2017: 1500 or 2500

Peter Daufenbach · October 23, 2019

Hi: I new to this group and would like some advise. I have a 2013 Sierra 1500 with the tow package. I have recently purchased a 5th wheel which is within the truck's tow capacity but the pin weight is above the payload capacity. I am looking at purchasing a new "used" truck. I am looking at 3 - 2017 trucks: a 1500 with the max tow package and a 5.3L, a 1500 with the max tow package and a 6.2L and a 2500 with the 6.6L diesel.

I have been pulling the 5th wheel with a 5.3L without any issues but we are planning a 2 month trip to the west coast next year and I am concerned about the mountains. For pulling the 5th wheel, the 2500 with the diesel would be the best but it is $20,000 more than the 1500 with the 5.3L.

Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Snowcamo · October 23, 2019

Diesel unless you plan to swap all the afm stuff up front. I suspect gm did not put the 6.2 in the 2500s for a good reason. Lifters are a common failure. Also if you go gas. 3-5k oil changes.

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garagerog · October 23, 2019

I'd suggest you take a gander at google earth on your intended route over the Rockies, and Cascades or Sierras, whichever the case may be. You can see the elevation changes there and make a more informed decision. But wow, a used Duramax is $20K over a used gasser? And I thought the Duramax option was only about $10K more on a new truck. I guess the guys that say the Duramax's hold their value better are right. The newer diesels are not without problems of their own, so take into consideration mileage and remaining warranty. Have you tried to find a used 2500/3500 with the 6.0 gas engine,? That might be a viable option too.

Peter Daufenbach · October 24, 2019

Thanks for your comments. The trip will be going through the Rockies so based on your thoughts and some other discussions the 2500 with the diesel would probably be better than the 1500 with the Max tow package and the 6.2L. As of this morning, the prices have come closer but the the 2500 is still more than $10,000 higher which hurts. Do you need premium gas with the 6.2 all the time?

HeySkippyDog · October 25, 2019

Mountain driving, 5th wheel, and 1500 do not mix.

If you lived and drove somewhere relatively flat, a modern day 1500 could handle a modest 5th wheel trailer.

You need the 2500 diesel if you're talking mountain roads unless you're planning to refuel a LOT.

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Nitrousbird · October 26, 2019

On 10/24/2019 at 3:50 PM, Peter Daufenbach said:

Thanks for your comments. The trip will be going through the Rockies so based on your thoughts and some other discussions the 2500 with the diesel would probably be better than the 1500 with the Max tow package and the 6.2L. As of this morning, the prices have come closer but the the 2500 is still more than $10,000 higher which hurts. Do you need premium gas with the 6.2 all the time?

Yes, you need premium in the 6.2L. If you were fine with your 5.3L/6-speed transmission towing that 5th wheel, a max-tow 6.2L with the 8-speed will be a big step up for you. That said, a 10k price difference on the diesel will be made back in resale if you sold say 5 years later, so you won't lose out on the deal.

I went the 6.2L route because I didn't need a diesel for my towing (5000lb boat), reduced ride quality and it would have been a good 20k+ price difference, which I wouldn't have been able to make up in resale. At that price difference, I'd be rocking a Raptor.