3500 with 8.1 and Allison ...worth getting?

fogbelly · March 9, 2006

I'm thinking about getting the optional 8.1 and Allison with a 3.73 axle for hauling my camper. Is it worth getting the big block?

What might I expect for fuel mileage vs the 6.0? I've heard it would be about the same.

Gary8.1 · March 9, 2006

How Big of a camper will you be pulling and how much does it weigh?

fogbelly · March 10, 2006

How Big of a camper will you be pulling and how much does it weigh?

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2500-2800lbs camper (dry)

3500in nc · March 10, 2006

it would be worth every cent in my book

but i would get the 4.10s if your gonna use it to tow in town or short distances just as it will get the trailer going with less work from light to light

Shaners · March 10, 2006

I'm assuming this is a truck camper?

If so, The 3500 with the 8.1L will make for very easy "hauling" and will give you plenty of power to tow a trailer with some firewood/ATV etc...

If you're looking for a daily driver too, the 8.1L will cost you a few MPG's (1-3 depending on conditions)

Dennis55 · March 10, 2006

I love my 2001 3500 dually 8.1/Allison with a passion. I currently tow a travel trailer that maxes out at 9500# and that 8.1/Allison combo doesn't even know it's there. It is a towing beast! I usually get 8.5 - 9.0 mpg with that rig. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will do with the new fifth wheel I've bought to replace the travel trailer. If your choice is between the 6.0L and the 8.1L, stick with the 8.1L. If you decide at some future date to go with a larger tow, you'll never regret having the 8.1L. Your gas mileage will not be too terribly different, and you'll never regret having "too much truck" if you upgrade to a larger tow later.

Good luck!

ABQFirefighter · March 10, 2006

Go with the 8.1, you won't regret it.

Trouttrooper · March 10, 2006

8.1 will get better mileage towing than a 6.0, plus you get tons more power. I had a 6.0 before my current beast. I will never go back. Not to say there's anything really wrong with the 6.0 but if you have the choice.....

Rat motor beats Mouse motor

linda · March 10, 2006

i vote 8.1....best thing to do is drive both trucks and see for yourself.

Shooter_va · March 10, 2006

Absolutely worth it. The 8.1/Ally is a great toeing combination. I have the 3.73 and get about 8.5 - 9gal towing my 5er which is about 10k lbs.

GMCWAYNE · March 10, 2006

Love my 8.1 !

Get the BIG BLOCK !

mityike · March 10, 2006

Anyone with the 8.1 3.73's running 285's. I need to replace stock tires, hardly ever tow, and am aiming for the 285's. Im thinking after upgrading, do the tune for larger tires, and should bring my mpg back to stock. 265's look ok, but im thinking the 285's will fill out the truck.

linda · March 10, 2006

Anyone with the 8.1 3.73's running 285's. I need to replace stock tires, hardly ever tow, and am aiming for the 285's. Im thinking after upgrading, do the tune for larger tires, and should bring my mpg back to stock. 265's look ok, but im thinking the 285's will fill out the truck.

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Mine are 265's if you wanna take a look. I was going to get the 285's but i was afraid of losing to much gear.

http://www.pasadenatownhall.com/whippled.html

Daubs · March 18, 2006

Another vote for the Big Block!

I did lots of reading here and elsewhere before ordering my 2500HD Crew back in 04. Opted for the Big Block when buddy said his 6.0 CC was getting 11.5 city or highway. He was kicking himself for not getting the 8.1.

And throw in fact that you can get Allison ONLY with Big Block or Duramax, well...SOLD.

I added Volant and Westers and changed out to 285 REVO's. I'm getting 10.5 around town (average ~25 MPH for the tank...love the DIC) and 12-13 highway. Best I've done none wind aided was 14.9 highway. Did get 17.x one time with a 30 MPH wind at my back! And I was full of decoys and hunting gear on that trip. Aerodymanics are important!!!

This truck is my daily driver and I don't haul much at all. Can't comment on that part of the picture. But I love the 8.1/Allison combo. Gets my vote!!!