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Do I need a 3/4 ton?

mikerr24

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Patch6713 Enthusiast

Patch6713

Posted
Posted

You said you have always wanted a diesel "just because" and if that is what is going to make you happy then that's what you should get because no matter how much reasoning you put into it you will probably never be happy. However if your going for what would make the most sense I think the 1500 would make the most sense, or even a 2500 gasser. I don't know the stats because I don't have them in front of me but I believe a 2500 max travel trailer tow limit is the same at around 13,000 whether it is diesel or gas? If this is true having a diesel or gasser won't make a difference unless you upgrade to a fiver.

Also the new trucks with the six speeds are better at towing than the four speeds. That is something to consider. And make sure your hitch is set up properly. Having a WD hitch is important but if it isn't set up properly it wont do you much good.

beck@becksystems.com Enthusiast

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Posted
Posted

I pulled a 20' enclosed car hauler weighing about 6K total. First with a 1500 CC, 5.3L. Then switched to a 2500HD CC, 6.0L. The difference in ease of driving was day and night.

 

The 2500HD has a longer wheel base which offers more directional stability, and it has larger brakes than my 1500 had. I used a WD and anti-sway hitch on both. Had the trailer properly balanced with the recommended 10% to 12% of the trailer weight on the tongue.

 

The trade off between the 1500 and the 2500HD was in terms of ride quality when empty, in town gas mileage and getting used to parking a much larger truck.

 

The ride quality issue was addressed by adding a set of Surelastic Rear Spring Shackles @ about $350.00. Now my 2500HD rides almost as nicely as my 1500 did.

 

The 2500HD is bigger - and you notice it when trying to park in the smaller spaces found in most public parking lots. You do get used to it ...

 

"Mileage" is almost meaningless to me - I don't put 5000 miles per year on the truck. YMMV...

 

If you are not certain about needing or using a 2500HD - go find a very low mileage and well cared for used example. Put half as money into that... if you buy it right and decide that you don't like it - you can resell it for what you paid. Then if you really really love that 2500HD gas or diesel... then go buy a new truck if that makes you happy.

  • 2 weeks later...
Savagecanuck1 Enthusiast

Savagecanuck1

Posted
Posted

CarlB comments about nailed it for me.Personally like others have said there should be no issues towing that 5000lb trailer with your 1500.My last truck was an 08 ECSB 5.3 LTZ 4.10 gears and I added firestone air bags and readllift in front.I towed my 5000lb TT with a quad in pickup box a fair bit.The 1500 will handle it just fine.With that said I treated myself to an 11 2500HD duramax CC LT with factory 20"s in blue granite metallic.It took me a full 2000Km to get used to the bigger bulky truck and wondering if i made a mistake.I now have 3500km on it and have really warmed up to it as when that turbo kicks in I have a grin from ear to ear.Where I live diesel is same price or cheaper than gas right now.The shell rotella is about the same price for 10l compared to the synthectic I used in my gasser,oem oil filter is $11 and I just picked up a 2.5 gal jug of delco DEF fluid for $19.So far my in town mileage is real close to my 5.3 but on the HWY the Duramax is much better.I finally had the cash to try one of these Duramax,s and prob my biggest complaint would be the lack of sporty feel the 1/2 ton had.Resale on these Duramax trucks is way better than gasI see the 6.0l go for low 20's and the Duramax are around $34K.I think you more than recoupe your initial outlay of the extra 9k.Another thing is now if I want to add a deck to haul 2 quads plus my trailer I have the option or get a much bigger trailer.If after 3-5 yrs when warranty is up and I no longer feel the need for the duramax I will go back to a gasser but like eveything in life if you can afford it why not try it.

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