Forum Discussion

Fryer5's avatar
Fryer5
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016

Gm 5.3 vs 6.2

So the time has come to retire my current tow vehicle. Currently I tow my TT which weighs about 6000#s with a 2005 2wd Chevy suburban with the 5.3. The sub has 230,000 miles and has towed probably about 12,000 miles all over the Midwest and southeast of the US. Only on the last trip to Branson Mo have I had power concerns.
So now that I am in the process of looking for the sub's replacement, it will be another suburban/Yukon XL My question is do I look into the Yukon XL Denali to get the 6.2 l engine, or does it not make that big of a towing difference.

Ps, the next truck needs to be 4x4 as we now live in Wisconsin

Thanks in advance for the advice

The Fryers
  • IF my "hotrod" 6.2 was not designed to tow, why did it come from the factory with a max tow rating of 10.5K and a complete (NHT) max tow package?? Believe me, I have towed with both the 6.2 and the 5.3 and the 6.2 wins hands down. I routinely tow 6K and above with mine and have towed 10K on multiple occasions, with NO problems.
  • Your old 5.3 put out around 300 horse power and the new 6.2 puts out well over 400 horse power.

    The towing power difference will be HUGE!
  • Since, I think, we're talking about 1500 series vehicles, I would opt for the 6.2. The newest version of the 5.3 appears to be quite a performer, but is still outclassed by that "hot rod" 6.2.
  • Friends of ours have the 6.0 in a 3500 4x4 pick up, crew cab and it does tow their 15k+ 5er. Motor does twist a lot compared to their D-max (6.0 is a back up), but will do it.
  • The 6.2 is an all aluminum 'hot rod' engine not built for towing, thats why it is not available in 2500 or 3500 trucks; the old reliable but gas hungry 6.0 is what you need.
  • The new 5.3 has plenty of power, but the 6.2 will be a better towing experience. If it would be me I would get the 6.2 without hesitation. The 6.2 has more power then my 6.0...