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?
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.
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.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
Seriously, that truck is more than enough for a 27 footer.....you won't be disappointed.
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
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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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
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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Jim N5RTG & Deb KI4OKI
WBCCI #4822 / WBCCI ARC/ RV SVC Network
Escapees full-timing in our CCD 25 blue streak
sometimes seen behind the magnificent 2500HD 8.1L/Allison 6spd 3.73
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.
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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CP 9 miles off Exit 399, I75.
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce! Air # 283
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.
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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?
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. ; )