Chevy 2500HD 6.0L reliabilty

[amabee]

Most of them that I've seen so far have 3.73s, but honestly, our trailer only weighs 5000lbs. If a 5.3L with 3.42s can pull it up a 6% grade at 55-60mph(which it can because I've done it), I'm sure a 6.0L with 3.73s will do us just fine It really isn't a power thing for us, I just don't like being over our GVWR all the time. We also had a couple trips with really strong crosswinds, it wasn't complete white knuckle, but I was very glad when we stopped.

[Adk Camper]

If I'm not mistaken the 6.0 comes standard with 4.10 gears while the Duramax comes standard with 3.73 gears.

[ctbailey]

Originally Posted by Adk Camper

If I'm not mistaken the 6.0 comes standard with 4.10 gears while the Duramax comes standard with 3.73 gears.

My '07 Z71 has 3.73’s. I'm not the original owner, so I'm not sure if it was ordered with them, or if the Z71 package puts the 3.73 in.

Either way I'm satisfied with them, the gas mileage is bad enough all ready.

[33 RLDS]

On my Avalanche the tow capacity is 10,000 lbs with 3.73 and 12,000 with 4.10. I made sure I got the 4.10 before I purchased. Makes a big difference..

[David472]

Originally Posted by Adk Camper

If I'm not mistaken the 6.0 comes standard with 4.10 gears while the Duramax comes standard with 3.73 gears.

That only started with the 2014 model year.
Prior to that, 3.73 was standard for the 6.0 gas engine.

[Adk Camper]

Originally Posted by David472

That only started with the 2014 model year.
Prior to that, 3.73 was standard for the 6.0 gas engine.

Got ya. I'm glad I have the 4.10 gear.

[RVer-Bill]

Does the 3.73 result in any better gas mileage than the 4.10 in daily driving? Since I'm only towing about 6000#, I would have rather had the 3.73 if it gets better daily mileage. The dealers don't order any with the 3.73 for stock. The 3.73 option is an extra $100. The one that I got off the lot 2 months ago was exactly the way I wanted it, including the color.

[David472]

If you intend on towing less than 9,000 lbs, the 3.73 is preferable.
Our TT is about 7800 loaded, and we consistantly get 9.5 MPG (US gallon) when towing. In mixed city driving (solo) we get about 15 or so MPG (US gallon). I have the 3.73 rear end with the 6 speed tranny. From what I have read elsewhere, the 4.10 rear end will give about 1.0 MPG less.

[amabee]

Here's a question that those of you with a 2500 might be able to answer. Are you having any issues with transmission temps in warmer weather? By issues, I mean going over the 200degree mark. I know some say its ok, but I didn't much care for it, so I put an additional cooler in our 1500, which helped tremendously. I ask mostly because the 2500's appear to have the exact same tranny cooler in them.

[David472]

The highest tranny temp I have seen, was right at the 200 degree mark. That was at the top of a 4 mile mountain climb with ambient temps in the 80's. Other times it peaks at about 180 and on flat ground typically runs at 165 degrees. My cooling system is stock.

[amabee]

That I could live with, those are the temps I saw after adding another trans cooler to our 1500, prior to that you could add about 20 degrees to those.

[Adk Camper]

Originally Posted by David472

The highest tranny temp I have seen, was right at the 200 degree mark. That was at the top of a 4 mile mountain climb with ambient temps in the 80's. Other times it peaks at about 180 and on flat ground typically runs at 165 degrees. My cooling system is stock.

Mine runs right about the same. Stock cooler no modifications.

[Crabman]

Originally Posted by amabee

I ask mostly because the 2500's appear to have the exact same tranny cooler in them.

But they have a different transmission and rear end in the 2500`s.

[amabee]

Originally Posted by Crabman

But they have a different transmission and rear end in the 2500`s.

Right, guess I just expected a larger tranny cooler, sounds like they do run cooler though, which is good.

[Adk Camper]

Get the 2500 HD and be done with it.

[Adk Camper]

You won't be disappointed.

[Greenman]

Our 1500 had a 4:10 rear end and four speed tranny (5.3L) and was "adequate" pulling our 5000 lb Exp 213. Our 2008 2500 has a 3:73 rear end and six speed tranny (6.0L) and just plain out pulls the 1500. Added to which I don't have to worry about payload anymore. I tow mostly in B.C. and on a hot day on a long climb tranny temps will touch 200 degrees but normally around 170-180. For me 2500 = peace of mind.

[SouthCo]

6.0 is a great motor. Been around a while and is very reliable. My wife's Yukon Denali has the 6.0 And with just over 100k has been flawless. And yes get the 2500. Night and day difference.

[StarGazer]

I just picked up a 2015 Silverado 2500 long bed crew cab 6.0. It's a monster for sure. Took awhile to get used to the size of this thing. But the piece of mind I get loading up my family and not having to worry about weight limits bringing all the kids stuff, fire wood, generator, gear, etc. while pulling my 28ft trailer makes it all worth it. Even though it's still my daily driver. Luckily I work close to home so gas isn't too much of a concern.

[amabee]

Well, we found one, its a 2011 with only 28,000 miles on it. Honestly, it rides really well I think. While the info center in the truck isn't the most accurate measure of mpg, I reset it as we were leaving and in a 90mile trip, with the cruise set at 65, it is showing 17mpg. I do believe if we drive it nice, it will do ok on gas mileage.