6.0L Will it be enough

rocksolid · November 20, 2003

Im thinking of getting a new HD to replace my, 01 5.3L 1/2 ton.

I was wondering if the 6.0L would do the job of hauling a 2000# camper and towing a 3500# ski boat. Or should I just bite the bullet and get the Duramax?

I would be towing about 10 times a year, the rest of the time I would be using the truck for work.

MCourson · November 20, 2003

The 6.0l would be plenty.

LARSONEM · November 20, 2003

If you find the 5.3L to be acceptable, then the 6.0L with the standard 4.10 axle and the 4L80 transmission should do a great job.

gmcjoe · November 20, 2003

The 6.0l would be plenty.

Yep - no problem

k1500chevy97 · November 20, 2003

If that kind of weight is no sweat for my 4.3 it will be nothing but smooth sailing for the 6.0

JimWilson · November 20, 2003

I agree with the rest of 'em: the 6.0 with the 4.10 should do just fine with that load.

rocksolid · November 20, 2003

The reason I am asking is My 1/2 ton won't handle a 2000# slide-in.

What are you guy's getting for milage on your 6.0L? I'm just thinking the difference in gas milage between the 6.0L and duramax might warrant the price difference. The price of fuel here where I live, is about 10 cents more for diesel.

BlackSilver · November 20, 2003

At 5500# (and add another 1000# for "passengers and stuff") the 6.0L will do great. That's light duty for an HD, and I'd go with the 3.73 rear. Since this is primarily your daily driver, the 4.10 would be a mistake.

Chevyfreek · November 20, 2003

My 2500HD with the 6.0L averages around 12-14 mpg. I tow a 5500lb camping trailer and carry a load of fire wood and other cargo without a problem. The gas mileage when towing is probably closer to 10mpg. My truck is rated to tow 10,300lbs worth of a trailer and I am sure it would. The fuel economy would probably drop some more, but it would do it. I think the 6.0L is a good all around motor for the money you save over the Diesel or 8.1L. Although I would love to have bought a diesel if I had the funds at the time to do so. Good luck with whatever you choose....

Charlie in TX · November 20, 2003

The loads you are pulling don't justify a deisel. If you wan't the oil burner get it. You will only regret spending the extra money once (the day you spend the money). If you want a deisel and get the gasser you will regret it each time you drive it. I have heard a few people say the deisel adds about $50 per month.

I have a 2500HD 6.0l 4.10. I have pulled in the neighborhood of 7000# with absolutly no problem. I spend about $200 per month in fuel. Going from my current 14mpg to 17mpg (20% better) would cut my fuel cost by $40 per month. So the actual out of pocket per month is near $10.

Having said that, I am pleased with the power and performance of my 6.0.

Shaners · November 20, 2003

The 6.0L in an HD platform would be a great choice. My travel trailer weighs in around 8500 lbs, I don't pull it at warp speed, but 60-70 MPH seems to suit the combo just fine!!!

cdhd2001 · November 21, 2003

If you can afford it, buy the diesel. You will not regret it. I am a former 6.0L owner. The truck performed adequately stock, and better with the supercharger, but just couldn't tow as well as I would have liked it to. The Dmax is not the end all of answers, it still has to work when towing, but it is easier to drive the Dmax while towing. Also, for $300-$1000 you can a tuner/box, and increase the driveability of the diesel. You would need a $3,000-$6,000 supercharger on a gas engine to do the same as the tuner/box with the Dmax.

Cpl Punishment · November 21, 2003

The 6.0 would be fine for those loads. Not sure the diesel would be worth it for what you're doing. I tested my mileage last week, I have a reg cab, long bed 2500HD with the 6.0 and 4.10 gears, and I got 14.5 mpg mixed.

422 SS · November 21, 2003

I tow a 15,000 lb trailer with my 6.0 quite frequently.I would'nt want to do it in the mountains but it works good in the flatland where I live.A 6.0 will do the job that you have described easily.If you consider upgrading skip the 8.1 and go for the Dmax.I really don't think you need the optional powerplant though.The 6.0 is pretty stout for 364 cubic inches.With a 4.10 and 4l80 it will do a good job.

Larr · November 21, 2003

I have a 2002 6.0 with 4.10's I get around 12 miles to gallon.I onlyhaul small stuff and my atv.Most of my driving is in the montains.If I was hauling and towing what you are planning I would get the duramax or the 8.1.I don't think I would be happy with the 6.0 over the years.