Thinking of going from 2014 1500 5.3 to 2016 2500 6.0

shreff86 · November 3, 2016

I been looking for a while now wanting to go from my double to a crew cab and while I tow some on a regular basis with the truck I don't drive it every day. Normally my towing is lighter duty with occasional heavier stuff a few times a year within the range of a 1500 capabilities. I just have thought it might make more sense to have the heavier truck with larger brakes to make it easier on the truck itself maybe I wouldn't think so after driving it a while because I know it will cost me more in gas towing or not towing. So has anyone made the switch regret it or glad you did I'm extremely nervous on another 1500 with all the shake or vibration issues that still are present in them the way it seems

newdude · November 3, 2016

I had a 2012 1/2 ton before my 15 HD. I had two HD trucks prior to the 1500. No regrets for me going back to an HD. I took a 2 mpg average hit, but love the truck much, much more.

brad519 · November 3, 2016

I went from a 08 1500 but it had 7 1/2" lift and 35's to a 15 2500. I turned the torsion bars and added cognito uca's. I wouldn't trade back to a 1500 for anything but it's not a daily driver either but I love the 3/4 ton and have zero regrets.

Nathan79 · November 4, 2016

Not a complete comparison but I went from a 2012 1500 5.3 w 3.42 rear end. Moved up to 2015 2500 w 6.0 and 4.10 rear end. It was a significant upgrade in towing and power. Night and day. Driving is fine. Feels bigger and the tow mirrors reduce visibility.

crankman · November 4, 2016

Same here much better towing platform in many ways. No regret at all, my truck is smooth period. Its a beast I feel more in control of my towing loads.

SouthpawHD · November 4, 2016

Went from a 2015 Sierra 1500 to my HD and I love it. But if didn't tow a 34' trailer during camping season, not sure it would be worth it. Personally I think the 1500 tows very well (when within limits), they ride nicer when unloaded, and fuel mileage is certainly a bit better, plus it can be had in the 6.2L!!

But the HD sits higher and the longer bed (standard bed) holds a lot more stuff! So in the end, it's up to you and what you are really trying to accomplish.

switta · November 4, 2016

i went from a 2015 double cab LT to a 2500 HD double cab 6.0 WT and will never go back to a 1500 ! plus with the 6.0 you dont have the carbon building DI injection and no AFM . a good solid engine that will outlast any of the new 5.3 .

ShotgunZ71 · November 4, 2016

Went from a 2015 Sierra 1500 to my HD and I love it. But if didn't tow a 34' trailer during camping season, not sure it would be worth it. Personally I think the 1500 tows very well (when within limits), they ride nicer when unloaded, and fuel mileage is certainly a bit better, plus it can be had in the 6.2L!!

But the HD sits higher and the longer bed (standard bed) holds a lot more stuff! So in the end, it's up to you and what you are really trying to accomplish.

The camper is what did it for me, as well. We've got a 36' TTwhich grosses at around 9600 lbs. The weight is fine for the occasional tow with the 1500, but I wanted the stability for the size, so I went with the 2500. I did opt for the Duramax, though, which really came in handy in the mountains last week with the trailer.

dmax_highcountry · November 4, 2016

I made the move from a 2014 1500 CC Z71 to a 2016 CC Duramax. I tow 8,000 pounds several times per year and the difference is night and day. Sure, the diesel helps a lot but having a stiffer suspension and heavier brakes makes a world of difference! Absolutely zero regrets moving into a 2500.

pfmg · November 4, 2016

I went from a 2014 GMC CC z71 to a 2016 CC Z71 6.0 Love it, other than than all the problems i had with the 2014, i did it because i tow 6000lb trailer 10-15 times a year, the 2014 did it, but the 2016 does it better all around. No regrets.

mmjsport · November 4, 2016

I went from a 14 Sierra 1500 5.3l to a 15 Denali 2500 HD with the Duramax. I was thinking of the 6.0 but too many people I know regretted not getting the turbo diesel. The 14 1500 had wayyy to many issues. The difference between my Duramax and 1500 are night and day. With the blistein 5100 shocks, this thing rides 10x better than my 1500 ever did! And power isn't even in the same league. I never though I would get into a heavy duty truck but now I see why people say they will never go back. This thing is amazing.

Debra in Cali · November 4, 2016

I went from a 15 1500 5.3 LT to a 16 Duramax. My 1500 was a DC and my 2500 is a CC. The DC has a much smaller turning radius. There are places where U turns no longer happen. So there has to be a plan in place on how to maneuver the situation. The gas milage has gone down about 2-3 mpg. The Duramax has a rougher ride and it a LOT taller.

The reason for the switch from the 1500 to the 2500 is towing. We are picking up our 5th wheel trailer in 13 days. I love the exhaust brake when towing. It is a definite must for towing heavy trailers. It will definitely save your brakes on steep grades.

Cowpie · November 5, 2016

I was pretty much HD till I got a 2013 1500. Didn't take me long to invent new swear words. Dumped it for my 2015 2500 6.0 and am much happier individual. I don't tow much, and then it is not on the very heavy side. But I do haul a lot, and the 2500 deals with a lot of weight a lot better. A little over a ton in the back of a 1500 is not pretty. But my 2500 handles it like there is nothing back there.

Only one thing that I do to make the ride a little better. Lower the tire pressures when empty. I typically run around 50-55 psi all the way around even though the OEM recommendation is 60 front 70 rear. I only air up if I will be hauling heavy. The ride is much better, tire wear is a little better, and I am convinced that mpg was helped a little bit. I attribute that to less wheel hop on bumpy roads and the anti slip electronics having to compensate. The OEM recommendation is for max gross anyway.

I must have a good one, I only have taken a 1-2 mpg overall average hit compared to the previous 1500 5.3.

magnum74 · November 6, 2016

I just went from a 2015 Denali 1500 6.2 to a 2016 Denali 2500 6.0. I had two 6.0 crew cab 4x4's in the previous body style; one a 3.73 and the other with a 4.10. I really liked the 6.0/6-speed combo but the 4.10 was much better. Obviously, 4.10 is standard now. The new 6.0 is WAY more refined including the drive line. The transmission is miles ahead of a 1500 as far as keeping the truck in a usable power range with minimal throttle input. Best thing is to drive a 6.0 around for a half a day in various conditions to really get a feel for it. The salesman drive around the block won't do it justice.

One thing I can definitely vouch for is the little 6.0 will handle a 6.4 Ram any day. The 6.4 itself is a beast but the gearing on the Dodge is horrendous and handicaps the truck. The weight of this truck makes it even more impressive to me in the way it drives compared to my old 6.4. GM has really nailed it with this drive line although a power bump would be nice soon. The only advantage the 6.4 had was mileage which was much better than I though.

I love diesel power but I idle the truck extensively in both hot and cold weather so a 6.0 is the safe bet. Outside of extreme towing a 6.0 will work great for the average guy. I was hooked on diesel power in the past and still love it but the 6.0 package is very practical and capable. Most importantly, at least in my situation, is that it's way easier to deal with day to day.

bearcat77 · November 6, 2016

Just switched from 15 Suburban to 16 Sierra 6.0. I'm happy so far. Getting about 13mpg in mixed driving and the ride is rougher, but I was expecting that. I like the big, solid feel of the truck. I love the tow mirrors. Just had 1200 lbs of cement plus lumber in the bed. Barely dropped the rear end at all, and rode like a Cadillac. Looking forward to next year's camping season.