School me on the new GMs

[MTBLAZER89]

Have been looking at getting a Cummins tow rig forever. Pre 6.7 so I am set on a manual, but the prices just continue to climb.

So I am figuring for the same price I can pick up a newer truck with a gas motor. I dont tow that often and really its hard to justify for the mileage.

I use the wifes Tundra now and the 5.7 does great pulling the K5 anywhere I need to go, but the price on a decent used one is as high as a diesel truck..

Been looking at the GMs, but never paid much attention to the newer gas pickups.

When did they stop offering the 6.0 in a half ton? Im not set on a half, but it opens up the options a lot and the 2500's are more $$ How does the 6.0 pull? The #s change a lot through the years

I see a 6.2 available while researching towing capabilities, but dont see it in any trucks I look at.

The newer 5.3 trucks '12 and '13 are rated to tow 11k Does anybody tow with one of these?

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

My dad had a 6.0 and my brother had a 5.3. I towed with them both and the 6.0 is definitely the way to go with a gas engine. It pulls about as good as you can with a factory gas motor (aside from a big block).

I don't even bother with gas engines anymore because we pull a large gooseneck horse trailer with living quarters = heavy. After pulling a few passes with some diesel torque the upfront savings of the gas motors seems insignificant. But for occasional towing the gas motor may be a better bet in the long run with fuel prices and maintenance costs compared to a diesel.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Well from the trucks I have been looking at

05-07 5.9 Cummins 6 speed ~ 32,000-40k and the prices arent going down. I know this is a dealer mark upo because the 6 speed is desireable and rare.

For under 30 I can get a 2010-2012 gas motor GM with a nicer interior.

So the savings I am looking at is up to 10k or more if I settle for an 08-09.

Just unclear on what options were availabvle for motors through the later 2000's

I want a 6.0 or a 6.2 truck for sure, but would like to hear opinions on the new 5.3 trucks as well.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Well from the trucks I have been looking at

05-07 5.9 Cummins 6 speed ~ 32,000-40k and the prices arent going down. I know this is a dealer mark upo because the 6 speed is desireable and rare.

Have you tried looking further distances in your search. I have gone as far as 1 1/2 day drive to get a good diesel. The price was about 8,000 less than I could find anywhere locally and the trip expenses only added a few hundred bucks.

Here on CO the dealers would go out of business of they asked that kind of money for those trucks. I just traded our 2001 Duramax with 215,000 miles for a newer one with only 45,000 miles and was right around the $30,000 range.

I haven't looked at the local gas trucks but they are typically 5 - 10k less. Good luck in your search.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Yeah I have expanded my search out and they are cheaper elsewhere. Not sure how they get away with these prices. 35k for an 05-07 and the prices keep going up.

Another thread here in the garage got me thinking that I just dont tow enough to justify that much for a 6-7 year old vehicle, no warranty JUST to have the Cummins.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Another thread here in the garage got me thinking that I just dont tow enough to justify that much for a 6-7 year old vehicle, no warranty JUST to have the Cummins.

Overall you will be out less money to run a gas truck if it is only for occasional towing. Between the upfront purchase cost and annual fuel and maintenance costs, a gas rig would probably be the way to go.

I would still look at the 6.0 or 6.2 trucks even if they get a mile or 2 less per gallon... I just like having more power when I need it. My dad just replaced his 2000 6.0 with a 2010 or 2011 6.2 and he says he gets better mileage with the 6.2. They just weren't offered in to many truck models so they can be a bit hard to find. Below are the models offered according Wikipedia (FWIW)


6.2 L
L92
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a 6.2 L Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) (≈379 cu in) engine. It is an all-aluminum design which, while still a pushrod engine, boasts variable valve timing. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. This engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali, Sierra SLT, and in the GMC Sierra Denali, and rated at 403 hp (301 kW) and 415 lb·ft (563 N·m) (441 hp with 93 octane[clarification needed] export version) in the Hummer and in the Cadillac Escalade. It is also available in the Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe LTZ, with power ratings of 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) .The L92 was modified with Flex Fuel capability for MY 2009 and became the L9H, and was further modified with Active Fuel Management for MY 2010 (and becoming the L94) in the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali's.
Applications:
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade (L9H for MY 2009, L94 for MY 2010-2013)
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2007-2013 GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
2007-2013 GMC Sierra Denali
2008-2009 Hummer H2
2009-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (as RPO code L9H)
2009-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 (as RPO code L9H)

 

[shady]

just pick up another tundra they can be had with LOW miles for less than 30k

 

[Carcinogen]

Yeah I have expanded my search out and they are cheaper elsewhere. Not sure how they get away with these prices. 35k for an 05-07 and the prices keep going up.

Another thread here in the garage got me thinking that I just dont tow enough to justify that much for a 6-7 year old vehicle, no warranty JUST to have the Cummins.

You gotta come east of the cascades, but then it is harder to search for them. Farmers don't tend to use the internet much.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Overall you will be out less money to run a gas truck if it is only for occasional towing. Between the upfront purchase cost and annual fuel and maintenance costs, a gas rig would probably be the way to go.

I would still look at the 6.0 or 6.2 trucks even if they get a mile or 2 less per gallon... I just like having more power when I need it. My dad just replaced his 2000 6.0 with a 2010 or 2011 6.2 and he says he gets better mileage with the 6.2. They just weren't offered in to many truck models so they can be a bit hard to find. Below are the models offered according Wikipedia (FWIW)


6.2 L
L92
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a 6.2 L Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) (≈379 cu in) engine. It is an all-aluminum design which, while still a pushrod engine, boasts variable valve timing. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. This engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali, Sierra SLT, and in the GMC Sierra Denali, and rated at 403 hp (301 kW) and 415 lb·ft (563 N·m) (441 hp with 93 octane[clarification needed] export version) in the Hummer and in the Cadillac Escalade. It is also available in the Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe LTZ, with power ratings of 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) .The L92 was modified with Flex Fuel capability for MY 2009 and became the L9H, and was further modified with Active Fuel Management for MY 2010 (and becoming the L94) in the Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon Denali's.
Applications:
2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade (L9H for MY 2009, L94 for MY 2010-2013)
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2007-2013 GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
2007-2013 GMC Sierra Denali
2008-2009 Hummer H2
2009-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (as RPO code L9H)
2009-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 (as RPO code L9H)

So the LOADED Sierra pickups had them and could be ordered as an option in the 09-13 half tons. Or... I can get a luxury SUV to tow with LOL

just pick up another tundra they can be had with LOW miles for less than 30k

Its an option, but may be the location as well as most I have looked at are real close to 30k or over.

You gotta come east of the cascades, but then it is harder to search for them. Farmers don't tend to use the internet much.

Ive been checking Dave Smith often.

 

[Carcinogen]

Around here you can get a brand new 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Truck Crew Cab w/ a 6.2L V-8 for $36k or there is an 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Truck Extended Cab w/ a 6.6L and 200k miles for $19k.


The wife hates me looking...

 

[454Sub]

Have you considered older models? I drove an 01 with the 5.9HO 6 speed and it will pull anything you want. Just a thought, but im sure its crossed your mind already.

 

[k5fd89]

Yeah I have expanded my search out and they are cheaper elsewhere. Not sure how they get away with these prices. 35k for an 05-07 and the prices keep going up.

Another thread here in the garage got me thinking that I just dont tow enough to justify that much for a 6-7 year old vehicle, no warranty JUST to have the Cummins.

The prices on pre 09 diesels are climbing because they are missing all the emissions requirement by the government. No reburn systems or Urea(sp).

6.2 was only in a 1500 towmax edition but once you add that package to a 1500 it equaled or out priced a 2500hd which had a higher tow rating.

Having a 09 Tahoe with a 5.3 and a 02 2500hd with the 6.0 I can tell you if you have a heavy trailer and throw a k5 on top of it, the 5.3 and lighter truck is not fun to tow with.

The 6.0 or 8.1 in my opinion are the way to go for the occasional tower. the thing you have to watch for on the 02-06 2500 and 3500 are the frame mounts, they tend to rot out in high salt/snow areas. If I were buying I would look for a low mileage 02-06 6.0 or 8.1. These trucks had less computer sensors as far as traction control, abs and can stand a serious pounding as far as towing. I know around here these trucks under 150k range from 10k to 25k and most are rust-free. I have 95k on mine 02 and last month I replaced the pass wheel bearing and that was my first mechanical issue I have had with that truck in 11 years and it tows loads at least twice a month.

 

[imiceman44]

Have been looking at getting a Cummins tow rig forever. Pre 6.7 so I am set on a manual, but the prices just continue to climb.

So I am figuring for the same price I can pick up a newer truck with a gas motor. I dont tow that often and really its hard to justify for the mileage.

I use the wifes Tundra now and the 5.7 does great pulling the K5 anywhere I need to go, but the price on a decent used one is as high as a diesel truck..

Been looking at the GMs, but never paid much attention to the newer gas pickups.

When did they stop offering the 6.0 in a half ton? Im not set on a half, but it opens up the options a lot and the 2500's are more $$ How does the 6.0 pull? The #s change a lot through the years

I see a 6.2 available while researching towing capabilities, but dont see it in any trucks I look at.

The newer 5.3 trucks '12 and '13 are rated to tow 11k Does anybody tow with one of these?

I talked to my guy and he has an 06 or 07 srw crew cab 4wd with the 6speed 70k miles he wants 36k.
He does however have a dually with 150k and he said he'd be in the high 20's... still in the process of acquiring it so price is not set.
This here in California.
In case it wasn't clear this is the dodge

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Around here you can get a brand new 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Truck Crew Cab w/ a 6.2L V-8 for $36k or there is an 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Truck Extended Cab w/ a 6.6L and 200k miles for $19k.


The wife hates me looking...

Yeah I will most likely come that way when I decide to pull the trigger. I am from MT and no sales tax there and I believe Dave Smith does a break on that as well for MT residents.

Have you considered older models? I drove an 01 with the 5.9HO 6 speed and it will pull anything you want. Just a thought, but im sure its crossed your mind already.

I have looked at the older models, and I have no doubt they will do the job. The hard part about them is I dont want an auto in the older years and the 5-6 speeds are hard to find as you get older.

The prices on pre 09 diesels are climbing because they are missing all the emissions requirement by the government. No reburn systems or Urea(sp).

6.2 was only in a 1500 towmax edition but once you add that package to a 1500 it equaled or out priced a 2500hd which had a higher tow rating.

Having a 09 Tahoe with a 5.3 and a 02 2500hd with the 6.0 I can tell you if you have a heavy trailer and throw a k5 on top of it, the 5.3 and lighter truck is not fun to tow with.

The 6.0 or 8.1 in my opinion are the way to go for the occasional tower. the thing you have to watch for on the 02-06 2500 and 3500 are the frame mounts, they tend to rot out in high salt/snow areas. If I were buying I would look for a low mileage 02-06 6.0 or 8.1. These trucks had less computer sensors as far as traction control, abs and can stand a serious pounding as far as towing. I know around here these trucks under 150k range from 10k to 25k and most are rust-free. I have 95k on mine 02 and last month I replaced the pass wheel bearing and that was my first mechanical issue I have had with that truck in 11 years and it tows loads at least twice a month.

Yeah hence the reason I was only looking at the 05-07 Cummins as I dont want the 6.7 and I dont want the DPF system, but the dealerships know they are sought after and then add in a 6 speed and all of a sudden its worth 40 grand

I will definitely get the 6.0 or a 6.2 if I can find one. I just asked about the brand new 5.3 trucks because the rating is actually higher. I currently tow with the Tundra with the 5.7 and it tows my K5 with no issues at all. As long as a truck pulls the same as that I am sold.

 

[k20]

I work for a construction company and they only ever buy 6.0 powered chevy 2500's. They get (unloaded) 12-14 and towing ~10k they get 6-8mpg. Depending on what options you want (4wd, crew cab etc) you can usually find a WT model for <30k brand new and some <25k

Now we got my wife an '11 1500 with the 6.2 (look for a truck with the max trailer package) and it was just a tick over 30k. Now it had pretty much every option except leather, it was december 2011, and the lot was loaded with '12s. As I recall the first round of negotiations we were already 8k off sticker price because they wanted the 11's gone. Now it is coming into that same time of the year, the redesigned trucks are filling up the lots, you might be able to get a helluva deal on a '13.

If it were me, looking for a tow rig I would go with the 6.0 powered 2500 vs the 6.2 1500. I drive the 2500's every day and they handle towing pretty well. They dont accelerate with the authority that my lbz does, but if the trailer starts swaying I prefer the added length, weight and stiffer springs on the heavier truck. I would be nervous as hell using my wifes truck with its pathetic rear spring pack should the trailer pick up a wiggle. Of course 403hp in that 1500 is pretty fun

You have to remember in your cost equations, upgrading the rubber on the 1500 (C range tires stock) and possibly having to add helper springs, and then you still would have lighter suspension components.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

I work for a construction company and they only ever buy 6.0 powered chevy 2500's. They get (unloaded) 12-14 and towing ~10k they get 6-8mpg. Depending on what options you want (4wd, crew cab etc) you can usually find a WT model for <30k brand new and some <25k

Now we got my wife an '11 1500 with the 6.2 (look for a truck with the max trailer package) and it was just a tick over 30k. Now it had pretty much every option except leather, it was december 2011, and the lot was loaded with '12s. As I recall the first round of negotiations we were already 8k off sticker price because they wanted the 11's gone. Now it is coming into that same time of the year, the redesigned trucks are filling up the lots, you might be able to get a helluva deal on a '13.

If it were me, looking for a tow rig I would go with the 6.0 powered 2500 vs the 6.2 1500. I drive the 2500's every day and they handle towing pretty well. They dont accelerate with the authority that my lbz does, but if the trailer starts swaying I prefer the added length, weight and stiffer springs on the heavier truck. I would be nervous as hell using my wifes truck with its pathetic rear spring pack should the trailer pick up a wiggle. Of course 403hp in that 1500 is pretty fun

You have to remember in your cost equations, upgrading the rubber on the 1500 (C range tires stock) and possibly having to add helper springs, and then you still would have lighter suspension components.

Cool thanks for the info. Yeah I think regardless though either truck I got I would get the same configuration. Crew or extended cab and a short box. I dont need another long bed pickup I already have one!

Tires I didn't think of, but rear springs could be fixed with bags for a good price.

I tow with the Tundra and with my V3500 and yeah the lighter truck you notice the traile a lot more, but man the Tundra pulls so much better!!

 

[Carcinogen]

Yeah I will most likely come that way when I decide to pull the trigger. I am from MT and no sales tax there and I believe Dave Smith does a break on that as well for MT residents.

Dave Smith is just on the other side of the Idaho border. Im actually outside of Wenatchee, WA. about 300 miles closer to Seattle. If you are still in Oak Harbor and distance is a concern...

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Yeah my Mom lives in Spokane and I am from NW Montana so I make it that way several times a year

 

[k20]

I tow with the Tundra and with my V3500 and yeah the lighter truck you notice the traile a lot more, but man the Tundra pulls so much better!!

Is it just b/c the tundra is so much newer? Smoother power, quieter, etc. Tundra is probably atleast 1.5times the hp to the ground of the v3500, is that what you are liking? Reason I ask is b/c my definition of 'pulls so much better' is in NOT noticing that the trailer is back there.

Oh and on the chevy 1500's, not sure about the '14+ bodystyles but if you want a crew you get stuck with the stupid short short bed like on my wifes truck. 14+'s I think the crews get a real 6ft bed.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Is it just b/c the tundra is so much newer? Smoother power, quieter, etc. Tundra is probably atleast 1.5times the hp to the ground of the v3500, is that what you are liking? Reason I ask is b/c my definition of 'pulls so much better' is in NOT noticing that the trailer is back there.

Oh and on the chevy 1500's, not sure about the '14+ bodystyles but if you want a crew you get stuck with the stupid short short bed like on my wifes truck. 14+'s I think the crews get a real 6ft bed.

Yes the Tundra will actually pull the K5 up a hill without using the Hazards It moves the weight very well and the transmission braking with the 6 speed is a nice touch as well. Even when I first pulled with the Toyota and had no controller I think it stopped better than my V3500 with a controller. Just more power, drives nicer, etc. Yes I feel the K5 bounce around some on the trailer, but its still very controllable. The V3500 I dont feel much, but the slightest incline and you are doing 40 in second gear. The TBI 454 even with the 4.11's just doesn't get it done as well.

I don't mind the short bed on the crews as the wheelbase is still there and I have the V3500 to move big stuff, do dump runs, haul dirt etc. I want a newer truck to drive, go hunting, tow with without having to take the Wifes truck