The new 2002 GMC/Chevy Motors
Question:
I pull a 24ft pontoon with my 2000 1500 5.3 Silver 3:73 rear every weekend(in PA, LOTS of hills). I maintain 65 mph without a problem. On some of the larger hills I may decrease my speed to 50-55 while cresting, but that’s because I gradually take my foot out of it as I go up the hill. I get 18.9 without the boat and 15 with it. If that’s all you’re going to tow, the 5.3 is a great choice imho. Naz"T"
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck > motors. > The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy > 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. > I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. > I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This > time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the > dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow > up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. > I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it > puts on the tow vehicle is not. > I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the > Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was > only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In > comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand > the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about > the same as a 2500HD > The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. > Any suggestions would be appreciated > Paul L. Merrill > Clovis, CA
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck > motors. > The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy > 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. > I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. > I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This > time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the > dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow > up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. > I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it > puts on the tow vehicle is not. > I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the > Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was > only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In > comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand > the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about > the same as a 2500HD > The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. > Any suggestions would be appreciated > Paul L. Merrill > Clovis, CA
Don’t worry, the drag placed by mother nature on the towing vehilce itself, is VERY significant. You will be lucky to get around 10 mpg’s anyway, so get something (like the BBC) that should get 10 mpg’s no matter what… But then again, there’s the piston-slap problem with a portion (GM doesn’t even know how many) of the new LS1-based engines…. Get the Duramax instead. gmpistonslap.cjb.net The guy that made the site lives about 10 miles from me…I ought to see his boroscope pics up close sometime….he has an 8.1L, by the way.
Response:
>Sure it pulled it, and probably quite well, but how much internal damage do you think you did to the tranny of your dads truck. >Thats OK fathers day is just around the corner, your can buy him a new one.
You are right about it being hard on the vehicle but I was more worried about the motor than the tranny. Nevertheless, it was only a 600 mile pull to get my wheel home. My Dad pulls a 22 foot 5th wheel that is just under 5000 lbs. and his truck is much better suited for that. — Merc Thundersnake#16 69 Mach 1 clone, Merc scoop, Merc steering wheel, Merc 351 W 78 f-250 XLT supercab 4×4, 400 C6. 94 Chev 3500 Crewcab 4×4 http://www.geocities.com/fordguru69/Mach1Muscle.html Sure it pulled it, and probably quite well, but how much internal damage do you think you did to the tranny of your dads truck. Thats OK fathers day is just around the corner, your can buy him a new one. Dean says: >BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in >the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half->ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away) That may be true but even though it was not legal, I never felt unsafe while towing my wheel with my Dad’s truck.. My 78 f-250 HD can legally pull the 5th wheel but is it really any safer with its drum/disc combo compared to the f & r disc on the 99 CHEV? The 1/2 ton chevy did not sway and wasn’t even dragging the rear bumper. By the way, at no time did the 5.3 "lug" like you say. It shifted down as required and never dropped below 50 mph even on the steepest hill. When I think of a vehicle "lugging", I picture a low rpm crawl over he top of a hill. The little 5.3 never lugged, it simply needed high rpm to keep its speed and it was not hard to keep it at high rpm either, the tranny downshifts beautifully. Merc, The engine has to accelerate from idle to the next shift point; it is lugged when overloaded during that acceleration exactly as I said.. BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half-ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away) gets both the tow vehicle and trailer confiscated until you go to court and pay the fine. They start around $1,000 and go up real fast. Dean Always remember, a larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be thebetter choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This istrue in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. So you want to tow a huge boat uphill at 70MPH and get 20 MPG. Dont we all. You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truckmotors.The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4.I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as thedealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow up hill at speeds faster than 30mph.I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it puts on the tow vehicle is not.I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and theChevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. Incomparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about
Response:
Sure it pulled it, and probably quite well, but how much internal damage do you think you did to the tranny of your dads truck. Thats OK fathers day is just around the corner, your can buy him a new one. Dean says: >BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in >the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half->ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away) That may be true but even though it was not legal, I never felt unsafe while towing my wheel with my Dad’s truck.. My 78 f-250 HD can legally pull the 5th wheel but is it really any safer with its drum/disc combo compared to the f & r disc on the 99 CHEV? The 1/2 ton chevy did not sway and wasn’t even dragging the rear bumper. By the way, at no time did the 5.3 "lug" like you say. It shifted down as required and never dropped below 50 mph even on the steepest hill. When I think of a vehicle "lugging", I picture a low rpm crawl over he top of a hill. The little 5.3 never lugged, it simply needed high rpm to keep its speed and it was not hard to keep it at high rpm either, the tranny downshifts beautifully. Merc, The engine has to accelerate from idle to the next shift point; it is lugged when overloaded during that acceleration exactly as I said.. BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half-ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away) gets both the tow vehicle and trailer confiscated until you go to court and pay the fine. They start around $1,000 and go up real fast. Dean Always remember, a larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be thebetter choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This istrue in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. So you want to tow a huge boat uphill at 70MPH and get 20 MPG. Dont we all. You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truckmotors.The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4.I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as thedealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow up hill at speeds faster than 30mph.I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it puts on the tow vehicle is not.I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and theChevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. Incomparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about
Response:
Dean says: >BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in >the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half->ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away)
That may be true but even though it was not legal, I never felt unsafe while towing my wheel with my Dad’s truck.. My 78 f-250 HD can legally pull the 5th wheel but is it really any safer with its drum/disc combo compared to the f & r disc on the 99 CHEV? The 1/2 ton chevy did not sway and wasn’t even dragging the rear bumper. By the way, at no time did the 5.3 "lug" like you say. It shifted down as required and never dropped below 50 mph even on the steepest hill. When I think of a vehicle "lugging", I picture a low rpm crawl over he top of a hill. The little 5.3 never lugged, it simply needed high rpm to keep its speed and it was not hard to keep it at high rpm either, the tranny downshifts beautifully.
Merc, The engine has to accelerate from idle to the next shift point; it is lugged when overloaded during that acceleration exactly as I said.. BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half-ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away) gets both the tow vehicle and trailer confiscated until you go to court and pay the fine. They start around $1,000 and go up real fast. Dean
Always remember, a larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be thebetter choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This istrue in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. So you want to tow a huge boat uphill at 70MPH and get 20 MPG. Dont we all. You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truckmotors.The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4.I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as thedealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow up hill at speeds faster than 30mph.I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it puts on the tow vehicle is not.I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and theChevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. Incomparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about
Response:
> I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. > I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel.
Test drive the new GM duramax diesel and see if you think its a gutless wonder! It pulls like a big block gas engine! — Merc Thundersnake#16 69 Mach 1 clone, Merc scoop, Merc steering wheel, Merc 351 W 78 f-250 XLT supercab 4×4, 400 C6. 94 Chev 3500 Crewcab 4×4 http://www.geocities.com/fordguru69/Mach1Muscle.html
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I’m sure that there will be enough people out there who will lambast > you for the details of your post, so I thought maybe I should pitch in and > see about giving you some advice. Remember, it’s worth exactly what you > paid for it… > First, the 6.2L diesel was a gutless wonder, especially one as old as you > have so don’t get turned off of diesels because of a bad experience with an > old, outdated motor. You will be suitably impressed with any of the diesels > out there these days. > Second, if the 8.3L V-8 is out, then look into the 6.0L V-8. It will give > you acceptable towing capacity and adequate – but not great – mileage. It > is miles ahead of the current rendition of the Dodge 5.9L V-8. > Third, the weight of a pontoon boat is not insignificant. I get the > impression that it weighs quite a bit more than you think, especially a > 20-footer.. > Fourth, I’m sure your wife’s caddy does fly, but the Northstar 4.8L V-8 > ain’t no truck motor. To get the to the vaunted 270hp mark you have to rev > it to about 4000+ rpm – an RPM you will seldom if ever see on a truck. What > the 4.8 lacks is torque, which is what gets the load moving. Basic rule of > thumb – RPM’s get you HP, displacement gets you torque – and torque is what > you want in a truck motor. Most truck motors are designed to hit peak > torque at fairly low RPM’s (especially a diesel), so when you are pulling > your boat out of the lake up a steep ramp you will be able to do it without > much muss or fuss. > Lastly, 4.11 gears will give you great towing capacity but poor top end > speed and poor unladen mileage. 3.73 may be a better option but will have > less towing capacity and better better top end and better unladen. If you > are looking at a 4×4, don’t expect to get great mileage or great highway > performance no matter what motor or gears you get. That’s just the way it > is. > Good luck – Jonathan > — > Acta Non Verba – Deeds Not Words > Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor > Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department > You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck > motors. > The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or > Chevy > 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. > I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. > I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This > time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the > dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and > tow > up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. > I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag > it > puts on the tow vehicle is not. > I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the > Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was > only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In > comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I > understand > the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about > the same as a 2500HD > The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. > Any suggestions would be appreciated > Paul L. Merrill > Clovis, CA
Response:
Merc, The engine has to accelerate from idle to the next shift point; it is lugged when overloaded during that acceleration exactly as I said.. BTW, you’re lucky you didn’t pull that dumb stunt in the state I live in. An overweight 5th wheel on a half-ton (even a blind cop can spot that from a mile away) gets both the tow vehicle and trailer confiscated until you go to court and pay the fine. They start around $1,000 and go up real fast. Dean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Always remember, a >larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be the >better choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This is >true in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. >The small engine is not lugged when its pulling a big load, its revved out >to the max! We towed our 8500 lb 5th wheel home with my Dad’s 99 Chev with a >5.3. It pulled well but it sure had to work hard on the hills. The 5th wheel >was way to heavy for a 1/2 ton but I didn’t have my Ford ready for towing >yet and I wanted to get my new purchase home. My dad’s truck gets well over >20 empty and got 12 towing my wheel. >– >Merc >Thundersnake#16 >69 Mach 1 clone, Merc scoop, Merc steering wheel, Merc 351 W >78 f-250 XLT supercab 4×4, 400 C6. >94 Chev 3500 Crewcab 4×4 >http://www.geocities.com/fordguru69/Mach1Muscle.html >So you want to tow a huge boat uphill at 70MPH and get 20 MPG. Dont we >all. >Keep dreaming. Scott >>Paul, >>This comes up a lot. Someone wants to tow a 35′ yacht and get 44 miles >>per gallon. It ain’t going to happen until all the laws of physics are >>revoked! >>In truck terms it takes a big truck with a big engine to move a big >>trailer, especially up hills. Here’s an example. A good friend bought a >>5.3 extended cab. Gets 20 mpg unladen. When he hooks up his 2,500 lb >>trailer, he gets 9 mpg. I get better mileage than that towing a 10k lb >>trailer with my 454! >>Trailer weight is NEVER insignificant. Get Chevys "Trailer Towing >>Guide", free from any dealer. Then do the math. Always remember, a >>larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be the >>better choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This is >>true in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. >>Dean >>>You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck >>>motors. >>>The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or >Chevy >>>2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. >>>I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow >vehicle. >>>I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. >This >>>time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the >>>dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds >and >tow >>>up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. >>>I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the >drag >it >>>puts on the tow vehicle is not. >>>I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the >>>Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration >was >>>only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In >>>comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I >understand >>>the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is >about >>>the same as a 2500HD >>>The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. >>>Any suggestions would be appreciated >>>Paul L. Merrill >>>Clovis, CA
Response:
So you want to tow a huge boat uphill at 70MPH and get 20 MPG. Dont we all. Keep dreaming. Scott
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Paul, > This comes up a lot. Someone wants to tow a 35′ yacht and get 44 miles > per gallon. It ain’t going to happen until all the laws of physics are > revoked! > In truck terms it takes a big truck with a big engine to move a big > trailer, especially up hills. Here’s an example. A good friend bought a > 5.3 extended cab. Gets 20 mpg unladen. When he hooks up his 2,500 lb > trailer, he gets 9 mpg. I get better mileage than that towing a 10k lb > trailer with my 454! > Trailer weight is NEVER insignificant. Get Chevys "Trailer Towing > Guide", free from any dealer. Then do the math. Always remember, a > larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be the > better choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This is > true in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. > Dean >You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck >motors. >The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy >2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. >I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. >I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This >time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the >dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow >up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. >I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it >puts on the tow vehicle is not. >I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the >Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was >only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In >comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand >the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about >the same as a 2500HD >The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. >Any suggestions would be appreciated >Paul L. Merrill >Clovis, CA
Response:
Always remember, a > larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be the > better choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This is > true in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability.
The small engine is not lugged when its pulling a big load, its revved out to the max! We towed our 8500 lb 5th wheel home with my Dad’s 99 Chev with a 5.3. It pulled well but it sure had to work hard on the hills. The 5th wheel was way to heavy for a 1/2 ton but I didn’t have my Ford ready for towing yet and I wanted to get my new purchase home. My dad’s truck gets well over 20 empty and got 12 towing my wheel. — Merc Thundersnake#16 69 Mach 1 clone, Merc scoop, Merc steering wheel, Merc 351 W 78 f-250 XLT supercab 4×4, 400 C6. 94 Chev 3500 Crewcab 4×4 http://www.geocities.com/fordguru69/Mach1Muscle.html
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So you want to tow a huge boat uphill at 70MPH and get 20 MPG. Dont we all. > Keep dreaming. Scott > Paul, > This comes up a lot. Someone wants to tow a 35′ yacht and get 44 miles > per gallon. It ain’t going to happen until all the laws of physics are > revoked! > In truck terms it takes a big truck with a big engine to move a big > trailer, especially up hills. Here’s an example. A good friend bought a > 5.3 extended cab. Gets 20 mpg unladen. When he hooks up his 2,500 lb > trailer, he gets 9 mpg. I get better mileage than that towing a 10k lb > trailer with my 454! > Trailer weight is NEVER insignificant. Get Chevys "Trailer Towing > Guide", free from any dealer. Then do the math. Always remember, a > larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be the > better choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This is > true in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. > Dean > >You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck > >motors. > >The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or > Chevy > >2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. > >I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow > vehicle. > >I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This > >time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the > >dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and > tow > >up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. > >I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag > it > >puts on the tow vehicle is not. > >I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the > >Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was > >only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In > >comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I > understand > >the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is > about > >the same as a 2500HD > >The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. > >Any suggestions would be appreciated > >Paul L. Merrill > >Clovis, CA
Response:
Well, I’m sure that there will be enough people out there who will lambast you for the details of your post, so I thought maybe I should pitch in and see about giving you some advice. Remember, it’s worth exactly what you paid for it… First, the 6.2L diesel was a gutless wonder, especially one as old as you have so don’t get turned off of diesels because of a bad experience with an old, outdated motor. You will be suitably impressed with any of the diesels out there these days. Second, if the 8.3L V-8 is out, then look into the 6.0L V-8. It will give you acceptable towing capacity and adequate – but not great – mileage. It is miles ahead of the current rendition of the Dodge 5.9L V-8. Third, the weight of a pontoon boat is not insignificant. I get the impression that it weighs quite a bit more than you think, especially a 20-footer.. Fourth, I’m sure your wife’s caddy does fly, but the Northstar 4.8L V-8 ain’t no truck motor. To get the to the vaunted 270hp mark you have to rev it to about 4000+ rpm – an RPM you will seldom if ever see on a truck. What the 4.8 lacks is torque, which is what gets the load moving. Basic rule of thumb – RPM’s get you HP, displacement gets you torque – and torque is what you want in a truck motor. Most truck motors are designed to hit peak torque at fairly low RPM’s (especially a diesel), so when you are pulling your boat out of the lake up a steep ramp you will be able to do it without much muss or fuss. Lastly, 4.11 gears will give you great towing capacity but poor top end speed and poor unladen mileage. 3.73 may be a better option but will have less towing capacity and better better top end and better unladen. If you are looking at a 4×4, don’t expect to get great mileage or great highway performance no matter what motor or gears you get. That’s just the way it is. Good luck – Jonathan — Acta Non Verba – Deeds Not Words Lieutenant Jonathan Race, EMS Supervisor Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Department
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck > motors. > The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy > 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. > I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. > I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This > time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the > dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow > up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. > I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it > puts on the tow vehicle is not. > I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the > Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was > only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In > comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand > the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about > the same as a 2500HD > The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. > Any suggestions would be appreciated > Paul L. Merrill > Clovis, CA
Response:
Paul, This comes up a lot. Someone wants to tow a 35′ yacht and get 44 miles per gallon. It ain’t going to happen until all the laws of physics are revoked! In truck terms it takes a big truck with a big engine to move a big trailer, especially up hills. Here’s an example. A good friend bought a 5.3 extended cab. Gets 20 mpg unladen. When he hooks up his 2,500 lb trailer, he gets 9 mpg. I get better mileage than that towing a 10k lb trailer with my 454! Trailer weight is NEVER insignificant. Get Chevys "Trailer Towing Guide", free from any dealer. Then do the math. Always remember, a larger engine, operating with little or no strain will always be the better choice over a small engine that is constantly lugged. This is true in terms of performance, gas mileage, and reliability. Dean – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck >motors. >The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy >2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. >I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. >I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This >time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the >dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow >up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. >I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it >puts on the tow vehicle is not. >I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the >Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was >only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In >comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand >the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about >the same as a 2500HD >The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. >Any suggestions would be appreciated >Paul L. Merrill >Clovis, CA
Response:
You can fit into a coffee cup what I know about the new chevy/gmc truck motors. The question is which motor/gears to buy in a new extended cab GMC or Chevy 2500 4×4 or a 2500HD 4×4. I own a 82 chev 6.2L Diesel with 4.11 gears. It is a gutless tow vehicle. I will be replacing it soon and it will not be with another diesel. This time when I buy a new truck, I want it to be able to tow as well as the dealer claims it will. I want to be able to maintain highway speeds and tow up hill at speeds faster than 30mph. I tow a 20 foot pontoon boat. The weight is insignificant, but the drag it puts on the tow vehicle is not. I’ve driven (but not towed with )the 2002 Dodge 1500 with a 5.9 and the Chevy 1500 with a 5.3. When I put my foot to the floor, accelleration was only ok and they felt sluggish and a bit underpowered for my taste. In comparison to them, my wife’s 2001 Caddy flies like a rocket. I understand the Caddy has a Northstar 4.8L with about 270HP. Its curb weight is about the same as a 2500HD The new 8.0 L is not an option due to its poor gas mileage. Any suggestions would be appreciated Paul L. Merrill Clovis, CA
