Decison: Eco/6.2L gas V8/2009 6.6L HD

[BDandTTs]

Oh my, we find ourselves comparing apples, oranges and pears!

We currently pull a 22' CCD, but anticipate getting a 26-27' pre-1990 in the future. Towing mileage per year is 5-7 thousand. Here are the options to replace our 2004 Titan:

• 2011 F150 Lariat Crew Cab, EcoBoost w/ max tow pkg
• 2011 Silverado 1500 LTZ extended cab, 6.2L Vortec V8 w/ max tow pkg
• 2009 Sierra 2500 HD (that's Harley Davidson trim level), extended cab, 6.6L Duramax diesel with 11,000 miles

All wheel bases are similar, the diesel weighs about a thousand pounds more than the Silverado, and the Eco is in the middle. Payload is about 1900 for the Chevy and Ford, and over 3,000 lbs in the Sierra (minus all the bling).

The Silverado is about $2500 less than the new Ford or the used diesel, and we have been happy with all of the test drives. The Sierra diesel has ALL of the bells and whistles, the Silverado and Eco are both comfortable, but the F150 Eco should get better mileage, has a larger storage area in the rear of the cabin but a smaller 5.5' bed. Did I say that the Silverado was less expensive?

We've read the Eco posts religiously and have just come across the Duramax thread and will devour it during our morning coffee. We have no experience with diesels. Anyone have experience with the 6.2L max tow Silverado?

The question -- Regular standard pulling truck, with leather?
Slightly cutting edge truck?
Or big A** dressed-up diesel?

Thanks,

[DKB_SATX]

On a GMC Sierra, HD is for Heavy Duty and the top trip is Denali. Harley Davidson trimmed trucks are from Ford.

You're about to be told that a minivan will pull a 34' triple axle, and that if you don't buy a dually 1-ton that 22' CCD will sling you all over the road and cause WWIII.

You already know that any of the 3 will have no problem with the 22-footer. Think about how long it's likely to be until you want a bigger trailer... if it's less than 5 years, the bigger truck might be worth it. If it's more, or really indefinite, toss a coin or two.

[Jim Clark]

I have the EcoBoost you describe, love it and the gas mileage. DKB_STAX is correct you are going to be given more information than you will ever need. Towing is so complicated I don't know why the roadside is not littered with wrecked Airstreams from coast to coast. Andy from Inland will tell you too heavy a truck will tear up an Airstream and I believe him. I believe him because he is a dealer and repairs the damage and could just not pass on his experience and pickup more work. Good luck.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Keep shopping....

Ford...too new

LTZ...harsh suspension

Deezel...overkill


you asked for it.

Bob

[mojo]

Originally Posted by BDandTTs

The question -- Regular standard pulling truck, with leather?
Slightly cutting edge truck?
Or big A** dressed-up diesel?

The answer--do what ever feels good.
And don't worry about everyone's opinion...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Oh crap...I screwed up. Z-71 Not so good.... LTZ lux-u-ree

You don't need any stink'n opinion's.....sorry BDandTTs

Bob

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, Ecoboost is OK, but I would lean more to the 6.2 L Ford F-150. I'm not a Diesel fan, and although my current tow vehicle is a year 2000 model, I wouldn't, just now, be considering a 2001 model anything. [my opinion]

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, re-reading your post did you mean a 2011 Silverado instead of 2001? I'm obviously a Ford person, but either of the 6.2 L trucks would the best choice.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I don't believe the 6.2 was available in 2001....

6200
The 2007 Cadillac Escalade has a 6.2 L Vortec 6200 (RPO L92) (≈376 cu in) engine. It is an all-aluminum design which, while still a pushrod engine, boasts variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam V8 engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. This engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft•lbf (565 N•m) in the GMC Yukon Denali/XL Denali, Sierra SLT (2009+), GMC Sierra Denali, and in the Cadillac Escalade. and makes an additional 2 ft·lb (2.7 N·m) torque in the Silverado and Sierra Vortec Max pickups, and 390 hp and 419 ft·lbf (568 N·m) in the Hummer . It was also available in the Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ, with power ratings of 395 hp (295 kW) and 417 ft·lbf (565 N·m).
Applications:
2007+ Cadillac Escalade
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
2007+ GMC Yukon Denali/Denali XL
2007+ GMC Sierra Denali
2008+ Hummer H2
2009+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Vortec Max
2009+ GMC Sierra 1500 Vortec Max
[edit]

If it's a 2011 1500 LTZ 6.2... that would be my choice....but I'm biased.

Bob

[dkottum]

Lots of truck if just needed for towing that. I'd spend more on the Airstream and less on the truck. But then I see trucks as nothing but utility.

doug k

[BDandTTs]

Sorry for confusing you all. The correct list is as follows:

Originally Posted by BDandTTs

• 2011 F150 Lariat Crew Cab, EcoBoost w/ max tow pkg
• 2011 (not 2001) Silverado 1500 LTZ extended cab, 6.2L Vortec V8 w/ max tow pkg
• 2009 Sierra 2500 HD (that's Harley Davidson trim level), extended cab, 6.6L Duramax diesel with 11,000 miles

The GMC Sierra Diesel is the only used vehicle, and definitely has all of the Harley Davidson chrome bling -- grill, emblems, gas cap, mud flaps -- in addition to the interior upgrades. Harley labels will be replaced by the dealer to accommodate our taste, but that would still leave a lot of chrome. It has no visible wear, and the computer shows an overall mileage average of 16.6 that appears to be for the entire 11,000 mile history. It is hard to pass up a fully outfitted luxury truck plus a diesel engine for similar money. BUT, it is a big commitment, and we intend to keep this truck for at least 10 years.

Again, I (Dianne) apologize for not doing a proper proof-reading of the original post.

Thanks again, now off to the diesel post to do some reading.

[BillTex]

When you say “pre 90’s”…what years do you mean?
Vintage (70’s and earlier) will be much lighter than 80’s-present day, and would likely be squeak by with a ½ ton.

Our 89 Excella has a TW of 1100# locked and loaded. This is not ½ ton territory.


Give some more details and we can make some more educated recommendations.

No one ever complains about buying too much truck, and it already sounds like you are finding taste in campers can change. Better to have the tools to accomodate those changes...unless you like buying trucks every few years.

B

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Keep shopping....

Ford...too new

LTZ...harsh suspension

Deezel...overkill


you asked for it.

Bob

LTZ is NOT NOT a suspension package, but rather a trim level package. Youo can get an LTZ with Z71 or without. Z71 is the offroad package which I would stay away from. (or any other off road suspension from any mfr.)

edit: OOOPS, I see now, your corrected yourself!

[BDandTTs]

When you say “pre 90’s”…what years do you mean?

That is some of the problem -- We are interested in renovating/updating a 26-27 foot with center bath and rear bedroom -- could be an older Argosy (relatively light) or a heavier 80's Airstream. We now travel for almost half of the year, and converting the dinette to a bed each night is finally starting to get old.

Our 89 Excella has a TW of 1100# locked and loaded.
Wow! That is more than I would have guessed.

If it's a 2011 1500 LTZ 6.2... that would be my choice....but I'm biased.
Thanks, Bob for the vote for the Silverado. Deep down we feel that it is the practical choice and possibly a compromise. Would you consider it adequate for pulling (and stopping) Bill's Excella?

[ROBERT CROSS]

If it's a 2011 1500 LTZ 6.2... that would be my choice....but I'm biased.
Thanks, Bob for the vote for the Silverado. Deep down we feel that it is the practical choice and possibly a compromise. Would you consider it adequate for pulling (and stopping) Bill's Excella?[/QUOTE]

Dianne,

Yes very capable, if optioned properly.
Check your PM's.
Thats where the VISS will come in handy. It will give you all the options on the vehicle AND warranty history, plus a lot of other useful info.

Bob

[BillTex]

Why guess?

Or go with something just "adequate"?

Go with the right vehicle, remove all doubt, and be well equipped for the future...

B

[dkottum]

It's the old argument, what is adequate and what is right. No problem with those who tow with big trucks, but you don't have to. They'll pull out the safety card next, but do your research.

doug k

[BDandTTs]

Just received the vehicle build report on the 2009 Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Duramax and would appreciate some help interpretting the build codes from knowledgeable folk.

These are the codes we are concerned about:
FT2 and FT3 - Arm tors bar spring adjust
Z71 - off-road suspension pkg incl: off-road skid plates
Z82 - heavy duty trailering equip

We fear that these will make this beautiful truck too stiff for us. Please advise.

[DKB_SATX]

If you're worried that the suspension package on the Sierra would make the ride too rough for passengers, you should be able to determine that with a long test drive. Most dealers will let serious buyers take an overnight test.

If the ride is ok for you but you're worried that it'll be too stiff for the Airstream, look into the AirSafe hitch.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by BDandTTs

Just received the vehicle build report on the 2009 Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Duramax and would appreciate some help interpretting the build codes from knowledgeable folk.

These are the codes we are concerned about:
FT2 and FT3 - Arm tors bar spring adjust
Z71 - off-road suspension pkg incl: off-road skid plates
Z82 - heavy duty trailering equip

We fear that these will make this beautiful truck too stiff for us. Please advise.

FT2 and FT3 are just the callout for the front suspension, although they are Z71 rated in this case
Z71, It'll be pretty stiff. I am currently driving a 2500 gasser w/o Z71. Like it a lot.
Z82 you do want. Includes all the stuff you want for towing.