1500 Vs. 2500hd

Low4Life · June 21, 2007

I'm looking into getting the new Sierra and would like some help deciding on which one I should get. The reasons for getting a Sierra is I need more cab space (will get the CrewCab) because my son is almost 2 and it's hard to get him in my Colorado (he's tall) and he's always kicking the back of my seat. Also I will be towing my project truck to and from shows all over but all that often. I'm thinking the 5.3 would be sufficient, but I'd like your guys opinions. Thanks

my07silvy · June 21, 2007

I'm having the same problem....I tow a car maybe 5 times a year...I have a 5.3 in my tahoe, and it gets the job done....but how well do you want it to get the job done? I dont want the 2500 cause the ride is too harsh for 95% of the time when I'm not towing....so I'm looking to buy a 1500 with the 6.0! Not that the 5.3 wont tow fine but the 6.0 would do it alot better!

Erik F · June 21, 2007

Unless you guys are working with the truck and carrying heavy loads and towing all the time...I think buying an HD is a waste...I think for alot of guys the HD is a status thing more than a need thing. The HD will get around 11mpg around town and maybe 15 if you're lucky on the hwy with the 6.0 gasser. I feel the 5.3 is the best of both worlds...power and mpg (at least for a truck)...but for some people it's not enough power...but you'll pay at the pump. The HD is a great truck...just exspensive to run.

ChrisNJ · June 21, 2007

I concur with all above and have owned both, and tow part time, although my trailers go 7K and 9K. Came back to a 1500 for the 350 days a year I'm not towing, and just deal with the lesser towing ability for 2 weeks a year. Plus I have a 8.1-Burb to do the 9K trailer duties. The 5.3 should tow 5-6K OK, if your towing heavier go with the 6.0 option in the 1500.

cmoore74 · June 21, 2007

I think it really also depends on the weight of the trailer you're towing and you didn't state that.

If not much over 7-8k pounds total and you stated you don't tow too often, the 1500 with the vortec max package (6.0L and 4.10 gears) should serve you well. The NBS trucks have the active fuel management and I've been reading some very impressive highway mileage reports on this site (not while towing of course).

If your trailer is a lot more than that and you tow often, IMO that's diesel territory.

Low4Life · June 21, 2007

Thanks guys. I didn't state the trailer weight, because I don't have one yet, can't tow a truck with my Colorado lol. i'm thinking just a standard open car trailer is what I will get, not sure how much those weigh. The truck I will be towing is a '91 Toyota pickup 2wd, so probably not a whole lot of weight there. I won't be towing a lot, I'ma say probably about 90% (atleast) of the time I will not be towing.

cmoore74 · June 21, 2007

I'm guessing that's about 6,000 lbs (about 2000 lbs for the trailer and about 4000 lbs. for the truck) plus gear and occupants.

A 1500 with the Vortech Max package would work just fine. No need to go 3/4 ton IMO and certainly no need for a diesel.

Low4Life · June 21, 2007

Ok thanks. So would the 5.3 not be enough power? i want to get the best gas mileage too when not towing

thecraft · June 21, 2007

Ok thanks. So would the 5.3 not be enough power? i want to get the best gas mileage too when not towing

The 5.3 shouldn't have any problems towing that... and will still get good gas mileage when unloaded.

cmoore74 · June 21, 2007

You would be pushing the limit with the base 1500 crew cab when you factor in gear and passengers along with the trailer weight. It's also not just the engine which would limit you it's also the transmission, differentials, and suspension.

The Vortech Max package gives you the heavy duty transmission (4L70E), heavy duty larger differentials, a more capable suspension, and a few other upgrades (engine oil cooler and I think a larger tranny cooler).

I've got the 5.3L crew cab and I believe the engine would have enough power, but the rest of the truck would be iffy IMO with a 6000 lb trailer plus gear and occupants.

If you are not going long distances and not too many hills when towing you might be able to get away with a 1500 with the 5.3L, but personally I like to have a little bit of margin when towing.

I would search on some of the posts for NBS gas mileage. I think the trucks with the Vortech Max package are getting very impressive gas mileage due to the active fuel management and the variable valve timing (the 5.3L does have the active fuel management, but not the variable valve timing). I'm not sure you would see all that much of a MPG difference between the two.

fujifilmnut · June 21, 2007

Noted you are from VA. My 6.0 Escalade had trouble keeping up with the semi trucks on I-77 in the really hilly stretch on the VA/WVA line. You may find the 5.3 not enough if you plan to drive those hills. VMAX and a 411 should do the trick.

Low4Life · June 21, 2007

Thanks guys for all your input. I never really considered the 6.0, but after doing some research and reading your comments I'm really starting to lean towards that engine. Thanks again and keep the inputs coming.

VMax2007 · June 21, 2007

You would be pushing the limit with the base 1500 crew cab when you factor in gear and passengers along with the trailer weight. It's also not just the engine which would limit you it's also the transmission, differentials, and suspension.

The Vortech Max package gives you the heavy duty transmission (4L70E), heavy duty larger differentials, a more capable suspension, and a few other upgrades (engine oil cooler and I think a larger tranny cooler).

I've got the 5.3L crew cab and I believe the engine would have enough power, but the rest of the truck would be iffy IMO with a 6000 lb trailer plus gear and occupants.

If you are not going long distances and not too many hills when towing you might be able to get away with a 1500 with the 5.3L, but personally I like to have a little bit of margin when towing.

I would search on some of the posts for NBS gas mileage. I think the trucks with the Vortech Max package are getting very impressive gas mileage due to the active fuel management and the variable valve timing (the 5.3L does have the active fuel management, but not the variable valve timing). I'm not sure you would see all that much of a MPG difference between the two.

I agree 110%!!!

Low4Life · June 21, 2007

You would be pushing the limit with the base 1500 crew cab when you factor in gear and passengers along with the trailer weight. It's also not just the engine which would limit you it's also the transmission, differentials, and suspension.

The Vortech Max package gives you the heavy duty transmission (4L70E), heavy duty larger differentials, a more capable suspension, and a few other upgrades (engine oil cooler and I think a larger tranny cooler).

I've got the 5.3L crew cab and I believe the engine would have enough power, but the rest of the truck would be iffy IMO with a 6000 lb trailer plus gear and occupants.

If you are not going long distances and not too many hills when towing you might be able to get away with a 1500 with the 5.3L, but personally I like to have a little bit of margin when towing.

I would search on some of the posts for NBS gas mileage. I think the trucks with the Vortech Max package are getting very impressive gas mileage due to the active fuel management and the variable valve timing (the 5.3L does have the active fuel management, but not the variable valve timing). I'm not sure you would see all that much of a MPG difference between the two.

I agree 110%!!!

What's your average MPG? btw beautiful truck