Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Once you tow with a modern diesel (Duramax/PSD/late model Cummins), you will NEVER go back to gas.

I LOVED my gas 8.1L GM, until I bought a Ford PSD (F350 CC Dually).

Peter, given why you are currently truck and boat shopping, remember it is impossible to have too much truck. Go big or go home. If you get the biggest truck you can afford and manage now, when you upgrade boats next time, you will not have to upgrade your tow vehicle at the same time.

TeamSaris

[QUOTE=PARADOX;2365507]
FF2... pretty much what I'm thinking, but, just like with the boat search, I like to know as much as I can before I make a selection.


Thats the best way to go about it.

Dd24skater

What kind of mileage can you get with one of the GMs 8.1's?

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

13-14-once, BONE stock 2500 Avalanche 4x4, on the way home from the dealer, 1000 miles up I-95.

After a few mods like wider wheels/tires, and some bolt on performance parts:
11-12 daily
7.5 towing 12,000 lbs.

weekend warrior

Paradox - I found a nice 2001 Chevy crew cab 2500 HD with the 8.1 / Allison trans set up. I couldn't justify spending thousands more on a diesel, since I only drive it occasionally. I've driven it only 2200 miles since April. I tow a 2002 Baja 29 Outlaw, which I would guess it weighs about 9,500 - 10,000 LBS with trailer gas and gear. The truck pulls it great - nice acceleration, but the gas milage isn't very good. Usually get 11 MPG on average non towing, but then again its only a few miles for me to the launch ramp. Absolutely no problems with the truck so far. The 8.1 (I have 496 HO's in the boat too!) is THE gas motor to have in this truck, I would not recommend the 6.0.

baywatch

If you tow much at all you really should consider the diesel over the gas. My last tow was 160 miles and I had an average of 13.2mpg with a 5.9 cummins.

PARADOX

THanks.. if I could find a 2500 Awalance, I'l be done. No luck tho ... BTW.. what about that Formula you mentioned?

Indy

My V10 F250 with 4.10s comes in on Friday. I bought it from Mat Raymond with Sanders Ford in NC who is a member here, mcraymond3. Transaction couldn't be easier so far, the price was right, and I'm meeting him half way (MD).

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Autotrader.com has 89 of them across the country.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...%2C__&systime=
Search 2002-2004 Avalanche, put in the rest of your specs, and put "2500" in the keyword search term.

eBay has 6:
http://motors.search.ebay.com/2500_A...Z1QQsofocusZbs


As for the Formula, I'm working on it diligently.

Ca$hed Out

I agree 100% with Brian. After I bought my 28' Nordic Heat, I had to trade my 1.5 yr old Dodge 1500 for a Chevy 2500HD (for a $3k loss mind you), due to a scare on the highway b/c the truck was too light. At the time, I thought this would be all the truck I ever needed. You think I learned my lesson? Nope. 2 years later, I was fortunate enough to be able to afford my 32 Sunsation and the Chevy would have been at the end of its towing capacity, which I was not comfortable with. Once again, I had to trade a 2 year old truck and take a loss on it. Finally, lesson learned....I bought a Dodge 3500 diesel dually and she pulls harder than the girl I got my first hand job from .

Too much truck for that load...yes. Do I feel like I made the right choice...absolutely.