2500HD to 3500HD dually - Page 2

waterwalkers · 09-06-2019, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplebvalp

Any Eagle HT FW owners pulling their HT (specifically a 27.5) with a 3500HD dually ? I'm considering "upgrading" from a 2500HD 6.0L gas to a 2019 3500HD diesel dually. What I am mainly interested in mpg while pulling and (your opinion) on the increased cost of maintenance for a diesel.

I drive a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD Crew Cab Denali SRW short bed with the 6.2L Duramax and the Allison Transmission. I tow a 2019 Eagle HT 30.5 MBOK weighing in at about 11,000 Lbs. Sometimes I add a 10ft cargo trailer behind that, adding another 3000 LBS to the total weight.

The truck gets 18 to 20 MPG on the Highway unloaded. When pulling the Eagle, it gets about 14-16 MPG on the highway. Maybe a little less when I'm running in the mountains, but it does not slow down on the hills.

It pulls and handles great when connected to the Eagle. With the Denali package, the ride is quite comfortable.

The 3500HD is rated to carry from 4,078 to 6,349 lbs of cargo in the bed, so the truck barely settles at all when the eagle is connected.

I've driven gas engines while pulling my eagle, and didn't like it one bit. It had to work hard to keep speed on the hills. If your thinking of driving in the mountains at all, I would not suggest a gas engine.

Advantages:
Gobs of Torque that a Gas engine don't have.
Exhaust brake to make step down hill grades a breeze.
Fueling at the truck plaza. Much faster than a standard pump.
Better fuel economy.

Disadvantages:
Diesel fuel normally costs more.
Most newer diesels require you to add DEF fluid.
The Crew cab is a bit harder to park. Even harder if you have the DRW. Not impossible, but not like pulling in with a Tundra.

I love my GMC. I've only had one issue with it so far. I have to clean the MAF sensor from time to time, but that's because I installed a K&N Air filter.

In my opinion, if your looking to tow more than 10,000 on a regular basis, you should consider a Diesel. A large gas engine may pull it, but it just don't have the Torque that a diesel does.
Does it cost more to maintain? Yes.
Would I ever consider towing my Eagle with a Gas engine again? Heck NO.

Good luck in whatever you end up with.