Silverado Vs Tundra ?

pgeorge33 · April 25, 2008

Gentlemen: (I do use the phrase loosely...)

I am trying to decide on whether to trade my old F150 (2000 - 4.6L) for a Silverado (5.3L - Crew Cab) or a Tundra (5.7L Double Cab). The Ford has been great, but it's old and I'm ready for a new truck. The new F150's just don't do anything for me...

Most of the time I drive my truck it is empty, (or maybe with my grand kids) on local roads (not many highways here in NH where I live !!!). 50-60 MPH 5-10 mile trips... However, I do plan on taking the truck to Fl and back (1750 miles each way) towing another car (on a trailer - perhaps 7000 pounds total) south in Jan and north in Apr.

I have looked at and driven the Tundra and the Silverado and really like both of them, but I'm a bit concerned that the 5.3L might not be enough to do the job. Originally, I was thinking I needed a 2500, but since most of the time I'm empty, I hate to sacrifice the fuel mileage.

Since I know this board is full of GM gruru's, can I get some inputs on whether you gents think a 5.3L, Crew Cab, 3.73 gears would be a reasonable choice for the 1750 mile trip with 7000 lbs in tow? Also, when the truck is empty, what can I realisticly expect for mileage? (Mileage isn't a major factor since the F150 only gets 14-15 and I've managed to get by for 8 years with it, but wouldn't dare to tow 1700 miles with it at 8 years and 120K)

Thanks for your inputs...

ndhonor · April 25, 2008

Well not to say too much, but the 5.3L will be plenty for nearly anything you want to do with it. The 5.3L has tons of power and my last truck had 125,000 on the 5.3L with no problems.

maxwell1 · April 25, 2008

Gentlemen: (I do use the phrase loosely...)

I am trying to decide on whether to trade my old F150 (2000 - 4.6L) for a Silverado (5.3L - Crew Cab) or a Tundra (5.7L Double Cab). The Ford has been great, but it's old and I'm ready for a new truck. The new F150's just don't do anything for me...

Most of the time I drive my truck it is empty, (or maybe with my grand kids) on local roads (not many highways here in NH where I live !!!). 50-60 MPH 5-10 mile trips... However, I do plan on taking the truck to Fl and back (1750 miles each way) towing another car (on a trailer - perhaps 7000 pounds total) south in Jan and north in Apr.

I have looked at and driven the Tundra and the Silverado and really like both of them, but I'm a bit concerned that the 5.3L might not be enough to do the job. Originally, I was thinking I needed a 2500, but since most of the time I'm empty, I hate to sacrifice the fuel mileage.

Since I know this board is full of GM gruru's, can I get some inputs on whether you gents think a 5.3L, Crew Cab, 3.73 gears would be a reasonable choice for the 1750 mile trip with 7000 lbs in tow? Also, when the truck is empty, what can I realisticly expect for mileage? (Mileage isn't a major factor since the F150 only gets 14-15 and I've managed to get by for 8 years with it, but wouldn't dare to tow 1700 miles with it at 8 years and 120K)

Thanks for your inputs...

Need to check tow ratings out on both vehicles as you need about a 25% overage factor to tow safe, therefore you will need a tow rating of about 8750#.

I have a chevy 2500 series truck with 80K miles and have had lots of trouble with it over the years.

Also, own a Toyota Van, have had almost no problems and it has 97K miles. I know its not a truck, but we have driven the small Toyota pickups for years and they were tough.

I have driven both vehicles you are looking at and like you, I like both, guess if I had the money to buy a new truck I would go with the Toyota, based on my experience.

Good luck and stay safe,

T

VMax2007 · April 25, 2008

Yeah, and the Tundra isn't having any problems or issues huh?

cambo · April 25, 2008

I work for Toyota and I would recommend comparing the Chevy 6.0 with the Tundra 5.7. If you want 4x4 stay away from the Tundra, we have about 4 sitting on lifts in our bays and we are constantly having tranny and driveshaft issues.

droopy · April 25, 2008

a guy I work with has problems with his new tundra

VMax2007 · April 25, 2008

Let's see....to date:

1. Camshafts (early issue....resolved, but with unknown amount of affected engines still out there?).

2. 6 speed transmission/TC "Rumble Strip" issue. Still unresolved on the 08's.

3. Driveshaft Recall on 4x4's.

4. Tailgate...flimsy design results in cracking and buckling.

5. Noisy engine (sounds like a diesel) even after warm-up. Reports of engines being replaced.

6. "Bed Bounce" (ride quality issue) most likely due to lousy frame design. NO FBF like GM/F/D/Nissan have. Acknowledged by Toyota.

MANY other less major issues and overall poor build quality.

But hey, it is built in Texas!!!

alaska511 · April 25, 2008

hurry up and buy a Tundra before Jeff sells you on a VMax

tobias · April 25, 2008

Personally, if I needed a truck to do that much, I'd have to go with a Honda Ridgeline.

Seriously, what?

sonjaab · April 25, 2008

LOL!!!!!!!!! You funny Alaska.............!

VMax2007 · April 25, 2008

Personally, if I needed a truck to do that much, I'd have to go with a Honda Ridgeline.

Seriously, what?

So THAT is what you are going to buy when you sell your Sierra.....ahhh, the truth has come out...when are you going to?

SLESierra · April 25, 2008

he likes the storage compartment in the bed to keep his 50 dollar DIC in that he surely will remove from his sierra ;)

Sorry Daddy could not pass it up

bigBP · April 25, 2008

Most of the time I drive my truck it is empty, (or maybe with my grand kids) on local roads (not many highways here in NH where I live !!!). 50-60 MPH 5-10 mile trips... However, I do plan on taking the truck to Fl and back (1750 miles each way) towing another car (on a trailer - perhaps 7000 pounds total) south in Jan and north in Apr.

Since it doesn't appear that you do a lot of empty highway driving (aka 70 mph), why not consider the 5.3L with 4:10 gears? Would definitely help with the towing, and in your situation I don't think it would hurt your empty gas mileage. Just something to consider, I'm sure more will chime in here.