Hi from the 'frozen' North! Well, actually from Ottawa Canada, it can get cold in the winter here.
You will probably do just fine with just the block heater. If you are worried about the power systems, why not go with the 145-amp alternator (from the snow plow prep package) instead of messing with a dual battery or dual alt system?
I've had no problem starting my '02 Av when the temperature drops below -30. I keep my block heater on a timer so it comes on a few hours before I go to work, that seems like more than enough.
I've never bothered with remote starters, but have friends who do. Not real impressed by the 'tape a key to the steering column solution' to override the security. Maybe your installer won't do this, better ask.
I have a fellow Av owner at work who has a remote starter, he got a new key fob with the starter which does all of the regular jobs as well as work the remote starter, only one to carry around.
Have you thought about putting a cabin heater in your truck? You plug it in with your block heater and it warms the cabin up at the same time. Down side is that you have to plug it into AC to work. Remote starters are more popular now becuase they don't have to be plugged in.
Another idea might be to use Synth oil in the engine and tranny during the winter, but I doubt will make much difference with a new vehicle.
Oh yea, take a look at the tires. I have a Z-71 and the off-road tires do just fine in the snow, but my father has a Z-66 and he opted to put snow tires on his. I'm not sure what type of tires the 2500 comes with, if they are suited for off-road then they will probably be fine, otherwise I would recomend picking up new steel rims and good snow tires. Some people here do this just so their mag rims don't get corroded and pitted.
Other than that, don't hit/bump/touch the cladding if the temperature drops below -35 or so, it will crack.
Max
