Forum Discussion

Canuck_Travelle's avatar
Canuck_Travelle
Explorer
May 13, 2015

GM 6.2 or 5.3

Thinking of a new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 towing a 25foot Travel Trailer back & forth to Florida from Canada (2000 miles each way)have a house there & use trailer to go to parks occasionally while in Florida.
Considering either the 5.3 or 6.2 engine.
Appreciate any experience on either especially the MPG between both.
The difference in price of the bigger engine will not be a big problem and if the MPG is close I am okay on the bigger engine. Want the bigger engine to get the extra gears in the tranny, is that a good enough reason?
Currently have an older Duramax but no problems with it.
Thanks everyone....Ernie
Tow Vehicles

24 Replies

  • DynoDragn's avatar
    DynoDragn
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    I was searching the Chevy's as well and to get the 6.2l you had to have the LTZ or High Country. Most dealers that had the 6.2 close to me were all 50k+ High Country and my budget was 30k LT. The 5.3l was a great driver though on the test drives and if it wouldn't have been for dealer incompetence I probably would be driving a '15 LT crew now but I found my Ram while they were figuring out the rebates.
    The latest Silverados are some sharp trucks now that they finally changed the dash.
  • Canuck_Travelle's avatar
    Canuck_Travelle
    Explorer
    May 18, 2015
    Thanks everyone for your very helpful lnputs, E-Light and P-Fit thanks for the very helpful links.
    I will be trying to get a 2015 dual cab with the 6.2 engine and 8 speed tranny, white, towing package,pretty well loaded as this might be our last truck (getting older) but with the loading up of it I may have to wait and order the 2016 hope they have rebates presently there is a $10,000 rebate on the 2015.
    Thanks again everyone....Ernie
  • 1oldtruck's avatar
    1oldtruck
    Explorer
    May 14, 2015
    I just bought a 2015 Silverado with the 5.3L. It is a very nice truck and has more horsepower and torque than the 6.0L in my 2005 Sierra. The 6.0L did a great job towing our TT at 6,000 pounds. I expect the 5.3L and 6 speed trans to do a better job with it. I've only had it a few weeks and I'm averaging just shy of 20 MPG.

    I did have the dealer do a locate for the NHT package. There were two in Louisiana. It wasn't worth the expense of having it delivered on top of the additional purchase price. The 6.2L is just as difficult to locate in our area.
  • martinto's avatar
    martinto
    Explorer
    May 14, 2015
    I have the 6.2 in my 2008 Yukon Denali 6 speed with HD tow pkg. towing a 28ft TT at 5400 lbs dry...est 6200 lbs loaded. The 6.2 is a beast. 19-20 mph on highway...10 +/- when towing. TT is new...need to get more miles in the NC mountains...but so far once the rpm's hit the power band, she sings a sweet song. Next stop is a 1/2 ton Sierra or Silverado with the 6.2l. Probably wait a year or so to pick up a good used one.

    Go for the 6.2, it's a natural testosterone boost!
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2015
    But everyone says that the Aluminum 6.2 will be a terrible towing motor because it's aluminum!!!

    Of course I don't believe that!

    The 6.2 would be my choice if going for the LTZ. The 5.3 is nothing to be ashamed of though. With the NHT package the 5.3 is very capable.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • mr61impala's avatar
    mr61impala
    Explorer
    May 13, 2015
    intheburbs wrote:
    I have an '01 5.3 and an '09 6.2. The 5.3 was my workhorse tow vehicle for several years. It was sufficient.

    The 6.2 is a monster. I average 12-13 mpg around town, partially because I can't keep my foot out of it. 400+ hp is rather addicting. Mated to the 6-speed, it makes for a very easy tow.


    The new 6.2L is an absolute brute, there is just no comparing the two.

    I suspect the mileage towing would be the similar as the larger engine won't be working nearly as hard, if fact I would not be surprised to hear that the 6.2L was actually a more efficient tow vehicle.

    The rated MPG's of both trucks should give you an indication of the mileage penalty when driven empty.

    Is nicer to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

    JMHO of course.
  • PFitt's avatar
    PFitt
    Explorer
    May 13, 2015
    Go to this site they test the new 6.2 towing and empty on diff. video
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgMzyKqsps0

    empty test
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rx4F5szS4k
  • _tpc_'s avatar
    _tpc_
    Explorer
    May 13, 2015
    I'd go with the 6.2. I doubt the mpg will make any significant difference while towing, and you will probably get better resale value out of the bigger engine in the long run.

    I also think the 5.3 would pull it just fine. But since money isn't the question it seems, go with the bigger one, you will be happier.

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