Any suggestions on towing a fifth with a 2008 6.0 2500HD? My bud just swapped his 28' tag for a 35' 5th. The weight is ok, the truck can handle it, but I am curious if anyone has done any serious towing with a gasser like this?

Consider any gas mileage you have gone. 6.0's get bad enough mileage they way they are and strap a lot of weight to em and it drops significantly.

My dad tows cattle (gooseneck livestock trailer) regularly. Typically he's at 10-12k. I let him borrow my diesel one trip and he was like ''wow, should have gotten the Duramax''. I said, ''told you so''.

Suggestions? keep it light or trade it in. You will be happier in the long run. The money you waste in poor mileage would more than pay for the Dmax (provided you tow a lot).

The previous truck I had was an '04 Chevy 2500HD, with the 6 litre. I didn't have any problems pulling my 5ther, which is only around 7000lbs dry, but the gas mileage was awful. 12 MPG on a good day empty, and 6-7 MPG pulling the camper. After having the D-max I would never go back to the gasser. I pulled the camper this weekend, and the round trip average was 11.8MPG with the diesel. ( 170 miles round trip )

My mileage was roughly the same from my 6.0 to my LLY, BUT the ease of towing and power availability is where it was at. I can maintain speed limit at all times and accelerate at will, now.

x2... i have both the 6.0 and the 6.6 I have never towed my 5th wheel with the 6.0, but i know it would have a tough time doing so (compared to the d-max) and forget about the gas mileage. You're looking at maye 7-8 where the d-max will almost double that.

I tow this with my 6.0 and 3.73 gear only thing i have in it is intake and exhaust i get 8-10 mpg towing it weighs about 7500-8000 lb loaded. I've towed a bigger fifthwheel for my friend it was 35ft. about 8500-9000 lb needs 4.10 gears for that kind of weight.NBS truck should do better.


http://i25.tinypic.com/2uggnrq.jpg

I have a 32.5' 5er that weighs 12,200lbs empty, my 6.0 does very good, mileage is about 6-8... the truck handles it fine wish the had 4.10 gears but it does fine

The previous truck I had was an '04 Chevy 2500HD, with the 6 litre. I didn't have any problems pulling my 5ther, which is only around 7000lbs dry, but the gas mileage was awful. 12 MPG on a good day empty, and 6-7 MPG pulling the camper. After having the D-max I would never go back to the gasser. I pulled the camper this weekend, and the round trip average was 11.8MPG with the diesel. ( 170 miles round trip )

but if you calculate that out you can still put a lot of gas in and be ahead of the D-Max on economics. For instance gas here is now $2.57/gal and diesel is $2.69. If you got 6 mpg with the gasser and 12 with the D-Max the difference per mile would be $0.20/mi. So you'd have to drive 40,000 miles just to break even on the fuel savings with the diesel to pay for the extra $8000 you're going to have to shell out for the diesel option. And that's assuming that you pulled for 40,000. There won't be as big of difference in highway mileage. At least not from the people I talk too. The 6.0 will handle it, but it will suck fuel!

but if you calculate that out you can still put a lot of gas in and be ahead of the D-Max on economics. For instance gas here is now $2.57/gal and diesel is $2.69. If you got 6 mpg with the gasser and 12 with the D-Max the difference per mile would be $0.20/mi. So you'd have to drive 40,000 miles just to break even on the fuel savings with the diesel to pay for the extra $8000 you're going to have to shell out for the diesel option. And that's assuming that you pulled for 40,000. There won't be as big of difference in highway mileage. At least not from the people I talk too. The 6.0 will handle it, but it will suck fuel!

I can't complain about the price of the D-max. I bought it in '06 ( 1 year old ) with 18,000 miles on the clock for $27,000. That is cheaper than the '04 gasser I bought new....

if you have the 3.73 axle & a crew cab stay under 10k GVW, if you have the 4.10 axle you can go up to 12k GVW on the 5'er...it'll work the truck when you get up to those weights but it'll do the job...

I can't complain about the price of the D-max. I bought it in '06 ( 1 year old ) with 18,000 miles on the clock for $27,000. That is cheaper than the '04 gasser I bought new....


In that case I couldn't argue. Wish I could find a deal like that.

Hwy mileage on the 6.0 compared to dmax is similar? I think not, my dad has a 6.0 suburban. He averages about 14 on the highway, cruise set at 70-75, took a trip to florida last year and calculated the mpg at every fuel stop, numbers varied from 12.9-15 depending on traffic and terrain, there is no way in hell the 6.0 gets the same mileage as the dmax.

but if you calculate that out you can still put a lot of gas in and be ahead of the D-Max on economics. For instance gas here is now $2.57/gal and diesel is $2.69. If you got 6 mpg with the gasser and 12 with the D-Max the difference per mile would be $0.20/mi. So you'd have to drive 40,000 miles just to break even on the fuel savings with the diesel to pay for the extra $8000 you're going to have to shell out for the diesel option. And that's assuming that you pulled for 40,000. There won't be as big of difference in highway mileage. At least not from the people I talk too. The 6.0 will handle it, but it will suck fuel!

That's good to know... I'm even now. At 67k miles, I've towed a good 40k of that mileage. Not to mention the 16~19 mpg I get empty... But then again, we're not counting that. ;)

Hwy mileage on the 6.0 compared to dmax is similar? I think not, my dad has a 6.0 suburban. He averages about 14 on the highway, cruise set at 70-75, took a trip to florida last year and calculated the mpg at every fuel stop, numbers varied from 12.9-15 depending on traffic and terrain, there is no way in hell the 6.0 gets the same mileage as the dmax.

What I meant was that at least with my experience compared to my father in laws LMM I get 14-15 highway and he gets 17-19. So it's not that much more. I know I'll hear the stories of 22+ I've just never heard of anyone around here getting that other than an old 7.3 Ford or 5.9 Cummins.

Just for kicks I use the same amount of fuel (gallons wise) towing the same exact trailer going the same exact way (roadways/distance) as I did with my 2002 2500HD 6.0. Truck was a 2002 2500HD ecsb 6.0 with the 4.10 rear. This truck is a 2007 2500HD ecsb 6.6 dmax with the 3.73. Sure the duramax tows a bit easier but don't sell the 6.0 short. Its one hell of an engine. I'd say depending on how often you will be towing very heavy, if its lets say a few times a month then yes to the Duramax, if its a few times a year then I'd personally get the 6.0. Custom tunes also do wonders with the 6.0 now too. Best of luck with your decision, you will LOVE either truck you get.

Nick

Any suggestions on towing a fifth with a 2008 6.0 2500HD? My bud just swapped his 28' tag for a 35' 5th. The weight is ok, the truck can handle it, but I am curious if anyone has done any serious towing with a gasser like this?

The 6.0 will do it. Hell, people pull 5th with F250s w/ the little 5.4 triton.

The diesel will tow far easier but if you already have a 2008 2500HD with the 6.0 then no way in hell would I change it for a diesel unless you are towing that 5er on a regular basis.

I love my Duramax but since you made the choice to get a gasser I'd stick with it unless $$ is not an issue.

Both of the last two comments are good, objective , common-sense replies. Nice to see. Gerry

6.0 = No Allison. While this is not a big deal to occasional tow-ers, this was a plus for me. Real engine breaking keeps me from heating / warping the rotors down a long grade. This is also part of the ''$8000.'' additional costs. Having the 6.0 for some is a better fit... Just not for me. To each his own I guess.

Well considering the 6.0 is one of the most de-tuned engines GM makes, yes in stock form it not going to touch a duramax. However some good programing, open up your airbox, and some smaller gap spark plugs (~.40 yes due to the ethanol), and wait a minute, you have a truck with more than respectable power and millage.

The 6.0 gets a bad wrap around here, but I kid you not, its a hell of an engine.

Well considering the 6.0 is one of the most de-tuned engines GM makes, yes in stock form it not going to touch a duramax. However some good programing, open up your airbox, and some smaller gap spark plugs (~.40 yes due to the ethanol), and wait a minute, you have a truck with more than respectable power and millage.

The 6.0 gets a bad wrap around here, but I kid you not, its a hell of an engine.
x2

I've said it many times, most people don't need a diesel most just want one. I too want one, but for now I can get by with the gasser. Trust me, I hate getting 12-13 mpg all the time with a 26 gallon tank. But, if you don't drive 30K+/year or tow heavy regularly it won't pencil unless you jsut want one. I've run the math lots of times. The one wildcard is the resale value. These late model diesels are commanding a huge premium over gassers. The depreciation hasn't hit them as hard it seems. I see that trend closing though as the sticker starts to hit $50K for a new one here next year. That's obscene. That's a house is some areas.

I've said it many times, most people don't need a diesel most just want one. I too want one, but for now I can get by with the gasser. Trust me, I hate getting 12-13 mpg all the time with a 26 gallon tank. But, if you don't drive 30K+/year or tow heavy regularly it won't pencil unless you jsut want one. I've run the math lots of times. The one wildcard is the resale value. These late model diesels are commanding a huge premium over gassers. The depreciation hasn't hit them as hard it seems. I see that trend closing though as the sticker starts to hit $50K for a new one here next year. That's obscene. That's a house is some areas.

I used to have a 2003 DMax, exactly like the 2005 gasser that I have now. I drive less than 20,000 miles a year, and I never tow. Also, I figured I would keep this vehicle about 5 years. So here is my math:

$2.59 @ 12mpg, 100,000 miles = $21,583.33
$2.69 @ 16mpg, 100,000 miles = $16,812.50
difference $4,770.83

I regularly get 12 MPG on a tank, where I used to get 16 with the diesel. I love the silence and easy/cheap maintenance on a gasoline engine. If I towed a great deal, I would obviously re-evaluate my decision...

I tow 11,000 lbs with my 2500 Suburban with stock 6.0 and 3.73s.

MPG is 8.5-9.0 towing flat, at 55mph/2300 rpm. I towed the same route with my '07 LMM and got 11mpg.

It is a boat, so it doesn't have a big, flat frontal area with lots of drag.


I agree with the others: the 6.0 is no slouch.

I towed a 38 foot fifth, truck with a 3500 srw 373 axle, if i was on level roads 6th was usable but 5th was a better gear overall including using the grade braking, the combination weighed 20480 lbs I have the weight slip to prove it.

I hauled my 01 9 hours back from ohio with my dads 05 rclb 6.0 truck. Sure you have to wind the thing up a bit, but the temp was always consisent and the truck never missed a beat. With my 01 tipping the scales at a portly 6800lbs, i gotta believe truck on trailer was a combined 8500lbs anyways. Thats not like pulling a camper, which is like trying to push a sheet of ply wood down the high way, but its no faint load either. The worst part was a 9 hours trip with no cruise control. Although i will say that after i hauled a few things with my truck, the allison is like night and day compared to a 4l80e equipped truck.

We just towed our AF 5th wheel from Auburn, CA to Bodega Bay and back. Weighs about 7800lbs. Got 9.3MPG round trip. Pulled like a dream. Ran 60 MPH and used OD often.

2000 2500HD 6.0L 4.10's.

No secret diesel stock and 6.0L stock gas mileage and towing power goes to diesel. Spend less than a grand on the 6.0L and the gas mileage will be very damn close unloaded and loaded vs a stock diesel. A friend of mine towed vehicles 150 miles x 2 and we got the same gas mileage. He has a stock 2006 Ford F350 diesel and I roll a 2001 Chevy 3500 6.0L with tune, cam and headers. We never went over 75mph..

Well considering the 6.0 is one of the most de-tuned engines GM makes, yes in stock form it not going to touch a duramax. However some good programing, open up your airbox, and some smaller gap spark plugs (~.40 yes due to the ethanol), and wait a minute, you have a truck with more than respectable power and millage.

The 6.0 gets a bad wrap around here, but I kid you not, its a hell of an engine.

Not trying to steal the thread, but I am curious about reducing the gap for ethanol....any enlightenment would be helpful...thanks

I don't see how some of ya'll are getting 15+ highway mpg's unless you are going 55 mph down the highway driving like grandma. With my 02 4.3, the best I have ever gotten was 17 on one tank (this was driving about 70-75 average not driving like grandma).

The BEST mileage I ever had with my 6.0 was 13 MPG...

I get 13 to 14 mpg around town

Not trying to steal the thread, but I am curious about reducing the gap for ethanol....any enlightenment would be helpful...thanks

Yes, GM recommends the .40 because of ethanol. If you check GM recommendations they are all .40 in the V8's. I don't really want to get into it here, but the ethanol reps I have talked to said you will need a smaller gap on your plugs.

For the sake of going OT, maybe start a new thread about it...

i think you are all bull shitting about the 6.0, i have an 08 stock that averages 15 on the hwy and 12 in town, pulling i get between 9 and 10. This motor has plenty of snort and the engine braking is a nice touch as well. Just took a trip to Michigan and back and averaged 15 MPH at 70 mph, not too bad :D, atleast i won't be dealing with a loss of power in this cold we are experiencing with icing and all that -:t, enjoy the vortec I DO :)

i think you are all bull shitting about the 6.0, i have an 08 stock that averages 15 on the hwy and 12 in town, pulling i get between 9 and 10. This motor has plenty of snort and the engine braking is a nice touch as well. Just took a trip to Michigan and back and averaged 15 MPH at 70 mph, not too bad :D, atleast i won't be dealing with a loss of power in this cold we are experiencing with icing and all that -:t, enjoy the vortec I DO :)

Your numbers seem right in line with what everyone is saying. I've seen 15 MPG once but it was a single flat straight line run of 150 miles. Unloaded I expect about 13-14 tops at 70MPH. I've never checked in town specifically since I can't stand to see the 2-3 when you take off from a stop. God it drinks gas....but runs like a top.

I've said it many times, most people don't need a diesel most just want one. I too want one, but for now I can get by with the gasser. Trust me, I hate getting 12-13 mpg all the time with a 26 gallon tank. But, if you don't drive 30K+/year or tow heavy regularly it won't pencil unless you jsut want one. I've run the math lots of times. The one wildcard is the resale value. These late model diesels are commanding a huge premium over gassers. The depreciation hasn't hit them as hard it seems. I see that trend closing though as the sticker starts to hit $50K for a new one here next year. That's obscene. That's a house is some areas.

I've made the same comment many times as well.

If you tow, particularily a 5er, a diesel simply makes a more enjoyable tow. A gas engine will do the job, but you'll be doing your driving by downshifting.

Can I justify it on the 17-19 I seem to get empty?, no, because if my Tahoe is any indicator, I can get 15-17 routinely empty. Put a trailer behind it and you drop like a rock in mpg.

But I don't think I would see the 12.5-14 on gas that I can get with the DMax towing my 33' 5er. I'm fortunate enough with other vehicles that my Duramax has probably run 85% of its miles with a trailer behind it. I could have bought a lot of gasoline for the difference in purchase price (although I got a very good deal on my new Duramax).

So, while this thread debates a 6.0s effectiveness hauling a 5th wheel camper, theres a thread going on a snowmobile forum, guy askin about the 5.3 as hes tradin from a super duty to an avalanche for the lack of needing a truck that big and wanting a newer vehicle. Long story short, couple guys claim the 5.3 is underpowered and one guy says the following:

"buddy has a 5.3 in his k1500 - seems fine for what I will ask of it. Tows my 2 place sled trailer or quads fine. I will likely never hitch up a four place to it - would use my bro-in-laws 2500 diesel for that."

I found it amusing, hopefully some of you guys who actually tow more than 3000lbs will to.

So, while this thread debates a 6.0s effectiveness hauling a 5th wheel camper, theres a thread going on a snowmobile forum, guy askin about the 5.3 as hes tradin from a super duty to an avalanche for the lack of needing a truck that big and wanting a newer vehicle. Long story short, couple guys claim the 5.3 is underpowered and one guy says the following:

"buddy has a 5.3 in his k1500 - seems fine for what I will ask of it. Tows my 2 place sled trailer or quads fine. I will likely never hitch up a four place to it - would use my bro-in-laws 2500 diesel for that."

I found it amusing, hopefully some of you guys who actually tow more than 3000lbs will to.
:mad::p::(:eek::D

Well I wouldn't pull a 4 place trailer with a little boy truck either but I think using a diesel for a snowmobile trlr is overkill. You diesel guys really think that you are the shit with a diesel, well I love the Vortec that I have, yeah sure if I had the money and loved paying more for diesel I would be just like you all, frankly I think you are lacking in the "Junk" area myself:D:D:D, LOL, but either way the Vortec is plenty powerful, and like I said before the tranny is a huge improvement with the engine grade braking. Merry Christmas :):sign_weir:bling:

I thought my 2000 5.3 1500 had almost the same power as my 2004 6.0 2500. They both had 4.10 gears and the 1500 had 2500 rear leaves I put on, so I pulled alot with it. The 6.0s do get the worst gas mileage ever. My dad had a 08 and now has an 09 with the 6.0 and 3.73 gears, compared to my 04 6.0 it pulls much better with the 6 speed but still sucks gas.

I thought my 2000 5.3 1500 had almost the same power as my 2004 6.0 2500. They both had 4.10 gears and the 1500 had 2500 rear leaves I put on, so I pulled alot with it. The 6.0s do get the worst gas mileage ever. My dad had a 08 and now has an 09 with the 6.0 and 3.73 gears, compared to my 04 6.0 it pulls much better with the 6 speed but still sucks gas.

The 5.3 has more pep than the 6.0, and moves out better in stock form. What are your mileage figures and what are you comparing your figures to?

Last time I checked the 6.0 gets better mileage towing than the Hemi and Tritions, and most older gas V8s. It is also one of the most detuned in stock form. There is an argument for better mileage for heavy towing in the 8.1, and for a couple thousand pounds the 5.3 maybe be able to beat it. Other than that, its as good as it gets towing with a gasser.