I'm considering a new '04 chev/GMC 2500HD, ext.cab with the 6.0 gas. Anyone tow with one?
I'd like the Duramax, but the $$$ may be the stopper on that one.
They rate it to pull 10,000lbs, but I really don't see that happening.
I just drove one, but obviously without the Pantera in tow.
I also drove the 8100 in a crew cab SRW. Yeah it ran, but wasn't awe inspiring. It seems like my '00 with the 454 has more torque....

Johnny at Big Oaks has what I want, but the truck with the Dmax lists at $44k!

Anybody want to donate some cash to my cause???

i've had both the 6.0L and the Duramax. undoubtedly, the duramax is better for long distance towing, but the 6.0L holds it own. granted the 6.0L works harder to achieve what the Duramax can do, but for the money, you do have to question your purchasing decision? i've towed a 2002 Cig TG, a 2000 Cig TG and a 33' Outlaw with both trucks. i wouldn't hesitate to use the 6.0L to pull the Pantera anywhere.

jbk

I've got a 2001 2500HD with the 8.1 and Allison and 3.73's. It pulls the Pantera pretty effortlessly. Very seldom does it even downshift, except between the 4th and 5th OD gears when going up hills.
Before this I had a '93 3500 dually with a TBI 454 and 4.10's. The 2500HD has way more more power, is a lot smoother ride and gets 25% better fuel mileage. I have seen 14.2 mpg on the highway at 75-80mph and get about 9-10mpg towing the Pantera.

I tow with an extended cab
4X4 6.0, probably 8500#'s

It handles it with no problem.

I've also pulled at least
12k with it, the power was there,
but the suspension felt a little
wobbly.

I also pulled my boat with the
8100, didn't really notice much
of a difference.

jt

I have an 02' 2500HD extended cab with the 6.0 and 4.10 rear. I have a 29' Fountain on a Myco trailer and the truck pulls it like it wasn't there. Gas milage is around 10 mpg while towing. If I had the coin, I would buy the Duramax, but no regrets with the 6.0.

Good luck!

Diesels rule !!
Save your pennys and get the DMAX.

I went thru two trucks , with each one I would
say "The diesel is just too much , and this new gasser is making more power than the last one" and each time I would love the truck but always wish I had spent the money on the diesel.
Now I have one and absolutley love the truck. No complaints ....well the leather heated seats would have been cool.

One of my buddies has a 2500 h.d. w/ 6.0l and I was not at all impressed by the towing capability, almost no better than my 96 tahoe 1500 with a 5.7l
my.02

[ Now I have one and absolutley love the truck. No complaints ....well the leather heated seats would have been cool. [/B][/QUOTE]

Why would I need heated seats? It's 82 right now....

It's your money. Spend it wisely. [/B][/QUOTE]

Can I use your money???

I'VE GOT THE DURAMAX. I LOVE IT AND HAVE NO REGRETS. I WAS GETTING THE EXACT (GAS) TRUCK YOU'RE THINKING OF AND CHECKED OUT WHAT THEIR RESPECTIVE VALUE WOULD BE IF I TRADED IT IN TWO YEARS. THE DIFF. SEEMED TO JUSTIFY THE MAX* OPTION.GOT A LOADED 4x4 HD2500 4 DOOR LT. WITH NOTHING ON IT AND CRUISING DOWN THE HWAY AT 65-70 THE INSTANT MILAGE READOUT SHOWS ARUOND 20 OR SO ON AVERAGE. HEY, WAIT I TAKE THAT BACK ABOUT NO GRIPES. I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE HAD A LARGER FUEL TANK OPTION. 25 GALS ONLY. AS LONG AS IT'S A CHEVY !!!!!!