Based on my needs should I get gas or diesel?

[rocnrol]

I just test drove a Sierra 2500 last night as a potential tugger for our travel trailer. My question to all the posters here on this thread is why you're all calling the engine a 6l, it's a 6.2l is it not?

[SMiller]

No its the old 6.0, the half ton gets the hot rod 6.2 8-speed.

[sahls01gmc]

Aluminum 6.2, and Iron 6.0 if I'm not mistaken?

[rocnrol]

Yeah, I was just schooled on my mistake on another thread, lol

[Blue2500CC]

Matt,

 

Do you think you will go with a travel trailer (tt) or 5ver? If considering a 5ver, I would step up to a 3500 SRW for the extra payload. Though the 3500 couldn't hurt anyway!

 

As for gas vs diesel, the 4.10's are standard again in the trucks (not even sure 3.73's are offered at all) so you will have plenty of pulling power for a tt up to about 13klbs (I think it is rated for). For a family of 4, a 30' BH tt should be well within the trucks capability, even if you have a bed of firewood, along with the needed cases of diapers! Lol

 

Our truck has the 3.73's, and towing ~7300lbs + 3-600lbs for firewood when we take it does great.

 

Good luck deciding!

[Black02Silverado]

I say get a gas vehicle. It will serve you well for a long time and do what you need it to do. The cost difference between a gas and diesel isn't worth it unless you really work the vehicle by towing and hauling on a weekly basis. For the occasional outing you are talking about. Gas will be good enough, not to mention when time comes to purchase the travel trailer, you will have some extra funds to put down on it.

[ember1205]

I would agree. Unlike the diesels of a decade ago, these new ones are real money pits when issues crop up. The emissions stuff on them is a nightmare. You didn't mention approximate trailer weight or terrain you would be typically pulling the trailer over. And keep in mind, the 6.0L L96 in the 2500 is no slouch. It bested the 6.2L in the Ram by quite a margin on the Ike Gauntlet pull. And that 6.2L had 60 hp and 50 lb torque over the 6.0L. The 6.0L and the 6L90 trans is a formidable combination. Solid, proven track record of durability and reliability. And parts are easy to come by and repair cost substantially less than diesel.

 

You will never break even on the higher cost of the diesel over gas. the cost of the package itself, the higher cost of fuel, the increased cost of maintenance, etc. Even with the better fuel economy of the diesel. Anymore, one can only truly justify a diesel if they have a definite need for it's capabilities on a regular basis. Otherwise, it is more of a social statement. Kind of a "my junk is bigger than yours because I have a diesel". And you want to really create issues with these newer diesels, then short trip with them frequently.

 

 

Also think of the price difference. I don't know how much money is a factor for you, but personally I'd rather have a truck with a gas motor and spend the extra 6 grand on interior options and gas than get a diesel. If you were towing 10k plus on a weekly basis, it would be a different story, but for a daily what will also be used on longer trips, I'd rather get a more refined cabin and the gas engine.

 

I agree with these guys completely.

 

Another point you haven't considered, apparently...

 

In four years, if you can still afford a Travel Trailer with who-knows-how-many little ones running around, you can afford a new truck too if you need it.

[redwngr]

Matt,

 

Do you think you will go with a travel trailer (tt) or 5ver? If considering a 5ver, I would step up to a 3500 SRW for the extra payload. Though the 3500 couldn't hurt anyway!

 

As for gas vs diesel, the 4.10's are standard again in the trucks (not even sure 3.73's are offered at all) so you will have plenty of pulling power for a tt up to about 13klbs (I think it is rated for). For a family of 4, a 30' BH tt should be well within the trucks capability, even if you have a bed of firewood, along with the needed cases of diapers! Lol

 

Our truck has the 3.73's, and towing ~7300lbs + 3-600lbs for firewood when we take it does great.

 

Good luck deciding!

 

All duramax/allisions are 3.73.

6.0 can be either 3:73 or 4:10

[redwngr]

OK so I need some help deciding. Currently we have a 2010 Silverado 1500 extended cab. We also have a 9 month old son and we have been talking about trying for our second sometime in August or September. Getting my son in and out of the extended cab is fine but once we have our second it is going to be very hard to have both in my truck so I am looking at getting something with a bigger cab. My wife and I have also been talking about getting a travel trailer so this is why I have been looking at the 2500s or F250s. It will be a little while before we get the travel trailer, 3-4 years. Why not get the truck now so that way we are not buying a truck and a travel trailer at the same time. I really like the diesels but for the first 3-4 years of its life it is mainly going to be a daily driver to and from work, about 20 miles each why, and trips to HomeDepot. Should I get pony up and get the diesel or just opt for the gas? Also I live in West Virginia so we would be travel throughout the state, without a trailer at first and then later with, and the surrounding areas with longer trips as the kids get older. Thanks for the help!

Since you don't currently trailer and since it's probably 3-4 years out before you try it, I'd recommend a 1500 - perhaps with the max tow package to get increased trailering capability.

You will probably start trailering with a smaller (and perhaps used) trailer anyway to see if you like it and to learn what features you really want/need in a trailer.

As nice as the current generation of 2500's ride, they do not ride as well new 1500's. (my last few were 2500 gm's).

The 1500 WILL get better mileage as a daily driver than either the LML or 6.0L.

There is a good chance the Dmax will be updated within the next 3-4 years (it hasn't changed since 2011 and is overdo), and many are also wondering why the 6.0/ 6 speed hasn't been changed (only the 1500 currently has the 6.2/8 speed)

If getting your new crew cab into a garage is an issue, the short box is only available on a 1500 - 1500cc short is same length as 1500 double cab standard box. 2500 crew only available with standard or long box - and won't fit in many garages (it's one of the reasons I traded)

[Blue2500CC]

All duramax/allisions are 3.73.

6.0 can be either 3:73 or 4:10

Should have specified a 6.0 when I was talking gears! TY!

 

I thought someone posted recently that the new '15- 6.0 trucks were 4.10 only. Or is it the 4.10's are standard, with the 3.73's optional?

[Cosmic Charlie]

 

All duramax/allisions are 3.73.

6.0 can be either 3:73 or 4:10

ALL 25 HD's with 6.0 are ALWAYS 4.10 - no option available (1500 6.2 can be ordered otherwise)

[JRKRACE]

Simple...drive both gas and diesel and get what you like better. The worse monetary mistake you can make is to buy something based on every one else's opinion. I've had 2 of the 6.0 gassers and have an 07 and 15 duramax. The gassers were nice and I had them for a few years. I still have the 07 DMAX and just bought a '15 DMAX a few weeks ago. I tow 7k-9k a few times a year and plow snow in the winter. Overkill? Maybe...but I'm happy and that's what matters..My next one might be a gasser if it feels good to me on a test drive.

 

As far as money spent....My maintenance on the 07 has been like any other of my gassers. 10.00 oil filter and 2.5 gallons of Mobil 1 for 60.00. More expensive oil change, but I take it out to 10K, unlike my gassers at 5K. And a fuel filter every year for 35.00 on Amazon...big deal.Oh, I forgot...a few 15.00 glow plugs last year... As for the diesel engine upcharge, you get a good portion of that back in terms of resale. I bought my 07 for 39K and after 8 years and 80K miles, my trade was 21K. I decided to keep it anyway. Everyone makes it to think that you lose that 8K upcharge forever....Not the case..

 

I like how people make the diesel option a "status" symbol.....What a load......Get what you like, within your means, and be happy....trading in every 2 years is much more expensive.....

[KMGZ400]

Simple...drive both gas and diesel and get what you like better. The worse monetary mistake you can make is to buy something based on every one else's opinion. I've had 2 of the 6.0 gassers and have an 07 and 15 duramax. The gassers were nice and I had them for a few years. I still have the 07 DMAX and just bought a '15 DMAX a few weeks ago. I tow 7k-9k a few times a year and plow snow in the winter. Overkill? Maybe...but I'm happy and that's what matters..My next one might be a gasser if it feels good to me on a test drive.

 

As far as money spent....My maintenance on the 07 has been like any other of my gassers. 10.00 oil filter and 2.5 gallons of Mobil 1 for 60.00. More expensive oil change, but I take it out to 10K, unlike my gassers at 5K. And a fuel filter every year for 35.00 on Amazon...big deal.Oh, I forgot...a few 15.00 glow plugs last year... As for the diesel engine upcharge, you get a good portion of that back in terms of resale. I bought my 07 for 39K and after 8 years and 80K miles, my trade was 21K. I decided to keep it anyway. Everyone makes it to think that you lose that 8K upcharge forever....Not the case..

 

I like how people make the diesel option a "status" symbol.....What a load......Get what you like, within your means, and be happy....trading in every 2 years is much more expensive.....

Very well said.

I wouldn't want to switch back to a gas 2500 after owning a diesel, they are a little more expensive to maintain but I would gladly pay more the the duramax the power and trans are worth it.. Go drive both as the guy above me said and make the decision yourself! Just because someone else Dosent like them Dosent mean you should dislike them.

 

Go over to duramaxforum and post the same question see what you responses are

[bwh2003]

Simple...drive both gas and diesel and get what you like better. The worse monetary mistake you can make is to buy something based on every one else's opinion. I've had 2 of the 6.0 gassers and have an 07 and 15 duramax. The gassers were nice and I had them for a few years. I still have the 07 DMAX and just bought a '15 DMAX a few weeks ago. I tow 7k-9k a few times a year and plow snow in the winter. Overkill? Maybe...but I'm happy and that's what matters..My next one might be a gasser if it feels good to me on a test drive.

 

As far as money spent....My maintenance on the 07 has been like any other of my gassers. 10.00 oil filter and 2.5 gallons of Mobil 1 for 60.00. More expensive oil change, but I take it out to 10K, unlike my gassers at 5K. And a fuel filter every year for 35.00 on Amazon...big deal.Oh, I forgot...a few 15.00 glow plugs last year... As for the diesel engine upcharge, you get a good portion of that back in terms of resale. I bought my 07 for 39K and after 8 years and 80K miles, my trade was 21K. I decided to keep it anyway. Everyone makes it to think that you lose that 8K upcharge forever....Not the case..

 

I like how people make the diesel option a "status" symbol.....What a load......Get what you like, within your means, and be happy....trading in every 2 years is much more expensive.....

Very well said. Both are great options so buy what you need or can afford and enjoy owning a nice truck.

 

Now I am waiting for the long winded diesel hater to show up with a response to justify the gas motor over the diesel again and remind us of the major problems with the duramax. If they were that unreliable the resale values would be below the 6.0L truck which is not the case and never will be. No matter what, I agree with the follow up post that the motor and trans are well worth the extra money. The Allison is one smooth transmission and the mileage overall has been excellent at 17+.

[KMGZ400]

Very well said. Both are great options so buy what you need or can afford and enjoy owning a nice truck.

 

Now I am waiting for the long winded diesel hater to show up with a response to justify the gas motor over the diesel again and remind us of the major problems with the duramax. If they were that unreliable the resale values would be below the 6.0L truck which is not the case and never will be. No matter what, I agree with the follow up post that the motor and trans are well worth the extra money. The Allison is one smooth transmission and the mileage overall has been excellent at 17+.

Apparently there are major issues with the LML that no one knows about