Looking at a 2015 2500HD Z71...

bjaxon · July 29, 2015

I am seriously looking at buying a 2015 Silverado for towing upwards of 10K lbs and up to 900lbs. tongue weight... Have had diesels before (F250's), but want to stick with a gas engine this time. Book specs show the trailer weight to be no problem and payload capacity as being more than adequate.

Ive always had Fords, currently in an F150 ecoboost (great truck btw) but I need something a bit more robust for mountain roads. So, hoping to get feedback from those who know. I really like the feel of the Silverado, nice & quiet inside...

How is the reliability of the 2500 gasser Z71 4WD? Any particular problems that I should be aware of? How does the interior hold up? Engine-tranny? Truck in general.

Thanks in advance for any advice/direction!

Jaxon

becker87 · July 29, 2015

Read around the site a little and you will find that the gas engine and tranny hold up very well and hold there own in most every situation.

bjaxon · July 29, 2015

Thanks, Becker... As I'm becoming more familiar with this forum, am finding out some good info... the brake controller and vibration issues are concerning as with dealer responses.

Just blows me away that we've got two landers on Mars (Spirit & Opportunity), that were designed to last like 6 months/a year and yet one of 'em is still running strong. On freakin' Mars! And we just flew by Pluto...

But.... back on earth... an industry that's been around since the turn of the century still has reliability problems with really basic stuff.

Kent2500 · July 29, 2015

Thanks, Becker... As I'm becoming more familiar with this forum, am finding out some good info... the brake controller and vibration issues are concerning as with dealer responses.

I have a 2015 2500HD Gas, Z71, 4x4, 18" rims. Smooth as glass local or highway for me. I have a really good dealer (been using them for 14+ years now), but no issues with the truck. Well, a full wash/clay bar/wax takes forever...

Cosmic Charlie · July 29, 2015

Someone's Quote = The new 6.0 is an entirely different animal than the old one. It is an amazing motor with power to spare.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/163616-60-vs-dmax-general-performance/

sahls01gmc · July 29, 2015

You'll be fine with that setup. That's what I have now, and that's what my next truck will be!

crankman · July 30, 2015

I have a 2015 2500HD Gas, Z71, 4x4, 18" rims. Smooth as glass local or highway for me. I have a really good dealer (been using them for 14+ years now), but no issues with the truck. Well, a full wash/clay bar/wax takes forever...

I have the same as Kent2500 bought it memorial day it to is smooth on interstate and I tow constantly with it. Just make sure you test drive it I went out 3 times on the highway before I signed anything. There a solid towing platform.

bjaxon · July 30, 2015

Thanks for the responses... just told today that the 4x4 I was looking at was sold! Not sweating that as I actually preferred the 2-wheel drive... have had 4WD problem in the past with a Ford and 2 Jeeps... they weren’t cheap either. Will be towing an Airstream and very doubtful I’ll be headed anywhere where I’ll need 4WD.

The hunt continues and the salesman knows I’m not smitten...

becker87 · July 30, 2015

If you are buying new, one thing to consider is to wait until the refresh. GM just revealed the re fresh for the half ton and I am sure the HD trucks are just around the corner.

calgator73 · July 30, 2015

Gas mileage probably won't be as good as the eco...but that's likely the only drawback.

Junkyard33 · July 31, 2015

I've got an '09 CC Standard bed, LT Z71 4x4. I change my oil at 6-7k(full synthetic). It's got the 6.0 and it just hit 108k miles. I swear it drives better than it did new. Tows fine, mileage sucks when towing but hey, I don't do it that often.

SMiller · August 4, 2015

Great truck and proven drive train.

I do feel that you will be disappointed in the power/torque/mileage coming from a ecoboost but I would take a 6.0 over a ecoboost any day.

Don't be afraid to let it rev as these new gas motors make the power around 4,000+rpm so if you try limping the throttle or try to get the truck to short shift you will not get in the powerband.

bjaxon · August 4, 2015

Good stuff... Thanks. Going to expand my search of dealers as each time this one says he's located one for me, when it comes time to do business, their other dealer "sold it". Seems he'd rather sell existing stock rather than one I want.

War of attrition I guess...

Cowpie · August 5, 2015

Gas mileage probably won't be as good as the eco...but that's likely the only drawback.

That is true, but until we have some firm data on how good the MPG is with a 6.2L Ecotec moving around the same weight as the base 2500HD, it is an apples to oranges comparison. I am still waiting for someone to load up a 1500 to a GVW of 7300 lb like my 2500, empty, with two people, and full of fuel, then run it around for a few months, and then fill us in on what the MPG is. And the 6.2L Ecotec requires premium fuel. Whereas the L96 6.0 can use anything at a pump but diesel. So even if the MPG is a little better with the 6.2L, the cost per mile is not as good. Right now from numbers I have gathered, a 6.2L Ecotec has to get 3-4 MPG better just to break even on a cost per mile basis. It does right now in a 1500, but we are back to the same issue.... it is not moving around the same weight. My 6.0L would get better MPG if it had to move around 1000 lb less too.

And the L96 has a great track record behind it. A very solid, dependable motor with a demonstrated longevity. It is not uncommon for them to be at 300K or more miles and still be performing great. And it is true, that peak torque and HP is up in the 4000+ range, the L96 has 90% of its available torque at 2000 RPM, and a flatter torque curve than the 6.2L Ecotec. It is a very well designed motor and setup. The exhaust system on the 2500, except for the trash can muffler, is darn near perfect for the 6.0L. GM did good.

bjaxon · August 5, 2015

Back to the war of attrition... The truck I was offered, an LTZ, had been built for someone else and specially ordered so I was unable to get it but wait! We have a 2015 GMC Sierra SLE 4WD for the same price (as the original Silverado 2500, 2wd, 2500 4WD, 2500 LZ71, 2500 LTZ)... MSRP be damned! This one’s going for pennies on the dollar...

But actually, this truck drove extremely well. Tight suspension & steering, bucket seats, all the electronic goodies... This may be the one, it’s at the dealership and ain’t no other dibbs on it!