2500 6.0l Crew Cab Or 1500 Trailer Max Crew Cab...

[JLeosnow]

As I am researching my options for a new truck and see that the 1500 Trailer Max offers a bigger engine/more HP-Torque(6.2L) than the 2500HD(6.0L). I tow 4-5 times out west to the mountains from Minnesota(4-place enclosed 6500lb. trailer loaded) and want whichever will work best for the towing situations. I am not turned off by a 2500 that offers less mileage and a possible harsher ride when not loaded but am at a loss on if I should sacrifice the 2500 drive line for the 1500 that boasts more HP/torque.

 

Has anyone else been in this situation that can offer some insightful information?

 

Thanks,

-John

[Mowerpan]

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As I am researching my options for a new truck and see that the 1500 Trailer Max offers a bigger engine/more HP-Torque(6.2L) than the 2500HD(6.0L). I tow 4-5 times out west to the mountains from Minnesota(4-place enclosed 6500lb. trailer loaded) and want whichever will work best for the towing situations. I am not turned off by a 2500 that offers less mileage and a possible harsher ride when not loaded but am at a loss on if I should sacrifice the 2500 drive line for the 1500 that boasts more HP/torque.

 

Has anyone else been in this situation that can offer some insightful information?

 

Thanks,

-John

 

Either truck will do what you need to do. If you were towing something that was heavier and had a heavy tongue or pin weight(fifth wheel or gooseneck) then I would recommend the 2500HD as the limitation with the 1500 is the payload capacity. So since both trucks will do what you need to do pick which works best for you.

[JLeosnow]

Thank you for your input Mowerpan, I appreciate it!

 

With that said, is there any reason not to get the 2500HD? I guess I am asking because who knows what the future holds for me regarding towing/trailers. If the 6.2L was offered in the 2500HD it would not even be a question for me as I can equip both the Crew Cab Trailer Max 1500 & Crew Cab 2500HD to my liking for basically the same amount of $'s. Bonus with the 2500 is the 36 gallon fuel tank and the available 4:10 rear end which is not available on the 1500's.

 

The bottom line for me and what I am hoping to find out is if the 6.2L engine offered in the 1500 series is significantly better for towing/power/torque & daily driving than the 6.0L offered in the 2500 series? If not, my choice is made and it will be the 2500HD. If the 6.2L is hands down a better power-plant then I will have to reconsider and weight the pros and cons of the 2500 vs. the 1500.

 

Thanks,

 

-John

[FargoZ71]

Just use your wifes 3/4 ton burb and upgrade your sleds...

[JLeosnow]

Just use your wifes 3/4 ton burb and upgrade your sleds...

 

 

Haha... Thanks for the input FargoZ71.

 

We have been wanting a pickup for quite some time now and once I figure out a truck that works for our need(s) then the next move will be for us to sell the 3/4 ton Suburban and probably buy a new 1/2 ton Suburban when the time is right..... Oh the Suburbans, we couldn't live without one!!

 

-John

[Ridgerunner30]

I bought a 2010 2500 CC with the 6.0 and have been very happy with it. We pulled out west through the mountains this year and the truck performed great. There is long list of benefits to the 2500 for towing. One you may not have thought about with the CC is that the 1500 CC only comes with the short bed. The 2500 CC comes with a standard or long box. The bed size alone is a deal breaker for the 1500 CC with me.

 

Another benefit in the 2500, already mentioned, is the larger gas tank. I wish my 2010 2500 had the 36 gallon tank. Gas stations can get few and far between out west.

 

Test drive them both and see what you think. Be sure to compare the variations in the brakes and transmission.

 

Good luck in your shopping.

[crazydog]

Ridgerunner makes a good point--gas tank!! I wish my 10 had the bigger tank also, as I have to take a gas can with me on longish runs with the horses. Really don't want to get stuck and I have come close to it already . . . .Stupid size for a big truck.

[uh6tdrvr]

I know someone will correct me if im wrong but I believe that the TQ comes in lower with the 6.0 where the power on the 6.2 is alot higher in the power band. If cargo is any issue at all, the extra foot in the bed might not seem like alot...till you start putting stuff back there. Another one of the reasons I wish id have got the 2500. I cant speak for the 6.2 but the 5.3/6 speed is a tough combo....so im pretty sure the 6.2 with the extra 100 HP/TQ would probably be bad ass.

IF (and thats a strong IF) I can get a fair deal on my 09, i will upgrade to a '11 HD with the 6.0 next year

[Rat4go]

6.2L is nice, but after driving a 2011 HD, the brakes on the HD are soooo much better that the difference between the 6.0L and 6.2 becomes less significant. Bigger fuel tank, availability of a 6.5' box, better cooling (not that you might need it towing sleds in the winter), 4.1 axle are all bonus content too.

 

If ride and fuel econ aren't an issue, go big or go home!

[Mowerpan]

I know someone will correct me if im wrong but I believe that the TQ comes in lower with the 6.0 where the power on the 6.2 is alot higher in the power band. If cargo is any issue at all, the extra foot in the bed might not seem like alot...till you start putting stuff back there. Another one of the reasons I wish id have got the 2500. I cant speak for the 6.2 but the 5.3/6 speed is a tough combo....so im pretty sure the 6.2 with the extra 100 HP/TQ would probably be bad ass.

IF (and thats a strong IF) I can get a fair deal on my 09, i will upgrade to a '11 HD with the 6.0 next year

 

Correct you really need to drive both as the numbers are a little decieving. The 2500HD does feel like it has much more torque on the low end, where as the 6.2 will be more fun to drive as it is quicker. The downside with the 2500HD is going to be the fuel economy. The 6.2 will get better fuel economy. The 6.0 in the HD is available with a 3.73 or a 4.10 gears and 3.73 would probably give you a little better fuel economy. So if you don't plan to get a huge trailer with alot of tongue weight(fifth wheel, toyhauler, ect) then the 6.2 is going to be more fun to drive. If you forsee any of the larger trailers in your future or like to drive something that feels more tough get the 2500HD.

[carnivalcarl]

I just traded my '09 Sierra Denali in with the 6.2 3.42's due to towing more and experiencing limitations with the AWD during winter time towing. I replaced it with a '10 GMC 2500HD CC 6.0 3.73's it feels like it has more grunt than the 6.2 even though the 6.2 has bigger hp/tq numbers on premium fuel. I think that 3.73's, peak torque coming in a little sooner and possibly not as much torque management from the factory makes it feel more powerful, IMO, during towing only!!! Having the extra ft. in the bed also makes it nice for an ATV. My son also likes the roof lights, big selling point for him, he's 9. As far as seat of your pants Ricky Bobby speed the 6.2 is very fun. The gas mileage/cost on the 6.2 will be on par with the 6.0 if not a little more expensive if you use the recomended premium fuel the motor is very thirsty when towing. Its all preference.

[uh6tdrvr]

I just traded my '09 Sierra Denali in with the 6.2 3.42's due to towing more and experiencing limitations with the AWD during winter time towing. I replaced it with a '10 GMC 2500HD CC 6.0 3.73's it feels like it has more grunt than the 6.2 even though the 6.2 has bigger hp/tq numbers on premium fuel. I think that 3.73's, peak torque coming in a little sooner and possibly not as much torque management from the factory makes it feel more powerful, IMO, during towing only!!! Having the extra ft. in the bed also makes it nice for an ATV. My son also likes the roof lights, big selling point for him, he's 9. As far as seat of your pants Ricky Bobby speed the 6.2 is very fun. The gas mileage/cost on the 6.2 will be on par with the 6.0 if not a little more expensive if you use the recomended premium fuel the motor is very thirsty when towing. Its all preference.

You will have to keep us updated as soon as you hook a trailer to it. Hopefully you didnt take a big loss on the Denali.

[Bear68]

I just traded my '09 Sierra Denali in with the 6.2 3.42's due to towing more and experiencing limitations with the AWD during winter time towing. I replaced it with a '10 GMC 2500HD CC 6.0 3.73's it feels like it has more grunt than the 6.2 even though the 6.2 has bigger hp/tq numbers on premium fuel. I think that 3.73's, peak torque coming in a little sooner and possibly not as much torque management from the factory makes it feel more powerful, IMO, during towing only!!! Having the extra ft. in the bed also makes it nice for an ATV. My son also likes the roof lights, big selling point for him, he's 9. As far as seat of your pants Ricky Bobby speed the 6.2 is very fun. The gas mileage/cost on the 6.2 will be on par with the 6.0 if not a little more expensive if you use the recomended premium fuel the motor is very thirsty when towing. Its all preference.

You will have to keep us updated as soon as you hook a trailer to it. Hopefully you didnt take a big loss on the Denali.

 

 

 

Go for the 2500HD...I currently have a Tundra and I wish I would have bought a 3/4 ton...we have already upgraded our camper to a 35' that is 7,700 00 lbs. so now I am upgrading to a HD truck. You never know what the future holds and I know someday we will get a 5th wheel and I know this HD will be able to handle it. I have test drove the the 2011 Sierras and Silverados and GM has made some great changes and they do not ride as rough anymore...very nice ride. Trouble I am having is deciding on an interior color...Ebony or cashmere!

[music]

Go for the 2500HD...I currently have a Tundra and I wish I would have bought a 3/4 ton...we have already upgraded our camper to a 35' that is 7,700 00 lbs. so now I am upgrading to a HD truck.

 

Is that 7700 lbs dry or "fully loaded" weight? How does the Tundra handle it now?

[BlackSilver]

If your truck is going to do some work for a living, the 2500HD is the clear answer. The differences in these two engines isn't even worth talking about for your needs.