Chex 6.0L 2500 performance ???

[MOS]

I am wondering about the Chev gas 6.0L 2500 performance when towing at least a 28' AS ? up the mountains , down the mountains and on the flats
Both good and bad !
Thanks

[Tincampers]

I had one. Good in the flats bad everywhere else. Poor fuel mileage. 10mpg avg. Mine had a 4 speed transmission. Worst part was coming down hills, very scary. I now have a Duramax with Allison transmission. Works great everywhere.

[runnersg]

I Have a 2015 GMC Denali 2500 HD 6.0L. I pull an EB27. Obviously it is plenty of truck to handle this trailer and all you need to bring along. It's a gas engine and its MPG is poor. About 10 pulling and14 when not. But it's also about $7k+ cheaper than a diesel.
If you are wondering if it's capable, there is no question about it.

[nvestysly]

The OP didn't say the "year model" he is considering but that could make a very big difference. The older trucks - just 5 years ago or so - had the 4-speed, then the 6-speed and now the Chevrolets are available with 8-speed. Lots of additional enhancements in the newer '16 trucks too.

[Andrew T]

Hi Mos

We own a 6.0 Litre 2500 for towing fifth wheels but for towing an Airstream I would take a look at the 1500 with the 6.2 Litre. It performs better and gets better mileage. As well the truck rides much better.

Andrew T

[runnersg]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Mos

We own a 6.0 Litre 2500 for towing fifth wheels but for towing an Airstream I would take a look at the 1500 with the 6.2 Litre. It performs better and gets better mileage. As well the truck rides much better.

Andrew T

I had one as described above (2014) and the issue was payload. Pulling, no problem.

[Seabloom]

I have had two of these now, a 2004 with the 6.0 4.10 gear ratio and the 4 speed. That one got a horrific 11 mpg empty and 10 towing.

My newer 2012 with the 6 speed and 3.73 ear end is 14 empty and 11 towing.

If you have a heavy trailer be careful with the 3.73 rear end. While it boasts that you can tow 9200 lbs you have to be really careful with the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (Truck + Trailer). It is a meager 14,500 lbs which when my truck curb weight is 6600 lbs doesn't leave a lot when towing a 6500-7000 lbs trailer.

I love the truck, but honestly I'd likely get a 1500 next time with the 5.3l and the Max Trailering Group.

[romeb]

I have a 2010 2500 with the 6.0 and six speed trans. It pull either my 07 25 ft Safari or my 28 ft enclosed car trailer(with race car and pitboxes) like a dream. I never use weight distributing hitches or sway bars and never use the tow/haul mode. It is WAY better than the 95 Dodge 2500 with Cummins diesel that I had before it.

[Hans Grim]

Hi MOS

Used to tow with a 2006 Ford Explorer (East Coast, Prairies, Rockies, Yukon, Alaska). That resulted in multiple blown TV bearings (driver side front and rear), cracked exhaust manifolds, blown transmission, fair bit of white knuckle driving. Switched last year to a GMC Sierra 2500HD SLT 4X4 6.0L gas. A world of difference. Averaged 12.5 mpg towing (better than the Explorer 4.7L V8) around Lake Superior from Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay and back. Tow/Haul mode an asset both up and down the bigger climbs. The ride is actually a little better than the Explorer, probably due to longer wheelbase. Knuckles now a normal colour.

[bababouy]

Just bought a 2016 crew cab 4X4 2500hd with the 6.0 ... kinda on accident. I was looking for a 1500 for about two weeks and stubled across a 2500. The fuel milege is not the best, but towing with my old 1500 silverado got me about 10mpg. Now our TV has bigger brakes and bigger suspension and I dont have to worry about capabilities when we hook up and go.

[nvestysly]

bubabouy, sounds like you made a good decision even if it wasn't intentional. Which transmission is in your truck? 6-speed, 8-speed. I think I'd like the 8-speed if it's avalable.

[Echelon73]

I think the 8 speed is only available in the 1500. Both Chevrolet and GMC only list the 6 speed for the 6.0L gas for the 2500's on their websites.

[bababouy]

Mine came with the 6 speed tranny.