In case you want to use the trucks for carrying heavy equipment, then the C6500/C7500 and the C8500 should be a better option. These trucks are known as the heavy haulers in the GMC lineup. Latest models such as the C8500 have a GVWR up to 27,660 kgs. These Topkick models have an automatic transmission system which proves to be a great help for drivers who are not experienced. Also the automatic transmission system helps in efficient consumption of fuel. The torque converter also helps to maximize the power output of the engine and also helps to prevent shock loading that can result on increasing the life of the drivetrain component. The transmission temperature gauge can prevent the vehicle from overheating.      

General Motors offers a warranty of two years on any of the Topkick Models for unlimited kilometer use in that two year period. Warranty is extended to five years for components like frame rail, cross members and sheet metal rust. The 6.6L Duramax diesel engine has a warranty of 5 years or 1,60,000 kms, whichever is less. The 7.8L Duramax diesel engine has a warranty of 3 years for unlimited kms during that period.

GMC C4500

The GMC C4500 is a heavy duty truck that is equipped with a powerful Vortec 8.1L V8 engine. The model costs anywhere between $29,490 and $49,494. The 8.1L engine is capable of delivering 325 hp while the 6.6L engine delivers 300 hp. The 8.1L engine has 450 lb-ft of torque while the 6.6L engine has 620 lb.-ft. of torque. The C4500 can be customized for a variety of purposes such as ambulances for clinics and hospitals. They can also be customized to suit a variety of business requirements. The truck is capable of holding heavy duty workload.

GMC C5500

The GMC 5500 is again a heavy duty truck with the same engine as that of the C4500. The price of the truck ranges from $38,325 to $60,079. The truck is used for several purposes such as an ambulance and also for removal of snow. The truck can be customized according to the commercial requirements of the organization.

GMC C6500

The GMC C6500 has a Vortec 8.1L V8 engine that is capable of generating 295 hp and has a 440 lb-ft torque. There is also the Isuzu 6H diesel engine that generates 260 hp and up to 660 lb-ft torque. Next in line is the Cat C7 diesel engine that generates 250 hp and up to 660 lb-ft of torque. The truck can be customized for various commercial requirements.

GMC C7500

The C7500 costs between $46,840 and $68,536. The engine is a Vortec V8 with 295 hp and 440 lb-ft. of torque. There is also the Isuzu 6H diesel engine with 300 hp and 860 lb-ft. of torque. The CAT C7 diesel engine is capable of generating 250 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. The truck can be used as an ambulance and also in handling cases related to fire.

GMC C8500

The C8500 is available in the range of $73,459 and $78,534. The heavy duty truck is normally equipped with an Isuzu 6H diesel engine capable of generating 300 hp and up to 860 lb-ft. of torque. You can also go for the Vortec 8.1L V8 gasoline engine which has up to 295 hp and 440 lb-ft. of torque.

All the versions of Gmc Topkick trucks c4500 c5500 c6500 c7500 c8500 are extremely good. All the versions have excellent chassis configurations. Today we discuss and compare the chassis configurations of the different versions of the Topkick.

Chassis highlights of C4500/C5500

1) There is an option between regular cab, crew cab, commercial cutaway and motor home cutaway configurations.

2) The GVWRs of the trucks range between 7,258 kgs and 11,794 kgs.

3) The trucks have an automatic transmission that is controlled electronically.

4) The wheel bases range from 3251 mm to 5689 mm.

5) There is a set back front axle for better weight distribution and the truck can also turn sharply as it has a tight turning diameter of just 10.76 m.

6) The windshield is larger for extra visibility and the hood is also sloped downwards.

7) The trucks are equipped with an ABS hydraulic brake system.

The transmission is automatically controlled through electronic components.

9) There is a choice between the Duramax 6.6L V8 diesel engine or the Vortec 8.1L V8 gasoline engine.

Chassis highlights of C4500/C5500

1) There is an option between regular cab, crew cab and commercial cutaway configurations.

2) The GVWRs of the trucks range between 9,520 kgs and 27,660 kgs.

3) There is a choice of Allison, Spicer or Eaton-Fuller engines.

4) The wheel bases range from 7823 mm (for C8500 models) to 7518 mm (for C6500/C7500 models).

5) There is a tandem rear axle for C8500 model.

6) The windshield is larger for extra visibility and the hood is also sloped downwards.

7) The trucks are equipped with an ABS hydraulic brake system (for C6500 and C7500) and “S” cam air brakes for C8500 model.

The transmission is automatically controlled through electronic components.

9) There is a choice between the Vortec 8.1L V8 gasoline engine or Isuzu 7800 and Caterpillar C7 diesel engines.

Engine – The engine is available in different ranges such as Duramax 7800, Duramax 6600, Vortec 8100MD and Caterpillar C7. All these engines are renowned for their power, performance and long life. Engines like the Vortec 8100 MD is available in only some models such as class 6,7 and 8 trucks. All the engines are equipped with special coolant that lasts for five years on an average. There are automatic shutdown engines also available that turn off in case the engine gets overheated or there is low oil pressure.        

Weight – The different models of the GMC Topkick have different weights and different load carrying capacities.

Visibility – The windshield is quite large, thereby improving the visibility of the surroundings. The hood is also sloped and the driver’s seat is higher than compared to other trucks.         

Interiors – The extra noise and the vibration have been reduced. The sterring whell has been kept at 16” and all the seats are done up in leather with individual airbags for extra passenger safety. The other options include seats that can be tilted, CD/DVD player as well as power windows and doors. 

Seats – The seats have a backrest and there is an option available for bucket seats. There is an option for ashtray near the handle of the door. The center console has a cup holder. 

Tires – The wheels are made of steel disc and are painted in white color. The standard tires used are Goodyear.

The GMC Topkick trucks pack in a lot of power and torque. For example, there is the Duramax 6600 V-8 turbo diesel engine that is capable of delivering torque ratings of 520 lb.-ft. or 605 lb.-ft at 1600 rpm. The torque is in fact considered to be a very important barometer when it comes to the truck’s performance. The engine used in these trucks is a powerful Vortec 8100 8.1L V-8 engine that is capable of delivering total 325 hp. The throttle control is also fully electronic throttle, thereby increasing its accuracy. Hence the throttle progression is optimized as a result of which parking in narrow spaces becomes easier. The engine has a five speed automatic transmission which results in smoother and better shifts.

The manufacturer also improved the 4×4 axle equipment in the Topkick trucks. Hence the maximum load carrying capacity has increased by 1,000 pounds. This proves to be a great benefit to snowplow users as well as crew cab owners. The 2006 models also have an exhaust brake option which proves to be a boon for drivers in mountainous regions. The exhaust brakes prevent excessive brake wear or overheating when the truck descends in the mountains. There is an option for two person buckets seats and the inside space has been also increased than before. The rear seats can also be folded for extra space to keep luggage.

The GMC Topkick 21-Speed Mountain Bike is one of the most technically advanced bikes to enter the market. The bike is used by professional cyclers who often do mountain biking. The bike has a very strong aluminum frame and suspension that does not give jerks even when the bike passes over potholes. The wheels are also made of aluminum and they feature a V shape rim profile. The GMC topkick Mountain Bike has disc brakes for sudden braking in adverse road conditions. After all any bike that is used in the mountains should have disc brakes to minimize the risks to life. The looks are rugged giving the bike a very strong personality.    

The bike has gears as well for steep climbs and you can change the gears at will. The Topkick bike is sued by riders for all purposes other than mountain biking. The bike has been given an aerodynamic shape to reduce wind resistance. There is a presence of the rear suspension fork also. The bike is very much versatile as its tires can be changed quickly in case the tires get worn out or punctured. 

Hence we see that the GMB Topkick bike is a high end bike that is used by professional racers and bikers. Some use the bike for passion while others use the bike for professional reasons such as racing. The frame and the other components of the bike are light weight so that the overall weight of the bike is not very heavy to ride. However, as mentioned before, the bike itself is very tough with an advanced rear and front suspension technology.     

For extra height for the rider, the bike has a good three to five inches for clearance. The GM Topkick bike has also been designed for women racers who feel very comfortable even while they are riding the bike in the mountains. However bikes for women are specially designed with a shorter torso and longer legs than those provided for men. However the stem height and the saddle can be adjusted according to the comfort required by different people for driving.
The GMC Topkick 21-Speed Mountain Bike is one of the most technically advanced bikes to enter the market. The bike is used by professional cyclers who often do mountain biking. The bike has a very strong aluminum frame and suspension that does not give jerks even when the bike passes over potholes. The wheels are also made of aluminum and they feature a V shape rim profile. The GMC topkick Mountain Bike has disc brakes for sudden braking in adverse road conditions. After all any bike that is used in the mountains should have disc brakes to minimize the risks to life. The looks are rugged giving the bike a very strong personality.    

The bike has gears as well for steep climbs and you can change the gears at will. The Topkick bike is sued by riders for all purposes other than mountain biking. The bike has been given an aerodynamic shape to reduce wind resistance. There is a presence of the rear suspension fork also. The bike is very much versatile as its tires can be changed quickly in case the tires get worn out or punctured. 

Hence we see that the GMB Topkick bike is a high end bike that is used by professional racers and bikers. Some use the bike for passion while others use the bike for professional reasons such as racing. The frame and the other components of the bike are light weight so that the overall weight of the bike is not very heavy to ride. However, as mentioned before, the bike itself is very tough with an advanced rear and front suspension technology.     

For extra height for the rider, the bike has a good three to five inches for clearance. The GM Topkick bike has also been designed for women racers who feel very comfortable even while they are riding the bike in the mountains. However bikes for women are specially designed with a shorter torso and longer legs than those provided for men. However the stem height and the saddle can be adjusted according to the comfort required by different people for driving.

The trucks are categorized according to the gross weight of the vehicle. Hence the classes of trucks range from 1 to 8 where type 1 is the lightest and type 8 are the heaviest. The Topkick trucks are quite high and the person sitting at the steering wheel has a good panoramic view of the surroundings through the windshield. The above 5 models of the Topkick has different variations in terms of equipment installed in them. The C4500 and the C5500 are categorized under the Family Two models while the C6500, C7500 and C8500 are categorized under the Family Three models.     

The Class 8 models are the latest models introduced by the company under the Topkick brand. However the ratings according to the weight might be changed in some countries like Canada. The company always stresses on improved maneuverability, increased space and wide screen view for all its Topkick models. The other features introduced in the truck are increased height in the driver’s seat for better visibility and control and a hood that slopes down so that the driver can see a wider road in front of him. 

The interiors in the Sidekick trucks have been upgraded from plastic to durable leather which looks very smart. There is provision for about a dozen spots in case you want to install additional electronic components like switches. The buyer can ask for more customized versions that include installation of CD/DVD player, tilt steering wheel and dual air bags in the front. There is even a console in the centre to hold on to coffee cups and there are seat options in the form of bucket seats and the back passenger seat that can be folded down to the desktop.    

The basic C4500 model would cost about $41,900 and with additional accessories, the model would cost anywhere between $55,000 and $59,000.

The GMC Topkick C4500 is the first model in the GMC Topkick series by Monroe Truck Equipment. The other models include C5500, C6500, C7500 and C8500. The GMC Topkick C4500 is used as either a moving equipment truck or a dump truck and even as a school bus or a shuttle bus. It can also be used as a tow truck for medium sized vehicles. GM produces about 750 vehicles annually of the model. The Topkick can be used as a pick up truck only in the C4500 and the C5500 models. The C6500 and the C7500 are more heavy duty vehicles and they can’t be converted to be used as pick up trucks. The company has an option of a four wheel drive.

The engine is a powerful 6.6 liter turbo diesel engine having a power of 325 hp and 8.2 liter capacity. The automatic, five speed transmission is excellent and it can be shifted easily by the driver. The C4500 can reach the speed of 60 mph in just 14.4 seconds and the top speed of a fully loaded truck is recorded at 75 mph. The GMC Topkick C4500 weighs about 11,300 pounds and is faster than other competitors such as the Ford Escape. The truck also has a turbo charger with dual exhaust stacks. The pipes carrying fuel and air are entirely made of chrome.    

Coming to the interiors, the truck has heavy carpeting on the floor, the deck is made of high quality, polished wood and leather seats are also provided. The truck offers a good, clear view from the front windshield. The truck has a good suspension system consisting of two solid axles as well as air bladders on the rear side that helps the truck to carry heavy loads. The turning circle is quite good as a result of which the truck is able to take sharp turns. The C4500 has an advanced braking system in the form of hydraulic brakes. However the brakes take a while to cool off once they are applied. The cost of the C4500 starts from around $52,171 but after adding the extra accessories the costs may climb up to $90,000. the basic version can be procured for around $70,000.

GM sells Topkick in many countries across the world and also sells its trucks to big corporations and transport companies such as Navistar International. The different models under Topkick are C4500, C5500, C6500, C7500 and C8500. All the models are a little different from each other to handle different types of tasks. Today almost all the Topkick models feature a state of the art navigation system as well as a DVD and an audio system. The price of the C4500 starts from $70000 and the actual price depends on the accessories that are included in the truck. The C4500 has a high horsepower of 300 hp and is a four wheel drive vehicle. The towing capacity of the truck is about 16,000 lbs. 

Monroe has also converted the original Topkick to a more advanced model by the name of Ultimate Class IV Topkick which is more of a crewcab pickup truck. GM collaborated with Monroe Truck Equipment to manufacture the modified version. The special version of the truck includes an 8 foot steel pickup box as well as a tailgate, side panels and durable interior lining.

The GMC Topkick has also made its presence in movies, the latest of them being Transformers which released in the year 2007. The model used in the movie was C6500. The truck has also been featured in auto shows and festivals like the 2007 Detroit River Walk Festival.