Chevrolet 6.0 compared to 5.3

Taco wrote:
The 5.3 and 6.0 are both good engines. I wouldn't make my decision on the engine, they both have enough power to get to where you are going. I have a 2012 6.0 and I am satisfied with the power and towing performance. It is on the thirsty side 12 mpg mixed city, 16 mpg highway, 8.5 mpg towing 8k lbs.

I have had both 1/2 and 3/4 ton and the 3/4 ton truck can handle a lot more load/trailer than the 1/2 ton. From the sounds of it you use a truck like a truck and need one that can handle some load.

A 1 ton srw would also be an option to consider, it would be basically the same as the 2500 but cost a few 100 more and able to haul a few 100 lbs more.

For the '13/'14 models, when I priced the 2500HD vs the 3500 option for option, it was atually CHEAPER by a couple hundred for the 3500!!! Standard tow pkg and tow mirrors being a good part of the reason. Not sure how '15 pricing will be.

APT wrote:
Keep in mind the tow rating for the 6.0L/3.73 is only about 9500 pounds. Going to 4.10 bumps it up by a good amount, about 14k. The 4.10 can be hard to find new and used. As you search, look at the RPO sticker in the glove box for one of the following:
GT4 - 3.73
GT5 - 4.10

You may want to wait to see what the 2015 HD has to offer. You can already order one now for delivery early next year. I expect the gas engine to be significantly more powerful than the 07-14 6.0L.

From everything I have read, the 6.0 will continue in the '15 HD's. it will be interesting to see what the replacement engine will be.

Statefan,

We recently stepped up to our '13-2500HD from a '10-1500 5.3/6spd/3.42/4x4 ccsb. Payload was the reason for it. Motor for motor they both are very good! Not a huge difference in power (noticeable, yes), but more stable, and slightly more thirsty! Lol This w/e we are in Northern Mi, 200 mi trip and got about 14mpg. Temps were 10*-22* for the trip, so there is 1-2 mpg there. PLUS- we don't have a topper or tonneau cover yet, so that great "air bubble in the bed" (as proved by Myth Busters in an empty truck bed) is disrupted by the rubbermaid tubs in the bed of the truck. we would usually average about 15mpg, to maybe 16mpg (if lucky) for the same trip in the Winter for our 1500 if I remember right!

The 14's have the 4.10 gears standard (3.73 is an option now) so it may be a little easier to find a truck with them!

Good luck!

I HAD a '10 2500 6.0 6spd/ 4.10 got 10.5-11 mpg around town unloaded. 8.5-10 mpg towing a 7500 lb TT. That's why I went diesel. 15 around town unloaded, 12.5 towing 11k lb 5er.

When I tow with my 2500HD its seldom under 10K and I have 3.73's, I usually weigh between 13-14K and as much 18K. This done between 5-8000' in alt. The truck pulls very well at 14K, 18K is a little too much for it but I don't do that very often. Pulling hard I get around 7 at times less depending on how steep the grade. Nontowing is around 14.5-15 mpg if I stay at 65 mph.

State Fan

I ordered a new 2013 6.0 with the 4.10 gears in a 3500 SRW. I love the truck. One thing of note. If you are going to tow near the max AND you are going to tow through a lot of steep inclines, you will need to get used to the engine revving around 4000 rpm. It can either be annoying or "music to your ears". I still have a little trouble adjusting to the high RPM's, but I would never go back to the diesel.
(Yea, gas mileage is around 12. )

Good luck

Bill

I've had 5.3L gas, 6.6L dmax, and 6.0L gas.

I can't complain about any of them. I bought the 6.0L truck in my sig line a couple of years ago. If I could go back in time and change things, I'd still get the 6.0L engine. I would have tried to find the 4.10 gears, but my trailer is light so no huge deal.

Keep in mind the tow rating for the 6.0L/3.73 is only about 9500 pounds. Going to 4.10 bumps it up by a good amount, about 14k. The 4.10 can be hard to find new and used. As you search, look at the RPO sticker in the glove box for one of the following:
GT4 - 3.73
GT5 - 4.10

You may want to wait to see what the 2015 HD has to offer. You can already order one now for delivery early next year. I expect the gas engine to be significantly more powerful than the 07-14 6.0L.

could order a new body style HD with 6.0 6 speed. You will be very impressed !!

I agree with 1 ton. Check out my truck in signature below. Perfect for my towing needs. Hard to find 1 ton SRW gasser with 4:10 axle new or used. I had to factory order mine. No regrets though.

2012 Silverado, 1 ton SRW, crew, LTZ, silver ice metallic, Z71, 4x4,short bed, 4:10 axle.

The 5.3 and 6.0 are both good engines. I wouldn't make my decision on the engine, they both have enough power to get to where you are going. I have a 2012 6.0 and I am satisfied with the power and towing performance. It is on the thirsty side 12 mpg mixed city, 16 mpg highway, 8.5 mpg towing 8k lbs.

I have had both 1/2 and 3/4 ton and the 3/4 ton truck can handle a lot more load/trailer than the 1/2 ton. From the sounds of it you use a truck like a truck and need one that can handle some load.

A 1 ton srw would also be an option to consider, it would be basically the same as the 2500 but cost a few 100 more and able to haul a few 100 lbs more.

State, do yourself a favor and buy a 1 ton with the 6.0.
Good luck.