Towing in the real world. gas or diesel
I've been down the gas road in 04 and the diesel in 09. Looking to buy again. I had a lighter trailer in 04 but my siverado 6+ liter gas would just scream in a head wind. 4000 rpm was common. Bigge...
Forum Discussion
rvrev2 wrote:jlrmfc21 wrote:
Find a low mileage 8.1 with 4.10 gears. It has low end torque and will be an option for you.
X2 on the 8.1. I live in central Kansas and tow a 33' HitchHiker. My 8.1 engine does not scream traveling I-70 at 65 mph, and into a headwind. My old 454 sure did, however.
The 8.1 came with the 5 speed Allison transmission, same as the Duramax. Too bad they don't make them any more. I believe the '06 models came with the 6 speed Allison. My 8.1 also ran the 3.73 gears.
A steep grade will cause it to run the higher RPM's however. No way around that. But repairs and parts are far cheaper than a Duramax.
If I wanted a new truck, since they don't make the big block gassers anymore, I would opt for the diesel. But my '05 8.1 is doing great right now and I have no plans on replacing it anytime soon.
our 2001 3500 chev 8.1 with the 4:10 was a joy going down the mountains from previous trucks. As good as the 05 duramax. Uphill the duramax wins.
chevman
