My 2500 Avalanche has 93K on it and it is probabaly a good time to trade it in. What do you guys think about a 2500 Silverado Crew Cab with either a 6.0L Gas or the Duramax?

Anyone have one - whats the good/bad? Towing about 9500#currenlty unless i upgrade my boat in a couple years!!

Looking for input please.

Id buy a ford f250 or 350 for a real towing machine, but if you want a chevy id go for the dmax with allison automatic.

I know that our 2500HD gasser pulls our 13000# sportfisherman with no problems whatsoever. 10mpg with no load, 10mpg pulling the boat at 65mph down the highway.

My HD2500 Duramax doesnt even know when its towing something, tons of power, and a good ride. MPG less than I have heard. about 16 max empty on the highway 12 mph towing. but I ordered it with the 4.10's in it. which I didnt need with all the TQ

I have a 05 2500 crew duramax love it !!!! unreal power, and we tow a big heavy race car trailer as well as the boat...does awsome, milage not great but not bad either...about 12 towing the race rig....Rob

Whatever truck you choose, just make sure it has a diesel motor under the hood !!!!! You will thank me later !!!

Im with the Dmax crowd...but this is very true.

I have been looking at the same vehicle.. I have been told the 2500HD is the way to go.. heavier axles and brakes, etc. The 2005 has the 5 speed Allison, while the 2006 has a 6 speed. Not sure if the 6 speed is a plus or minus. Seems if you could find one with higher axle ratio and the 6 speeds, it may help mileage?? Those in the know, tell me you have to chip it to get better mileage. Friend has a newer one and had to replace the exhaust system and chip it to get back up to where he was with his older one.. I have heard over 20mpg in some cases.. But I am not sure how it is driven or what gears, trans, etc???
Would love to hear from others on this subject.

I drive an 09 Suburban for work with a tow package and 6.0 motor.. I doesnt start to pull unless you have your foot in it and it is winding above 3500rpm.. At 4000 it will come on the cam and pull like mad.. feels like a drag motor to me.. I was headed that way, then drove an 8.1 and it had reasonable power, but 10-12mpg.. I have only driven one diesel and that was my friends older crew cab 2500HD.. I could not believe how easy it pulled his 36' trailer empty.. I gently stepped down on the loud pedal and I thought I put it to the floor.. Very impressive for fuel oil!! The mileage alone is a good reason.. the pulling power is unmatchable by gas..

Dick

I looked at a 2500 Gas fully loaded today . . . $ 46K. Thats nuts for a pick up!

I will look into the diesels too.

Here are my opinions on the big 3 trucks:

Ford-- Solid truck. Made for working and hauling. Rides good but stiff. Plenty of power and good trans.

Chevy/GMC--- Solid truck. Good for work, but better for cruising and smooth ride. Not as stable as the Ford fully loaded.

Dodge--- If you want lots of power and fuel mileage, hands down winner. But trannies won't go the distance.