A New Heavy Duty Package for Pennsylvania Truck Buyers
If you are hunting for a new heavy duty truck here in Ephrata or anywhere in the surrounding areas from Lancaster to Harrisburg, you have probably noticed some fresh options rolling onto the lot. For 2025, Chevy introduced the Trail Boss package to their 2500 lineup. It is important to note right off the bat that this is a package, not a standalone trim level.
Here at Mark Martin Motors, we see buyers coming from all over Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland to find the perfect truck for their lifestyle. We spend all day around these rigs, so we wanted to give you our honest take on this new setup. Let's dive into the five things we love and the five things we honestly hate about the 2025 Chevy 2500 LT Trail Boss.
What We Love About the 2025 Trail Boss 2500
1. The Aggressive Blackout Look
The overall aesthetic of this truck is absolutely savage. Chevy gave it blackout painted front and rear bumpers, black badging, a black grille, and black 20-inch wheels. There is zero chrome on this truck. It honestly looks a lot like a higher-tier ZR2. If you want that sporty, aggressive, color-matched look straight from the factory, they knocked it out of the park.
2. Standard Top-Tier Tires
This is a wild update for General Motors. Usually, you get a mid-level Goodyear or something pretty standard off the lot. But with the 2025 Trail Boss package, you get BF Goodrich KO3 tires right out of the gate. Getting a top-of-the-line off-road tire completely standard on this package is a huge win for anyone taking their truck through the muddy job sites or trails around Central PA.
3. Two Different Trim Options
Unlike the ZR2 or the GMC AT4X where you are locked into one very high price point to get the look, the Trail Boss gives you choices. You can get this package on the LT trim if you want a more basic cloth interior and a lower price point, or you can step up to the LTZ trim to get the full leather, heated and cooled seats, technology packages, and power running boards.
4. Bed Length Versatility
A lot of top-tier off-road trucks restrict you to a standard bed. With the 2500 Trail Boss, you are not tied down. You can choose either the standard 6.8-foot bed or the full 8-foot long bed. Whether you are hauling lumber across York County or loading up dirt bikes for the weekend, you have the flexibility to get the bed space you actually need while keeping that cool off-road aesthetic.
5. Uncompromised Towing Capacity
Usually, when you buy an off-road focused truck with a huge lift and special suspension, your towing capacity takes a massive hit. Because of how this truck is set up, your towing numbers stay strong. You are looking at 18,500 pounds conventional towing and 19,100 pounds for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. You get the rugged look without sacrificing the workhorse capabilities.
What We Hate About the 2025 Trail Boss 2500
1. Zero Factory Lift
Let's look under the truck. Despite having the Trail Boss name, there is no actual lift on this 2500. It is just the standard Z71 suspension with Rancho shocks. When people hear Trail Boss, they expect a lifted stance. It is a bit confusing to walk up to it and realize it sits at the exact same height as a regular Z71.
2. Lacking Interior Features on the LT
While we love that there is a lower price point, the LT Trail Boss is still a bit too basic inside. You are paying a premium for the package, but you still end up with a manual adjust passenger seat. Sure, the driver gets a power seat, but for the money you are dropping, it feels a little lame not to include a few more basic luxury features in the cabin.
3. No 18-Inch Wheel Option
The Trail Boss package only comes with the 20-inch black wheels. They look fantastic, but if you are actually taking this truck off the pavement, an 18-inch wheel with a meatier tire is a much better option. That is exactly why the true off-roaders like the ZR2 run 18s. We really wish Chevy would give buyers the option to swap down to an 18-inch wheel for better off-road function.
4. The Name is Deceptive
This ties back to the lift issue. If you buy a half-ton 1500 Trail Boss, you get a factory 2-inch lift. On the heavy duty 2500, it is essentially just a cosmetic package. You are paying around $3,500 just to get everything painted to match. You can add a Z71 off-road suspension to any standard truck for about $350. Calling it a Trail Boss when it does not function like its smaller brother feels a bit like false advertising.
5. The LTZ Price Point Clashes with the ZR2
If you decide to go with the fully loaded LTZ Trail Boss diesel, you are going to end up within a few thousand dollars of the ZR2 2500. The ZR2 comes with significantly more equipment and the incredible Multimatic DSSV suspension. From a value standpoint, the ZR2 is just a way better buy at that price. Chevy really needs to rethink the pricing structure or add more value to the LT side of things to make the Trail Boss make sense financially.
Is the Chevy 2500 Trail Boss Right for You?
It really comes down to what you prioritize. If you want a killer blackout look, an 8-foot bed, and massive towing capacity for running around the East Coast, the LT Trail Boss is a solid choice. But if you want true off-road performance and premium features, you might want to look at a ZR2 instead.
Check out our full video breakdown right here: