2500 with stock 6.0 or 1500 with the 6.2 engine?

[flyingz06]

Daily driver about 20 miles a day. I have motorcycles also.

 

The 2500 catches my eye more. Mirrors, grill, taller, meaner.

 

but the 6.2 engine is sweet and seems like it would tow better with the higher torque and hp

 

can't decide!!

[Zebrafive]

For towing, I would want the 2500. If mostly non towing the 1500 will ride better. That's how I would choose.

[Cowpie]

The 1500 with a 6.2L would do what you are talking about just fine. If you were talking about wanting to pull heavy frequently and do so over some interesting terrain and weather conditions, then the 2500 would be the better choice from a stability viewpoint. When it comes to the engines alone, the 6.0L L96 in the current 2500HD's is one rock solid motor. It has a well proven track record for reliability and is darn near bullet proof. The 6.2L is a different animal altogether. It is an all aluminum design and has the AFM cylinder shutdown stuff that may or may not be reliable. There has been a lot of problems with AFM in the past with other motors that have it that has lead to some really hefty engine repair work. One can hope that the problems have all been resolved, but the 6.2L that is in these newer 1500's has no appreciable time on them yet to prove one way or the other.

 

Fuel economy would go to the 6.2 in a 1500, both as a product of the motor and the lighter weight of the 1500. Lots of factors to consider. Analyze the plusses and minuses and go with your gut.

 

Don't let the torque / hp differences cloud the issue. While the 6.2L beats the 6.0L in pure numbers, the entire vehicle platform, drivetrain, and motor combination is what makes a reasoned towing vehicle for the job at hand. Example.... the Dodge Viper puts out 645 hp and 600 lb torque. But I sure wouldn't want to tow a 12,000 lb trailer with that vehicle. Bit dramatic, but it does show that power numbers don't always equate to the best working vehicle for the job at hand. While pure numbers would go to the 6.2L, the 6.0L has been designed to hit 90% of it's peak torque lower on the RPM band. It is a solid working motor designed for hard work and long life. Combine that with a heavy platform like the 2500 and it is a pretty good combination.

[becker87]

If all you're going to tow is motorcycles, the 1500 would be more then enough truck for you IMO. But if you want the 2500 because you want it and can afford the extra fuel costs, then go for it.

[Cosmic Charlie]

don't forget the 25HD has heavy duty Trans, brakes, suspension, ball joints steering parts, u joints, cooling system, alt and other things that make it last longer (if you ask me), it also sits about 5" taller naturally - they end up costing simular in price - HD is more truck (vs nice ride 1500) for the money .... a non Z71 HD will ride better than the Z71 HD - if ride matters ....

[FuelHauler87]

6.0. Love mine. Doesn't even compare to the 08 i traded in.

[flyingz06]

I think the 2500 rides nicer! Just brought her home tonight for a few days of testing. Milage definitely lower though What a great feeling though..... BIG truck

[becker87]

I think the 2500 rides nicer! Just brought her home tonight for a few days of testing. Milage definitely lower though What a great feeling though..... BIG truck

Rides nicer? compared to what?

[flyingz06]

Compared to the 1500 I was testing

[becker87]

Interesting, first time I've heard that one

[Zebrafive]

I think the 2500 rides nicer! Just brought her home tonight for a few days of testing. Milage definitely lower though What a great feeling though..... BIG truck

In that case get the 2500, NOTHING wrong with a 6.0

 

Compared to the 1500 I was testing

 

Was the 1500 a Z71?

Interesting, first time I've heard that one

Me too, maybe the tires were over inflated for car carrier shipping?

[flyingz06]

not a z71, but maybe tire pressure was off.