1/2 ton or 3/4 ton

[07 Silverado]

I'm looking to get a new 07 Silverado pickup.... here is what I'll be doing with my truck....

 

1. I tow a work trailer around 2500 lbs all day long 5 days a week mostly in stop and go traffic (about 40-50miles a day)....

 

2. I tow a boat what is around 5000 +/- lbs single axle about 4 days a week (about 4 miles one way to the lake) and about once or twice a month about 450 miles around trip on the highway.... 70+ mph.

 

I'm using a BMW Suv right now but I need a pick up for my work... so wife is taking the Suv and I'm getting a new truck...

 

I read that 1500 MODELS weight-carrying hitch limit: 5,000-lb. trailer with 600-lb. tongue weight. 2500 HD weight-carrying hitch limit: 7,500-lb. trailer with 1000-lb. tongue weight.

 

so I'm I pushing the limit of a 1500 with the boat?

 

and as far as engine go?

 

1500

5.3 w/ 3.73

5.3 w/ 4.10

6.0 w/ 3.73

6.0 w/ 4.10

 

2500 6.0 or duramax

 

this will be a 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 LTZ or 2500 ext cab or crew cab 4x4 LTZ

[trevorwj]

If that is all the towing you are ever going to do then save yourself some money and gas and go 1500.

 

If you might tow bigger or farther in the future then save the hassle and get a 2500 now.

 

I made the mistake of starting with a 1500 that was close to max and after 2 years of frustration ended up upgrading.

 

That's my $0.02.

 

Trevor

2004 2500HD, CC, 6.0l, 4.10

[GeoHawk]

I'm getting a 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 LTZ with the NHT Max Towing Package (6.0L w/ 4.10 gears and a couple extra things.) With a weight distributing (WD) hitch, the NHT package can pull 10,500 lbs, so you can easily pull your boat. I priced out a similarly equipped 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 LTZ (6.0L) and it was only about $150 more. The 2500HD CC 4x4 will give you up to 12,300 lbs. towing with the WD hitch or 7,500 lbs with a regular hitch. The 1500 will probably get a little better mileage as it has Active Fuel Management that the 2500HD doesn't, plus a better ride.

 

WD hitches run around $500 if I remember correctly.

[95Sierra2500]

I bought a 2500 because I tow a trailer in the summer and wanted to be able to haul basically anything I need, anytime I want. I mean sure, a 1-ton can pull and haul more, but if I ever need one I can just borrow my dad's. I also wanted the 350 because it gets better than 10 miles to the gallon (right around 15-16 with 4.10s). I would have preferred a manual, but the 4L80 is a pretty stout trans, so I'm not complaining. I looked at half-ton trucks, but used 1500s were rediculously expensive, where I picked up my 2500 for $3000 with similar miles to the 1500s I was looking at, and I now have a GVW of 9200 lbs.

[MrFusion]

Well if you're planning to put lots of miles on it. I'd say diesel, especially for that boat. I've owned a 1500 chevy and really wish I'd bought a 2500HD. I'm now looking at the 2500HD, but they don't have them out yet in my area in 4x4 Crew Cab Diesel. When they do, I'm going to give a good hard look at it to buy it. Diesels are better designed for towing and while you may tow less, you'll be stuck if you tow more and may wind up needed to re-invest in a bigger truck as I have. Always over buy, to a point. If you under buy, you wind up in a hole. $0.02.

[22zxla]

so your working 5 days aweek and boating 4 days a week! wow your a busy man! go with the 2500 i feel a difference when i pull my boat with my dads 1500 vs my 2500. not sure if the brakes are the same but its a thought.

[HDdave]

I'd look at those new HD's with the 6.0, 3.73's, and the new 6 speed.. Personally I like how HD's drive and look better than 1/2 tons, but thats just me..

[gwrace]

I'd look at those new HD's with the 6.0, 3.73's, and the new 6 speed.. Personally I like how HD's drive and look better than 1/2 tons, but thats just me..

 

Not me. I'd go with the 4.10 gears for the added tow capability. Bumps you to 12400 on the EC SB.