We are considering a new tow vehicle.
We now have a 2005 Suburban 2500 w/Vortec 8100 496 cu in V8 (325 hp at 4200 rpm and 447 lb·ft of torque at 3200 rpm) and 4.11 axle ratio. It is rated to tow 12,500 lbs and our trailer is a Keystone Ou...
Forum Discussion
I agree with the others that both payload and wheelbase can/will be issues for you. A Max tow 1/2 ton crew cab will better fit your needs. I would recommend looking at both GM and Ford. BTW the GM 6.2 puts out 420 hp and 450 lb ft and along with the 8 speed trans will probably be the performance king, at least at lower altitudes. The 3.5 ecoboost has a great reputation towing, producing strong low end torque and good all around performance.
I have a 5.3 Chevy Max tow and pull right at the same weight as you do. The new direct injected ecotec does a good job of handling the weight and drag from our TT. I've crisscrossed the Sierras, San Bernardino Mts, the Cascades, 7000 plus feet along the 395,... I usually pull at about 60mph, but lost speed down to 54mph for about 15 seconds on one hill. Tach never went above about 3800 - 3900 in over 4000 miles of towing unless passing, or getting on the highway. It held 1st overdrive (5th)better than expected. (I sold my '03 chipped duramax for some reference) I however would not buy a 5.3 without the max tow that gives you the lowest rear axle ratio. A 6.2 Max tow would be wonderful, but many expensive options are required in order to get the larger engine. (I saved well over $10,000 by going with the 5.3)
Ford's twin turbo's along with the added complexity and expense scared me off the ecoboost as I like to keep my vehicles and was concerned about longterm maintenance and repair costs. The 3.5 ecoboost is much more available throughout Ford's line. Kudos to Ford for that.
You may want to took at the 2500 Ram 6.4, though their six speed transmission gearing is poor, even with the 4.10's. I drove one of those for about 10 days, overall it was a nice capable truck. (Standard Ram 1500's will probably not meet your payload needs.)
I have a 5.3 Chevy Max tow and pull right at the same weight as you do. The new direct injected ecotec does a good job of handling the weight and drag from our TT. I've crisscrossed the Sierras, San Bernardino Mts, the Cascades, 7000 plus feet along the 395,... I usually pull at about 60mph, but lost speed down to 54mph for about 15 seconds on one hill. Tach never went above about 3800 - 3900 in over 4000 miles of towing unless passing, or getting on the highway. It held 1st overdrive (5th)better than expected. (I sold my '03 chipped duramax for some reference) I however would not buy a 5.3 without the max tow that gives you the lowest rear axle ratio. A 6.2 Max tow would be wonderful, but many expensive options are required in order to get the larger engine. (I saved well over $10,000 by going with the 5.3)
Ford's twin turbo's along with the added complexity and expense scared me off the ecoboost as I like to keep my vehicles and was concerned about longterm maintenance and repair costs. The 3.5 ecoboost is much more available throughout Ford's line. Kudos to Ford for that.
You may want to took at the 2500 Ram 6.4, though their six speed transmission gearing is poor, even with the 4.10's. I drove one of those for about 10 days, overall it was a nice capable truck. (Standard Ram 1500's will probably not meet your payload needs.)
