On August 30, 2010 I bought a 2009 Sierra Extended Cab SLE with 9000 miles, GM Certified.
It came pretty nicely equipped; extras included Westin Chrome side steps, bug shield, non-skid bed rug, and a Truxedo tonneau cover. Missing were the floor mats that came with it...

The truck was quickly pressed into service, moving 53 boxes of books and equipment from our basement to my wife's classroom as we set her up for the school year.

After that, I decided I had to make some immediate changes.

First was obtaining a bedliner – the non-skid bed rug had to go - I couldn't slide boxes into the front of the bed like I used to do with my old truck's bedliner. I also needed sidewall and tailgate protection - I frequently move loads of compost, rocks or firewood.

As I was researching, I happened to find an under-the-rail DualLiner for sale on eBay -- it was within 10 miles of home! Done deal. Installed it at the guy’s house before leaving – took less than 10 minutes. DualLiner customer service was great. I told them I needed to move a liner from one truck to another and they sent me a new installation kit (with the CD), free. I was used having an over-the-rail bedliner, so bed rail caps are going on the list for next.

Future blog posts will cover:

• excursions & commuting,
• joys and pains,
• mistakes & mis-steps
• using the truck,
• experiences with loads,
• towing
• researching and buying some of the other equipment I want to get.
  This will likely be pretty tame - I'm not going nuts on it.
  

1. Bed Rail caps (evaluating: Bushwacker, DeeZee, Wade, EGR, BAK, Stampede/Rail-Topz)
2. Stake pocket tie-downs (Bull Ring Classic Retractable Anchors)
3. Receiver hitch bumper protector /step
4. Underseat storage bin (DU-HA)
5. Floor mats
6. Wheel House plastic liners (rear wheels)
   

Damn wedding planning. I swear if it wasn't for my overly traditional, Polish mother I would have just eloped and had a party. All the crap I gotta buy is holding me back from spending money on my lovely truck.

I got my profit sharing check from work today, and all I could think of was how many mods I could get for that price. I certainly would get my bedliner done, and probably have the rocker panels sprayed as well (I considered work like that of Starspangled). I would finally get my CB hooked up and firestiks put on. I would buy the bully bar I want. But nooooo, I have to buy gifts for people, wedding favors, and other crap (which I always wondered... its our wedding, why do I have to buy other people presents?? lol jk).

I am trying to cut corners so I can afford things on my truck, but its so hard. Everytime I think "ooo I could use this $100 towards X," I see more wedding stuff I gotta shell the bucks out for. Even my future husband's truck could use some goodies.

Wedding..... or truck?