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2500HD vs 1500 Max Towing

Big Al

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Big Al Enthusiast

Big Al

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I'm trying to figure out the best vehicle for towing 5000-10,000lbs trailers. A 1/2 ton can be configured to tow 10,000lbs, but with a 4.10 rear end and with the older 4-speed auto trani. The 2500HD will supposedly tow 9800lbs with a 3.73 rear end and the new 6-speed trani. (12,300 lbs with the 4.10). Even though the 2500HD is heavier, I'm betting that it will get better realistic gas mileage than the 1/2 ton due to the rear end and new trani. Or is it a mistake to go the 3.73 rear end instead of the 4.10? The Edmunds review of the 1/2 ton with the 4.10 showed average gas mileage of only 13.5mpg. Obviously it needs the new 6-speed trani., but the rear end makes a difference also, doesn't it?

gwrace Enthusiast

gwrace

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We started out to purchase a 1/2 ton. But after checking stats, specs and pricing have decided that a 3/4 ton is more bang for the buck. With the Gas engine and 4.10 rear end on the extended cab 2500HD towing is rated at 12,400. We priced out a nice SLE2 configuration that invoices right at 35K with almost every option accept leather.

 

I just wish the truck had a larger fuel tank. I'm spoiled with the Excursion and it's 44 gallon tank. On the highway 850 miles between fill ups...:)

Roofer Senior Enthusiast

Roofer

Posted
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Towing anything bigger than a few snowmobiles, get a 2500HD. 1/2 tons are not built to tow equipment.

Shawn T Enthusiast

Shawn T

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If you are getting into the 10,000 lb range, I would opt for the 2500HD. We all can assume that this fall, GM suv's and half tons will be equipped with the 6L90E, or some variation of it on the 5.3L and 4.8L motors, if you really want the 6 speed in a half ton. Hopfully, the Vortec Max package will resemble the Yukon Denali setup with the 6.2L and a 6 speed tranny. I am curious to see if GM adds the 6.2L to the HD's also, or even better, another big block. Right now your HP and TQ #'s are almost a wash (367HP and 375TQ in the half ton and 353HP and 373TQ in the 2500HD). With the gearing of the 6-speed auto you could even go for the 4.10's in the 2500HD. You have two overdrives, so you will get comperable fuel mileage and more low RPM launch with the lower first gear. I had a 99 silv 1/2 ton and towed 9,000 lbs through windy, hilly roads. It just felt like too much weight to be comfortable with. I have not driven or ridden in a GMT900 with the new 6.0L, but I have heard that is alot peppier than the 6.0L in the GMT 800's.

Big Al Enthusiast

Big Al

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If you are getting into the 10,000 lb range, I would opt for the 2500HD. We all can assume that this fall, GM suv's and half tons will be equipped with the 6L90E, or some variation of it on the 5.3L and 4.8L motors, if you really want the 6 speed in a half ton. Hopfully, the Vortec Max package will resemble the Yukon Denali setup with the 6.2L and a 6 speed tranny. I am curious to see if GM adds the 6.2L to the HD's also, or even better, another big block. Right now your HP and TQ #'s are almost a wash (367HP and 375TQ in the half ton and 353HP and 373TQ in the 2500HD). With the gearing of the 6-speed auto you could even go for the 4.10's in the 2500HD. You have two overdrives, so you will get comperable fuel mileage and more low RPM launch with the lower first gear. I had a 99 silv 1/2 ton and towed 9,000 lbs through windy, hilly roads. It just felt like too much weight to be comfortable with. I have not driven or ridden in a GMT900 with the new 6.0L, but I have heard that is alot peppier than the 6.0L in the GMT 800's.

Thanks for the advice. I'd love to see the 6.2L in the 2500HD, but I need a truck this summer. I may go for the Duramax/Allison combo and quit worrying about it. It looks like you did the same. Have you been happy with that move?

wht2500hd... Enthusiast

wht2500hd...

Posted
Posted
Towing anything bigger than a few snowmobiles, get a 2500HD. 1/2 tons are not built to tow equipment.

 

I like big blocks for towing too.

 

The 2007 models (1500hd with 6.0 and 4.1) tow up to 10,500 lbs !!

 

My 2500hd 6.0 is 300hp @ 360 ftlbs (tows 10,200lbs)

 

Some are not accustomed to 3/4 ton p/u with 1/2 ton labels.

Shawn T Enthusiast

Shawn T

Posted
Posted
If you are getting into the 10,000 lb range, I would opt for the 2500HD. We all can assume that this fall, GM suv's and half tons will be equipped with the 6L90E, or some variation of it on the 5.3L and 4.8L motors, if you really want the 6 speed in a half ton. Hopfully, the Vortec Max package will resemble the Yukon Denali setup with the 6.2L and a 6 speed tranny. I am curious to see if GM adds the 6.2L to the HD's also, or even better, another big block. Right now your HP and TQ #'s are almost a wash (367HP and 375TQ in the half ton and 353HP and 373TQ in the 2500HD). With the gearing of the 6-speed auto you could even go for the 4.10's in the 2500HD. You have two overdrives, so you will get comperable fuel mileage and more low RPM launch with the lower first gear. I had a 99 silv 1/2 ton and towed 9,000 lbs through windy, hilly roads. It just felt like too much weight to be comfortable with. I have not driven or ridden in a GMT900 with the new 6.0L, but I have heard that is alot peppier than the 6.0L in the GMT 800's.

Thanks for the advice. I'd love to see the 6.2L in the 2500HD, but I need a truck this summer. I may go for the Duramax/Allison combo and quit worrying about it. It looks like you did the same. Have you been happy with that move?

 

 

 

This is my second Duramax. I love them. There are still some 2500HD Classics on the lot with the LBZ. So far the LBZ is bulletproof. I would bet the LMM is just as good. GOBS of power. Pulls like a freight train and is just fun to drive because the power is just there. If you don't mind forking over the extra cash, I would not even consider the 6.0L. The DMax/Allison is the way to go for me. Don't let the "diesel justify" factor sway you. If you can afford it and you want it, buy it.

GeoHawk Enthusiast

GeoHawk

Posted
Posted

If you are regularly going to tow that load, go with the 2500HD. The 1500 with the Max Towing Pkg is only going to be a couple hundred dollars cheaper than a similar 6.0L 2500HD (the Duramax will run you another $7K, but you'll never have to worry about not having the stones to tow anything again) and you are basically pushing the limits of the 1500 constantly. If its only occasional towing, you may want the better ride the 1500 will give. Fuel mileage for the gas motors will probably be a wash with the 1/2-ton truck being lighter, but the 3/4-ton having the 6-speed.

 

If you go with the 2500HD, I'd get the 3.73 gears as you likely wouldn't benefit from the 4.10s (based on you trailer load) and it would just eat more gas.

silveradoHO Enthusiast

silveradoHO

Posted
Posted

I say go for the 2500. It's just beefier all around and will tow better. There isn't much difference in price either if you go with a gas engine. If you got the extra cash, a duramax would be even better. It's not cheap, but you would never regret it.

s-ten Enthusiast

s-ten

Posted
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Like everyone else said, if you are planning on towing that load very often then go for the 2500HD. It is built stronger and has the 6-speed which may or may not give better mileage, but it will definitely be better for towing. It's not that the 1500 tanny is bad, it's just that having 6 gears for towing is better then 4 because the engine will be able to stay in the powerband more often.

ChrisNJ Enthusiast

ChrisNJ

Posted
Posted
............ I have not driven or ridden in a GMT900 with the new 6.0L, but I have heard that is alot peppier than the 6.0L in the GMT 800's.

 

I owned an 02-6.0-4:10, and just drove a new 6.0Max/4:10, and the max did not feel as powerful. Was ready to buy it that day too., but didn't. I think it was this new torque management software, cause when i stepped on it many times and under various conditions, it did different things from going good, to stumbling, to literally falling flat on it's face. I couldn't believe it, and the salesmans face kinda krinkled too. maybe i had a bad truck? but something tells me this new T.M. stuff is for the dogs, and is really hampering the 6.0Max's performance in the name of fuel savings. Big marketing beats me again! If they can do 16mpg they will sell another 100K units or so, but us guys who want to pay for performance suffer for the masses. I'm sick :cheers:.

  • 4 weeks later...
davzog Enthusiast

davzog

Posted
Posted

I just bougth a 2500 HD and specificall looked for the 4.10...is does make a difference. I traded a Ford V10 and it had a 4.10....would not go any taller than a 4.10 myself, and it does not make too much difference in mpg...

mschuyler Enthusiast

mschuyler

Posted
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Think of it this way. If you buy a 2500HD and change your mind about what you tow, or you suddenly decide a 5th wheel isn't that bad, your 2500 will do it. It will tow 14,800 on the bed (Models vary a litle bit depending on 4wd vs 2wd, etc.) If you buy a 1500 and change your mind, you need a new truck. The purchase of a 2500 means you don't have to worry about changing your mind. You'll be set no matter what you decide to do. It's the same issue with 2WD vs 4WD. Sure, you might not need it, usually, but if suddenly you do, it's there waiting for you. To some extent buying up from your present requirements is buying peace of mind.

2017HD Enthusiast

2017HD

Posted
Posted

I also looked long and hard at the 1/2T MAX tow pkg but did not see the value added. It is just about the same price as my 3/4T. I also noticed that the engine is not the same one as in the 3/4T and the new 6sp tranny sounded too good to pass up. So I ordered a new 2500HD with 4.10 rear end and have been very happy with the results so far. I tow a 5600lb travel trailer and have had no regrets. The low first gear allows me to get the load moving with ease and once I reach hy speed it can maintain 60 in 6th on the flat and usually downshifts no further than 4th on a local 6-7% grade - while maintaing 60 MPH. I debated the 3.73 vs 4.10 rear end as I was on the borderline with my load. I opted for the 4.10 due to the number and size of hills and grades I encounter around here.

dogzapper Enthusiast

dogzapper

Posted
Posted
I also looked long and hard at the 1/2T MAX tow pkg but did not see the value added. It is just about the same price as my 3/4T. I also noticed that the engine is not the same one as in the 3/4T and the new 6sp tranny sounded too good to pass up. So I ordered a new 2500HD with 4.10 rear end and have been very happy with the results so far. I tow a 5600lb travel trailer and have had no regrets. The low first gear allows me to get the load moving with ease and once I reach hy speed it can maintain 60 in 6th on the flat and usually downshifts no further than 4th on a local 6-7% grade - while maintaing 60 MPH. I debated the 3.73 vs 4.10 rear end as I was on the borderline with my load. I opted for the 4.10 due to the number and size of hills and grades I encounter around here.

 

Randy, I'm with you on this one. I look at the $40,000 and $45,000 half-ton rigs on the Chevy lot and wonder why a guy would buy one of these when he could have a 2500HD for the same price, or very little more. For me, at least, the HD is the far better value.

 

Love my DMax, but the way.

 

Steve

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