5 Pet Traveling Tips

Truck towing can be a different experience depending on class, model, and make. However, with a few easy tips you can tow just about anything. How and what can you tow with the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD’s 36,000 lb. towing limit? Read below for basic towing tips and to learn about all the things you can tow in your new truck! Towing Safety Towing safety begins with understanding your vehicle's towing capacity, the maximum weight it can pull safely. This varies by configuration, load, and trailer weight distribution. Manufacturer-provided capacities often assume only the driver is in the vehicle, so adjust for extra passengers and cargo. To calculate towing capacity, know your vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and curb weight. Subtract curb weight from GCWR, maintaining a 10% safety margin for shifting loads and sudden stops. Understand the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which includes the vehicle's weight with passengers, fuel, cargo, and tongue weight. Exceeding the GVWR risks mechanical failure and legal issues. Familiarize yourself with terms like braked vs. unbraked towing capacity, gross axle weight rating (GAWR), and payload capacity. Use your vehicle's correct trailer hitch class and load for control and safety. Following these guidelines ensures a safe and efficient towing experience. What Can You Tow? With a top towing limit of 36,000 lbs., the 2024 Silverado HD can tow just about anything! Camping and Travel For those passionate about the outdoors and the open road, the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD can help you bring the best in comfort along for the ride. With its powerful tow limit, you’ll pull even the largest, heaviest RVs – practically a second home. Travel comfortably, easily towing 42’ RVs that can reach upwards of 12,000 base weight and plenty of room for all your belongings. Hobbies and Sports Fill your weekends with all your fun outdoor hobbies with the Chevy Silverado HD. Whether you’re into motocross, equestrian sports, boating and sailing, or an exciting drive through the countryside on an ATV, you’ll tow it all. A four-horse gooseneck trailer weighs between 4,200 to 8,400 lbs empty. Add in a fully loaded stock with hay, horses, and gear, you’re looking at roughly 14,000lbs, with plenty of room to spare. On the other end of the heaviest towable vehicles, a cabin cruiser motorized boat in the medium can reach 35 feet and as high as 16,000 lbs. Those numbers are no match for your towing capacity and the Silverado HD's up to 14 backup camera views combined with Transparent Trailer View helps make the trip from home to your favorite shore smooth sailing. The Sky is the Limit! Now that we’ve seen more realistic examples of day-to-day towing, what could you possibly tow next? Well, if you ever need it, you could tow a personal aircraft. The average weight for a small plane ranges around 13,000 lbs, and while you would likely need a wide load permit, weight is not your enemy. Other ridiculous things you could tow include elephants, several other pickup trucks, and even construction equipment like small bulldozers and medium backhoes. Choose a Truck that Goes the Extra Mile. Choose Chevrolet Tow with confidence, letting nothing get in your way from this day forward with Chevy’s 2024 Chevy Silverado HD. At Monken Chevrolet GMC we have a large variety of trucks in trims to fit your needs – whether you need a full-size high-power workhorse for heavy towing and payloads or something that’s more city-friendly but still gets the job done. Visit our dealership and test drive the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD today! Our team is eager to get you into the truck of your dreams with frighteningly good specials, unbeatable financing, and top-quality service!

The SUV war rages on and today we compare the 2025 Subaru Forester to the 2025 Chevy Equinox. Each has features that appeal to different drivers and are ultimately great choices. Let’s compare them in terms of fuel efficiency, safety, interior space, power, and price to help you decide. Fuel Efficiency The Subaru Forester is renowned for its good fuel economy, typically offering strong MPG ratings, especially in the city, with the 2024 model achieving around 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway from its 2.5-liter flat-four engine. While exact figures for 2025 aren't available yet, these numbers provide a solid benchmark. On the other hand, the Chevy Equinox features a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that balances performance and efficiency, with the 2024 model delivering approximately 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) serves the front-wheel drive models, while the all-wheel drive versions benefit from an eight-speed automatic, both contributing to enhanced mileage. Safety Features The Subaru Forester and Chevy Equinox both prioritize safety in their designs. The Forester boasts features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Subaru’s EyeSight system, aiding accident prevention. Similarly, the Equinox emphasizes safety with automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, optional features such as a 360-degree camera system further enhance the Equinox's safety capabilities. Interior Space The Subaru Forester offers up to 74 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down, featuring a boxy shape that provides excellent headroom and a panoramic sunroof, along with large windows for good visibility. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox boasts a modern interior that comfortably accommodates passengers and cargo. It showcases stylish materials and a blend of digital and physical controls, with two-tone colors available in higher trims. Powertrain The Forester runs on a reliable 2.5-liter flat-four engine, offering steady The Subaru Forester is powered by a dependable 2.5-liter flat-four engine, providing consistent performance for daily driving and light off-road adventures. In contrast, the Chevy Equinox features a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 175 horsepower. Although it may not be the most powerful option, it offers a satisfying driving experience both in the city and on highways. Price The Subaru Forester is priced between $31,090 and $41,390, with the Sport trim available at $35,890, making it a solid choice for a well-rounded SUV. Meanwhile, the Chevy Equinox starts at $31,080 and reaches up to $35,480, offering a range of good features across its three trims: LT, RS, and Activ. See the 2025 Chevy Equinox‘s Qualities Up Close! Both the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Chevy Equinox have unique advantages. The Forester is great for those who want space and safety, while the Equinox stands out with its modern design and tech features. Your choice will depend on your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the Forester’s rugged style or the Equinox’s sleek look, both are excellent options for eco-conscious drivers, new car buyers, and enthusiasts. Ready to experience the differences for yourself? Schedule to test drive the 2025 Chevy Equinox at Monken Chevrolet Buick GMC today! Our friendly staff is on hand to answer any questions you have and guide you through the features of all our new vehicles. Don’t forget to contact our financing department to explore your options and save big when you check out our special deals available this month. Drive away with the perfect SUV tailored to your lifestyle with the help of Monken Chevrolet Buick GMC!

If you are a Centralia High School alumni or had a child attend Centralia High School, then you are familiar with the Centralia May Fete tradition that has existed for over 100 years.  The Monken Family has been proud to be a part of this tradition and all family members have participated in the dances and/or court during their high school years. Jan Monken's mother, Dorothy Rixmann Miller, was the 25th May Fete Queen.  At that time May Fete was held outdoors and Dorothy made her own dress and train.  Her daughters, Jan, Melissa, and Wendy, were all attendants their junior year. Kim Monken McMillian's daughter, Megan Marcum, was a flower girl for Stacey Smudrick, a freshman attendant and May Fete Queen.  Her sister, Andrea Walton, was a freshman attendant the same year that Megan was queen. Both girls were involved with dances when they weren't on the court.  Lance and Megan’s kids, Hadley and Eli Marcum, served as scepter bearer and crown bearer. Shawn Monken Hartmann, was a flower girl for Carol Jo Vaccaro and an attendant her senior year.  Her children, Bredesen Hartmann and Katie Hartmann, along with their cousin, Will Miller, served as the trainbearers and flower girl for Megan Marcum.  Bredesen Hartmann participated in the couples dance every year and became a May Fete escort during his junior year.  Katie choreographed and participated in multiple dances all four years. Wes Monken, was the trainbearer for Jan Johnson when he was seven.  He wore the first white tuxedo ever used in May Fete and participated in the dance. Wes's older daughter, Jalyn Monken, participated in dances all four years. This year Wes's daughter, Addison Monken, will wind the senior maypole for her last year at Centralia High School. She has participated in dances every year.  Addison is the last Monken grandchild to participate in May Fete.  We look forward to all the great-grandchildren participating!