Buying new tow rig, input?
03-17-2019, 09:18 PM
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Buying new tow rig, input?
Hey all, I'm starting to look into getting a newer tow rig and would like some input. My boat is a 2002 Warlock World Class 29 on a tri axle trailer, so nothing heavy there (boat is maybe 5000 tops) Currently I have my 2001 Chevy Suburban 2500 4wd with the 8.1 and 4l80 trans. Built trans, minor mods, nothing crazy tho. Obviously it tows it like it isn't even there, but I'm just wanting something a little newer and nicer, and with it being my daily driver, 8mpg is getting old as well. I'm looking into 05-07 Duramax crew cabs, but also was wondering about the newer (like 12' - 14') 1/2 tons as well? They look good, but honestly, I haven't owned a 1/2 ton for 20 years.. I know they have came a long way, but are they ACTUALLY good trucks to tow with? If i get another 3/4 ton, it will have to be a duramax. I had a 6.0 in one and they just hunt between gears and not enough power now that I'm used to a 8.1. Any and all feedback is appreciated, thanks! And for what it's worth, I'm a master tech/diesel tech, so yeah I know the trucks well, just never owned a 1/2 ton to tow with, which is why I'm asking. Thanks
03-18-2019, 12:23 AM
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I’d say a newer 1/2 would be fine for your boat. Looking in that range stay with 06/07 dmax. LBZ. One of the better versions before dpf/def. not a lot of problems with the lbz. I have a 13 dmax Dually and it has treated me well but gonna be deleting soon.
03-18-2019, 05:29 AM
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I’ve had a GMT900 and now a K2XX, and I definitely prefer the K2XX. Gear ratio makes a big difference on the K2XX towing capacity, and they made a crap-ton of 3.08 trucks for fuel economy. Mine is 3.42 and rated at 9600lbs, NHT (rpo code for Max Tow/9.76 full floater) and GT4 (RPO for 3.73) will be rated for around 11,500. Have any dealer or private seller snap a pic of the Service ID tag in the glovebox before you even make the trip to look at a truck to avoid the disappointment of a GU4 (3.08) code.
03-18-2019, 11:16 AM
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I tow with a 2016 Duramax, 3/4 ton crew. LOVE it!! The power is amazing, it's quiet, and it is very comfortable. My boat is a little over 8K on the trailer and it's like it's not even there. Wouldn't tow with anything else!
03-18-2019, 12:32 PM
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I think a 1/2 ton chevy would be fine, but you should order one with 3.73 gears and heavy duty trailering package, they beef up the rear springs a little as well. You can also get them with a 6.2L. My Texas edition comes with 3.23 gears. Now, if you want to run 80mph all day with the boat in tow, then yeah go ahead and get a diesel cause the truck won't like that, but not safe in any vehicle at those speeds.
03-18-2019, 12:36 PM
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If you are missing towing with the suburban you may want to look at the Nissan NV Vans. Can get 1 ton and 3/4 ton and they tow up to 10,000lbs. Tons more room than the suburban and can even sleep in them. Won't fit in 7ft height garage tho. Really a cheap alternative.
03-18-2019, 03:22 PM
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I tow mine on a regular basis and it's roughly the same weight as your boat with a 2015 6.2l 4wd 8 speed 3.23, works fine and usually keep in 7th so it doesn't want to down shift on large hills. The 08 5.3 I had previously with the 4 speed and 3.73 was a dog compared to my 2015. Is it a dura max "no" but it makes a great daily driver and makes lots of torque down low. The one downfall is the 8 speed is not very refined, you can live with it but they are clunky at time. I will say when you hammer on it the trans works flawless. I wish it had the 3.42 gear but hate the tow mirrors and when I ordered the truck it wasn't available as it was the first year in the SLT non Denali. I did add air bags as the springs are softer than my 2008. If buying new that 10 speed and 6.2 would be a beast.
Last edited by Donzi1979; 03-18-2019 at 03:33 PM.
03-18-2019, 04:21 PM
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Stay away from an 05 Duramax, that is an LLY. They had ventilation issues which in return, caused them to overheat. I thought it was a good pick because they didn’t have the LB7 injectors but I should have done some more digging. Have not had an LBZ (06-07.5) but their prices and the way people talk about them, you probably won’t go wrong with that choice. I have a 12 Duramax but i bought it deleted. Love it. I went from a Dodge diesel to a 2008 1500 Chevy and was never satisfied until I got another diesel. Yeah it done the job but it comes down to preference.
03-18-2019, 04:33 PM
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If it’s going to be a daily driver, at least test drive a 2014-later 1/2 ton gasser before you plunk down equal money on a diesel that is 2 generations older. The 5.3/6spd will haul that Warlock. The 6.2/8spd with Max-Tow will do it better. The Duramax will undoubtedly do it best, but it’s a hefty fee to be a member of the oil-burners’ club.
