I am looking to buy a used (2003-2005) truck to tow my boat, boat fully loaded is about 6K lbs. max. What I am looking for is some input on 1/2 and 3/4 ton gassers from Dodge and Chevy (not a Furd guy at all). My question is what kind of towing performance difference should I expect over my '99 Tahoe with the 5.7L as opposed to either the Chevy 5.3L, 6.0L and the Dodge 5.7L Hemi, all of which have significantly higher HP and torque than the 5.7 vortec. My Tahoe will tow the boat but when going over the passes at 10K or so elev. it's screaming and running high RPM and 2nd gear and I don't like feeling like I'm beating the life out of it. While I'd love to have a diesel, it's just not worth the extra 3-5K price difference for towing that little. Oh, I would also be towing my '72 K5 maybe once a year to Moab (100 miles) so I don't think that's too big a deal.
Go with the Chevy all the way. IF a half-ton, make sure it has the 5.3 and 3.73 rear end. I've heard a lot of the 2006 1/2 tons are coming with 3.42's which absolutely suck for towing and driving on hilly roads. Your engine works more with those gears. You'll experience close to what your getting now with your Tahoe. The 5.3 is a great motor with decent mileage for a V8. You may be able to find a 1/2 ton with the Vortec Max package. It comes with the 345 hp HO 6.0. It has a high tow rating, but the high rating may push the limits of the 1/2 ton frame and suspension. Depending on the weight of your K5, you may want to go with the 6.0 2500HD. The 6.0 is a beast, the best gasser out ther IMO. You'll have no problems with the weight if you get an HD! I'd stay away from the Dodge. No offense to the Dodge guys, but the Hemi sucks for towing. Its a quick motor, but just not powered right for towing.
Thanks, exactly the sort of input I'm looking for. So far what I am strongly leaning toward is either a Chevy 1500HD or 2500HD with the 6.0. The max package is new for 06 I think, so not in my range. All the 1500HD come with the 6.0 and 3.73 min. but the 4.10 is pretty common. Obviously I'd save a little going with the 1500HD as opposed to the 25000HD and the tow ratings are pretty damn close.
I agree, the hemi is a fun little hot rod. But, its power is at the high rpms, not what you want for towing. If it we're me, Id go with the chevy 6.0waytogo Lets us know what you do.
I'll definitely keep you posted, got to have it done soon, have a second kid on the way in May and can't be driving a two year old and newborn around in my '72 K5 with a soft top.
I'd personally stick with the Tahoe. Probably not what you wanted to hear but I don't see much improvement in the 1/2t gas powered market over that Vortec 350, and the rest of the 1/2t chassis at that. The 5.3L is about the same as your 350 towing wise and the Hemi is right there too. The 6.0 GM SBC is a little better but IMHO, not worth upgrading to over what you aleady have, honestly. My dad has a '98 burb identical to your Tahoe, 350 vortec with 3.73's. It pulls like heck for what it is, we have a 7K snowmobile trailer and power for the most part isn't a problem, braking and suspension is more of an issue. Far as I know the newer 1/2t's aren't much better if at all with those two more important things. Your 350 doesn't care running at some RPM's, it has a roller cam IIRC and should be just fine under 5,500RPM's continuous. The Vortec 350's are workhorses.
I agree with RJF, keep the Tahoe if you're happy with it for the rest of your uses. I few trips in the mountains per year, I'd deal with slowing down or revving high. Now, if you still don't want the tahoe I've got a 6.0 in my yukon that I love. pulls my 5000lbs boat like it's not even back there. We've got a 10% grade and I pull it at 55, no problem. My V10 in the dodge does it better, but for a small block that 6.0 is great.
Well, we're keeping the Tahoe regardless for the wife, I just want something for myself. Still thinking the 1500HD Crew with 6.0L, got a line on a couple in Slat Lake and Denver areas, we'll see.
The 1500HD is a great choice. If you cant find a good deal on one, look for a 2500 (non HD). They're bascially the same truck, just different badging. You may even get lucky enough to find a newer one with Quadrasteer. Good luck!waytogo
Get the Chevy with the 6.0. I have towed with lots of them and they are awesome!! They do however turn some RPMS when you get on the hills...but the motors are built for high RPMS so its not going to hurt it. However they are definetly more torquey than the 350 and the 5.3. If you can find one with 3.73s then you will be very happy. You will get about 17-18mpg freeway w/ 3.73s and about 13 freeway with the 4.10s. I think all the 1500HDs and 2500s come with 3.73s and the 2500HDs have 4.10swaytogo
Just a little update. My wife is great!! We were ready to pull the trigger on a 2004 K2500 CC SB 6.0L and she tells me she's been looking on the internet and she know I really want a Dmax, and asks if won't it tow better, last longer and all that. So seeing as how we'll always need a tow rig, go ahead and spend a little more............................ Going to pick up an '04 K2500 CC SB Duramax in Denver tomorrow! Equipped exactly the same as the gasser, with 10K more miles (50K total on the Dmax) for another $2,500.waytogo
