Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
07-11-2006 | 07:49 PM
#12
Registered
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
I've got an older 1500HD with the 6.0 and I like it very well. I have added numerous add-ons...catback exhaust, UPD intake/K&N Filter, and a custom ECM program on the dyno. I can get up to 16mpg being very nice on the gas and cruise at 65mph. I usually get 11mpg towing at the same mph. The 5.3 is a great motor and produces great power...but it does like RPMs and the standard 1500 does not fit my needs. The ride in the 1500HD is great with the long wheelbase and is not as harsh of a ride as the 2500HD. I have no experience with the 8.1. I think everyone has mentioned that the diesel is the sh*t for towing and I'm sure everyone agrees on that aspect. BUT, the $5K upgrade for the diesel plus the same price fuel as gasoline makes it tough to justify unless you NEED the towing capacity. Good luck in your decision-making and keep us informed as to your choice!!!!!
07-11-2006 | 09:17 PM
#13
SeaRay Sundancer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,914
Likes: 0
From: SW Missouri
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
Ive got an 06' Vortec Max (1500 4x4, 6.0 HO, 4.10) I tow 5500-6000 every weekend and wouldnt change a thing. If I had a bigger boat I would go with a 3/4 or 1 ton, but they are slow(unless diesel). Ive got a custom PCM tune from pcmforless, catback, and cold air intake....but the truck did just fine before.
07-12-2006 | 09:47 AM
#14
VIP Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 4
From: Vestal/Binghamton NY
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
I'm seriously considering a 6.0 max or a Diesel , I had a big hill that just stopped the poor 5.3 the other day had 4500lb boat 1500lb trailer 4 adults
and about 300lb of fuel left in the Boat on the way home. IT JUST crawled up the steep hill shifting between 1/2 gear it just couldn't choose
I have to avoid that hill or buy a stronger truck.
and about 300lb of fuel left in the Boat on the way home. IT JUST crawled up the steep hill shifting between 1/2 gear it just couldn't choose
I have to avoid that hill or buy a stronger truck.
07-12-2006 | 11:23 PM
#15
Charter Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,732
Likes: 2
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
Originally Posted by Ben@SRP
Consider this (or at least do some math)
My 2004 Duramax 2500HD CC get about 17-18 MPG on the highway not towing. Towing it gets about 12-13 MPG. I did install an Edge chip but I only noticed a small difference in the better mileage. The magic on a diesels mileage is RPM. If you keep the RPM around 2000 or below the mileage goes up considerably. If I am on a road that I can maintain 55-60 MPH, I get 22-24 MPG. So my question to you would be; What type of driving do you do the most? 75-80 MPH or more like 45-60 MPH? Heavy towing? Then diesel all the way. Also consider this. How long would you keep a new truck and what type of value are you expecting in 2-3 years? As you know, the diesel will ALWAYS retain a much higher value. So back to the "math". Average speed? Miles daily? Value at time of resell? How ofter you will be filling it up? The $600 per month for the diesel might be more than the gas truck per month, but by how much? $100? $200? What would be your "overall" savings spread out over time??? Just somethings to think about. Hope that helps...
Ben
PS: I absolutely LOVE my 2500HD Duramax!!! I would only replace it with a new one.
My 2004 Duramax 2500HD CC get about 17-18 MPG on the highway not towing. Towing it gets about 12-13 MPG. I did install an Edge chip but I only noticed a small difference in the better mileage. The magic on a diesels mileage is RPM. If you keep the RPM around 2000 or below the mileage goes up considerably. If I am on a road that I can maintain 55-60 MPH, I get 22-24 MPG. So my question to you would be; What type of driving do you do the most? 75-80 MPH or more like 45-60 MPH? Heavy towing? Then diesel all the way. Also consider this. How long would you keep a new truck and what type of value are you expecting in 2-3 years? As you know, the diesel will ALWAYS retain a much higher value. So back to the "math". Average speed? Miles daily? Value at time of resell? How ofter you will be filling it up? The $600 per month for the diesel might be more than the gas truck per month, but by how much? $100? $200? What would be your "overall" savings spread out over time??? Just somethings to think about. Hope that helps...
Ben
PS: I absolutely LOVE my 2500HD Duramax!!! I would only replace it with a new one.
07-13-2006 | 08:25 AM
#16
Registered
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: St. Pete Beach, FL
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
I have a 2003 2500hd with a crew cab Duramax diesel and ALlison tranny. I think it is the cheapest constructed vehicle I have ever owned. The tailgate fell off of it the second week I bought it!
I live on an island and use this for a large farmiong operation there. Never see pavement, just good ole farm work for a supposedly good ole farm truck. This vehicle does not compare to the last two Fords I owned. Both 250's with the CC and 10 cyl or diesels. The Ford frame is a truck frame and the rides compared to Caddys.
I live on an island and use this for a large farmiong operation there. Never see pavement, just good ole farm work for a supposedly good ole farm truck. This vehicle does not compare to the last two Fords I owned. Both 250's with the CC and 10 cyl or diesels. The Ford frame is a truck frame and the rides compared to Caddys.
07-13-2006 | 09:00 AM
#17
Registered
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 0
From: Ormond Beach, FL
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
Originally Posted by OSOAdmin
I have an 06 Druamax and the only thing I hate is it has the worst turning radius, is yours the same?
Ben
PS: I am about to pull out my Edge chip and then have my ECM reprogrammed for even better mileage.
07-17-2006 | 06:45 AM
#19
Registered
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 0
From: Ormond Beach, FL
Re: Chevy or GMC 1500 & 2500 Questions
Originally Posted by tblrklakemo
cummins is the only diesel worth the extra 5-6g's
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BowenCT
Trucks, Trailers and Transportation
12
10-25-2008 04:44 PM
PARADOX
Trucks, Trailers and Transportation
37
12-27-2007 09:34 PM
KN
Trucks, Trailers and Transportation
4
05-29-2006 08:00 PM
