Chevy 1500 6.2L or 2500 6.0L?

[STORE500]

Hello, I am in the market for a new truck and I was wondering if I could get some opinions on these two trucks. I am planning on buying a fifth wheel trailer (maybe up to 30' long) and I also tow an 18' fishing boat. I will probably only tow the trailer 6 to 7 times a summer. I like the hp and torque of the 6.2L, but not sure if I like the short box. The truck will be used as a daily driver to work and hauling the kids around. I love the look of the 2500hd, but I know the gas mileage is terrible. I currently have a 2000 chevy 2500 with a 6.0L and get 10 mpg loaded or empty. Thanks for your help!

[trackerbrent]

I would not even consider the 1500. You will quickly overcome the GVWR of the truck with a fifth wheels pin weight. The carrying capacity of a 1500 truck is only about 1400-1500 lbs. A 30' fifth wheel will have a GVWR of around 8000-10000 lbs depending on model. Pin weight being about 20% trailer weight may even max out a 2500 trucks GVWR by the time you add a hitch, gear and people to the truck. It is not so much about the power of the motor of the truck. I would skip the 2500 and get a 3500 with a gas motor if that is what you want. Of course a Duramax is the way to go towing heavy like it sounds like you would. I drove a 2010 Chevy 2500 crew cab short box with the 6.0 towing a Ranger bass boat and I thought it was a slug and got horrible gas milleage. It was my buddies truck and he said it was one of the biggest mistakes he had made in a purchase and was thinking of trading it in on a Duramax. Just my thoughts, I am sure others will chime in. I tow a 21' fifth wheel with a F150 and it does the job, but is not fun. Good luck with your decison, I know my next truck will be a diesel or v10 if I can find one!

[Valv]

I used to drive 2010 and newer Chevy 3500s with the 6.0l gas. That was the worst engine for mileage that I've ever driven. The previous models (like your 2000) were much better, we had a 2003 with 205,000 miles and was somehow decent compared to the newest.

We used to get 6.5mpg towing a 5th wheel and 11mpg empty driving speed limits all the times.

Definitely do not get a 1500 for a 5th wheel.

I hate to say it but for better mileage you will have to go Dodge diesel or Ford (if you want a gasser). Leave the Chevys off this table unless you get a Duramax.

[KatoMike]

A fifth wheel in a half ton with the tiny box is not a good idea - the box is not long enough (on a crewcab with that mini-bed) to be able to turn well with the 5th wheel.

The 6.2 is a good motor but the 6.0 is a great motor - iron block in the 6.0 is tougher compared to the aluminum block in the 6.2 (that's why GM doesn't put the 6.2 in the HD's). Get the 2500/3500 and pay the mileage penalty and enjoy your towing experience rather than worrying if you have enough truck.

Go big or go home when towing...even if its just occassionally.

[DRH1175]

For what you want to do I would't even look at the 1500 you need a hd. the 1500 just doesn't have the suspension needed for a big trailer. I am in the same situation we are looking at a new truck in the spring. I have looked at the f150 but from my research the Superduty is the only truck that will haul our 30' travel trailer without white knuckle driving.

[mechanico]

I had a 2000 Silverado w/the 6 liter. I got excited when I got 12mpg... But! It was a pulling son-of-a-gun! I loved it. Why not keep your 2000 and get a light half ton for your daily driver? My neighbor got a 2000 Silverado with the 5.3 and he gets in the high teens. If you've kept up with your maintenance you should be able to get another several years out of your Silverado. Besides, the 2000's look a lot better than the new ones

[Eric Wettschreck]

Every time I see Chevy 6.2 I run away as fast as I can. I don't have much experience with the newer ones, but the older......early 80's ones had a serious history of snapping their cranks in half. That's a pretty amazing noise when it happens.

[Macgyver55]

That was the old original diesel GM came out with! The new 6.2L V8 is a gasoline engine that puts out over 400 HP. It even available in the new Camaros. I dont think you could run away from one of those even with your best running shoes.

[CJH]

The new 6.2L GM gasser is a firecracker!!!!!