1500 6.2L OR 2500HD 6.0L (2013)

[MN07MAX6]

I have been researching forums regarding this decision and would like input on personal experiences w/ daily driving and towing. Understand mileage between two is minor.

 

My situation: Drive 10,000 mi/yr – Tow 8,500 lb loaded gear/people/camper (29’ Jayco w/ WD & Swaybar) less than 800 mi/yr on flatlands. Truck would be daily driver to work/pleasure.

 

1500 6.2L (3.73): rated 10,400 lbs trailering / 16,000 lbs GCWR – Estimated truck + camper at 13,900 lbs

2500 HD 6.0L (3.73): rated 9,400 lbs trailering / 16,000 lbs GCWR – Estimated truck + camper at 14,900 lbs

 

Advantages w/ 2500HD: 10.5” vs 9.5” rear end / heavier drivetrain / resale / 6.5’ box

Disadvantage w/ 2500D: Ride (Is there a large difference?) / Initial cost

 

I have test drove a 2500HD but difficult to determine over the long term for daily driver. Felt like more truck and stiffer ride.

 

Since both trucks on paper are capable of towing, is there a significant advantage w/ the 2500HD?

 

Thanks for your input.

[00Silverado4x4]

That would be a tough call for me. I know the 2500HD would be a more stable ride with the stiffer suspension but the difference in tow capacity would be a big factor as well. Sorry I'm not helping but I guess I never seen the difference in towing where a 1500 can tow more than a 2500 (HD or otherwise).

[wurgs]

IMO there is no advantage in buying the 2500 for you. The 1500 with max trailer package will handle your camper just fine. I have an 09 Sierra similar to the 1500 you are looking at and drive a 2500 for work and the 1500 is a much better daily driver. Unloaded the 2500 is very stiff and most people won't be happy with the ride after just a short time. If you towed more often or for longer distances it might be worth a 2500 but you will be fine with the 1500

[Knowklew]

The max trailering silverado (NHT) comes with a hybrid 14 bolt rear end. I have one.

[becker87]

Get the 1500. It will handle the load you need it to with ease. My truck has towed very heavy, not for long periods of time, but the few that I have towed have been well over 10,000 lbs and the truck handled it just fine. Plus for the rest of the year you can enjoy better handleing and better MPGs.

[MN07MAX6]

Thanks for the replies, keep them coming. These help in the decision making from real life drivers. I am torn with the two options. My 07 Max 6.0 with 3.73 (Non-NHT) has worked well with the towing. Need to replace due to only 5 seats - need 6 due to too many carseats. I can only presume the 2013 6.2L has improved over the 2007 Max 6.0. If we upgraded campers, I may be close to maxing out a 1500. Thanks again for your help. Would like to hear from more drivers.

[Blue2500CC]

When loaded up to go camping, how much do you put in the bed of the truck? Do you know the tongue weight of the loaded camper? The kids will only get bigger over time as well.

 

I have a 5.3 1500, and while the Max Tow has 300lbs more payload, I would have a 2500 in the driveway if the dealer would have given me a better trade in price. I didn't realise just how much tw our trailer has loaded up. We load most of the stuff in the trailer because of it, but it would be nice to load the truck bed instead!

 

Good luck deciding!

Chris

[HEMICAT]

I am biased of course but I love the solid feel of my 2500's ride, and I came from a half ton. You could get the 4.10's and be rated to tow much higher I can't see it hurting economy to much since I drive in 5th gear all the time anyway, if I had 4.10's I'd just let it go in 6th. All I can say is when I was looking I wanted the crew cab for the family ( such a comfortable family rig ) , the longer box, a much heavier built truck, and I thought I wanted the diesel until I drove the 6.0- this thing is just crazy fun to tear around with! Aithough, a 6.2 in the lighter half ton has GOT to be insane fun- sorry I know how hard it is to choose I like all trucks!

[Doug_Scott]

There is also the difference in block material between the 6.0 and the 6.2 engine. Some say the cast iron block is stronger than the aluminum blocks. IMO that may have been true a few years ago(actually more than 10 years ago), but these days the quality of design is superior to the old days of aluminum blocks. Still something to keep in mind when deciding between the two. As others have said, there will be a difference of ride quality. If you are using the truck more for commuting than towing, ride quality may be a deciding factor.

[Carder09]

Might be better off getting a 12 model than a 13, to save a few thousand. I bet soon enough once the new 13's roll out that they will want to sell the 12's asap to make room. Then of course, they will be getting rid of the 13's to make room for the new body style.

[dewfpo]

IMO there is no advantage in buying the 2500 for you. The 1500 with max trailer package will handle your camper just fine. I have an 09 Sierra similar to the 1500 you are looking at and drive a 2500 for work and the 1500 is a much better daily driver. Unloaded the 2500 is very stiff and most people won't be happy with the ride after just a short time. If you towed more often or for longer distances it might be worth a 2500 but you will be fine with the 1500

 

 

I'd have to agree on every point. I went from a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton and the ride quality is very different as you would expect. If you don't absolutely need the 3/4 ton, I'd vote for the 1/2, you'll be much happier on a day-to-day basis since it will be your daily driver.

 

DEWFPO

[ATMINF]

i have a 3/4ton and use it as a daily driver, and also had a 2001 3/4ton suburban. I would say that the ride has never been bad or rough in any way. It is stiffer than a 1/2ton, but I would say it is not nearly a rough as others say it is. Also you have to remember all the other stuff that makes the 3/4ton stronger. the frame, brakes,cooling system, transmission, 10.5 FF rear diff etc. Overall the main reason i bought a 3/4ton over a 1/2 ton, or heavy 1/2ton is the simple fact that its always nice to have more truck, than needed. granted the only downfall is the gas mileage. I get 12-14 city and 16+hwy. Not great numbers but, my truck has never let me down. good luck

[therink]

I have owned one 1/2 ton, two gm 3/4 ton trucks and my current 1 ton gm. Just my opinion, but payload rating of any 1/2 ton truck is the first thing that is usually exceeded once the tongue weight, gear in bed, passengers, etc are added together. 3/4 ton truck is much more truck for the $. Everything is heavier, including transmission, cooling ability, frame, etc. The young. The 6.0 is a proven solid engine built for towing. Personally, I like the ride in the HD trucks. It feels much more stout, tougher, etc.

Also consider the fact that your needs may change down the road such as growing family, larger rv, more gear, etc. If you plan on towing frequently, the HD is the way to go. I recommend the 4:10 axle, however very rare. I have always had to order mine to get the 4:10 along with other items I wanted.

I can't speak about the 6.2 other than if it was built for HD use, it would be in the HD trucks.

If you do look on buying a new HD, make sure when test driving that there isn't any noticeable vibration at 65 to 75 mph speeds. There is a thread in this forum about this, as I am having a problem with it (also many others). It appears that GM has corrected this issue in newer builds.

Steve

[RyanbabZ71]

The 6.2 will be on the next generation hd's

 

 

Ryan

 

 

[MN07MAX6]

I have owned one 1/2 ton, two gm 3/4 ton trucks and my current 1 ton gm. Just my opinion, but payload rating of any 1/2 ton truck is the first thing that is usually exceeded once the tongue weight, gear in bed, passengers, etc are added together. 3/4 ton truck is much more truck for the $. Everything is heavier, including transmission, cooling ability, frame, etc. The young. The 6.0 is a proven solid engine built for towing. Personally, I like the ride in the HD trucks. It feels much more stout, tougher, etc.

Also consider the fact that your needs may change down the road such as growing family, larger rv, more gear, etc. If you plan on towing frequently, the HD is the way to go. I recommend the 4:10 axle, however very rare. I have always had to order mine to get the 4:10 along with other items I wanted.

I can't speak about the 6.2 other than if it was built for HD use, it would be in the HD trucks.

If you do look on buying a new HD, make sure when test driving that there isn't any noticeable vibration at 65 to 75 mph speeds. There is a thread in this forum about this, as I am having a problem with it (also many others). It appears that GM has corrected this issue in newer builds.

Steve

 

Thanks for your comments regarding various trucks you've had.

Regarding the vibration, i will check that if the 2500 HD is the way we go. I test drove a 2012 2500 HD w/ 5 miles at a dealer (been on lot since June?) and definitely noticed significant vibration at 65 mph in the steering wheel.