New Purchase Advice

newguy07 · July 12, 2007

We are in the market for a new truck and think we have decided on a 2007 GMC. Not sure exactly what we need though engine wise. We know we want an extended cab standard 6.5 foot bed. Primary use will just be for commuting (90% of the time) but will be also be used for hauling hay ~40-50 squares bales (once every 2 months) and pulling a 16 foot livestock trailer (unsure or weight but believe its between 3-5000 pounds?) with up to 4 horses (~1200 pounds each). This means at most we would be hauling 10000 pounds and would usually only haul 2 horses though which would be at most 7500 pounds. So we have it narrowed down to the 1500 with 5.3 litre v8 (I dont know that this will be big enough), the 1500 with the max trailering package which includes the 6 L v8 with 4 speed transmission (rated to pull 10300 pounds), or the 2500 with 6 L V8 and 6 speed transmisson (rated for 13000). Which would you recommend? What is the gas milage difference going to be between the 1500 with the 6L 4 speed and the 2500 with the 6L 6 speed? Is the 1500 going to have a strong enough suspension and transmission? We plan to keep this truck for at least 10 years which would probably get us up around 150000. Which one is going to hold up the best?

superbee · July 13, 2007

The most important factor in my book is brakes, safety is the big issue. The 2500HD is far more capable in the brake and suspension department. Power isn't really the issue. The rear differential is floating on a 2500HD, more springs etc. For me it would be an easy decision to go with the bigger truck.

VMax2007 · July 13, 2007

We are in the market for a new truck and think we have decided on a 2007 GMC. Not sure exactly what we need though engine wise. We know we want an extended cab standard 6.5 foot bed. Primary use will just be for commuting (90% of the time) but will be also be used for hauling hay ~40-50 squares bales (once every 2 months) and pulling a 16 foot livestock trailer (unsure or weight but believe its between 3-5000 pounds?) with up to 4 horses (~1200 pounds each). This means at most we would be hauling 10000 pounds and would usually only haul 2 horses though which would be at most 7500 pounds. So we have it narrowed down to the 1500 with 5.3 litre v8 (I dont know that this will be big enough), the 1500 with the max trailering package which includes the 6 L v8 with 4 speed transmission (rated to pull 10300 pounds), or the 2500 with 6 L V8 and 6 speed transmisson (rated for 13000). Which would you recommend? What is the gas milage difference going to be between the 1500 with the 6L 4 speed and the 2500 with the 6L 6 speed? Is the 1500 going to have a strong enough suspension and transmission? We plan to keep this truck for at least 10 years which would probably get us up around 150000. Which one is going to hold up the best?

first: forget about the 5.3L.

second: the 2500 6.0 will get alot less mileage than the 1500 6.0 (not sure why??)

I would opt for the 1500 6.0 NHT since your heavy usage is intermittent and infrequent. The 1500 will be a better ride for commuting. Go with the NHT package (4.10 gears) vs just the L76 6.0 with 3.73's. Mileage is just as good. You can expect 14-15 city and 18-19 hwy with the 1500 6.0 NHT. (empty of course).

Great choice BTW!!!

newguy07 · July 13, 2007

2 replies 2 different answers I think we both prefer the 1500 with max trailering package but don't want to get stuck with something that is going to not hold up. By the way to the 1500s come with a trailer brake controller? The 2500s mention they come prewired for one but the 1500 book doesnt even mention them

Truckman031 · July 13, 2007

The 2008 1/2 tons are supposed to have the trailer brake from the factory.

2000DV4.8 · July 13, 2007

I say go for the 2500HD. Towing 10,000 lbs with a half ton, no matter how infrequent, is pushing it IMO.

ATMINF · July 13, 2007

I would say go for the 2500HD because it is a better built truck for heavy duty use. Can the 1/2ton do the job? Yes but like you were saying you plan to keep the truck for a good while, and the 3/4ton will be well within its capablities, but the 1/2ton will be at its max. And like most mechanical things, if you run them at a 60-70% capablities they will last for a long time, but if you start pushing them to the MAX the lifespan does shorten. Overall the chassis, brakes, transmission, cooling system etc of the 3/4ton is much better suited for your requierments. Also if you look at the price of a Vortec Max and compare it with a similar 3/4ton they will be very close, or like in my case the 3/4ton that is a more basic model comes in alot cheaper. So with a stripped down truck like mine, you get all the good stuff(6.0L motor, HD Trans, HD suspension, HD Rearend,HD Brakes, HD Chassis etc) with a price tag that was lower than many 1/2ton models. I paid $21,000 out the door for my truck back in OCT 2006, and I saw many 1/2's that were similarly equiped for about the same price, and alot of the LT models for easly 10grand more. I hope this helps, good luck.

svensk · July 13, 2007

Get the 1500 Vmax 6L with 4.10 gears. If your using this as a commuter truck most of the time you do not want a 2500. The ride will suck. The Vmax also comes with a 4L70e which is a beefier tranny, and a 12 bolt axle I believe as well?

Wingnut · July 13, 2007

I say go for the 2500HD. Towing 10,000 lbs with a half ton, no matter how infrequent, is pushing it IMO.

I agree. I pulled a 6k boat with a 1/2 ton, and while the motor/chassis never whimpered or wavered...1/2 ton trucks just aren't heavy enough to pull 10k lbs in my opinion. I know they'll do it...But I don't like to do it.

Again...Just my opinion.

asilverblazer · July 13, 2007

I think your 10,000 pound estimate may be a tad high. Those have to borderline draft horses to weigh in at that much.

My 5.3 does everything you mention, less the commuting part with no problems at all. Add a brake controller for the trailer, and it will be fine. Anything more would be overkill in my opinion, especially with that much commuter time.

If you are looking at 2wd the 5.3 will be even more capable for your towing needs (get at least a 3.73 ratio rear end). But my experience is any equestrian work or recreational activities will eventually need a 4wd.

cmoore74 · July 13, 2007

3/4 ton. IMO 10,000 lb is pushing it for a 1/2 ton. It might be over the limit when you factor in passengers and gear.

One option is buy a used 3/4 ton and buy a commuter vehicle with the money you save buying used. Lots of trade in's around with the NBS out. The 3/4 ton's will be poor on gas (low teens on the highway not hauling anything) so you don't really want to use as a commuter.

Another option is go diesel. My buddies 2500HD Duramax gets about 20 MPG on the highway and you'd be able to haul any of loads with ease. You could get a 2-3 year old used Duramax for the price of a new 3/4 ton gasser, maybe even less.

I do not like towing at or over the limit on any truck. A bit of margin is a good thing.

newguy07 · July 13, 2007

Did a little more figuring and came to the coclussion that the trailer actually weighs 2500-3000 pounds. With a maximum of 4 horses at 1100 pounds each. That would come in at under 7500 pounds. Typically going to be pulling 2 hours for a total of 5200 pounds. So with this in mind I still think the 5.3 is too small??? But the 6L should be fine in the 1500

VMax2007 · July 13, 2007

Did a little more figuring and came to the coclussion that the trailer actually weighs 2500-3000 pounds. With a maximum of 4 horses at 1100 pounds each. That would come in at under 7500 pounds. Typically going to be pulling 2 hours for a total of 5200 pounds. So with this in mind I still think the 5.3 is too small??? But the 6L should be fine in the 1500

Yep, you got it. Get the 1500 with the 6.0. Best balance of power, ride, HD components (tranny, rear end, etc) and mileage.

Now, go get her and post some pics!!!

cmoore74 · July 13, 2007

Well at 7500 lbs. max I'm with VMax2007. 1/2 ton with the 6.0L would be perfect.

5.3L is OK on power, but the rest of the truck is not up to the challenge and you'd be right at the tow limit.

asilverblazer · July 13, 2007

I would vote 6.0 if it was strictly a tow rig, but it is primarily a commuter. If the 5.3 can't do what you want there's a problem. Keep in mind with live stock brisk acceleration performance doesn't matter any who, you have to take off slow, and stop easy just to keep them on their feet. The 6.0 will help out on the highway keeping it moving, but that depends on speed, the faster you go the more benefit the 6.0 offers, taking it nice and easy the 5.3 is fine. I don't like the idea of towing live cargo, that means quite a bit to me at speeds over 60mph. Not to mention the cost to get into a Vortec MAx is a lot more than just the 5.3.