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View Full Version : Towing with 2500HD with 6.0



Pointerman
01-07-2005, 07:58 AM
I need some help on my purchase decision. I am considering a very low milage 2003 2500HD Silverado. It has the 6.0 motor. Does anyone have any real world towing experience with this motor? I am having a hard time deciding between holding out for a big block or purchasing this one. I would prefer the better fuel economy on the 6.0, but need some input.
If you have towed with this motor please let me know the weight of the boat you towed, the general towing conditions (mountains, flat, steep ramp, etc) and how you feel the rig performed. My current boat/trailer combo is only 5K lbs dry, but you never know what the future might hold and I want to purchase a truck that I wil drive into the ground.
Also, I commute via train, so the truck is only used for towing, hunting trips, commuting to the train station and misc trips around town. Gas mileage is a consideration, but not the primary driver in my decision.

boxscore
01-07-2005, 08:08 AM
I owned an '03 6.0 2500hd. I towed a 26 cat with it. No problems whatsoever. I think 4:10 gears help it out big time. The caviat being though... the gas mileage was horrendous. Making it worse was that I had a short bed, which limited the tank to 26 gallons if my memory is right. My range was horrible when towing. If I had to do it again I'd go Dmax. If price is out of range for the diesel then consider the 8.1. It isn't that much more in price vs the 6.0, and the mileage is nearly identical. At the very minimum, grab one with an 8.1, you'll have the same mileage but lots more torque. good luck

OutCole'd
01-07-2005, 08:13 AM
I had a 03 1500 with the 6.0 and it towed my 28' Magic just fine. No major hills, but some pretty long inclines from here in Vegas to Havasu. Mileage was not the best, but I think I got around 12-13, which is not much worse than what I am getting with my current truck ( d max ). The only reason I replaced it was it was 2 wd, and had a problem getting the boat out at some of the slicker launch ramps.

sigepmock
01-07-2005, 08:49 AM
I have an 03 2500HD Crewcab 4x4 with the 6.0L and was very disappointed with the performance and the milage. I was getting about 14mpg empty and 8-10 towing the boat(5k lbs) and 6mpg or less towing my 26' Weekend Warrior. I did the K&N intake, Flowmaster catback exhaust, and Hypertech tuner and it helped but still didn't pull the trailer the way I wanted. Granted the WW is close to 10,000lbs fully loaded but even around town the truck was a pain. I finally added a Whipple supercharger and now I love the truck but for $6000 I've spent I better. Talk with CaSean he has the same truck and tows his WW and boat, he just ordered a Custom ECM tune which should really wake up the 6.0L. In my opinion the big block or Dmax is the way to go. BB gets 10mpg all the time towing or not, and the DMax well it's the ticket if you can fork out the cash.
Chris

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 09:01 AM
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like I should keep looking. The deal was just so sweet on this one truck that I faultered for a moment. I'll hold out for a big block.

casean
01-07-2005, 09:38 AM
I have an 03 2500HD with the 6.0L. Like Sigepmock said it gets really bad gas mileage when towing. If you can, go with the diesel. You won't be disappointed at all. I've actually heard and read on other forums that the 8.1 gets about the same, if not better gas mileage than the 6.0. What's nice about the 8.1 is the option to get the Allison tranny, which is bullet proof compared to the 4L80e. Overall though my 6.0 gets the job done, whether I'm towing our boat or our 26' WW trailer. I just ordered a custom PCM for the truck, which will help eliminate most of the torque management programmed into the stock unit. From what I have read and heard, this should help increase tow ability. (Thanks again to sigepmock for breaking down what torque management does)

PHOTOGLOU
01-07-2005, 09:43 AM
What are you looking to spend??? 2wd or 4wd cloth or leather short bed or long bed IF you had I wish list

BarryMac
01-07-2005, 09:44 AM
IMO, go for the Big Block, you don't lose enough gas mileage to make the difference but you gain a lot of towing capacity, as a friend of mine says "It will pull a sting out of a cats ass".

Magic34
01-07-2005, 09:45 AM
I have had 2 6L Chevy's before the Duramax. I have pulled up to 15,000 pounds with the 6L (2500 HD) and it did OK. The MPG does not really differ from the 8.1. I hooked up the boat to both truks and saw minimal differences.
The only issue I had was worring about the tranny keeping up with the weight. I thought that one day it might not be there because of the weight, so I went with the Dmax.
Also, I never really drove it up huge hills with that weight, only to Havasu (from PHX) and it is flat.
I did pull my last boat with a 6L to Powell (29' Magic) and the truck did OK on that trip as well. Hills, it got a little slow, but not terrible. Expect around 6 MPG while towing.

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 09:51 AM
I am looking for a used 2001 or newer Chevy 2500HD 4X4 Crew cab, short bed, prefer cloth (will tolerate leather), prefer a light color (white or pewter), under 50K miles, 8.1 or diesel with Allison, minimal customization (don't want a jacked up truck as I have kids I need to load into car seats). Will to spend up to $30K. Prefer a dealer since I am having troubles selling my current truck and it looks like I will need to do a trade in.

jdogginla
01-07-2005, 09:56 AM
Ok...........who's taking money that Jay has this guy a truck by 12:00 noon. :D

Sweet Addiction
01-07-2005, 10:01 AM
Ok...........who's taking money that Jay has this guy a truck by 12:00 noon. :D
I don't really know Jay, but from what I have read I would be willing to put some money on it. OH, wait. Its too close to Noon. Woops.

jstwkd
01-07-2005, 10:02 AM
I had an 02 2500hd allison lifted and towed a 10,000 pound trailer..The gas mileage is bad but almost the same as the 6.0.The only time I would get worried was with a huge hill...it would make it up.Not as fast as the dmax...We have also put a procharger on a 03 2500 6.0 hd.A buddies.
that put him up to the power of the BBC but still all high rpm power...we also geared it to 4:88,replace the injectors to 8.1,exhaust,air cleaner etc..he also pulls a 10,000 pound trailer.We use a hill to get to my house for testing..Its 4 miles @ a 11 deg grade..It still has a hard time...But fine every where else..
I have since sold my 8.1 truck and purchased a dmax...And my biddy wishes he purchased the damax..but he has way to much unvested to walk away just yet..... give it another year.....lol...the 6.0 will do the job..you just beat the crap out of it...
And both these trucks are lifted with 35 in tire....

BarryMac
01-07-2005, 10:04 AM
I am looking for a used 2001 or newer Chevy 2500HD 4X4 Crew cab, short bed, prefer cloth (will tolerate leather), prefer a light color (white or pewter), under 50K miles, 8.1 or diesel with Allison, minimal customization (don't want a jacked up truck as I have kids I need to load into car seats). Will to spend up to $30K. Prefer a dealer since I am having troubles selling my current truck and it looks like I will need to do a trade in.
Does it have to be 4WD???

Sweet Addiction
01-07-2005, 10:04 AM
I have to agree with the others. I have a 99' 2500 silverado with the 6.0 It has a 6" lift and 35" tires and 373 rear end. I love driving the truck but pulling the boats sucks major. Like I might get 8 miles per gallon. My Dad just bought a new Chevy with the 8.1 and I love the thing. Have not pulled my boat with it so can't help. I think you are doing the right thing. Wait until you find a good 8.1. You will know.

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 10:14 AM
Does it have to be 4WD???
Yes, gotta be a 4x4. hunting, pulling up wet ramps, annual trip to the snow, etc.

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 10:15 AM
Ok...........who's taking money that Jay has this guy a truck by 12:00 noon. :D
I've seen some others talking about getting a truck from Jay, but I don't know who he is. Also, I am in Northern California. I think Jay is a Southern Cali guy. Not willing to drive to LA for a truck.

casean
01-07-2005, 10:22 AM
I've seen some others talking about getting a truck from Jay, but I don't know who he is. Also, I am in Northern California. I think Jay is a Southern Cali guy. Not willing to drive to LA for a truck.
I just spoke with Jay about a Duramax this week. He broke all the numbers down and offered me a smoking deal. Unfortunately we are negative on our current truck, so I had to pass. I plan on going with him when the time is right. Definitely a good guy that treats us ***boat members right. Might be worth the drive.
Damn 6.0's just don't hold their value like the Duramax.

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 10:39 AM
What is Jay's user name here on HB?

casean
01-07-2005, 10:47 AM
What is Jay's user name here on HB?
He actually posted towards the top of this thread. His username is PHOTOGLOU.

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 10:59 AM
That is probably why he asked about what I was looking for. :idea:
Jay,
Let me know if you come up with something interesting.

BarryMac
01-07-2005, 11:12 AM
That is probably why he asked about what I was looking for. :idea:
Jay,
Let me know if you come up with something interesting.
Send him a PM, that is the best way to get ahold of him... BTW, he can't be beat, hands down...

Wicky
01-07-2005, 11:12 AM
I'm on my 2nd 2500HD 6.0.
Just returned to Idaho from L.A.
I used 55 gallons of gas. I believe that is about 16 mpg at 75mph.
I don't really pay attention when I tow down to Havasu.
I do however wish it was a 36 gallon tank instead of a 26.
Great truck. Haven't owned a Ford truck. I will never buy another Dodge.
Mow,
Wicky

NorCalCat
01-07-2005, 11:24 AM
I have a 2004 6.0 and personally I think it is way too thisty. Also, under tow, I am lucky to get 8 mpg. All stock no lift, etc. I am towing a 29' cat weighing about 6000 lbs. I stepped up and now have a Ford F250 6.0 Smoker. It tows like there is nothing there. Also gets about 15 mpg under tow. Add the edge Juice chip and no gass engine can touch it.
Just my $.02

dicudmore
01-07-2005, 11:29 AM
That is probably why he asked about what I was looking for. :idea:
Jay,
Let me know if you come up with something interesting.
Pointerman....talk to Jay Photoglou 714-552-0300 (I know others said it first...)
He WILL get you the truck you want :wink:

dicudmore
01-07-2005, 11:31 AM
side note.....any of you looking to upgrade that 26-gallon short bed tank.
check out transferflow.com they have a 45 gallon replacement tank that uses the stock fuel sender. Best mod I ever made to my truck :wink:
Regularly go 800+ miles between fill-ups (Duramax :D )

XtrmWakeborder
01-07-2005, 12:07 PM
Wow 8mpg towing...maybe i dont want that ss silverado, thats kinda scary

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 12:10 PM
Wow 8mpg towing...maybe i dont want that ss silverado, thats kinda scary
I'm sure the SS would be worse. Higher output motor so it is probably a pig when you are not towing.

PHOTOGLOU
01-07-2005, 12:13 PM
I am looking for a used 2001 or newer Chevy 2500HD 4X4 Crew cab, short bed, prefer cloth (will tolerate leather), prefer a light color (white or pewter), under 50K miles, 8.1 or diesel with Allison, minimal customization (don't want a jacked up truck as I have kids I need to load into car seats). Will to spend up to $30K. Prefer a dealer since I am having troubles selling my current truck and it looks like I will need to do a trade in.
WHAT IF COULD GET YOU A NEW ONE FOR CLOSE TO THAT????

BigDogIvan
01-07-2005, 12:16 PM
I have a 2002 with the 6.0. Do your self a favor and go for the Duramax. If I could I would trade this in and step up. Great truck but has a thirst problem when towing and I'm only at 5500lbs towing.
BD

PHOTOGLOU
01-07-2005, 12:23 PM
I have a 2002 with the 6.0. Do your self a favor and go for the Duramax. If I could I would trade this in and step up. Great truck but has a thirst problem when towing and I'm only at 5500lbs towing.
BD
Let's talk

XtrmWakeborder
01-07-2005, 12:41 PM
Hey photo what days are u on the lot at selman?

dicudmore
01-07-2005, 12:42 PM
Hey photo what days are u on the lot at selman?
who cares?? Call his cell and he'll take care of you :D

XtrmWakeborder
01-07-2005, 12:45 PM
who cares?? Call his cell and he'll take care of you :D
Haha i wanna get into the ballpark before i give away my college fund lol "Window shopping"

PHOTOGLOU
01-07-2005, 12:52 PM
Hey photo what days are u on the lot at selman?
Mon-Thur 9 - 6 Fri,Sat,Sun by appt

OC-PARTYCAT
01-07-2005, 01:01 PM
I have the dmax...I will never buy a gas truck again. Its worth the extra $$

djunkie
01-07-2005, 01:09 PM
Ok...........who's taking money that Jay has this guy a truck by 12:00 noon. :D
Jay is the man. Only took about ten minutes over the phone to have my me sold on a new truck. Pointerman I'd reccomend giving Jay a call. By the way get the Duramax and never look back. :)

djunkie
01-07-2005, 01:11 PM
Mon-Thur 9 - 6 Fri,Sat,Sun by appt
Only work 4 days a week huh? must be nice. I could get away with that with my job, but I wouldn't be able to have 3 fountains either like Jay either. Actually not even 1. :)

77charger
01-07-2005, 01:56 PM
another 6.0 owner here.so far i tow a 18ft toyhauler loaded pretty good.and my 21ft boat.Mainly an everyday driver.I thought about the 8.1(I am not a diesel fan either) when i bought but was at end of my budget already so i went 6.0.another thing i drive alot so mpg favored the 6.0.I get about 13.5 avg driving,and 8-10 towing the toyhauler(9 avg) at about 65-70.and 10-12 towing the boat to the river doing about 80 when i can.If i were to tow more weight i,d favor the 8.1 but like i said for my uses the 6.0 does the job very good and seems to be perfect for my use.I have the ext cab 4x4 4.10 gears

Pointerman
01-07-2005, 02:02 PM
WHAT IF COULD GET YOU A NEW ONE FOR CLOSE TO THAT????
Jay,
I'll give you a call later. Not sure how "close" you are talking, but I am looking to finance about 20K (probably my credit union), trade my current 1994 ext cab 1500 4x4 with 145K mi and put as little cash down as possible. I am not terribly interested in a new vehicle since I hate the rapid depreciation. I like to have an "exit plan" for all of my major purchases in case life goes bad on me. The more I think about it I am more interested in the 8.1. I commute on the train and take off out of the train parking lot at the end of the day pretty quickly and I am not sure a diesel will appreciate the lack of warm up time. :rolleyes:

INSman
01-07-2005, 04:08 PM
I got lucky and got into a 2004 GMC with a Duramax with only 3k miles, had some additional goodies on it and got it for under $40k. Since then, I put on an RBP 4" exhaust, AFE Intake and Edge Juice programmer.
Granted I only tow a about 5k lbs with boat and trailer, but the thing absolutely screams, and gets incredible mileage (18+ highway not towing and 12.5-14.7 mpg towing) and I regularly tow at 80+ flying past people up hills and still plenty left !!!!!!!!
The truck is the best and I used to hate trucks. The resale value on the Duramax/Allison combo is also far superior to the gas rigs.
Just my .02c worth

duffster
01-07-2005, 09:03 PM
Go and see Jay Photoglou and buy a Duramax 714.552.0300