Chevy Silverado? Anyone heard of it...

[tjdonahoe]

I remember very well when ford came out with the 6 litre,

[pappy19]

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

I remember very well when ford came out with the 6 litre,

Yes, and I remember the early Chevy diesel engine made from an aluminum gas engine block, so bad that the Better Business Bureau had a special 800 number to arrange for complete new engine replacements. The first 2 years of the Duramax had injector rails so bad that some trucks were out for a month or more waiting on parts. At least Ford isn't called Government Motors (GM). Here's another real world test.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D52SPeerP0E

[Danattherock]

The no thanks on bailout is a huge credit to Ford. No doubt.


Dan

[DHart]

Regarding these race-to-the-top truck comparisons, if you're towing an 20,000# fiver or even bigger, having just a little more power may be meaningful at times.

However, in the "real world" of pulling an Airstream, the difference in power between the new Duramax, Cummins, and Ford diesel engines is not of significant importance. To me, other aspects of the trucks are more meaningful than a minor difference in power output.

Any of these trucks are more than VERY capable for Airstream towing. The race to the top comparisons pulling a monster 20,000# load might make someone think that the fastest truck, beating another by just seconds, is the best truck to buy, which isn't true. There are many more aspects of a truck to base one's buying desicion on than if one gets to the top of the mountain a few seconds faster than another.

If I had no choice but to own & drive any one of these trucks, I'd be fine with that. They're all great, well-built trucks. But having a choice, my favorite is the GMC Sierra Denali HD Duramax/Allison. I'm very proud of Ford for not taking the bailout, but that doesn't sway my buying decision.

[pappy19]

One of my biggest reasons for having a gas rig is I may be second up the hill, but I don't have any of the potential problems or costs associated with a diesel. For diesel rigs, this week Ford makes it to the top first.

[Danattherock]

"This week" is a good way to put it.

The 2016 Dodge Cummins, which will start showing up at dealer lots soon I'm told, will make 900 ft/lbs of Torque.


Wonder if Ford will even try to top that in an effort to climb on top. Diesel wars I guess you could say. Not practical, but underway.


900 ft/lbs Dodge??

That's ripping a house of its foundation kind of power.

Talk about a monster. Dang.


Dodge already makes the most powerful car ever in the 707 HP Hellcat, which is only $60k amazingly. Looks like they have plans to do the same with the truck market as well.


Dan

[DHart]

Being first to the top of the hill when pulling a 20,000 lb. trailer is the last thing on my priority list. That said, I do love the diesel pulling power for my 30' Serenity when I climbing a significant grade. I just do have to beat the fastest truck to the top by a few seconds.

[1Boyscout]

my Siiverado, 2003 1500HD, 6L, 300 HP, 373 , tows our 2015 28'Int. Serenity flawlessly. We just went from OK to WI, MN, ND, SD, and home. Average mpg 10..5 to 11.5., big improvement from 8 to 9 mpg pulling a 34' SOB.

[rp709]

An important consideration in 3/4 ton trucks is the difference in front suspension. Only GM uses independent front suspension. This was something first employed in the early 1960's. All 4 brands of 1/2 ton trucks use independent front suspension. The Ford and Dodge have solid axles in front and they drive like that. The GM design has more positive on center steering feel and overall more responsive and sure handling. Why do Ford and Dodge still use this setup? It is easier to jack up the ride height. Maybe the solid axle will crush rocks better off road? But for on pavement towing it is a primitive setup. Something to consider in choosing.

[FreshAirStmr]

We brought home a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LTZ diesel yesterday as our TV for our upcoming full-time life. We didn't look at Rams, but compared to the Ford with its outdated interior and small fuel tank, the Chevy was the clear winner. Extremely quiet, smooth, and refined.

[DHart]

Originally Posted by FreshAirStmr

We brought home a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LTZ diesel yesterday as our TV for our upcoming full-time life. We didn't look at Rams, but compared to the Ford with its outdated interior and small fuel tank, the Chevy was the clear winner. Extremely quiet, smooth, and refined.

Congrats, FreshAirStmr... that is one very sweet truck you have. I know you will love having it!

[crispyboy]

Originally Posted by rp709

An important consideration in 3/4 ton trucks is the difference in front suspension. Only GM uses independent front suspension. This was something first employed in the early 1960's. All 4 brands of 1/2 ton trucks use independent front suspension. The Ford and Dodge have solid axles in front and they drive like that. The GM design has more positive on center steering feel and overall more responsive and sure handling. Why do Ford and Dodge still use this setup? It is easier to jack up the ride height. Maybe the solid axle will crush rocks better off road? But for on pavement towing it is a primitive setup. Something to consider in choosing.

The solid axle is used on the Ford and Dodge because it is the strongest and most reliable for those using the truck for heavy duty work/hauling. I have not driven the GM trucks but you are probably right in that it probably drives a little better than a solid axle.

[featherbedder]

I have 2000 2500 long bed chev. silverado with 6.0 gas engine [big block], full towing package, 4 wheel drive with 3.73 rear end. Pur. 1999 52,000 miles, haven't any desires for diesel, this engine pulls skid steers and flat bed trailers, 31 ft. AS and other equipment and never have felt under powered. My son has 2003 ford same set up only extra cab, 5.? engine stuggle to pull skid steer until rolling. My other son has ford excursion also set up trailer towing,has big diesel made before down sizing, it stinks, noisy, doesn't do any more than my gasser, except more fuel costs repair costs, but to each his own. A little extra, my father and brother were killed in 3/4 ton ford super cab, when hit in side, . I had ford trucks up to that time, more to this story but I will always have chev. as I feel safer for me and my family. AS for solid axle in front not rough ride.

[SL4BLLT]

We own a 2005 Silverado LT 2500 Duramax/Allison since new in 2005. It is our fourth tow vehicle for the 1972 International LY. Previous vehicles included the 2002-2500 Avalanche 8.1, great TV, 1995 2500 GMC 454 Suburban and 1991 1500 Suburban.
We traded the 2500 Avalanche as the 4.10 rear end kept going out and I will admit, that was a beast in towing capacity and luxury.
However, the 10 year old Silverado is in great shape, has 169K on it, has been dealer maintained to the point of a new leather drivers seat replacement. Other than being a P/U and it "rides like a truck" this is the vehicle. Why do I say that you may ask. I commute every day in it getting 21-22 MPG with no load. The leather XM/CD and sunroof makes it a vehicle that I can see everything in. Still have the original brakes that will need to be replaced according to the dealer at the next oil change.
WE just towed the Airstream back from Wilmington to winterize it and easily got 17 MPG at 65 MPH and you don't even know the trailer is back there, which can be a bad thing. Chevy did away with the RV mirror option that you could adjust automatically which this truck has, which is one of the reasons I love towing with this.
We like you were looking for new safety upgrades. I will not go diesel again, just due to the fact we've done America twice and towing will be to bring the AS to a static location and leave it there.
We just last week test drove a 2015 Suburban LTZ loaded. That 355 engine and 6-speed transmission was amazing. The magnetic ride and visibility was amazing as well. The dealer offered me $23,200.00 for my 2005 Diesel that I only paid $36K for 10 years ago. Talk about a good investment. Diesel is still in the driveway as I'm not in need of 22" wheels and a 3rd row DVD player which would bring the sticker down to $64K from $71K. But those power retractable hidden steps are real neat.
So Chevy products have served us well. The Duramax is an awesome machine with zero costs other than maintenance. But the safety and luxury of the new Suburban for my 5400# 1972 International LY, may be in the future.
I wish you luck on your coin toss. We've been doing this for 20 years and switched out due to high mileage on the gas engines whereas that diesel is still running strong. Who knows, I may have talked myself into saving $64K

Good luck have fun and happy Airstreaming.

SL4BLLT

[Pat Cassity]

I have been very happy with my 2015 Sierra 1/2 towing my 2015 27FB. However, I am starting to get the itch for the new Denali 3/4 ton with Duromax. I noticed that when I switched from a Yukon SUV to my 1500, the longer wheelbase made backing noticeably more difficult. Has anyone noticed the same when going from a 1500 short bed to a 3/4 ton standard box? It looks like there is about a 10" difference length. Which was about the same difference in length between the SUV (short) and the Sierra 1500.

[Tater]

I have a 15 Silverado diesel with 52k miles. Will get another one in 18. Best ever. 20 mpg highway and 13 towing 30' A/S.

[W4NT3D]

My 2016 Silverado 2500HD CC pulls awesome. Very pleased with this truck.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[dkottum]

Originally Posted by Pat Cassity

I have been very happy with my 2015 Sierra 1/2 towing my 2015 27FB. However, I am starting to get the itch for the new Denali 3/4 ton with Duromax. I noticed that when I switched from a Yukon SUV to my 1500, the longer wheelbase made backing noticeably more difficult. Has anyone noticed the same when going from a 1500 short bed to a 3/4 ton standard box? It looks like there is about a 10" difference length. Which was about the same difference in length between the SUV (short) and the Sierra 1500.

We traded a Ram 1500 120" wheelbase for a 140" wheelbase this year. Backing and turning in a tight spot is more difficult, one thing I really miss in the old truck, with or without the Airstream.