Which truck?

APT · November 15, 2011

I recommend using WD regardless of truck. As much as I like the 6.2L, I recommend the 2500HD. Fuel economy is 10% worse, but owners say it does not run well on 87 octane. My 2500 Burb has auto 4WD. The pickup does not?

music · November 15, 2011

My 2500 Burb has auto 4WD. The pickup does not?

The HD trucks do not have auto-trac. The 2500 Burb is kinda in-between the 1500 and a 2500HD trucks, and is more like the older 1500HD (or non HD 2500) chassis, which is what the "max tow" pkg kinda replaced on the 1500 trucks in 2007. The 2500HD has a GVWR of ~1000 lbs heavier than the 2500 Burb, but weighs about the same. The similar weights give an idea of the difference in steel underneath them, since the Burb has more body weight. The 1500 w/ a NHT pkg is very similar overall to a 2500 Burb w/ regard to tow/haul ratings, but the Burb would have 8-lug wheels & LT tires. The payload difference is maybe ~300 lbs more on the Burb over the NHT truck, compared to the ~3200 lbs rating on a 2500HD.

zogg · November 16, 2011

I tow a mule on a 10' trailer....not a big deal I know...about 1700 pounds total. My Escalade has the 6.0L with 3.73 gears. It is essentially a very nice 1/2 ton truck. While it is not awful to tow, the truck does seem to struggle especially up hills and on hiway on ramps.

I used to two a 10,000 pound fifth wheel. Tried it with a heavy half and went immediately to a 2500....the 4.10 gears with the 6.0L made a gread difference.

Having those experiences, if it were me, I would opt for the 2500-no question. A 1500 would be at about its limit for towing 8000 pounds. On a steep hill, you would be turning 4000+ rpms and struggling as well.

I would rather have more truck than I need than need more truck than I have....even 500 miles can be gruelling if the truck is at its limits....good luck

Stevens03 · November 16, 2011

I tow a mule on a 10' trailer....not a big deal I know...about 1700 pounds total. My Escalade has the 6.0L with 3.73 gears. It is essentially a very nice 1/2 ton truck. While it is not awful to tow, the truck does seem to struggle especially up hills and on hiway on ramps.

I used to two a 10,000 pound fifth wheel. Tried it with a heavy half and went immediately to a 2500....the 4.10 gears with the 6.0L made a gread difference.

Having those experiences, if it were me, I would opt for the 2500-no question. A 1500 would be at about its limit for towing 8000 pounds. On a steep hill, you would be turning 4000+ rpms and struggling as well.

I would rather have more truck than I need than need more truck than I have....even 500 miles can be gruelling if the truck is at its limits....good luck

The 1500 with NHT package wouldn't be at its limit and will tow much better than your LQ9 would. It comes with the 6.2L and 3.73 gears coupled with the 6-speed. My previous truck was a Vmax (L76 6.0L) NHT truck with 4.10 gears, 4-speed and it doesn't even compare to the new one in my experience. The new one is leaps and bounds over the previous one. JMO

Likarok · November 16, 2011

For tow or three times a year the 1/2 ton will do it but if you are looking forward into the future and are buying a new truck anyway I would think about the 3/4 only with a Duramax. I just towed a low hauler trailer from Calgary, Alberta down to Phoenix. I towed it with my wifes new truck. It is a 1/2 ton 5.3. You are all right, it towed it fine but my old Dura would have toyed with it.

I am leaving the trailer and bikes in Phoenix til spring. When I come back in April for holiday round two I am going to bring my Silverado back to pull the trailer nad bikes home. It has a 6.2. I am sure it will do better towing it but it is still no Duramax.

Bottom line from me would be to access your future. Do you plan on towing the carhauler more than you do now? If you do think about a Duramax......even a used one. If you are going 3/4 ton go diesel not gas. A gas 3/4 to is like kissing your sister!hahaha.

W31 · November 17, 2011

Dropped the hammer on a white 1500 ext with the nht package, camper mirrors, conv. package, etc. Will post pictures ASAP. Once again, I do appreciate all of the input and thought.

Keep on Oldsmobiling!!!!!!!!!

Stevens03 · November 17, 2011

Congrats! I think you'll be pleased. I absolutely love mine. Can't wait to see photos

Likarok · November 18, 2011

Good choice!

Congrates!

jblakeney · November 18, 2011

I pulled my 1979 H/O a few years ago to a show in Alabama with my 1/2 GMT800.... It pulled it ok, but I don't have the right gears for towing. I should spend more time working on my Oldsmobile's quite shamefully...... But pulling with a half ton is not a problem. I have a featherlite aluminum trailer. It helps the most of all when towing with my 1/2ton.....

That was before I got a 3/4 truck. Now I use the 3/4 ton for towing.......... But if your going to drive it every day....... The 1/2 ton is the best choice. That's what I would have gone with too. As I saw you did.

newsite.hurstolds.org/frames.htm I got started several years ago building an update for my website.... Lost interest in updating the site...... It was a little after I saw my 79 on eBay and I hadn't put it on eBay (after the picture showing up on eBay I added the red writing to the pictures)..

Post us some truck pics and one (or more) of the W-31... Its still in the GM family, even if GM killed the division.....

Jbo

W31 · November 21, 2011

Picked up the truck Saturday am and just got to drive it today! It is smooth and powerful to boot! I will try to get some pics up however we are moving this week so things are hectic! The e-bay thing bugs me...I always look at it however I have yet to post anything for sale. A person just can't be too careful today. Thanks again.