A relative & I just completed an 1100 mile round trip towing nearly identical, 18' (~3500lb) boats. We each had 4 passengers and about 700lbs of stuff in the beds. His truck was an '02 2500HD 6.0L/3.73 4x4, mine is an '08 1500 5.3L/3.73 4x4. Both trucks were ext. cab standard bed.
O.k.....the heavier truck got worse mileage?? Not surprised but not sure what the point is. I guess if you want better mileage go with the 5.3. If you want to tow a heavier load I would still go with the 6.0 since I feel the 2500 truck will last longer than the half ton all other variables being the same. The 2500 also comes with a stronger frame, bigger brakes to stop the load etc. A better comparison would be a Ford F-250 vs. the GM 2500hd or Dodge 3/4 ton.
Me, my wife & 2 DD's, plus the yellow camping labs
2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD CC 4X4 8.1L big block/Allison
2006 Montana Mountaineer 319BHD w/Trailair
IAFF-Local 2260 Mesa, AZ
fishfinder wrote: A relative & I just completed an 1100 mile round trip towing nearly identical, 18' (~3500lb) boats. We each had 4 passengers and about 700lbs of stuff in the beds. His truck was an '02 2500HD 6.0L/3.73 4x4, mine is an '08 1500 5.3L/3.73 4x4. Both trucks were ext. cab standard bed.
We followed each other (same speeds) and bought fuel at the exact same places.
This sound about right, more poeple should use the 5.3 as it is a very good motor that will do more than 9 out of 10 need today. Cost less, run and rides smoother cost less, most people have far more than they will ever need and don't know it. They are only into big, meals, houses, RV's,guns, boats, TV's, and pickup trucks, maybe that is why many are in big subprime trouble.
2005 Chev 5.3 Supercharged 395HP 425 T hp. Two wheels on front, 2 on back. one seat, tint windows. front and rear bumpers, headlights, windows. Door on each side. Heater, floor mats, junk behind seats, some dirt. Pulls so hard.
fishfinder wrote: A relative & I just completed an 1100 mile round trip towing nearly identical, 18' (~3500lb) boats. We each had 4 passengers and about 700lbs of stuff in the beds. His truck was an '02 2500HD 6.0L/3.73 4x4, mine is an '08 1500 5.3L/3.73 4x4. Both trucks were ext. cab standard bed.
two different trucks/engines/year models/weight will have two different mpg figures. The numbers you show sound about right as the 6.0 isn't known a a frugal fuel sipper. Another factor can be the vehicle following can burn more fuel than the leader , especially on a two lane road where passing is required and always trying to catch up.
Jim
'03 2500 Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs
'97 Park Avanue 28' with two slides
I for one thank you for the info. We have the 1500 and it pulls our TT just fine. Glad we didn't go with the 2500, especially since we drive it around town too.
The OP makes a good point: buying more truck than you need costs you every mile, not just on the purchase. Unless you are in the habit of frequently replacing your tow (be it a boat, TT or 5'er), buy enough and no more. If you constantly upsize, then a bigger truck makes sense.
JIMNLIN wrote: two different trucks/engines/year models/weight will have two different mpg figures. The numbers you show sound about right as the 6.0 isn't known a a frugal fuel sipper. Another factor can be the vehicle following can burn more fuel than the leader , especially on a two lane road where passing is required and always trying to catch up.
Jim
Thanks for the feedback. The 10.2mpg was disappointing, but apparently not far from the norm.
The empty 6.0L 2500HD is 11% heavier than the 1/2T, and in this test the GCW's differed by only 6% (10,085lb vs. 10,700lb), but the 3/4T used 50% more fuel.
Doesn't the 1500/5.3L have the cylinders that shut off? Don't know if it would kick in when towing (though boats are very areodynamic and light). Also, if one guy needs a new air filter that ncould kill mpg. You never know what shape an 02 is in...an 08 though should be in tip top shape.
I would suggest that in almost every case, the smaller, lighter, less capable truck would get better mpg. I also think if the load was 7 or 8000#, the figures may flip flop.
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