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Old 08-02-2008, 05:55 PM   #1
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2007 27' Safari FB SE
1969 31' Sovereign
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Chevy 2500hd Silverado worth it's salt?

Any advice on this as a tow vehicle for a 27FB? The rearend is a 4.1...but it's a gasser--not Diesel. Found an 04 with only 64k miles...nervous that it's not Diesel...any thots?
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Old 08-02-2008, 06:06 PM   #2
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l...any thots?
in terms of capacity it should work...

but beyond the used truck selling price,

consider the COST of the add onz u will need...

-a better receiver

-towing mirrors

-brake controller

while a lightly used f-250 powerstroke from 05-07 will be READY to tow

equipped with an integrated brake controller, great mirrors and a solid factory receiver.

cheers
2air'
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Old 08-02-2008, 06:24 PM   #3
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Nice towing truck especially with the 4:11 rear end BUT you had best own an oil well or three as that baby won't want to pass up the EXXON station. I speak from experience. Having said all that, my Duramax isn't exactly cheap to fill up either. I'd look for a 3:73 rear end if you want a gasser, check the towing capacity and go for it if it all fits. Best of luck to ya.

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Old 08-02-2008, 06:31 PM   #4
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Any advice on this as a tow vehicle for a 27FB? The rearend is a 4.1...but it's a gasser--not Diesel. Found an 04 with only 64k miles...nervous that it's not Diesel...any thots?
You didn't mention engine size. The 6.0 litre engine performs better with the 4.10 rear end ratio because it loves to rev. I have the 8.1 litre engine with 3.73 rear end ratio and I love it. If you are worried about the 4.10 rear end then go up one size in tires to a LT265-75-16.
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Old 08-02-2008, 07:14 PM   #5
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1989 25' Excella
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That truck, with the 4.10 rear, will pull 2 or 3 of anything AirStream ever made...

Bill (nuthin but GM's) Tex
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Old 08-02-2008, 07:16 PM   #6
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Seriously, that truck is more than enough for a 27 footer.....you won't be disappointed.
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Old 08-02-2008, 08:30 PM   #7
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Thanks so much for the feedback...we really apprecite it. We're signing the papers on Monday. You guys are the best!
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Old 08-02-2008, 09:00 PM   #8
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Thanks so much for the feedback...we really apprecite it. We're signing the papers on Monday. You guys are the best!
Glad to hear it..friends don't let friends drive Fords.
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Old 08-02-2008, 10:50 PM   #9
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Stowaways,
Echoing and adding: We have 30,000 miles on our 2006 2500HD with 8.1L engine, 3.73 rear, and Allison 6spd transmission. This setup tows at the legal limit on every road we encounter. Why would I need more?

We spent $45 on CIPA tow mirror extensions which snap on very snugly and simply. We are using the factory receiver and keep a close eye on it. We average 10mpg overall and did not like a 260 mile range so changed to a 45 gallon gas tank. 4,000 miles later we still love the fuel tank conversion.

We are sooo glad we have the gas engine. We love our friends who tow with diesels, but their towvees are noisy, stinky, expensive to purchase, expensive to operate, and are noisy and stinky. Did I say the diesels are loud and smell when they land in the rv park and are idling? Some day we may regret we aren't towing with a diesel. Probably about the same time Exxon gets a conscience and starts charging fifteen percent less for diesel than for gasoline.

Jim
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Old 08-03-2008, 12:38 AM   #10
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You didn't mention engine. The 6.0 needs the 4.11 rear, the 8.1 would be fine with the 3.73. The 4.11 puts you on the right side of power to the wheels when pulling heavy. You can get on the gas a little bit and the truck will respond without downshifting. Minimal lugging down in OD.

I would not want to pull with a 6.0 and a 3.73 rear.

I have a 2003 2500hd, 6.0 eng, 4.11 rear, extended cab. It has been one very good truck at 45,000 miles.

The 2500hd is a "truck". It gets 12 mpg around town and nearly the same pulling my 29'. This year on the caravan, I was matching the diesels on cost per mile with diesel at $4.75 per gallon.

Only problem with this truck is the small gas tank on the short bed trucks.
I try to never use the last qtr tank to keep the fuel pump cool.

They do have a few small mechanical problems which you could read about on www.chevytalk.com.
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Old 08-03-2008, 06:04 AM   #11
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I've got a 2500HD with the Duramax. You will love the truck. I have 4 years and 56K on mine. Been to the dealer twice, both recalls, on tailgate straps and fuel filter. I do all my own servicing.
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Old 08-03-2008, 11:23 AM   #12
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you will not be disappointed with the trucks performance.

mine has given 8 years of excellent service.

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Old 08-03-2008, 12:12 PM   #13
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You didn't mention engine. The 6.0 needs the 4.11 rear,... You can get on the gas a little bit and the truck will respond without downshifting. Minimal lugging down in OD.

...
Lots of different opinions on this, I think. We tow a 1985 31' with an '03 1500HD, 6.0L 3.73 and think we might actually be a little over-trucked - almost never do we have the thing wide open. I'm not complaining, mind you. I don't mind downshifting; I paid for a 4 speed transmission and will feel cheated if I don't get to use them all.
Worst tank towing was 9.9 mpg; best was around 12.9. We seem to be averaging around 11.0 towing.

Depending on age & equipment, this might be pretty similar weight-wise to a 27' trailer.
Coincidentally, the guy next to us this weekend tows a 27' A/S with a 1500 & a 5.3 (as did the previous owner of ours). I don't think he drag races it in that configuration, but he's basically satisfied with it.

I don't think you mentioned the most important thing: what color is it?
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Old 08-03-2008, 06:42 PM   #14
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Red...It's shiny white with tan leather! Appears to be a one owner and in great condition. I believe it's a 4.11 rear with a 6.0. After reading a few other posts on the factory receiver, may need to give it a second look. Might consider the extra fuel tank as well---because you know when you left off on the gas---the dogs suddenly have to pee. ; )
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Old 08-03-2008, 07:45 PM   #15
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Red...It's shiny white with tan leather! Appears to be a one owner and in great condition. I believe it's a 4.11 rear with a 6.0. After reading a few other posts on the factory receiver, may need to give it a second look. Might consider the extra fuel tank as well---because you know when you left off on the gas---the dogs suddenly have to pee. ; )
I think you'll find the truck has 4.10 rear gears rather than 4.11. The Chevy RPO code is G84 if I am not mistaken.
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Old 08-03-2008, 09:07 PM   #16
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I have a 2006 GMC 2500HD (4.10 rear end). Round trip to Bozeman pulling a 31' we averaged 10.38mpg on 3200 miles. Love it a lot. Would like to have a diesel but the cost...

Another member of the Nebraksa unit has a diesel. In comparison it seems that he pays about 18-20% more for fuel than we do, but gets about 38% better mpg. He is pulling the same trailer as us on the same route for the comparison.

The diesel does not downshift very often whereas we do with the 6.0. But that is not too big a deal.

Dwight
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Old 08-04-2008, 07:42 AM   #17
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Just returned from a trip yesterday that included Slumgullion Pass and Wolf Creek pass pulling an '06 25' Safari FB with an '06 GMC 2500 crewcab with the 6.0 and 4:10 gears. Overall mileage was 11.2 MPG. On a recent trip from Durango to San Diego, I got 17.6 MPG using cruise control at 64 MPH. Over the course of 6 days, gas prices ranged fro $4.69 for unleaded in Lake City to $3.85 in Alamosa. Diesel was at least 75 cents to a dollar more. Last time I had my truck serviced, I noticed that there was an eight grand spread between a gas and diesel truck.
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Old 08-04-2008, 04:12 PM   #18
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Clarification: The 17.6 MPG was not towing!!!!
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Old 08-04-2008, 06:43 PM   #19
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My 02 Duramax pulls my 27' Excella like a dream uphill and down. One of the great things about the HD is that it has ton brakes and master cylinder. I have pulled a lot of equipment a lot heavier than an Airstream and have not had a problem. 110,000 miles only thing I have replaced were the idler pullys for the fan belt and a front hub. I have never heard of a receiver failing. Mine is rated at 12,000 lbs.
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Old 08-04-2008, 07:57 PM   #20
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Just returned from a trip yesterday that included Slumgullion Pass and Wolf Creek pass pulling an '06 25' Safari FB with an '06 GMC 2500 crewcab with the 6.0 and 4:10 gears. Overall mileage was 11.2 MPG. On a recent trip from Durango to San Diego, I got 17.6 MPG using cruise control at 64 MPH. Over the course of 6 days, gas prices ranged fro $4.69 for unleaded in Lake City to $3.85 in Alamosa. Diesel was at least 75 cents to a dollar more. Last time I had my truck serviced, I noticed that there was an eight grand spread between a gas and diesel truck.
Not bad mileage for a 6.0 Chevy gasser in 2500hd clothing. They usually get 10 mpg just like the 8.1 in towing and 17-18 mpg not towing on highway. I see 14.9 mpg not towing on the highway with regularity at 68 mph and have broken 15 a number of times at 65 mph.
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