Truck newbie - which engine to get? Help!!

[tjstyphon]

I have always towed with suv's, but just got a 32 foot 5th wheel. I know I need a 2500 pickup, but I'm unsure if I should get the 8.1L or the diesel. I'm looking at buying a used truck, around 1999-2004. Not sure what year they started the 8.1L though, and they are pretty scarce around Detroit. I will be pulling the 5th wheel only 4 or 5 times a year around Michigan (no mountains, just some small hills) for no more than 150 miles each time. Dry weight on the 5th wheel is just under 10,000 pounds. Any advice would be appreciated!

[NitroCherokee]

I tow a 33' 5th wheel that is just above 10,000 lbs loaded with a 2004 2500HD with 6.0 and 4.10 gears. It tows it very nice and has plenty of power towing anywhere around Michigan

[tjstyphon]

There are a ton of 6.0L around here, but when I look up the trailering specs it shows the max capacity of a 2003 6.0L 4wd is 10,300 with the 4.10. So I will be maxing out the truck, and was afraid I wouldn't have enough power with the 6.0L. The 8.1 is rated for 12,000, so I had a little extra room there. If I can get by with the 6.0 and it won't affect performance too much, it would be easier for me to find one of those. Since I will only tow it a few times a year, maybe I can get away with it?

[ATMINF]

I would get a Diesel or the 8.1 gasser that is in good shape and at a price point that your are happy with. With a 5th wheel the real total weight will go up very quickly. Also in a 5th wheel application the D-max and 8.1L have very similar tow capacities, which I believe are in the 16,000lbs range not the 12,000lbs. The bumper pull weights for both a D-max and 8.1L are around 12,000lbs. I own a 6.0L gasser and love it for what I do with it, but I always knew that a 5th wheel was not part of my future plans. The most I would be comfortable pulling on a regular basis with my truck is a total load of 10,000lbs, so that would limit the weight of any TT or small 5th wheel that is avaliable. Granted the trucks all have the same frame and brake package, so they are very capable trucks, but the 6.0L engine is still a smal block and can never have the low end grunt that the 8.1L big block has, along with the relablity. Good luck!

[tjstyphon]

Also in a 5th wheel application the D-max and 8.1L have very similar tow capacities, which I believe are in the 16,000lbs range not the 12,000lbs. The bumper pull weights for both a D-max and 8.1L are around 12,000lbs.

 

Can anyone point me towards a chart for the 5th wheel capacities of these trucks? All I found was the bumper pull limits, I didn't realize they were so different. I'm assuming the 16,000 max would be with the 4.10 rear end, so what would it be with the 3.73? I've called on several trucks for sale and the owner didn't know which rear end was in it. What's the easiest way to tell? Thanks for the help here everyone, I'm long time GM but newbie to the pickups

[tjstyphon]

Ok, found a 2001 with the 8.1L in good shape at a decent price. Just don't want to find out later than the 8.1L was overkill and the 6.0 would have been fine. So far I have 1 vote for the 6.0 and 1 vote for the 8.1, so still not sure. What is the real world difference in gas mileage? If they are close then it won't hurt to get the 8.1, but since I'm not towing often I don't want to be stuck with a guzzler if the 6.0 will work and save on gas too. Anybody? Bueller?? Thanks again

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

Go with the 8.1. Fuel mileage between the 6.0 and 8.1 is minimal.

[ATMINF]

I can tell you driving my truck as a daily driver my mileage is 11-14 city/stop and go, hwy 65-70mph is around 16, this is all unloaded. Now towing light(under 4000lbs) I saw really no big drop, because I was able to keep it in the regular trans setting. Towing a heavier load using the tow haul mode my mileage was in the single digits(7-9)mpg. In all cases the truck towed fine and I was comfortable. I hope this helps.

[tjstyphon]

I can tell you driving my truck as a daily driver my mileage is 11-14 city/stop and go, hwy 65-70mph is around 16, this is all unloaded. Now towing light(under 4000lbs) I saw really no big drop, because I was able to keep it in the regular trans setting. Towing a heavier load using the tow haul mode my mileage was in the single digits(7-9)mpg. In all cases the truck towed fine and I was comfortable. I hope this helps.

 

How heavy of a load have you towed? Anything similar to a 10,000 lb 5th wheel? I'm guessing you have the 4.10 rear end, I know I will need that with the 6.0.

[ATMINF]

I have never pulled a 5th wheel, only bumper pull. The most I have done is about 9000lbs on a WD hitch. It was mainly flat, and the truck felt fine, I kept the speed at 65 on the highway. I could feel the trailer back there, but it was cool, no white knuckles. If I had to do that often and for long distances a big block, or D-Max would be my choice. And like I said before at weights of 8000 and below the 6.0L is just fine. I don't try to "over do it" with my truck as I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off.

[tjstyphon]

Well I pulled the trigger and bought an '01 Silverado 2500 HD Z-71 with the 8.1L and a 4.10 rear end. Tim Allen would be proud lol. It may end up being overkill, but I least I know I won't run short of power...ever! Thanks for the info

[RyanbabZ71]

FYI they didnt make a Z71 2500 in the gmt800 trucks

 

 

Ryan

 

 

[Chris]

Well I pulled the trigger and bought an '01 Silverado 2500 HD Z-71 with the 8.1L and a 4.10 rear end. Tim Allen would be proud lol. It may end up being overkill, but I least I know I won't run short of power...ever! Thanks for the info

Thought Tim Allen was a ford man

 

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[ATMINF]

Tim Allen is a big car guy, but he has worked with GM for a lot time. I believe he is the voice in many GM commercials.

[MikeNH]

Tim Allen is a big car guy, but he has worked with GM for a lot time. I believe he is the voice in many GM commercials.

 

Yeah he did all the "Chevy Runs Deep" ads. It's someone else now though.