LimogesMan
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 10/26/2005
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Brownie point for GM in the 1/2ton segment.
For those who don't pull too heavy, this seems a great pick.
Read about it here
2002 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4X4 FX4 Lariat, 5.4L Triton V8, Precision 4.10LS
2004 Keystone Springdale 249BH 26' Fifth wheel (5800# empty)
Husky 16K dual pivot glider. TomTom One 3rd edition.
18 mpg empty, 11 mpg towing.
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Lucky Mr H
Creston, IA
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Joined: 07/29/2008
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I agree, cudos to GM!
Now, if they'd just come up with one that will pull a 36' fifth wheel. Until then, I'm sticking with my Duramax powered Silverado.
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david_42
Oregon
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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When the writers aren't bashing Toyota, they give a realistic review of what a heavy hybrid can do. I doubt the towing mileage is any better than a similar gasser (as they noted, about 60 mph the engine was in V8 mode), but the electric motors really help in low-speed acceleration, passing and downhill control. That tall rear-end would be nice for when you aren't towing.
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pondputz
Hwy 7 Colorado
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It's the start of the next generation, this will be fun to watch and they will get better..
Putz
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Kennedycamper
Algoa, Texas
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Joined: 05/24/2006
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I can't see getting excited about a truck that gets 21/22 MPG. I'm getting 19 with a 3/4 ton with a lot more hauling potential.
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K3WE
Missouri
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Joined: 05/24/2005
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The concept of hybrids is great- for around town driving, they harvest a lot of "free"* energy from braking action and give you great MPG.
But 1) Those batteries weigh something, and 2, hybrids get more or less similar highway milage.
Like Kennedy, I'm not excited that this replaces a traditional tow vehicle, even thoug it's probably a good thing for shorter distance and non-highway/non-distance missions.
*Note the quotes on "free" engergy. Yes, there is no such thing as a free lunch; however, when you consider that it's normally wasted, it sounds like free $$ to me 
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jesterdog
Texas
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Joined: 05/04/2007
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K3WE wrote:=.....snip...
*Note the quotes on "free" engergy. Yes, there is no such thing as a free lunch; however, when you consider that it's normally wasted, it sounds like free $$ to me ......snip...
"recycled" energy
2001 Excursion 3.73 geared V-10
2006 Coachmen Spirit of America 24TBQ
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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6,100 pounds does not tow much trailer,
plus with the price premium
it is more like a gimic...
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Fast Mopar
Houston, TX
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Joined: 05/03/2005
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Kennedycamper wrote:I can't see getting excited about a truck that gets 21/22 MPG. I'm getting 19 with a 3/4 ton with a lot more hauling potential.
Hybrids really shine in stop and go city driving, shutting off the gas engine at stop lights, even starting off from a stop pulling the trailer up to 15 mph using only the electric motor. It's not meant to replace a HD 2500 or 3500 pickup. It's meant to allow 1/2 ton owners who generally just haul air the option of continuing to drive a full size pickup and tow modest trailers while saving gas. Highway MPG in a hybrid is usually only slightly better than a similar conventional gas model.
At least GM is doing something and offering it right now. If GM did not offer it, everyone would accuse them of being out of touch with their customers and ask why they are not offering hybrid models of popular vehicles.
* This post was
edited 08/19/08 02:02pm by Fast Mopar *
2004 Ford Freestar 4.2 liter
2003 Jayco Qwest 12A
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Volkov
Prince George, BC Canada
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Joined: 06/12/2007
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I think the real potential here is the need for moderate towing/cargo without the added fuel costs when that same vehicle has to be a daily driver. We see that conundrum expressed all the time. The majority of daily driving duties conform to "city" mpg which is exactly where the hybrid shines.
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