Do I really need an 8.1L?

[primusxample]

I currently have a 2000 Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 4wd 5.3/AT 222k

I've been considering "upgrading" to a 2002 GMC 2500HD CC 4WD 8.1L /Allison, 148k miles.

 

It looks to be in good shape. Guy wants $7,000.

 

Here's why I "think" I need it lol. I'm in the military and will be making 2-3 trips home (1750mi) hauling my old Impala on a trailer and another time I'll be moving.

 

Is this a good idea? I thought if anything its a good deal? Thanks.

 

 

[Raptordude]

If the truck is good and you want it, go for it. A 5.3 will be a little unhappy pulling a car trailer. It can be done but not the best for the 4l60e.

 

Just keep in mind if you get the 8.1 your fuel cost will go up significantly for just daily driving. But for towing it will probably be about the same as the 5.3 because youre gonna have to run the piss out of the 5.3 to pull that car trailer

 

 

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[dewfpo]

If the truck is your daily driver, don't do it. The 8.1L will pass anything except a gas station. From what you describe, at least to me, you don't "need" one. You'll make it where your going pulling what your pulling with what you have. It won't be fun, but, your only doing it a couple of times so just suck it up and save the dough.

 

DEWFPO

[jusbecuz]

I have an 04 8.1 4x4 as my daily driver. I pull a fifth wheel and boat occasionally. They're great trucks and other than preventative maintenance engine wise, I've only had a water pump fail around 90k. As far as fuel goes, I average around 11mpg around town and 12's on the highway. I average around 350 miles per tank in town; I have the 4:10 rear end and 265/75/16 tires. Towing I get around 8mpg, mostly hills and mountains, I've never pulled anything on flat terrain, so no idea there. Maybe this will help you decide?

[davester]

If that's (the trips hauling the car and your stuff) all the significant hauling/towing you are doing, I would suggest either just using your existing truck or renting a truck (or cargo van) for going back and forth.

 

The primary reason is that afterwards, for just driving around not hauling much, the 8.1 will be an absolute pig on gas vs the 5.3 you have now.

[grampadirt]

I say go for it,if it's in good shape.Fuel mileage is irrelevant to me,I gladly pay the going price for fuel because I knew my Burb was a gas hog going in.I bought it to do a job,pull my toy hauler loaded with dirt bikes and enough stuff for long weekends in the desert and camping.I wasn't about to torture my wife's nice '99 K1500 Gmc Burb.I knew there would be a time when the 4L60E would give up if I towed occasionally.I'd much rather have too much truck than not enough.

[ctbailey]

I currently have a 2000 Silverado 1500 Extended Cab 4wd 5.3/AT 222k

I've been considering "upgrading" to a 2002 GMC 2500HD CC 4WD 8.1L /Allison, 148k miles.

 

It looks to be in good shape. Guy wants $7,000.

 

Here's why I "think" I need it lol. I'm in the military and will be making 2-3 trips home (1750mi) hauling my old Impala on a trailer and another time I'll be moving.

 

Is this a good idea? I thought if anything its a good deal? Thanks.

 

 

No, you don't "need" that truck. Your half ton is probably rated to pull 7500 from the factory. Put some electric brakes on the flat trailer, and then you'll actually be "happy" pulling. Keep it under 60mph and you'll be surprised how well the 1/2 ton pulls that light a load.

 

The trailer and car combined are in the 5200 range, which will leave plenty of payload for the bed of the truck.

 

There's relatively low air resistance from a car on a flat trailer. That's in contrast to a travel trailer or fifth wheel, which are like hauling a barn through the wind.

 

Do not buy a beaten 8.1 l 3/4 ton. You'll regret it.

 

 

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