifth: |
0.71 |
0.71 |
Sixth: |
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0.61 |
Reverse: |
4.49 |
4.49 |
PTO (optional): |
six-bolt SAE |
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Final drive (axle) ratio: |
4.30 / 4.44 / 4.56 / 4.78 / 4.88 / 5.13 / 5.29 |
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Chassis/Suspension |
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Front: |
solid beam axle 7,000-lb w/C4500; 7,000-lb or 8,000-lb w/C5500; 8,000-lb on 4x4 models), single-stage parabolic taper-leaf springs with 34-mm square-tube stabilizer bar, 35-mm shock absorbers |
Rear: |
full floating axle (11,000-lb or 13,500-lb w/C4500, 13,500-lb w/C5500), multi-leaf springs with 35-mm shock absorbers, 44.5-mm stabilizer bar 15,000 and 19,000 lb rear axles available on C5500 |
Steering type: |
ZF S-2 recirculating ball, power |
Steering ratio: |
variable, 16.1:1 to 19.6:1 |
Turning circle, |
regular cab: 38.4 / 11.7 crew cab: 46.7 / 14.2 |
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Brakes |
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Type: |
hydraulic, 4-channel ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution exhaust brake available with diesel engine |
Disc diameter (in / mm): |
front: 15 / 381 |
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Wheels/Tires |
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Base wheel: |
hub-piloted steel, eight-hole, 19.5 inch x 6.00-inch (C4500) hub-piloted steel, eight-hole, 19.5 inch x 6.75 inch (C5500 and all Crew cab and 4x4 models) |
Base tire: |
225/70R19.5F with highway tread (4x2) 245/70R19.5G with highway traction, on/off road tread design (4x4) |
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Dimensions |
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Exterior |
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Wheelbase (in / mm): |
regular cab: 128 / 3251; 152 / 3861; 176 / 4470; 188 / 4775; 194* / 4928; 206* / 5232; 224* / 5740 |
Overall length (in / mm): |
regular cab: 203 / 5156; 248 / 6299; 280 / 7112; 306 / 7772; 312 / 7925; 324 / 8230; 343 / 8712 crew cab: 265 / 6731; 290 / 7366; 335 / 8509; 347 / 8814; 354 / 8992 |
Overall width (in / mm): |
95.8 / 2433 (114.9 / 2918 with mirrors) |
Overall height (in / mm): |
regular cab (RWD): 90.6 / 2301 regular cab (4WD): 94.6 / 2402 |
Step-in height (in / mm): |
RWD: 19.0 / 483 4WD: 23.0 / 584 |
Frame width (in / mm): |
33.5 / 851 (C4500: 80,000 psi; C5500: 80,000 psi) |
Approach / departure angle (deg): |
regular cab (RWD): 28.1 / 23 regular cab (4WD): 35.5 / 18.9 |
Track (in / mm): |
front: 79.6 / 2022 |
Minimum ground clearance |
regular cab (RWD): 8.4 / 213 regular cab (4WD): 9.4 / 239 |
GVWR (lb / kg): |
C4500 (RWD): 16,500-17,500 / 7,843-7,937 C5500 (RWD): 18,000-26,000 / 8,164-11,793 C4500 (4WD): 17,500 / 7,937 C5500: (4WD) 21,500 / 9,675 |
GCWR (lb / kg): |
C4500 (RWD): 26,000 / 11,793 C4500 & C5500 (4WD): 26,000 / 11,793 |
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Interior |
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Head room (in / mm): |
4.6 / 117 (minimum head clearance) |
Leg room (in / mm): |
front: 39.9 / 1013.5 |
Shoulder room (in / mm): |
front: 68.8 / 1747.5 |
Mirrors, surface area (sq in / sq cm): |
120 / 774 (outside-mounted mirrors only) |
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Capacities |
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Fuel tank (gal / L): |
25 / 95 (single, forward of rear axle) 32 / 121 (single, behind rear axle) 40 / 151 (single, behind rear axle) 40 / 151 (dual 25 and 15 gallon tanks) 80 / 302 (single, behind rear axle, motor home model only) 35 / 132 (single, driver-side step tank [4x4 regular cab, diesel only]) |
Overall Wheelbase and Frame |
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Dimensions |
Wheelbase |
Cab-to-Axle (CA) |
Cab-to-End of Frame (CE) |
Conventional Cab Chassis (in/mm): |
128 / 3251 224 / 5740* |
60 / 1524 156 / 3962 |
100 / 2540 146 / 3708 178 / 4521 204 / 5182 210 / 5334 222 / 5639 240 / 6096 |
Crew Cab (in / mm): |
169 / 4293 |
60 / 1524 |
121 / 3073 147 / 3734 192 / 4877 |
Motor Home Cutaway (in / mm): |
166 / 4216 184 / 4674 196 / 4978 214 / 5436 221 / 5613 |
100 / 2540 156 / 3962 |
184 / 4674 218 / 5537 246 / 6248 264 / 6706 284 / 7214 |
Commercial Cutaway (in / mm): |
166 / 4216 184 / 4674 196 / 4978 220 / 5588 221 / 5613 233 / 5918 246 / 6248 259 / 6579 |
100 / 2540 155 / 3937 156 / 3962 168 / 4267 181 / 4597 194 / 4928 |
171 / 4343 202 / 5131 214 / 5436 261 / 6629 240 / 6096 274 / 6960 287 / 7290 300 / 7620 |
*C5500 model only
Overview |
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Models: |
2008 GMC TopKick 6500 / 7500 / 8500 |
Body style / driveline: |
one-three person 105 in. BBC regular cab; 1-6 person 146 in. BBC crew cab one-three person commercial cutaway chassis cab; front-engine, rear-wheel drive tandem rear axle available for C8500 tractor available for C7500 and C8500 (regular cab only) |
Vehicle GVW class: |
Class 6 (C6500), Class 7 (C7500) and Class 8 (C8500) medium duty trucks available in 22,000-26,000-pound (Class 6), 26,001-33,000-pound (Class 7) and 33,001-63,000-pound (Class 8) GVW ratings |
Manufacturing location: |
Flint, Mich. |
Key competitors: |
International, Freightliner, Sterling, Ford |
Engines |
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8.1L Gas V-8 (L18) |
Isuzu 6H (LG4) |
Caterpillar C7 (LG5) |
Type: |
8.1L gas V-8 |
7.8L diesel I-6 |
7.2L diesel I-6 |
Displacement (cu in / cc): |
496 / 8128 |
475 / 7785 |
442 / 7244 |
Bore & stroke (in / mm): |
4.25 x 4.37 / |
4.53 x 4.92 / |
4.33 x 5.0 / |
Block material: |
cast iron |
gray iron |
gray iron |
Cylinder head material: |
cast iron |
cast iron |
gray iron |
Valve train: |
OHV, two valves per cylinder |
four valves per cylinder |
three valves per cylinder |
Fuel delivery: |
sequential fuel LQR: injection (coil-near-plug) |
turbocharged, inter-cooled direct injection via high-pressure common rail |
turbocharged, air-to-air after-cooled direct, HEUI unit injector |
Compression ratio: |
9.1:1 |
16.0:1 |
16.0:1 |
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
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215 / 160 (LYA) |
207 / 154 (LQA 210 / 157 (LRQ) 230 / 170 (LVB) 250 / 187 (LQV) |
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): |
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560 / 759 (LYA) 660 / 895 (LYB) 660 / 895 (LYC) |
520 / 706 (LQA) |
Recommended fuel: |
unleaded 87 octane |
No. 2 diesel |
No. 2 diesel |
Maximum engine speed (rpm): |
4200 (w/hydraulic brakes) |
2400 |
2500 |
Transmissions |
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Allison Automatic: |
2200 HS/RDS (MTX) five-speed with park pawl for C6500/C7500 gas engine only allows GVWR/GCWR up to 26,000 lbs 3500 RDS six-speed (MWZ) or five-speed (MWY) wide-ratio for C6500/C7500/C8500 |
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Eaton Fuller: |
five-, six-, nine- and 10-speed manuals FS6406A (MM8) six-speed FSO8406A (M69) six-speed overdrive RT-6609A (MUT) nine-speed |
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TTC: |
ES56-7B (MK8) seven-speed |
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Chassis/Suspension |
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Front axle: |
Meritor 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,600, 16,000 and 18,000-lb available |
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Rear axle: |
Dana Spicer 15,000, 19,000, 21,000, 22,000, 23,000 and 26,000 lb single axle and 34,000, 40,000 and 46,000 lb tandem axle available |
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Front: |
single-stage parabolic taper-leaf springs (7,000-, 8,000-, 9,000-, 10,000-, 12,000- and 14,000-pound capacities), or single-stage, multi-leaf springs (9,000-, 12,000-, 14,600- and 18,000-pound) with twin-tube 35 mm shock absorbers and available 34 mm, 38 mm or 42 mm stabilizer bar. |
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Rear: |
multi-leaf available in 15,000-, 19,000-, 21,000-, 23,500- and 27,000-pound capacities (shock absorbers optional). parabolic, taper-leaf springs (15,000-, 19,000-, 21,000- and 23,000-pound capacities), twin tube, 35 mm or 45 mm (depending on spring rate) shock absorbers and 44 mm (15,000-pound) or 48 mm (all other capacities) stabilizer bar. Hendrickson "Air-Ride" suspension available in 19,000, 21,000- and 23,000-pound capacities; Hendrickson "Walking Beam" available in 34,000-40,000 and 46,000-pound capacities with tandem rear axles (C8500 only); Hendrickson air ride available in 40,000-lb capacity with tandem rear axle; Hendrickson Haulmaax rubber suspensions available in 40,000- and 46,000-lb capacities with tandem rear axle |
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Steering type: |
ZF S-2 recirculating ball, power |
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Steering ratios (:1): |
variable: 16.1 to 19.6 for 8,000-lb front axle |
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Turning circle, |
39.8 / 12.1 (regular cab 140 in. wheelbase) 53.1 / 16.2 (crew cab models w/ 194-in. wheelbase) |
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Brakes |
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Type: |
hydraulic, four piston, four-channel ABS, EBD (optional brake-control traction control system) standard on C6500 and C7500 models four-channel air brakes standard on C8500 models, available on C7500 models (optional brake-control traction control system) |
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Disc diameter (in / mm): |
front: 15.4 / 391.2 rear: 15.4 / 391.2 |
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Wheels/Tires |
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Wheel size and type (base): |
19.5 x 6.75-in steel |
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Tires: |
sizes range from 245/70R 19.5F to 315/80R 22.5L range of tread patterns available. Goodyear tires std |
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Dimensions |
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Exterior |
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Wheelbase (in / mm): |
regular cab wheelbase: 128 (C6500 only) /140/152/170/176/188/194/206/212/236/248/260/272/284/296 regular cab CA (cab to axle): 60 (C6500 only) /72/84/102/108/120/126/138/144/156/168/180/192/204/216/228” crew cab wheelbase: 194 / 4928, 217 / 5512, 229 / 5817, 248 / 6299, 260 / 6604 crew cab CA (cab to axle): 84/108/120/138/150 C8500 tandem regular cab wheelbase: 152/170/176/188/194/206/212/224/236/248/260/272/284/308 C8500 tandem regular cab CA (cab to axle): 84/102/108/120/126/138/144/156/168/180/192/204/216/240 C8500 tandem crew cab wheelbase: 194 / 4928, 217 / 5512, 229 / 5817, 248 / 6299, 260 / 6604 C8500 tandem crew cab CA (cab to axle): 84/108/120/138/150 |
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Overall width (in / mm): |
95.8 / 2433.3 (114.9 / 2918.5 with mirrors) |
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Step-in height (in / mm): |
22.5-in wheels: 45.6 / 1158.2 19.5-in wheels: 38.5 / 977.9 |
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Frame width (in / mm): |
34 / 863.6 Frames available in 50,000 (C6500/C7500), 80,000- and 120,000-PSI materials. 120,000-PSI material is heat-treated |
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Approach angle (deg): |
22.5-in wheels: 28.1 |
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Track (in / mm): |
base model: front: 81.8 / 2077.7 |
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Minimum ground clearance |
base model: 10.7 / 271.8 |
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GVWR (lb / kg): |
19,501 / 7,279 (Class 6) to |
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Interior |
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Headroom |
41.7/105.9 |
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Legroom (in / mm): |
front: 41.4/104.4 |
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Shoulder room (in / mm): |
front: 68.8 / 1747.5 |
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Mirrors, surface area |
126 / 813 (outside-mounted mirrors only) |
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Capacities |
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Fuel tank (gal / L): |
50 / 189 (single LH std with 22.5-in wheels |
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Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.