RE: GM 2500HD CC Diesel 4x4 owners...
My 6.0 gas 2500HD is the same way. This is by design. Auto manufacturers frequently figure in the bump stop compression as part of the overall spring rate, from a ride quality point of view. I'm sure these trucks are no different.
If you have cupping, it is a tire, inflation or alignment issue. Looka t wheel bearings and hubs too.
RE: Considering a 1500HD with a 6L
What got said above. I suggest some reading up on what GVW and GCWR AND maximum tow weight mean.
By the math, the truck can support on its chassis 9200lbs. This includes trailer tongue or pin weight. The maximum tow weight for a 6.0 4.10 GM truck is around 10,000lbs, +/- a few hundred pounds depending on cab and drive. The two numbers do not add up to 16,000lbs, as max tow weight reflects a driver in a zero option truck and nothing more.
As a real world example, my truck weighs 6250 empty. my trailer at 8000lbs has a 1200lb tongue weight. The family of 4 adds up to 650lbs. So, 6250+650+1200=8,100lbs on the truck, under the 9,200GVW. Loaded truck + overall trailer weight is 6900+8000=14900lbs, under the 16,000GCW.
By your trailer weight and load, you were in the 19,000-20,000lb range.
RE: Considering a 1500HD with a 6L
Well, let me chime in on this topic.
We have a 2006 2500HD 4X4 Crew Cab long bed with the 6.0L engine and 4.10 rear gears. This past weekend we had the chance to pull our 2007 33P Sportsman Sportster. We loaded the 1988 Honda FourTrax in the back and filled the 110 gallon fresh water tank. The camper is rated at 13500 GVWR. The truck has a trailer towing rating at 16,500 GVWR. The trailer empty weighs around 10,500 and with the water, the 4 wheeler and our other stuff I estimated it at around 12,000 lbs. The pin weight is listed at around 1500 lbs.
You were over GCWR by about 3000 or 4000 lbs. 6.0/4.10's are rated at 16,000lbs GCW. The truck's GVWR is 9200lbs. A 4wd crew cab shortbed is rated at 9900lbs for towing. What a surprise the truck struggled.
To the original poster's question, the truck in my signature can be made to get around 13 doing in-town driving, if one is very conservative with the gas pedal. That said, when I drive it it is usually around 12, and my wife, who isn't as gentle on throttle tip-in, gets 11. Doing 50-55 on rural two lanes will net 17 believe it or not, and highways at 70-75 15-16. This is for a 2500HD chassis, which has slightly heavier running gear than a 1500HD. It is also with 4.10 gears. The 1500HD may have 3.73's.
I tow a trailer that loaded weighs anywhere from 7000-8000 lbs depending on what is in it, and towing mileage, doing the speed limit of 65-70 will net mileage in the low to mid 9's, and occasionally as high as 10. I have never really felt the need for more power. The motor will pull the trailer faster than I care to go, and I already tow on the speedy side.
RE: What Does Your Tow Vehicle Weigh?
As proof of how heavy the Duramax and Allison are, my shortbox '04 Sierra 4WD CC, SLE trim with all the GM heavy duty options, but the 6.0 gas motor and 4L80E, along with added plastic bedliner, fiberglass cap, step bars at a 7/8 full tank of gas weighs 6250.
The diesel, tranny and bigger 11.5" rear add up to about 900 extra pounds.
RE: Who tows with a 6.0L GM?is it that bad
Owned the truck almost 4 years and 50k miles. As the sig says, stock 4x4 crew cab 6.0/4L80E with 4.10's.
Around town - 10 to 12.5mpg.
Unloaded highway - 14 to 16 mpg.
Towing 7500-8000lb box at 70 +/- = 9mpg. Depending on wind and ups and downs, have seen as low as 8 and as high as over 10. Most tanks are 9.0 to 9.2.
Since I have never gone west of Kansas, and primarily stay in the Northeast, no big mountains but a lot of medium size ones, particularly out I-80 or the PA Turnpike across Pennsylvania. I have never felt the need for more power. Yes it will drop to 3rd frequently, but only occasionally need to grab 2nd. I have found the truck is happier in the 70 mph range than 60-65, as it will hold OD better, and when a need to downshift comes, it will defintely hold third instead ending up in second.
Bottom line is I do not have any diesel envy whatsoever, as the truck will pull the trailer faster I really care to drive, and I typically pull almost right with the flow of traffic.
