I'm thinking of buying a suburban to replace my Yukon Denali, need more room and the longer wheelbase will tow my Formula 303 better and safer.

I love the 6.0 engine I have now, gets 17mpg non-towing. What are you guys getting for mileage with the 8.1 liter? What rear ratio? I am only considering a K2500 suburban or Yukon XL.

I drive alot non-towing and I like the ride of my Yukon.
Not considering a diesel Excursion, heard they ride hard and I only go 12,000 miles/year.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Toolman

If you can get the "Duramax" with the Allison 5 speed automatic, test that out. Don't know if that's available in those body styles or not. I'm looking to swap my 01' Dodge 2500 4x4 quad cab for the same truck but the above combination. Go into Powerboat magazine's web site and you'll be able to find info on that package in their truck test reports. good luck..Outlaw

Toolman, the ride is hard to beat with that air ride suspension on your Denali, we had the XL version and loved it. The K2500 Sub. w/8.1 will do the job very easily, and the ride is not that bad. The difference between the 2 is 20 hp and about 80 tq, but the wheelbase and room will help you out. The Duramax and Allison combo is an awesome package, but I understand the Allison tranny will not fit in the Sub, but the for 04 the Duramax will be available. That is the best deisel Ive ever owned, I now have a 04 3500 Ford Dually crew cab powerstroke, it hesitates off the line, and the milaege is not as good. Good luck.

I've got a '98 2500 'Burb LT w/454 and a Gale Banks stainless header/exhaust package. It rides really nice and on a recent road trip I got 13.62 mpg. Around town I get 10-11 mpg but it sure is hard to stay outa the gas

My sister has a new 3/4 ton suburban they say it rides better than the last one 02, both had the same options with the 8.1 this one has 4.10 gears. they get 8 miles to the gallon empty.

My 1/2 ton 5.3 averages 14mpg in mixed driving. Your 6.0 Denali must have been driven with a "velvet foot".

A friend traded his 2500/8.1 Burb for a Dmax 3500. Said the 8.1 Burb averaged 12 or 13. Got 6 towing 10k.

The 2500 Burb will never ride like ANY 1/2 ton, especially an air Denali/Caddy. BUT the 3/4 ton 2000-up rides a TON better than the 99-earlier 3/4 tonners.

My experience w/ an '03 2500 Yukon XL w/ 8.1 is that you better have a fuel card with a real high monthly limit.

Towing 5000# @ highway speeds equalled 6mpg. I would not expect better than 10 on it's best day empty.
I could not believe how much gas it went through. It did tow very nicely though. If you don't drive much it is probably a good choice. I would suggest the air ride option and the 4.10 rear end.

Exactly the reason why I dumped the Burbs and drive a PSD Excursion Limited. I can pretty well double those mileage numbers. I also think the ride is pretty damn good for an 'old fashioned suspension and axles' truck.
Jim

I have an 01' 2500 Burban with the 6.0 and I have no problems towing my 30' Panther. On a recent road trip I got 320 miles for a tank full. The second part of the road trip was local driving. I am sure I would have gotten more.

Thanks for your opinions, guys! I'm a Gm man at heart, and the wife hates diesel fumes and noise, so we're going to stick with gas power.

Now, any dealers out there want to trade my Denali for a black suburban K2500?

Toolman