What about the 2500HD with the 6.0 gasser? Our Northstar Laredo is on a 2004 2500HD with a gas engine and we have been very satisifed with the performance. Mileage with camper on is around 12 and off around 14. Not as good as the diesel but less cost going in and lighter in weight.
If you were doing heavy towing or had a heavier camper then a diesel would be a good choice. With the Laredo, which is on the light side, it might be overkill. As far as saving money, I would love to see data that proves a diesel has a overall lower cost when adding up everything.
Unless you are planning on driving thousands of miles every year and/or want to tow a big trailer get a gas V-8. We enjoy the power of our diesel but it is no longer worth the extra up front ($6000+)cost PLUS the more expensive fuel. Several people have pointed out that it takes a long time to break even on a Hybrid. The same is now true for a diesel. We pay $4.42 a Gallon here for diesel and $3.85 for gas. You have a light camper so why pay for something you don't need?
Our next truck will be a standard cab V-8.
Ken & Kris + Heidi the dog
Sequim, Wa.
2003 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 diesel
2003 Logan Wrangler XL 2 Horse slant load trailer
I'm just curious. You are looking at a Chevy/GMC 2500 diesel. The payload on that truck is about 2,300 to 2,500 lbs. Your new Laredo will weigh about that much dry. Why aren't you considering a 1 ton truck and avoid all the worries of being overweight?
The current plan from GM is to produce a 1500 series hybrid that uses the same system that is used by that Tahoe at this time. I don't think that it will be able to safely handle the weight of your truck camper. I haven't heard any plans to expand the hybrid system into the 2500/3500 trucks at this time.
The info that GM has released to the dealers shows a payload of about 1400 pounds and a max tow rating for around 6100 pounds.
Here is some info from GM:
What is a 2-Mode hybrid?
GM's patented 2-Mode hybrid technology optimizes fuel economy for various driving conditions. The first mode is used at low speed and with light loads. In this mode, the vehicle can operate in three ways: electric power only, engine power only or a combination of electric and engine power. The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds. This mode provides full engine power when conditions demand it, such as passing, trailer towing and climbing steep grades.
How is the 2-Mode system different from other hybrid vehicles?
The 2-Mode hybrid system delivers seamless, dependable power on demand in a more efficient package, with electric motors less than half the size of single-mode systems. Unlike other hybrid systems, the 2-Mode system: 1) optimizes city and highway fuel efficiency; 2) provides enough power to maintain the performance and towing capabilities of a full-size pickup; and 3) is scalable, providing the flexibility to use in a variety applications from small front-wheel-drive cars to full-size pickups and transit buses.
What is the overall consumer benefit of a Silverado Hybrid?
The Silverado Hybrid will improve upon the already segment-leading fuel efficiency of the Silverado. Consumers will gain the benefits of optimal fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving while maintaining the performance, towing and hauling capabilities of a full-size pickup. Silverado Hybrid is expected to have at least a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy over the conventional Silverado.
What is the displacement of the Silverado Hybrid engine?
The Silverado 2-Mode hybrid features a Vortec 6.0L V8 (LFA) gasoline engine.
What is the horsepower and torque?
The SAE certified numbers are 332 hp@5100 rpm and torque of 367 lb.-ft.@4100 rpm.
Is the Silverado Hybrid E85 capable?
No.
How much can it tow?
Maximum towing is 6,100 lbs. for 2WD and 5,900 lbs. for 4WD.
Why is towing limited?
The Silverado Hybrid maintains the performance of a full-size pickup. However, there is a slight change in hybrid towing because of limited cooling and air intake to the engine, and the additional weight of the hybrid system.
What will the maximum payload be?
More than 1,400 lbs. (1459 lbs -- 2WD; 1418 lbs -- 4WD)
Will buyers be able to receive a tax credit for purchasing a hybrid vehicle?
We expect the Silverado Hybrid will qualify for tax credits, but vehicle qualification has not yet been finalized.
Will the hybrid powertrain affect the manufacturing processes for the pickups?
No, there will not be a change in the vehicle assembly process.
Where will the Silverado Hybrid vehicles be assembled?
The Silverado Hybrid will be built at Oshawa Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada.
Will all of the current free-flow options be available on the hybrid model?
Most of the current options will be available on the hybrid models. Customers will be able to purchase a Silverado Hybrid without sacrificing the capabilities they need from a full-size pickup.
Will it be available in extended cab or regular cab models?
The Silverado Hybrid will be available in Crew Cab only, the largest and fastest-growing cab segment.
I hope this helps.
Gary
Gary
Delaware
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax
2006 Outback 30FRKS
We have a Laredo on a 2007 3/4 ton 4x4 ext cab 6.0 gasser. No problems with power. We're a tad (100#) over gvw loaded with 2 overweight adults, a Newfoundland dog, lots of stuff in the cupboards, full tanks and ready to camp. We start at 3500 ft altitude and usually go up. 10 -12 mpg with our incessant wind and know we could improve that by slowing down. Had a 1993 6.5 diesel and it had lots of power, not that much better milage, more expensive parts and service not to mention the premium to buy. Gas works for us.
I'd be VERY interested to know how the hybrid will handle the load of a TC wet or a loaded 5'er from a stop? Imagine the amp load the electric engine will pull with a 3800 - 4000 pound bed load from a dead stop, on a grade?
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