DriveTech

2006 Chevrolet Express Work Truck

If you've been searching for a work truck and a dealer who will work with you, I've found what you're looking for.

I used to build commercial truck bodies on Toyota cabs and chassis so I'm pretty well versed when it comes to work trucks and Jimmy Johnson Chevrolet in Kearny Mesa has a handle on this industry. Your contact there is A.J. Hewitson.

This dealership has an inventory from stake bed trucks to box trucks, plus the enclosed plumber truck that I road tested. The commercial truck industry has come a long way with driver comforts. In the old days you got a cheap little seat, maybe a radio and forget about air conditioning.

The 2006 Chevrolet Express Work Truck comes with AM/FM/CD player, air conditioning, heater and a seat with a tilt adjustment that's very comfortable. The steering wheel also has a tilt option, plus there's cruise control for those long hauls. This truck has an optional smoker's package that runs an extra $10. (Again, times have truly changed!)

I drove a 2006 Express 139-inch dual rear wheel cab and chassis. The chassis was sent to Royal Truck Bodies to install the workbox mounted on the rear. Just a note: Jimmy Johnson has more combinations when it comes to utility beds than I have space in this section. In fact, it can custom build just about anything on the back of an Express chassis.

My truck came with the 6.0-liter gas V8 backed by an automatic transmission. This work truck goes down the road with ease with the truck bed empty. But I've driven loaded work trucks from Chevrolet with the 6.0-liter engine and they also move down the road nicely. However, I don't have any fuel mileage readings at this time.

The truck is very comfortable and easy to operate. Thanks to the large outside mirrors, there are no blind spots. I needed to manually adjust the mirrors before driving, so if you have multiple drivers, inquire into power mirrors.

The plumber's edition box on this chassis allows a six-foot person to stand up straight, plus there are lights inside (a nice touch). There's lots of storage inside as well as outside, with many doors opening to a vast array of storage options. The hardware includes high-grade handles that lock individually. For safety, there's a ramrod that does double duty by locking all the doors on either side. All storage locks are keyed to one key so you don't end up with five pounds of keys. The rear step bumper is done so you won't slip in wet weather and large enough for those large awkward loads.

Safety has always been missing from the work truck industry other than crumple zones. But now you get airbags for the driver and passenger, daytime running lights, brake and transmission interlock as well as four-wheel anti-lock brakes at all four corners plus disc brakes at all wheels. Plus there's Chevrolet's Passlock Theft Deterrent.

If you buy from Jimmy Johnson Chevrolet's commercial department, you can opt for a free gasoline program for a year program plus a contract with Ferguson company to stock your truck with all the tools necessary to do the job. All this is rolled into one payment program and the truck is delivered to you "work ready," stocked and ready for work.

I won't quote prices because of the vast option list available, but if you need a new work truck, this is the time to score big. It's the end of the year and Jimmy Johnson has a lot of inventory. So call Hewitson at (619) 454-2228. Congratulations to Jimmy Johnson and his team on being the 2006 Nextel Cup NASCAR Champions!