Trying to decide on the 1500 Max Trailering or a 2500 diesel.

Panik · October 6, 2015

If you go with a 1/2 ton, I'd recommend LT tires with at least a D rating, preferably a E rating depending on how much towing you're doing. Also, air bag suspension would help with a tall load that tends to transfer load to the vehicle on braking.

Not saying that OP should go this route, but from first hand experience I can attest that these two mods make a world of difference towing on the heavy with these trucks!

wandern · October 6, 2015

My tractor weighs ~3700 lbs without the front end loader. The front end loader weighs just under 2000 lbs. I have the tires filled and that's another 900 lbs. The trailer weighs around 3000 lbs. The box scraper weighs 500 lbs and the rotary mower weighs 700 lbs and the tractor will have at least one of these on it when I haul it.

I tow a similar tractor/trailer combination and have pulled it extensively with 2014/2015 1/2 ton and 1 ton Silverados.

6.2 max tow: hot rod when it's not hooked up, will do the job towing but you'll feel the trailer back there (not when accelerating, but rather during normal driving/stopping)

2500HD/6.0L gas: dependable, assured towing, good price/performance ratio

2500HD/Duramax: mountains of torque, same driveability as the 2500HD/6.0L gas, but you're paying a premium for the diesel and Allison

I'd say that if you tow the majority of the time at high altitudes, or have large hills/mountains, the Dmax is the way to go.

For occasional towing in moderate conditions, the 6.2 will make a fun daily driver.

For anything between the two, the 2500HD with the 6.0 Vortec will be a price/performance winner.

One thing to be careful of when pulling a tractor is your tongue weight. Your implement length invariably affects the location of the tractor on the trailer (unless it's a very long trailer), which can put you over the weight carrying capacity of the hitch on the 1/2 ton trucks and require you to use a weight distributing hitch. The 3/4 ton has a much higher carrying capacity on its Class V hitch and seriously simplifies your trailer setup. Also keep in mind that a heavy tongue weight will make the back of the 1/2 ton sag significantly without some type of levelling device (airbags, Timbrens, etc).

Although you MUST have working brakes on a trailer that heavy, the HD trucks have significantly better brakes, and have less chassis flex and propensity to bounce around (due to their stiffer suspension).

Either truck should have E rated LT tires on it for the least squirm and best feel while underway.

To summarize, any of the three trucks (1/2 ton with NHT max tow package, 2500HD with either gas or diesel motor) will do the job, but you need to take into account how often you're towing and how close you want to "feel" to the limits of the truck. The HD trucks are clearly superior when towing a load like you have, but, as with anything, there are tradeoffs in price, unloaded ride, fuel economy, etc.

wandern · October 6, 2015

Very good points on the grapple and the hydraulic tilt for the 3 point. I already have the hydraulics run to the front. Had that done when I bought it.

Without trying to come across as a douche, the cost of the truck matters but I can afford either. The money/budget isn't the issue. I truly want to buy the right truck for my situation and minimize the regret of not buying the right truck. If I get the diesel, I know it is overkill for a daily driver. If I get the 1500 I'm worried it won't do what I need sometimes. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. Im trying to get opinions of people that have experience.

Also think about what you may want to tow/haul in the future. A 1 ton (or even 3/4 ton) truck will let you put a ton or two of material in the bed and still pull your 10k trailer. Don't even think about that with a 1/2 ton.

SMiller · October 6, 2015

I tow a similar tractor/trailer combination and have pulled it extensively with 2014/2015 1/2 ton and 1 ton Silverados.

6.2 max tow: hot rod when it's not hooked up, will do the job towing but you'll feel the trailer back there (not when accelerating, but rather during normal driving/stopping)

2500HD/6.0L gas: dependable, assured towing, good price/performance ratio

2500HD/Duramax: mountains of torque, same driveability as the 2500HD/6.0L gas, but you're paying a premium for the diesel and Allison

I'd say that if you tow the majority of the time at high altitudes, or have large hills/mountains, the Dmax is the way to go.

For occasional towing in moderate conditions, the 6.2 will make a fun daily driver.

For anything between the two, the 2500HD with the 6.0 Vortec will be a price/performance winner.

One thing to be careful of when pulling a tractor is your tongue weight. Your implement length invariably affects the location of the tractor on the trailer (unless it's a very long trailer), which can put you over the weight carrying capacity of the hitch on the 1/2 ton trucks and require you to use a weight distributing hitch. The 3/4 ton has a much higher carrying capacity on its Class V hitch and seriously simplifies your trailer setup. Also keep in mind that a heavy tongue weight will make the back of the 1/2 ton sag significantly without some type of levelling device (airbags, Timbrens, etc).

Although you MUST have working brakes on a trailer that heavy, the HD trucks have significantly better brakes, and have less chassis flex and propensity to bounce around (due to their stiffer suspension).

Either truck should have E rated LT tires on it for the least squirm and best feel while underway.

To summarize, any of the three trucks (1/2 ton with NHT max tow package, 2500HD with either gas or diesel motor) will do the job, but you need to take into account how often you're towing and how close you want to "feel" to the limits of the truck. The HD trucks are clearly superior when towing a load like you have, but, as with anything, there are tradeoffs in price, unloaded ride, fuel economy, etc.

I know I already gave my opinion but what you said echo's what I keep saying, get on GM's website and build and price all 3 combos and the HD 6.0 wins out every time, they are at a great price point, the 1/2ton when optioned out with a SLT and 6.2 gets damn expensive fast and the resale simply isnt there as very few know or care that it is a 6.2, while I love the motor/trans dollar for dollar I am going to take the HD drive train every time!

wandern · October 6, 2015

I know I already gave my opinion but what you said echo's what I keep saying, get on GM's website and build and price all 3 combos and the HD 6.0 wins out every time, they are at a great price point, the 1/2ton when optioned out with a SLT and 6.2 gets damn expensive fast and the resale simply isnt there as very few know or care that it is a 6.2, while I love the motor/trans dollar for dollar I am going to take the HD drive train every time!

Very true. Another thing to consider is that the 1 ton can be a better value than the 3/4 ton: rides exactly the same unloaded, has a higher payload rating, and comes with some extras like tow mirrors standard that are an extra cost on the 3/4 ton. In reality, the 3/4 ton is more marketing than a better value. You can also get a TPMS delete on the 1 ton if you vary your tire pressure regularly (an unloaded HD truck can run 60 front/50 rear for better tire wear and ride comfort- which will turn on the TPMS light - but you might be at 70/80 when hauling).

hurricanoday · October 6, 2015

In my opinion and going through the same thing, I just don't think the 2500 is worth it when you are not towing heavy weight all the time. Meaning every day or weekly for work ie construction etc. Even close to max weight several of times a year in the 1500 isn't worth a 2500. While I'm sure everybody would agree the power in the 2500 is awesome and who wouldn't want that. It is the other stuff that comes into play and for me it was the ride and driving of the bigger truck. I started my truck search driving an 11 2500hd Denali (because everyone said get a diesel) and that came to the conclusion that if I was going to spend 50k+ on a used diesel I could get a brand new 1500. I just couldn't get passed how driving the truck felt like driving a semi. I didn't drive a 14/15 diesel at the time because they were just so expensive so unless there is a dramatic change in driving characteristics I would have hated driving it as my family rig.

I towed my boat (21ft bayliner prolly 3-4k?) through the mountains over to eastern washington and it towed it like a rocket with no problems at all. I just put an offer on a 5acre property and plan on getting some animals. Not sure about equipment but I don't think it would be anything my 6.2 denali wouldn't handle. My Denali is so smooth

comes down to do you want the deisel and can live with the ride? If so I say go for it, if not the 1500 will get the job done. Have you test drove a 2500 duramax? And the 6.2 will destroy the Tahoe for sure

99-ls1-ss · October 7, 2015

So, have you driven both yet?

I'm currious, because I've been thinking about going to a diesel. The old saying "you can never have too much truck when it comes to towing.. Etc... What if down the road you want a bigger tractor, or like someone else mentioned, plow snow? I love my 1500, but in your situation would be leaning toward the 25

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I have driven a High Country 2500 with the Duramax and the ride didn't bother me. I have an 84 with Kevlar tires and a 3" lift. It is rough. I haven't had a chance to drive the 1500 yet. There seems to have been some 6.2 1500s delivered recently. I'm going to go try to drive one soon.

comes down to do you want the deisel and can live with the ride? If so I say go for it, if not the 1500 will get the job done. Have you test drove a 2500 duramax? And the 6.2 will destroy the Tahoe for sure

I have and it isn't too bad, in my opinion. I was actually expecting it to ride rougher. I have no doubt that the 6.2 or the 5.3 will destroy the Tahoe. It just makes me nervous to be close to the limits even if it isn't that many times a year.

SMiller · October 7, 2015

Very true. Another thing to consider is that the 1 ton can be a better value than the 3/4 ton: rides exactly the same unloaded, has a higher payload rating, and comes with some extras like tow mirrors standard that are an extra cost on the 3/4 ton. In reality, the 3/4 ton is more marketing than a better value. You can also get a TPMS delete on the 1 ton if you vary your tire pressure regularly (an unloaded HD truck can run 60 front/50 rear for better tire wear and ride comfort- which will turn on the TPMS light - but you might be at 70/80 when hauling).

I was trying not to hyjack the thread, yes the 3500 is the way to go, in the gas model you gain the big AAM rear axle that is used for the Duramax as well as the overload springs and no tpms, it is the only way to go as far as I am concerned.

Only crappy part is if you like the 20in. wheels as you can only get 18's on a 1ton.

For reference I ordered a '14 3500 6.0 SRW.

hurricanoday · October 7, 2015

I have driven a High Country 2500 with the Duramax and the ride didn't bother me. I have an 84 with Kevlar tires and a 3" lift. It is rough. I haven't had a chance to drive the 1500 yet. There seems to have been some 6.2 1500s delivered recently. I'm going to go try to drive one soon.

I have and it isn't too bad, in my opinion. I was actually expecting it to ride rougher. I have no doubt that the 6.2 or the 5.3 will destroy the Tahoe. It just makes me nervous to be close to the limits even if it isn't that many times a year.

I think if the ride doesn't bother you then I would go for a diesel. I love and bought my truck for the reason of having a family ride (escalade of trucks) and love how smooth it is. Then the little bit of concern you expressed for the weight with the 1500 seals the deal, get the 2500. Better to have extra then not enough truck. I don't know all the specs but I assume even the max tow isn't "tow equipped" like the 2500

Spurshot · October 7, 2015

You get a lot of stuff on a HD that you'd have to spend some coin to match on a 1/2 ton.

The brakes on a HD are massive calipers and pads compared to a 1/2 ton. You can change the brakes on the 1/2 ton to Wilwoods or Brembos. They'll set you back at least $2k an axle for the Wilwoods, 2 1/2 times that much for the Brembo.

Load range E tires are standard on the HD. Probably $800 for similar tires as an aftermarket to the 1/2 ton.

Air bags are going to run $300-400 for the 1/2 ton. Not needed on the HD.

KMK454 · October 7, 2015

What's payload capacity on a 1500 6.2 max towing? I would think that while it may be able to tow close to what a 6.0 2500 could (I think 10800 vs 13000 pounds), the 6.2 1500 max tow would probably go over payload much quicker... meaning you can tow at the limit, but you can't bring the family and a bed full of gear.

SMiller · October 7, 2015

What's payload capacity on a 1500 6.2 max towing? I would think that while it may be able to tow close to what a 6.0 2500 could (I think 10800 vs 13000 pounds), the 6.2 1500 max tow would probably go over payload much quicker... meaning you can tow at the limit, but you can't bring the family and a bed full of gear.

Those numbers mean nothing, put 10k behind a 1/2ton and get ready for a wild ride, put 13k behind a HD and enjoy the cruise control...

Not putting down the 1/2ton as it is great for up to around the occasional 6k or less and one hell of a daily driver but don't get wrapped up in numbers.

KMK454 · October 7, 2015

Those numbers mean nothing, put 10k behind a 1/2ton and get ready for a wild ride, put 13k behind a HD and enjoy the cruise control...

Not putting down the 1/2ton as it is great for up to around the occasional 6k or less and one hell of a daily driver but don't get wrapped up in numbers.

I'm with you and I went with a 2500 6.0 myself, but what I'm getting at is even though the 2500 and the 1500 are rated to tow a 10000 pound trailer, the 1500 plus your family and a bed full of cargo will likely exceed GCVWR due to a lower payload limitations of the 1500.

hurricanoday · October 7, 2015

.

Not putting down the 1/2ton as it is great for up to around the occasional 6k or less and one hell of a daily driver but don't get wrapped up in numbers.

For someone to suggest not to get wrapped up in numbers I think your "occasional 6k or less" seems like you are putting it down the 1500s. This isn't 99 or even 04, these 1500s are as big as the old 2500s and properly equipped they can tow what they are rated for no problem. My 15 Denali dwarfs my 04. I would have no issues towing 9k with my denali, occasinally 6k wouldn't even be a warm up imo. 8speed seemed like it made a hell of difference when I was towing my boat through the mountains.

No questions the 2500 would tow better but that doesn't mean the 1500 isn't capable. I also cringe to even think of the gas mileage in a 2500 6.0

I would actually get an older durmax if I needed a diesel before I considered buying a newer truck.

jamin87ss · October 8, 2015

Ok here mine, I posted early in the thread, heres a pic

Truck is a 14 1500 GMC All Terrain crew 5.3 3.42's

boat is a 94 Formula 303, twin 502's,

Boat is 7200

Trailer is 2000 give or take 200

136 Gallons of fuel, 7 pds per gallon?? lets call it 900 its hardley ever full LMAO,

7200

2000

900

10100

+ Gear and beer,

10500 give or take,

I trailer frequently, mostly within 5 miles, 2/5 times a week, 1/3 trips a year round trip roughly 250 highway miles,

This truck does the trick just fine, it pulls it, maintains it, and stops it, (surge trailer brakes that dont work great new hardware coming next year) I can only imagine how much better it will be,

IMO I drive 15k a year, the difference between a 1/2 and a 3/4 6.0 would kill me, cant afford a diesel, and wouldn't want one, my truck really does the job, .........

***Disclaimer If I lived beyond city limits, lets say 20/30 miles one way to the lake every weekend, then maybe a 3/4 ton would have been warranted but honestly I'm still not sure, would love to strap my boat to a max tow to see how big of a difference it is...