The 2019 model year brought with it a complete redesign for the GMC Sierra 1500 pickup, as well as the Sierra’s corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado. However, unlike the Silverado, the 2019 GMC Sierra comes with the option for the GMC-exclusive CarbonPro box, a high-tech bed made from carbon fiber—the same stuff found in spaceships and supercars. This ultra-tough bed comes with a wide variety of benefits, the top nine of which we’ve compiled right here.
Before we jump into the list, it’s worth mentioning that the CarbonPro box is offered with the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 and AT4 1500 trim levels. Deliveries kicked off this summer. Buyers can get the CarbonPro box with the Denali CarbonPro Edition package for $10,925, as well as the AT4 CarbonPro Edition package for $12,340. As we covered previously, “almost 500” examples of the 2019 CarbonPro have been sold thus far, making models equipped with this feature some of the rarest pickup trucks GM has ever produced. Of course, we expect that to change, as the feature will carry on for the 2020 model year with wider availability.
With that covered, let’s dive right into the nine big advantages of the CarbonPro box in the 2019 GMC Sierra.
1. Less Weight
Anyone who knows anything about carbon fiber knows this—it’s light. Really light. So light, in fact, that the CarbonPro bed weighs 25 percent less than a traditional steel bed. And that’s awesome, because it doesn’t matter if you’re into capability, performance, or efficiency—weight reduction helps across the board.
2. Greater Strength, Durability And Scratch Resistance
Not only is carbon fiber lightweight, it’s also surprisingly strong and durable. GMC proved as much by subjecting its CarbonPro box to a battery of tests, including repeated drop tests using cinder blocks, 1,800 pounds of gravel, and 450-pound steel drums. GMC also performed scratch-resistance tests by driving a snowmobile with a metal-studded track into the bed, then accelerating at full throttle with a 250-pound rider on top.
3. Corrosion Resistance
The CarbonPro box in the GMC Sierra isn’t made from metal. As such, this composite material is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a perfect fit for a truck bed.
4. More Functionality
For those buyers who intend to use their GMC Sierra to transport a motorcycle or dirt bike, good news—the CarbonPro box includes indentations specifically designed to cradle the wheels of those two-wheeled toys. There’s also a pair of additional tie-downs up front to keep them secure.
5. More Payload
With the weight savings offered by carbon fiber, GMC Sierra models equipped with the CarbonPro box have at least 59 pounds greater payload ratings compared to models equipped with a traditional steel bed, depending on the configuration and equipment.
6. Best-In-Class Cargo Volume
Carbon fiber construction allows for the creation of intricate shapes without any loss in strength, and that enables the GMC Sierra to offer best-in-class cargo volume via expanded sidewalls.
7. No Spray-In Bedliner Needed
The durability of the CarbonPro box means that it doesn’t need a spray-in bedliner to stay tough. This also complements the weight savings even further.
8. No Rear Wheelhouse Liner Needed
The toughness and low weight continue over to the rear wheelhouses, which also buck the trend without any liner material added from the factory.
9. Doesn’t Need Painting
Not only will the GMC Sierra CarbonPro box withstand some serious punishment, but it’ll look good all by itself, with no painting required. The surface is UV stable and nonabrasive, making it ideal right off the dealer lot.
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Comments
2019???
Only two issues with this option… 1) cost. it aint cheap, and 2) what do you do with it when it far outlives the rest of your Sierra? GMC is definitely smart to offer it only with its top trims, Denali and AT4. It’s a lot easier to bury a pricey option in a $70k truck than a $30K worker. I’m not sure that this option will ever replace the trusty bedliner for the masses.
Hey GM, could we lose the big grab handles on the A pillars that stick out too far in the field of view on an already limited sight picture when you redo the interior? Thanks!
What about tonneau covers and caps? I just purchased a 2020 AT4 Carbon Pro and other than the $1100 cover from GM, nothing out there works with it because there is no way to clamp to the bed rails anymore ?
GM did you guys not realize this ?
We are in the same boat….did you discover any other available options?
Tonneau covers are my issue, a big issue. I wanted the electric type, nothing available. I need it because I cannot lift or slide one open due to a disability with my back. They didn’t tell me this when I bought it. I travel and need the security. Not a happy camper.