Trying To Talk Myself Out Of A 2500HD

[01tundra]

Yeah I know....can't have too much truck, but....

This will also double as my daily driver with a 7 mile one-way trip from home to the office, so it will be driven very little during the week with zero highway miles. We have many moons before we can even dream of retiring, that will be 3-4 vehicles down the road.....

Our TT completely loaded weighs 3,700 lbs. (GVWR is 3,750 lbs.) and the tongue weight is right at 500 lbs. (on a separate note, the TW seems high and I was surprised when I weighed it with my Sherline LM 1000 scale, but the only underbelly storage is up front so that probably explains the higher TW of 13.5%).

I've owned a 2006 F-350 SRW (6.0L ) and really enjoyed driving it and didn't really mind the extra maintenance cost. But I did mind the 6.0L fuel pump failure at 3,500 miles and the EGR failure at 4,000 miles, the turbo failure at 6,000 miles, and.....yeah.

I've been hearing a few horror stories from an owner of two 2500HD's w/ Duramax engines, his 2014 allegedly had a fuel pump failure that transferred metal throughout the fuel system, resulting in a $11k repair bill? Not sure if this is a common failure, but if I spend $45k on a used Duramax and it suffers that kind of failure I'd be kicking myself. Others I've talked to swear by them, so there's always isolated incidents I know.

No plans on upgrading to a larger TT anytime in the near or distant future.

As of now we are pulling the Hummingbird with a 2012 FJ Cruiser that is close to its limit on both payload and tongue weight, so we will need a little more TV once the weather warms up and we want to haul the kayaks and mtn. bikes along with us. Granted, the FJ actually has more than ample power to pull in (keeping it out of OD) and with the Andersen No-Sway WD hitch it handles excellent at 65 MPH both on hills and while being passed by semis. Saw fuel mileages of 12-14 mpg on flat, 16-18 down hill and 8-10 uphill on our last trip. It also stops really good.

I'm pretty set on a GMC this time around, have owned F-150's, Tundra's, F-350 so I figure I'd give GM a try.

I've been looking at used '16 GMC Sierra 1500's w/ 5.3L and I'm sure it would pull our little TT fine, but wondering if it would be enough if we decided to take an extended trip and travel out West at some point. Also looking at the standard 1500 with the factory brake controller, doubt I'll have any luck finding a used truck with the Max Trailering Package around here.

I realize this has been asked about 1,001 times on here, but I've done a lot of searching around and still can't fully talk myself out of a Duramax

Appreciate any opinions or insight - thanks.

[Camper_bob]

Interesting question.

If you want the bigger truck, you should get it. You certainly don't NEED it to tow your Hummingbird. If it were me, I probably would not get a 2500/250 model unless I had other circumstances where I needed the extra payload and towing capacity.

Since you have no plans to upgrade from the 'Bird, I'd say you don't need a big truck. Nothing wrong with a 1/2T GMC for what you want to do with it. Should have plenty of payload to handle the tongue weight, along with whatever "toys" you want to throw in. They come quite nicely equipped these days. I still miss mine every now and again (2012 Sierra Crew Cab).

But then, I LOVE my Ram 2500. But I USE the 2500 like an HD truck; hauling 250 gallon water totes to the back of a 1600 acre deer lease (on roads that are questionable at best), along with a couple dozen bags of feed, towing the trailer, and hauling camping gear in the bed while towing, etc. The truck has served me well, and I do enjoy it.

If I weren't so close to (or over) payload capacity on my Sierra, I would still have it. No need for over 3K of payload if you'll only ever use 1K of it.

IMO, get the best tool for the job. Unless you just really want a big truck. Then more power to ya!

[Jagiven]

From what you are saying you do not need a diesel, so why not consider a 2500 gasser. From what I read, it still is way more truck than you need. You can load up the box with everything you might want on a trip plus some more and go. You may not have as much torque, but with your light load, I bet the gasser would preform as well.

A properly equipped 1500 will still be more than enough TV, 95+ percent of the time.

[01tundra]

My only reservation with the 1500 is payload capacity.

I could see us possibly wanting to throw a little firewood and some cast iron dutch ovens and pans in the bed at times, along with the 25-gal grey/black water tote if needed.

If I add in all of that on top of the kayaks and bikes I could see us adding about 325-350 lbs. more payload than what we're currently able to haul.

I really haven't thought about a 6.0L much strictly for fuel mileage unloaded. That's why I would make the jump from a 5.3L to either a 2500HD or SRW 3500HD.

If I went with a diesel my plan was to not drive it much since I'm keeping my '03 Tacoma also. I could drive the Tacoma to work and drive the diesel on weekends a little and for pulling the TT. But I'm afraid I'd quickly become spoiled with all of the gadgets and fancy buttons and only drive the Tacoma when it snowed.....

Also forgot to mention, any truck I purchase will be a 4WD due to the terrain we live in.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by 01tundra

My only reservation with the 1500 is payload.

I could see us possibly wanting to throw a little firewood and some cast iron dutch oven and pans in the bed at time, along with the 25-gal grey/black water tote if needed.

If I add in all of that on top of the kayaks and bikes I could see us adding about 325-350 lbs. more payload than what we're currently able to haul.

I really haven't thought about a 6.0L much strictly for fuel mileage unloaded. That's why I would make the jump from a 5.3L to either a 2500HD or SRW 3500HD.

Even with 500 lbs of "extra stuff", you'd still be okay IMO. My Sierra was on the low side for payload capacity, and I still had 1400 lbs (maybe a bit more, I don't remember now) which is enough to deal with what you're talking about. On the later models, it isn't uncommon to see them with 1700-2000 lbs of payload.

Anyway, even with all the extra "stuff", I don't see you needing 3/4T payload capacity. Well, unless by "a little firewood and some cast iron" you mean filling the bed up to the rails and bringing the entire Lodge cast iron line to pile on top!

[Khans Keeper]

IMO the 5.3L paired with the 8 spd transmission will make plenty of power for your needs, even in the big hills. several years back I pulled an enclosed cargo trailer around 4k lbs from WA state to Ohio. I have the 5.3 with a 6 spd and I had no problems.

[01tundra]

On our last trip the Cat scales gave us a combined gross weight (TV+TT) with all occupants inside at 8,880 lbs. That was after just filling the fuel tank on the FJ.

The FJ gross was 5,680 lbs. (with the TT hitched) and the TT was 3,200 lbs. TW was measured just under 500 lbs. with TT loaded.

[Khans Keeper]

my '13 has a payload of 1647 and the newer ones do even better. you can carry that tongue and still have at least 1100 lbs of payload for passengers. I think you will be very happy with a '16 1500, but if you want the 2500 don't let me steer you away.

[paggy00271]

Originally Posted by 01tundra

On our last trip the Cat scales gave us a combined gross weight (TV+TT) with all occupants inside at 8,880 lbs. That was after just filling the fuel tank on the FJ.

The FJ gross was 5,680 lbs. (with the TT hitched) and the TT was 3,200 lbs. TW was measured just under 500 lbs. with TT loaded.

Tundra, we're pulling our 17RK with a Dodge Durango (V6) and have no issues pulling it fully loaded even with a full fresh water tank. If you are wanting to stay in an SUV it's a pretty good option.


2017 Hummingbird 17RK

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[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Khans Keeper

my '13 has a payload of 1647 and the newer ones do even better. you can carry that tongue and still have at least 1100 lbs of payload for passengers. I think you will be very happy with a '16 1500, but if you want the 2500 don't let me steer you away.

+1

Sometimes all the justification we need is that it makes us feel good. Even if we don't technically need something, there's often a "softer" side to the equation.

[01tundra]

The payload capacity on the FJ is 1,080 lbs.

So if I look at it from that standpoint we would be picking up approximately 600 lbs. of payload capacity with a 1500. So even if I error on the high side, I can't really see us carrying 500 lbs. of additional stuff even if we could.

It appears that the '16 1500 with the 5.3L only comes with a 6-speed transmission. My only other concern would be wear & tear on the truck due to extended trips.

[Crabman]

With those numbers and the daily driver added in I would stay with a well equipped 1500/F150. Gas mileage, comfort of ride, initial cost, just no need for the 2500 unless you will upgrade someday. The half tons of today are much more capable then just a decade ago.

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by Crabman

With those numbers and the daily driver added in I would stay with a well equipped 1500/F150. Gas mileage, comfort of ride, initial cost, just no need for the 2500 unless you will upgrade someday. The half tons of today are much more capable then just a decade ago.

Yeah that's where I'm leaning as well.

I'm really surprised on how well her FJ pulls it and I know my old '08 Tundra wouldn't even blink at it power wise (except the terrible fuel mileage and minimal fuel range).

Like I said, the only real good reason I could think of ruling out the 1500 is payload capacity, but when I think of it compared to the FJ capacity we would likely never have an issue.

[Khans Keeper]

Originally Posted by 01tundra

It appears that the '16 1500 with the 5.3L only comes with a 6-speed transmission. My only other concern would be wear & tear on the truck due to extended trips.

I thought the 8 spd was standard on '16 models, after your post I double checked. In '16 8 spd was standard on SLT and Denali trim levels, Sierra and SLE got the 6 spd. Either way you will be plenty happy.

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by Khans Keeper

I thought the 8 spd was standard on '16 models, after your post I double checked. In '16 8 spd was standard on SLT and Denali trim levels, Sierra and SLE got the 6 spd. Either way you will be plenty happy.

I'm getting an SLT whether it's a 1500 or 2500.

The info I read on GM's website looked like all of the '16's have 6-speeds standard with optional 8 speed on the SLT. I may have misread it. Not sure if I'd be lucky enough to find a used truck with the 8-speed.

*Edit - I do see some local used that have 8-speeds, I guess that explains the 3:08 rear differential gearing. When I first saw the high rear end gearing on some I instantly disregarded them, what I wasn't realizing is that those seem to always be the 8-speed transmissions.

[NVGun40]

My personal opinion... worth the price you are paying for it.
Like a few here, I believe a properly equipped half ton will suite your needs.
That said, if you go to the 3/4 ton, I am sure you will never be sorry. Gasser or diesel. One thing you will never find yourself saying; "I wish I had a bigger truck." With a 1/2 ton you are likely to say that.
Yet, many half tons built today, are more than worthy for your uses that is if you pick up a properly equipped one.
As for what all of us feel and believe? None of it really matters, in the end the choice is yours.

For myself, I had very nice half ton, which was well equipped once. I had gone from a 1 ton to the 1/2 ton, because I was sure I would never need the heavy duty class again. After two years, I went back up to a 3/4 ton. For me, I will never have another 1/2 ton. I drive my 2500 daily, I have not noticed any difference in maintenance costs. I love it.


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[motorbreath]

I wouldn't bother with the max tow package, just make sure you get the trailering package with integrated brake controller and 3.42 rear end. As long as you stay away from the higher trims, you should have 1700+lb of payload, 9400lb tow rating.

I tow much heavier than you with the same truck, with decent WDH and some common sense, I do fine. I strongly recommend you don't get a diesel, with a 7 mile round-trip you won't even warm it up...not good for the emissions systems.

CORRECTION: if you are planning on an SLT then the max tow package is a good idea, you lose hundreds of pounds of payload with the SLT and Denali trims, max tow might help to nullify that.

Originally Posted by 01tundra

Yeah I know....can't have too much truck, but....

This will also double as my daily driver with a 7 mile one-way trip from home to the office, so it will be driven very little during the week with zero highway miles. We have many moons before we can even dream of retiring, that will be 3-4 vehicles down the road.....

Our TT completely loaded weighs 3,700 lbs. (GVWR is 3,750 lbs.) and the tongue weight is right at 500 lbs. (on a separate note, the TW seems high and I was surprised when I weighed it with my Sherline LM 1000 scale, but the only underbelly storage is up front so that probably explains the higher TW of 13.5%).

I've owned a 2006 F-350 SRW (6.0L ) and really enjoyed driving it and didn't really mind the extra maintenance cost. But I did mind the 6.0L fuel pump failure at 3,500 miles and the EGR failure at 4,000 miles, the turbo failure at 6,000 miles, and.....yeah.

I've been hearing a few horror stories from an owner of two 2500HD's w/ Duramax engines, his 2014 allegedly had a fuel pump failure that transferred metal throughout the fuel system, resulting in a $11k repair bill? Not sure if this is a common failure, but if I spend $45k on a used Duramax and it suffers that kind of failure I'd be kicking myself. Others I've talked to swear by them, so there's always isolated incidents I know.

No plans on upgrading to a larger TT anytime in the near or distant future.

As of now we are pulling the Hummingbird with a 2012 FJ Cruiser that is close to its limit on both payload and tongue weight, so we will need a little more TV once the weather warms up and we want to haul the kayaks and mtn. bikes along with us. Granted, the FJ actually has more than ample power to pull in (keeping it out of OD) and with the Andersen No-Sway WD hitch it handles excellent at 65 MPH both on hills and while being passed by semis. Saw fuel mileages of 12-14 mpg on flat, 16-18 down hill and 8-10 uphill on our last trip. It also stops really good.

I'm pretty set on a GMC this time around, have owned F-150's, Tundra's, F-350 so I figure I'd give GM a try.

I've been looking at used '16 GMC Sierra 1500's w/ 5.3L and I'm sure it would pull our little TT fine, but wondering if it would be enough if we decided to take an extended trip and travel out West at some point. Also looking at the standard 1500 with the factory brake controller, doubt I'll have any luck finding a used truck with the Max Trailering Package around here.

I realize this has been asked about 1,001 times on here, but I've done a lot of searching around and still can't fully talk myself out of a Duramax

Appreciate any opinions or insight - thanks.

[TCNashville]

Get the gas 2500 and don't look back. You will not regret it.

[01tundra]

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

Get the gas 2500 and don't look back. You will not regret it.

Fuel mileage would be a no-go with my company car allowance.

The 5.3L gas or Duramax meet the requirements.

[jaycojay]

You will be fine with a 1500 .... If you find one that interests you, feel free to send an e-mail, i work @ a GM Dealer, and can get you all the specs on the vehicle.