6.0 vs 6.5 diesel

[Dozer]

I am looking at getting a 3/4ton crew cab pickup. In a perfect world I would get a Duramax but they are kinda spendy so that leaves me with either a early 00's 6.0 gas or a late 90's 6.5. I know the 6.0 will outrun the 6.5 empty and the 6.5 will get better milage but how do they compare pulling? Eventually I will get a 26'-28' 5th wheel and have a trailer of 4 wheelers behind that. I drive a car to work so all the miles on the truck will be on the weekend so milage isnt my biggest concern. I just want something that will pull!

[Valv]

The 6.5l diesel had his share of bad reputation, but I felt it wasn't so bad after you understood the issues.

The Injection pump has an electronic module to control it and was installed right in between the V of the motor, causing overheating of it, and shut down or all sorts of issues possible and imaginable.

They sell kits to reposition the module on the fender and it did solve most of the problems. Increase of power wasn't as easy as on newer engines, no electronic "boxes" to add, just give a little extra tension to the wastegate to get higher turbo pressure. Mileage wasn't as good as the newer diesels.

The motor was actually made by Detroit and the pump is a Stanadyne.

I would suggest a '00 to '07 6.0l gas, they had great mileage and towed a lot. Newer models are pigs, and you will regret it at the pump.

If you are looking to tow just a boat in summer only, don't be afraid to get a 2wd, in this part of the country they run cheap, and they have better mileage.