Originally Posted by saubouin

Thanks for all the good responses guys. It looks like I'm going to get the 2500 HD at a minimum. My tows are 200 - 250 miles in length. I would probably due this 4-6 times a summer. Again my biggest concern is going up 6% grades. Towing on flat highways is one thing, but towing up a mountain is a whole different kettle of fish.

I was very disappointed to find out the new Avalanches will no longer be offering the 2500 with 8.1 as an option. The new Tahoe's & Burb currently don't have a 2500 configuration. Hopefully they will be available later down the production schedule.

The new Silverado's don't come out till after summer so I guess I'm stuck for another boating season with the little ole Rainer.

As far as claims of I can tow my 3x or 4x footer with my little old XXX. Here's my 2cents. My Buick Rainer does have 4.1 gears out back and an air leveling suspension that helps a lot. It's rated to tow my boat, and I get lots of looks around the dock when I pull it out of the water. People are amazed when I tell them I towed my boat from Delaware. But, the fact is it's NOT ENOUGH equipment to do the job properly. There are MANY MANY parts besides engine & tranny that go into a 2500, 3500 vs. any regular sized truck, 1500, F150, Titan, etc... All you need to do is open the case on your rear diff to get the picture. The Gears on a 2500, 3500 are HUGE in comparison to a regular truck. I have had the pleasure to tow my BAJA with a 3500 Dually/Diesel and it was just plain silly easily to do. The major drawback I have with the 3500 is the WIDE ASS DUALLY is never going to fit in my garage and with my HOA rules your not allowed to park a commercial truck out front. I think DUALLY makes sense if I plan to upgrade, but I don't see that happening for 5 years or more.