Gear Ratio
I'd like to know whether a higher or lower gear ratio is better for towing. Considering a 2013 or 14 Silverado 2500 4wd. I plan to be in mountains as well as flats. Don't know what I'm going to tow...
Forum Discussion
KD4UPL wrote:
For towing with a gas engine I would get the 4.10 (which is the lower gearing). If you get a diesel your only option will be the 3.73 which will do just fine.
Please don't judge a diesel engine by a 1984 Mercedes. Try comparing anything else from 1984 to today's technology: computers, cell phones, televisions, etc.
Diesel engines have come a long long way. Unfortunately a lot of Americans still seem to make those comparisons to long past diesel technology. I think that's why we don't have as many diesel vehicle options in this country.
IMO the biggest reason that we don't see more diesels is the fuel price; at a station near my home in Phoenix 87oct is $3.19 and #2 diesel is $3.62.
Though we on this forum realize that diesel inherently gets better MPG and some basic math can determine which is more economical, the "average" consumer will just look at fuel prices and think "no way I'm spending $0.40 more per gallon" even if that basic math might mean the diesel is still cheaper per mile.
If diesel was $3.19 and 87oct was $3.62, I'm confident a WHOLE BUNCH of folks would make the switch, particular now that diesels are quiet and virtually odor-free.
