The current-generation Chevy Silverado 1500 light duty pickup truck was introduced for the 2019 model year. Ever since, GM Authority has been receiving comments from readers who wonder why the Regular Cab, Short Bed body configuration available previously, now isn’t. Luckily, that might soon change.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is currently offered in the following configurations:
- Regular Cab, Long Bed
- Double Cab, Standard Bed
- Crew Cab, Short Bed
- Crew Cab, Standard Bed
It’s easy to see why General Motors would not consider the Regular Cab, Short Bed model to be a priority. In the past, pickup trucks were used almost exclusively as work vehicles. But in the recent past, they have begun to perform a dual function of a work vehicle on one hand and acting as family transport on the other. Without this duality, it is unthinkable that the Chevy Silverado would have accounted for nearly a quarter of all GM sales in the U.S. in 2020, or be one of the nation’s best-selling vehicles of any type.
It’s that duality that has spurred the steady increase in demand for the Crew Cab. As a result, having two Crew Cab configurations and one Double Cab in the lineup makes perfect sense. The Regular Cab, Long Bed model is an outlier whose existence is justified by the fact that there are still people (and companies) who will buy a pickup truck primarily for work purposes. They would not be impressed by the fact that the box length of Short Bed models is only 5.75 feet, compared with 8 feet for the Long Bed.
However, despite all of the above, there is still a demand among North American buyers for a Chevy Silverado with the Regular Cab, Short Bed configuration. Strangely, such a vehicle does exist. Adding more irony to the matter is that it’s built in North America, but is not sold here. Instead, it’s shipped to the Middle East, where it is not considered to be a strictly utilitarian vehicle, since it’s available in the definitely non-utilitarian LT Trail Boss and RST trim levels. Presently, everyone who actually buys the Regular Cab, Short Bed model lives thousands of miles further from the factories where it’s built than North American citizens who want to, but can’t. But like we said earlier, there’s hope.
“I would just tell you that because of the limitations that we’ve been dealing with in terms of the virus and all the things that the virus is causing, including limitations within the supply chain, it’s something that we’re going to work on,” Bob Krapes, Director of Chevrolet Truck marketing, told GM Authority executive editor, Alex Luft, in a recent interview.
“Nothing to announce today, but we certainly do care about it,” Krapes added.
In fact, the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 went on sale more than a year before any of us had heard about COVID-19. One might infer from Krapes’ comments that GM may have intended to introduce a Regular Cab, Short Bed model in the 2020 calendar year in North America, but was prevented from doing so due to business-level complications arising from the pandemic.
Mid-cycle enhancements (MCEs) of several GM models initially scheduled for the 2021 model year had to be pushed back for the same reason, with the Chevy Bolt EV, Chevy Equinox and Traverse being three of many examples. Those MCEs are now coming into effect for the 2022 model year. If the same holds true for the Regular Cab, Short Bed version of the Silverado 1500, then it could become available in the near future.
We’ll report back as soon as we know more, so be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevy Silverado 1500 news, Chevy Silverado news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Sign me up for a Trailboss Rc/ 6’bed with 3.0 and 3.73 in Hunter Green.
If it is not made in the USA. Count me out
Clayton.. ??? They are made in the USA, but people who live in the USA can’t buy them. They are shipped overseas. Which I think is the biggest Corporate Stupidity that ever came out of GM. Why can’t an American buy a vehicle that is made in America but someone overseas can. ? Wake up GM, bring back the RCSB trucks.
Since the US has now gone fully Communist with both government handing out trillions, you guys don’t understand the basis of capitalism. The goal of a corporation is to maximize profits. More money is made by selling big 4 door trucks with all the options.
Even the real Communist governments never handed out trillions. Enjoy your government cheese cheques.
The RCSB models offered in the Mexican and Middle East markets are manufactured in Mexico. If you notice the article says “made in North America” not made in America/U.S. if they ever decide to offer this configuration for US buyers it almost certainly will be made in Mexico. I prefer my VIN starts with a number one but my 04’ RCSB is getting pretty tired.
The reason for that is that Mexico has more free trade agreements (over 60) with more countries around the world. That means they can export without tariffs unlike the trucks/cars made in the US.
It would be a jaw-dropping move if they made the 3.0 a full segment base engine, because of cafe obligation. All the truck big 3 have them, and base prices already seem pretty high.
I would def buy a 3.0 reg cab short bed. Talk about a great off-roader!
Sadly, if GM were to offer a reg cab, SB, it would only be available with the 2.7, or 5.3, and with hardly any options. God forbid someone wants a regular cab long bed with remote start or LED headlights.
RCSB trucks are primarily purchased by a demographic that GM is now trying to get away from.
In fact Barra will probably cancel the Silverado lineup entirely pretty soon to focus on something else.
She won’t, the Trucks from both GMC and Chevy bring in a lot of money to gm and the Refreshed 2022 along with the upcoming Silverado EV will be introduced here soon, gm knows that without it’s Pick Up Truck lineup, they will surely lose a large percentage of it’s customer base, somewhat like when the Firebird was killed off, the Pontiac Brand itself would soon cease to exist shortly thereafter. Overall, the Silverado is set to for a Road Trip into an All Electric Future toward Decades End, so no worries here, they along with many other Auto Manufacturers need to get over this major hurdle of Supply Shortages.
They actually lost or anything killing the bird or Pontiac. That was just a myth.
They retained their base and lowered cost by not trying to address too many variations.
The Sloan way of thinking no longer works and is a lot of what ran them in the ground. No one had the balls to make these cuts.
Can agree on that, the difference here is they are already building these trucks just won’t sell them in the USA or Canada….
You mean, the “demographic” of utility companies and municipal services?
It’s not a problem. My city just buys Ford trucks instead.
Love my 2008 Short bed. Would buy a 2022 short bed Trail Boss in a heart beat.
Enjoying my 2018 Silverado WT 4×4. Equipped it with a bed slider and a hard cover. Perfection for two people (before or after kids have grown up).
Chevy needs to have a custom bed slider that works by 12 volt. Drop tailgate and push button. Cargo slider extends out 3/4 of the way with cargo. Easy for older people to load or unload. Once used you will never crawl up or down from the bed of a pickup. GMC’s step tailgate becomes a useless accessory on a Chevy.
Fancy tail gates are a waste. I have a bed slider and haven’t climbed in the bed since 2007. Don’t know why these haven’t caught on
Dave, so would I… I’m looking to buy in a yr or 2.. If GM does not offer a RCSB by that time, I’m going elsewhere. Build it GM and people WILL buy it,
My son and I would order two of them today
They would be the coolest looking Chevy’s ever in the trailboss. Please gm bring it to America.
I have a 2014 version. At 64 years old and retired I have no need or interest in any other configuration. Guess I’m the age group gm has no interest in? Feeling is growing mutual.
You’re far from alone. GM alienated me, family and many fellow car enthusiasts friends by killing off 90% of there car lineup and we will be looking elsewhere for our next purchase.
Love the reg cab short bed trailboss.
Agreed I am still driving a 1992Z 71 regular cab short bed with 440,000 miles I’m not gonna buy a four-door stupid pick up truck, wake up Chevrolet
Two years later.
I agree. I’ve got a 2004 and it’s really ideal for my situation.
It seems to me that the value proposition is in the V8 RCSB F-150, but those are rare.
Trucks generally are too expensive anymore
Love to have a regular cab short bed with a 6.2. What would really sweeting the deal would be a Trail Boss sb with a LT4 option.
Like you said, the TB 6.2 would seal the deal for me. And I already have 3 Chevy trucks.
BRING REG. CAB SHORT BED BACK !
\
Now if they can only make the regular cab long bed in more trim levels than a work truck I would buy one! Hate the ugly front end on the work truck!
Will never happen because of the Obama EPA / CAFE regulations that tied fuel mileage requirements to the “(wheelbase) X (tread-width)” calculation class.
I don’t know why you’re getting so many thumbs down? I guess the truth is not liked. Obama’s EPA is the reason why nobody makes a short bed regular cab for sale in the USA.
Except for the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 Classic.
The Ram 1500 RCSB Classic is not being made now.
Yes it is.
It is called the “footprint rule”. The area comes from the wheelbase X tread in sq/ft. The thumbs down is because people (in general) are dumb.
I thought footprint started in the Bush 2 era EPA, carbon credits was Obama era, and CAFE was Carter. Down thumbs maybe just pedantic that way. Or they actually like expensive regulations.
CAFE started in ’75, so that’s Ford not Carter. Bush 2 passed the EISA in ’07, starting more mpg boosts. EPA from ’08-’11 transitioned to footprint rules. Further Obama era intended increases are what Trump’s admin wanted flattened off.
My understanding is it’s unhelpful for fleet avg. Being true doesn’t make it popular. Making matters worse, I’m looking for the 6.2 in the RCSB! I bet the margins are better than the Camaro. Give us a chance – dare you, Chevy!
Obama was a senator in 2006 when Bush introduced the “Reformed” EPA guidelines that used the footprint model. It was supposed to take effect for 2008 but Obama gave the manufacturers the option to use the old rules or the new for 3 years.
You are complaining that Obama didn’t undo a Bush era rule?
Do not say that would not ever happen they were seriously considering it for 2002 but the pandemic was the thing that messed it all up
The real issue is not EPA or the People that do buy these.
The real trouble is all the people that don’t buy these trucks.
If there was enough demand and money to be made they will sell them but as it is too often sales are just not there.
I would love to see the return bu5 I fear with little to no supporting sales it would be difficult.
But yet we have the Bolt which I’m sure a RCSB truck would outsell on it worse day!
Yet the bolt was part of the program to help get supp,ire’s to build parts electric vehicles that make it possible for all the future products.
It is not the same thing.
The Electric car programs at all mfgs is a learning process and investment to get companies to invest in better batteries and motors to lower cost and establish a segment of suppliers.
The standard cab situation is simple buy more of them they will build them. If there is money in it they will build it. That is all it will take.
I find it perplexing, that they say… we haven’t forgot… When clearly they have, until someone brought it up. If they wanted it to be sold in America it would have been since the inception. But if they want to sell you a regular donut they will… but why would they make a regular donut when they can sell you a donut with sprinkles and make more money. Sometimes the consumers don’t know what they want until the manufacturers tell them. I will make a prediction we will never see another full size short box in North America…. Much like the manual transmission…. it is a dinosaur, that isn’t a good business model.
One thing that drive me crazy is the bed length. Used to be 8 foot was standard 6′ 6″ was a shortbox (thus reg cab shortbox was the shorter bed) but then the crewcabs came along so now shortbox is 5’8″ (according to GM), the standard box is 6’6″, and the longbox is 8′.
GM never built a reg cab with the really short box. A few hot rodders have built customs.. But the 6’6″ config are still called reg cab shortboxes by everyone including the editors of this article which is technically incorrect. If you go to GM Mexico you can see they are using the 6’6″ box on the reg cabs (download the brochure measurements are in there) which is a great look, and still very useful for carrying wood, car parts etc.
https://www.gmc.com.mx/pickups/sierra-regular-camioneta-4×4/precios-y-promociones
It makes ads very confusing too if looking at used, dealers call the 8 foot box the standard box, etc..so a guy needs to be careful. Call it what you want but I think the editors should be a bit more technical, it is the 6’6″ box on reg cabs, not the 5.75. The ride is choppy enough at 6’6″ can’t imagine an even shorter box on our shell shocked roads up here.
And that’s the thing, they are already building them, put a tax on them for whatever rule they are breaking and let us order up. GM could probably use the sales. Build the Sierra too. Not everyone needs a school bus.
The pictures do not show a “short” bed. Can tell because the fuel door is not part of the wheel flare. It shows a regular cab “standard” 6.6ft bed configuration.
That’s my point they are technically not reg cab shortboxes even though everyone calls them that. Not a big deal, just a bit confusing esp when articles like this one list the wrong bed size.
Tim,
Thanks for clarifying. I was confused as hell reading this article.
I hope so I’ll be the first in line for a regular cab shortbed I have a 2011 silverado now that’s been an excellent truck I have a bed Tonneau cover and makes a nice rig
Ridiculous. GM top brass is now tarnished to loyal customers. We will just shop elsewhere,.. you lost me.
BTW, how childish to tarp over new models, especially when the changes are subtle. You’re not surprising anyone.
I have been buying full size regular cab short wheelbase trucks for my business for 29 years. Since 2006 it’s been all GMCs & Chevys…until last year. Had to buy a Ford. It’s okay, but the GM Work Trucks are superior in many ways (4.3 liters v. 3.3!) and I”D LIKE TO COME BACK!
Mexican market always had a short bed single cab bring it back to u.s. short wb they turn lot tighter than crew cab long bed .short beds can park in most parking spots I owned a few short beds , k 5 blazer , dodge ram charger , grand wagoner drive one and you will see. Vintage single cabs are what every one wants
Mexican K2’s could also get stick shifts, never checked T1’s. The truck big 3 sell enough full-sizers, not using GM’s driveline parts bin comes off as weak excuses. Bigger issue I know, but Dodge should’ve never sniffed second place.
I have to scratch my head and wonder why GM doesn’t offer more practical versions of the Silverado when they have already done the R & D and the parts are available. The single cab short bed would be a highly customizable pickup and why not offer a SS model to compete with the TRX and Raptor. What are they waiting for?
I have 2006 z71regular cab short bed and love it, I needed a new truck and had to get a 2017 ZR2 short bed , I’am 67 year old and like the short bed truck.
6.2 with 3.73 rear with a few other goodies would be a nice change. If GM don’t build one I think I’ll build one myself
I would like to be contacted as I’ve called GM for years about my 05 Silverado. It was a lemon off the brand new truck lot. I’ve kept it on the road but it’s a shame that I’ve been left walking a dozen times. I need to replace it now
There is a market for it in the US, it is how incompetent GM marketing people are.
They sell the regular cab with a short bed in México,both Sierra and Silverado.
They look really nice.
I have read that but I think it’s only the WT the stripped down version and you pay a 25% tariff tax among many our possible other issues but at least if money is not an issue there is a ray of hope I guess
My last two trucks were RCSB’s, 2016 F150 and a 2014 Ram. Been considering another Ram but may hold off and see if this Chevy RCSB makes a return.
This needed to happen since 2019.
I hope they do. But it would never be what I hope for, like my 4wd 91 short bed reg cab 5 speed with a v8. These things are unicorns now. Plus I wont own anything without a manual, except my wifes honda lol. Love the long throw of a 5 speed.
I want a white 2 wheel drive v8!
Not sure anyone said this but who ever wrote this doesn’t realize what we want is the 6.5 ft bed. Plus rst trim level to work truck.. all motors be offered..
hell let people order them..
I want a Lt or RST and maybe do the 2.7 turbo.
Or diesel.. I drive a lot and want decent radio like a Bose system and 310HP will do what I need to do ..
I think this reg cab 6.5 bed is the best looking one they have had in years.. or at least as a trail boss that’s pictured
Right now I’m waiting for the 22’s to come out but will probably get a rcsb F150
i bought new a 2009 chevy reg cab Lt reg box 6foot6 2wd 5.3v8 with factory 20inch wheels, its a blast to drive cause its 800lbs.lighter than a crew4wd.to this day i still get thumbs up with strangers its by far the best vehicle ive ever had, next to none issuses .i hope it lasts another 12yrs.
Take a look at the price of Chevy rcsb on used car sites. Prices are nuts!
The 2018 regular cab long beds on Autotrader and cars,com with low miles they are wanting what they sold for new!
I would love to have a single cab 3/4 short bed. I am 66 now and want one to pull my trailer as I don’t need nor want a crew cab.
GM is only building trucks for soccer moms who will never use them for trucks! What about us guys who have used trucks like they are supposed to be used for for years!
They may bring back Regular Cab Short Box, but they will never put the 6.2 engine in it. That’s the deal breaker for me. So I still drive my 96 RCSB Sierra.
The good thing about these short bed regular cabs that they reduce the gap between the iron Chevy and fully aluminum Ford trucks when it comes to performance due to their low dimensions compare to the other configurations on the production line.
They still sell the RCSB in Mexico, just bring it up here, and see how it does. It ain’t rocket science other than maybe regulations as some speculate but yet other mfrs. do it. Just GM typical excuses excuses and we’ll build what we want you to buy.
As a licensed mechanic in Penna. I see lots of poorly thoughtout vehicles.. I recently sold (to a family member) a RCSB 2wd 5.3 Southern Comfort Silverado..Other than bad fuel pump design location and the melting brake lines- its been a great truck.. Replaced with an F!50.. 5.0 RCSB.. I like a short bed, and of course hate AFM … F150 solved those issues.. Mary Barra is imo a shill to appease the then Obama Admin. and she is again, imo, a stone cold loser..
I’d buy a black one black interior and awe by the way drop a 6.0 ltr in her while your at it. Dual exhaust load her with options. My 07 GMC diesel has going on 340k and I will need to be looking for something soon. Do the smart thing build these in the USA and sell them here. Don’t build them and ship to the oil Barron’s over seas! That’s a slap in the face to your loyal GM brand customers here.
HOPE THEY DO BRING BACK THE SHORT BED REG CAB AS I LOVE THEM TOO .LUCKED OUT FINDING MY 2017 REG 4×4 SHORT BED V8
5.3 ON LOT WITH OTHER.PEOPLES LOAN ISSUES BOUGHT IT WEN EVERYTHING WAS WORKED OUT .THEY WANTED 2 SELL ME EVERY BIG TRUCK ON LOT SED NO TO THAT REALLY LUCKED OUT. LOVE SHORT BEDS 4EVER
I’m a reg cab short bed person. I even prefer the old stepside bed. Can’t get any of those from GM. Heck, I’d buy a new El Camino if they would revive.
I have been asking for a real truck since GM made the trucks as a family vehicle so my input is make the truck like my 2004 GMC sport side regular cab 4×4 LT Z71 but put the 3 liter diesel in it. I will definitely purchase one and stop fixing my 2004 but as long as GM builds family vehicles and calls them trucks I will keep fixing mine.
Perhaps even more interesting is that Gmc sells a Reg cab Sierra Denali in the Middle East.
I saw that; that was pretty interesting.
Long, short, ext, crew it don’t matter the front clip is so hideous it’s no go for me.
I like it and with the cost of trucks now this would probably be the “cheapest”. I bet it drives great!
It would be sweet to have that back in America short box regular cab some of us have no need for a?four door puck up with a?short bed and would live a regular cab big block half ton besides a ram.or a Ford which even those are very rare to find by other manufacturers
Sign me up I will take one have been putting off dealing in hope they would build them.
It would be great if GM used a 5 link rear suspension or go fully independent for this truck to give it more potential.
Please gm bring the regular cab shortbox trailboss to America. It would be the coolest looking Chevy ever.
Patiently waiting to order my new 2022 fully loaded GM RCSB !!! My bought new ’99 Z/71 rcsb is getting tired. Give us back our cowboy Cadillac ! Enough already of the soccer mom minivan trucks. Lets not forget who brought you to the dance GM – real truck people !
I hate to say this but I switched to ford because of this. Bought a regular cab short bed 4×4 f150 with v8. Wanted a silverado or sierra, but gm didn’t have the option.
I prefer the convenience of a Crew Cab but if you live in the core of the large cities a short truck that can tow/work and still be parked in metered and private parkades would increase potential buyers. However it would cannibalize sales of the mid-size trucks like the Ranger and Colorado.
I would want the 5.75 foot box or bed, wherever you are from. Then I have my brand new Blazer, with very limited work needed to be done! Sell it in Canada!
there is not a better looking truck , [in my opinion] than a short bed , regular cab silverado. i have a 2014 now, and will order a new one as soon as they produce them for loyal american buyers. i don’t need the large cab. p l e a s e build them ! !
Hi, There is a BIG market for regular cab/short box trucks now and demand is growing! I own a 2000 Chev Silverado 1500 LT, 4.3L, Red with added chrome accents, and 1 size larger tires/rims. This truck is very good and serves me well, looks great, and easy to maintain. There is a problem!! Why are we not satisfying our customers with products on demand, I want to buy a new truck, some of my friends have bought other reg/short bed trucks, and I’m holding out for the presentation of GM announcing that North America can purchase GM short bed/reg cab vehicles. Also want 6.0/6.2 V8, rear wheel drive, automatic, with option for “Loaded”. Come on!! We build them, Let’s enjoy them! I think GM exec’s will be floored at the sales and future demand for this truck, I will be one of them! Keep Safe!!
I would love to have a new GMC/Chevrolet standard cab with the short bed and the 6.2L. It is very disappointing that GM has gotten away from the sport truck market. COME ON GM.. Give us another truck like the SYCLONE. If you build it.. they will come.
But GM is just following and hopes to beat Ford.. they are happy to be 90%.. and before they know it Ram will be no.2
Be cool to raid the parts bin..
Reg cab 6.5ft bed.
6.2 450 hp and six speed manual from Camaro
(Make it an extra cost option even)
iRS from the full sized SUVs or the trail boss set up..
Get the interior from any of the SUVs.. and make it
An order from the factory and see what happens..
and if it’s white it has to be pearl or some other cool white color
I have seen a video they sell a 2020 gmc rcsb at4 in dubai i think it sell over here like crazy.
Would buy single cab long bed, push button locks, and crank windows in a heart beat. Don’t need help locking a door, or rolling down windows.