2015 Sierra 1500 options

[jwc99]

I am thinking about upgrading my current tow vehicle, a 2010 Sierra, to a new 2015 Sierra. My current and new truck are 4X4 crew cabs. Current truck has the 5.3 with 3.08 gears, towing with this truck is listed at 6200 lbs. Does well with my 28Bh Grey Wolf that is in the 4800 lb range. We are looking at going to a bigger camper, still a bumper pull. My new camper would be no more than 8000 lbs, more like 6500 lbs. I make 2 big pulls a year, each are around 800 miles and a few short pulls. That being said gas mileage is important because the truck is a daily driver. My options are the 5.3 with 3.42 gears, standard truck rated at 9100 lbs towing. The 5.3 max trailer package with 3.73 gears rated at 10800 lbs. The 6.2 with 3.42 gears rated at 11800 lbs. Trying to stay away from the 6.2 due to the extra price of the truck, around $4000. My biggest concern is the fuel mileage between the 3.73 and 3.42 gears. I thing the max package with the 3.73 would give me all the towing I need but how will the mileage be. All replies are appreciated. Thanks

[jwc99]

Thanks for all the help, your input does make a difference. Just to let you know I ordered the truck today. It will take 6 - 8 weeks for it to come in.I went with the 5.3 and max tow package, 3.73 gearing. GM is having to build it to get it the way I wanted it.That gives me time to sell my old one, I hate to trade in.

[ib516]

Axle ratio has a pretty small effect on mpg. Go 3.73...5.3 max tow

[poppin_fresh]

I have a new 2015 with the 5.3 and 3.42 and it is way better than my 2007 4.8L with the 3.09.

I am getting around 18MPG during everyday driving (70H/30C) with my not completely broken in truck here in the hills of New England.

[jerem0621]

To get the 6.2 you have to get a LTZ.. Not sure if the OP is going with a top line package but just wanted to throw that out there.

OP... I think the 5.3 with the NHT package would serve you well. No problem at all. I rented a 2015 Suburban with the 5.3 and I eeked out 21 mpg highway on a 600 mile trip. I tried to keep the suburban in V4 mode as much as I could. but it was a 2wd with 3.08 rear end.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[RCMAN46]

jwc99 wrote:
I am thinking about upgrading my current tow vehicle, a 2010 Sierra, to a new 2015 Sierra. My current and new truck are 4X4 crew cabs. Current truck has the 5.3 with 3.08 gears, towing with this truck is listed at 6200 lbs. Does well with my 28Bh Grey Wolf that is in the 4800 lb range. We are looking at going to a bigger camper, still a bumper pull. My new camper would be no more than 8000 lbs, more like 6500 lbs. I make 2 big pulls a year, each are around 800 miles and a few short pulls. That being said gas mileage is important because the truck is a daily driver. My options are the 5.3 with 3.42 gears, standard truck rated at 9100 lbs towing. The 5.3 max trailer package with 3.73 gears rated at 10800 lbs. The 6.2 with 3.42 gears rated at 11800 lbs. Trying to stay away from the 6.2 due to the extra price of the truck, around $4000. My biggest concern is the fuel mileage between the 3.73 and 3.42 gears. I thing the max package with the 3.73 would give me all the towing I need but how will the mileage be. All replies are appreciated. Thanks

Where did the $4000 for the 6.2 come from?

When I did the price your truck both on the Chevrolet and GMC I get a $2495 adder for the 6.2 over the 5.3.

If I were going to tow the 6.2 would be a no brainer for me.

[APT]

Get the one with the most payload. I believe that is the NHT package which also includes the 3.73 axle. You'll never notice any fuel difference between the same truck and different gearing. You will notice the power.

[jwc99]

I am leaning hard toward the 5.3 with max tow. I just hope I don't suffer too much on gas mileage.

[ata3001]

I am towing about 6000 lbs with a 2014 Silverado w/tow pkg. NOT max tow pkg. 5.3L 3.42 rear end & it does just fine towing. 5.3L w/Max tow or 6.2L of course would be better, but this combo works fine for me. My hwy mpg not towing averages 22 mpg at 70mph. Just drove about 500 miles this last weekend & that was my average mpg. Hand calculated. Towing mpg runs between 10-12 mpg. Much better mpg than the Hemi Ram that I used to have. That gave me 8-9 towing the same trailer & 16-17 HWY mpg not towing.

[1oldtruck]

The 6.2 has an eight speed for 2015.

[downtheroad]

Aren't they all running a 6 speed transmission?
If mileage is a concern, you will notice very little (real life) difference between the different gear packages....some slight difference between the different motors.

[1oldtruck]

The 2015's with 4WD and tow package come standard with 3.42 gears. I picked up a 2015 Silverado recently. It is a crew cab short bed 4x4 with 5.3 and 3.42 gears. It is rated at 9600 lbs towing. I could not justify the added expense of the 6.2 either. The max tow package was nearly impossible to locate. There were none in Florida. I just passed the break in period and haven't towed yet, but I hope to hitch up this week to see how it does. I am towing a bit less than 6,000 lbs.

[Army11Bravo]

At a minimum, go with a 3.42, but you will be happier towing with the 3.73. I'm looking to buy a newer GM truck soon, and my money will go toward a diesel engine. More cost up front, but effortless towing and greater resale. Good luck!