Excuse me if this has been posted before because it probably has and I just haven't been able to find it but I'm an apples to apples kind of a guy.I'm looking at buying a new tow vehicle to pull my camper; 28 ft TT, weighs about 7200lbs. We pulled last year around 5500 miles but I drive this truck 12 miles to and from work every day. I have done the math and it just doesn't pencil out where it's justified to own a Duramax with fuel prices being what they are. I'm just trying to make sure I'm right. So here is my question. Honest answer please. If you own a 6.0 GM, what year and specs are your truck, what it your trailer size and weight, why type of terrain do you tow on, and mpg; towing and normal, and do you feel it's enough truck. I'm just trying to make the best possible decision. Thanks in advance!!!

western PA with an '04 3.73 rear. towed a 5k tt and a 9-10k f'ver.towed the tt like it wasn't even there, towed the f'ver great but sucked gas getting 8-10mpg on the turnpike and could only go about 150 miles before I had to fill up.A newer 6.0/6 speed with a 3.73 woudl be great just make sure you get a 2011 or newer to get the 36 gallon tank. the weight you're pulling will be fine with a SBC

You can see my set up in signature below. My fiver weighs 12,280 scaled and loaded. A 4:10 axle is a must have with the 6.0 for towing anything over 9000 lbs. I love my set up and the 6.0 performs well for my needs.

Btw - you may find it very difficult to find a 4:10 6.0 on a dealers lot. The standard is 3:73 with Max tow rating of 9,500 lbs. The 4:10 is a $175 factory option. I had to order my truck.

2012 2500hd 6.0 3.73 6 speed 6l90e tranny. I tow about 8000 lbs with it and usually head through central VA into WV so most of it is low altitude mountains. It does very well and gets maybe 8-9 mpg. Just set the cruise at 65 and steer. It might wind up to 4k rpm on the 6% climbs but otherwise it runs at 2300 in 5th on the flats to small hills and 3100 in 4th to get up the moderate hills.I am very satisfied with it and I would not call the 4.10 a must have for towing with the 6.0. It probably won't let you hold a higher gear that often so most likely you will be in the same gear just turning a few hundred higher rpm.

Thanks for the quick replies. Keep them coming. It's making me think the 6.0 is the right choice.

6.0 GM question | Good Sam Community

44 Replies

Taco
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
2012 2500hd 6.0 3.73 6 speed 6l90e tranny.

I tow about 8000 lbs with it and usually head through central VA into WV so most of it is low altitude mountains. It does very well and gets maybe 8-9 mpg. Just set the cruise at 65 and steer. It might wind up to 4k rpm on the 6% climbs but otherwise it runs at 2300 in 5th on the flats to small hills and 3100 in 4th to get up the moderate hills.

I am very satisfied with it and I would not call the 4.10 a must have for towing with the 6.0. It probably won't let you hold a higher gear that often so most likely you will be in the same gear just turning a few hundred higher rpm.
therink
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
Btw - you may find it very difficult to find a 4:10 6.0 on a dealers lot. The standard is 3:73 with Max tow rating of 9,500 lbs. The 4:10 is a $175 factory option. I had to order my truck.
therink
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
You can see my set up in signature below. My fiver weighs 12,280 scaled and loaded. A 4:10 axle is a must have with the 6.0 for towing anything over 9000 lbs. I love my set up and the 6.0 performs well for my needs.
gmcsmoke
Explorer
Jan 29, 2014
western PA with an '04 3.73 rear. towed a 5k tt and a 9-10k f'ver.

towed the tt like it wasn't even there, towed the f'ver great but sucked gas getting 8-10mpg on the turnpike and could only go about 150 miles before I had to fill up.

A newer 6.0/6 speed with a 3.73 woudl be great just make sure you get a 2011 or newer to get the 36 gallon tank. the weight you're pulling will be fine with a SBC

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6.0 GM question

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