experience with Chevy HD and 30 FC

[basaltfan]

For those trying to figure out their tow vehicle/trailer setup here is a bit of info on how ours performs. Our truck is 2016 Chevy 2500 HD 6.0 gas crewcab with a 6 1/2 foot bed. It is equipped with a DiamondBack bed cover, Rockstar mudflaps, and a BlueOx Swaypro hitch with 2 1/2 stinger and 1500# bars. Scale weights with the trailer loaded typically run just under 8000#s, tongue weight is in the range of 1100-1200 #s. With the truck bed loaded and a full tank of gas and a bit of gear in the rear seat we are well under our front and rear axle ratings, our GVWR of 9500#s and our tow rating of 13,000. Payload is 2816#s.


We have done 5000 miles of towing to date averaging 9.4 mpg overall. I get as much as 10.6 mpg towing on the flats at 65 mph. The truck gets an average of 14.5 without the trailer. A fair amount of our towing is in the mountains.


This setup works great for us. We typically maintain speeds at the speed limit through Cascade passes in Wa. I back off some going down hill for safety reasons. Never any issues with brakes on the downhill, just downshift manually to scrub a little speed and its all good. Engine temperature never runs hot, trans temps go up some on long grades when its hot outside, but never enough to be a concern.


SwayPro works great, never any sway experienced, even with heavy crosswinds. Hitch does ok moving a bit of weight to the front axle.


So, overall a great setup, the 3/4 ton gives us plenty of payload margin to bring along whatever we need and the trailer payload also offers a comfortable margin. Larger tanks on the 30 FC RBQ make 4-5 day boondocking feasible. Gas 3/4 ton is a reasonable cost to buy and operate no diesel necessary.


Hope this info info helps!

[Acheron2010]

That is encouraging, thanks. I have the Chevy 2500 in mind also, but was focused on the diesel version. Sounds like you can tow safely and comfortably without it.

[basaltfan]

We have found this setup works very well. Last weekend we went over Blewett Pass is Washington at 60 mph with no problems, in fact only one person went by us when the passing lanes were available.

[basaltfan]

When we bought the truck we got a substantial discount off the MSRP, apparently the gas version of the HD is not as popular as the diesel so they are more motivated to make a deal. Also, ours is an LT trim so that helped on price too. I suspect if you shop carefully you can pick up a gas 2500 HD for a modest upcharge over a similarly equipped 1/2 ton. I think the 6.0 gas is the way to go towing any Airstream. If I had a 13,000 # fifth wheel it would be a different story!

[wulfraat]

I’ve really enjoy towing my 30’ with my 2500 HD platform. I happen to have a diesel version but sounds like the gasser does just fine as well.

My payload is less than the gasser @ ~2000lbs due to the additional weight of the engine but it works for us.

On a recent tow from Denver to Portland I averaged 13.4mpg on the 1,200+ mile journey. I tow at 70-75.

Overall the combo is awesome - very stable platform.

Not sure what a substantial discount is but I was at about 12% under msrp with a July purchase date last year.

[basaltfan]

MSRP of the truck was$48,780. We had a 1/2 ton GMC Denali trade which they gave us a huge over allowance on, plus there was a $2k rebate. Because of the trade its hard to know exactly what we paid but I think it was well over 20% total. We made the deal over the phone and I think they believed the Denali was better equipped than it was, but they honored the quote they gave me. I paid a total trade difference of $3k to trade the 2016 Denali 1/2 ton for the 3/4 2016 Chevy. That included a little sales tax, license fee, and dealer doc fee. I couldn't pass on that deal. I gave up leather heated seats but little else and got a lot better towing platform.

[Rzrbrn]

Very much appreciate your post. Exactly the info I need.

[nswhite]

I have the diesel version. Great for mountain driving. It gets 14-16 MPG towing. 20 MPG not towing. You have a great truck.

[rperrym]

I also have the diesel version. Get the same mileage as nswhite. I just traded my 2016 in after the fuel pump went out and left us stranded in Little Rock with the Airstream in tow. My dealer opened the dealership for us, as it was Sunday, and AAA had my truck and trailer taken to the dealership. Once there, my dealer loaned me a 2018 to take my trailer home and had mine in service the next day. There are lots of forum experiences with the fuel pump in the 2016 Gmc diesels and earlier models. In 2017 they changed the entire fuel system when they upgraded the engine. I have had 4 of these and never had a problem towing until this one.
Still great trucks.

Rick

[KWN306]

I purchased a used 2011 2500 HD WT regular cab, 6.0, 3.73 rear with 17K on the speedo.

I did this after purchasing a new 2016 F150 Super Cab with a 6.5' bed, 3.5 Eco Boost, 3.55 rear that was getting 7.4 mpg pulling our 30 FC, 19 to 20 mpg empty.

We get about 9.4 pulling the 30 FC, 14.2 mpg empty, it does have a tall fiberglass cap on the bed.

We are using a Pro Pride hitch with 1400 # bars.

We mostly have stayed in VA, NC, MD & PA so far and normally head west so we are in the Blue Ridge Mtns. most of the time.

I am pleased with the Chevys performance so far. I installed an aftermarket cruise control since the WT didn't come with it. I am going to attempted cruising at 60 - 62 mph this year to see if my mileage will improve.

[NukeSubSailr]

Originally Posted by basaltfan

For those trying to figure out their tow vehicle/trailer setup here is a bit of info on how ours performs. Our truck is 2016 Chevy 2500 HD 6.0 gas crewcab with a 6 1/2 foot bed. It is equipped with a DiamondBack bed cover, Rockstar mudflaps, and a BlueOx Swaypro hitch with 2 1/2 stinger and 1500# bars. Scale weights with the trailer loaded typically run just under 8000#s, tongue weight is in the range of 1100-1200 #s. With the truck bed loaded and a full tank of gas and a bit of gear in the rear seat we are well under our front and rear axle ratings, our GVWR of 9500#s and our tow rating of 13,000. Payload is 2816#s.


We have done 5000 miles of towing to date averaging 9.4 mpg overall. I get as much as 10.6 mpg towing on the flats at 65 mph. The truck gets an average of 14.5 without the trailer. A fair amount of our towing is in the mountains.


This setup works great for us. We typically maintain speeds at the speed limit through Cascade passes in Wa. I back off some going down hill for safety reasons. Never any issues with brakes on the downhill, just downshift manually to scrub a little speed and its all good. Engine temperature never runs hot, trans temps go up some on long grades when its hot outside, but never enough to be a concern.


SwayPro works great, never any sway experienced, even with heavy crosswinds. Hitch does ok moving a bit of weight to the front axle.


So, overall a great setup, the 3/4 ton gives us plenty of payload margin to bring along whatever we need and the trailer payload also offers a comfortable margin. Larger tanks on the 30 FC RBQ make 4-5 day boondocking feasible. Gas 3/4 ton is a reasonable cost to buy and operate no diesel necessary.


Hope this info info helps!

I am looking at a Diamondback bed cover. Which one do you have and do you like it?

[basaltfan]

The Diamondback cover is the HD model, fixed center piece held in with 4 clamps and the front and back flip up. I had the factory mount bars for their ramps (to get ATVs loaded) that I currently use to mount Yakima crossbars to mount my bike rack on.I got the HD model to have the capacity to carry heavy loads. It installed easily and has been watertight through both rain and heavy snow. It locks securely which is a big plus for me. Having a dry, secure bed allows me to carry whatever i need without worrying about it. With the cross bars mounted carrying the bikes is a breeze. Its a bit pricey but should last the life of the truck.

[basaltfan]

pics added..BTW Rockstar flaps are a good improvement..I cracked my front window before installing them, no problems since. I know some folks like the Rocktamers but I like the robust build of these and the coverage is excellent, very little gap between the bumpers and flaps. Rockstar provides a heatshield for the exhaust of the 6.0 gas as part of the package.

[NukeSubSailr]

Originally Posted by basaltfan

pics added..BTW Rockstar flaps are a good improvement..I cracked my front window before installing them, no problems since. I know some folks like the Rocktamers but I like the robust build of these and the coverage is excellent, very little gap between the bumpers and flaps. Rockstar provides a heatshield for the exhaust of the 6.0 gas as part of the package.

Thanks for the info. I liked the SE in clear aluminum as I did not need the extra load capacity.

[rperrym]

I use Duraflaps. They don't require any drilling and fit well.

[Mendo55]

Hello - I'm in the process of purchasing a 2015 30' FCRBQ, just wanted to know what kind of additional options you've added or any input you can give me about what you like and don't like?