Forum Discussion
- zachb91Exploreraare old 19 gmc 2500god with 410 empty got 18..... pullin my dads 38 ft 5th wheel it got around 11. had the power to do it just don't expect to pass to many vehicals. only time it would was with the edge turnd all the way up,.
- ClockmanExplorerYA I have a 2000 Silverado 2500 with the 6.ol, 230,000 miles on the engine, very reliable engine, my Year was the last with the Cast Iron Heads, I pull a 4000lb Lance 1685.. Engine feels like its finally getting a little tired going up hills, but I have 4:56 rear end gears because of my 33 inch tries, tows in Drive good on level ground. But definatly thirsty, gets 11mpg around town with no trailer, 7-9 with..
- allen8106ExplorerI had a 2009 GMC 2500 HD with the 6.0L gasser in it. In May 2012 we took our 5ver from Kansas to the California coast and back over a 2 week vacation. I got between 7-10 mpg when towing depending on whether I had a head wind or a tail wind. It really struggled on the long 6% grades on I40. At one point I was turning 5000 rpm and barely doing 45 mph going up one grade. I told my wife then that if we ever do this again we will need a diesel truck. I now have a 2013 2500 HD with the Duramax. Night and day difference in towing those hills. With the gasser I could never use the cruise control in 3000 miles of driving. We drove 15 hours straight one day and when I got out of the truck at the end of the day my whole right leg was numb from my waist to the ankle. With the Durmax I use the cruise in all but the steepest grades with no problems. The gasser was down shifting every 10 miles due to even the smallest grade. The Durmax down shifted once between Wichita and Holbrook, AZ.
- Need-A-VacationExplorerStarting in '15, only 4.10's are available with the 6.0, but for '14 the 3.73's were an option. From maybe '11-'13 the 3.73's were standard, the 4.10's were optional.
Very reliable motor. But as mentioned, likes to drink! Lol
Starting w/ '16 models, the included maintenance has been reduced as well as the powertrain warranty. Unless something has changed from what I last read.
Lots of great info also over on GM-Trucks.com.
Good luck! - shfd739ExplorerWe have 2 trucks at work that are used for towing a 24ft enclosed car hauler type trailer that is loaded with a few cabinets and a John Deere Gator. Loaded weight is around 5500-6000 lbs.
Both trucks are 2wd, 2500,4 door shortbeds with the 6.0 motor.Get the lowest rear end gearing(highest numerically) you can. One of our trucks has the highest axle gearing and it is horrible to tow with. Slow off the line and struggles to maintain 65mph on the highway..The other has the lowest gearing and it's much nicer to use. - merwoodExplorerthanks for all the replies
- bstar1952ExplorerMine (see signature) tows my 34' 7800lb White Hawk effortlessly. Taken two 4000 mile trips through the mountains of Colorado, Utah and Arizona with absolutely no problems. Looked at Dodge 6.4 and Ford 6.2 and as far as mileage and towing capabilities, not much difference. Get between 9 & 10 MPG towing which is pretty normal for gas 2500's. Liked all the truck brands but one main point with my buying the Chevy was size. The Ford and Dodge just seemed like bigger trucks. So far very happy with my choice. BTW, Chevy/GM gives you 2 years of free maintenance. Cheers....
- ashnicExplorerLove mine pulling 8k trailer..Gas mileage isn't that great 10 if the wind is behind me! But I'm towing didn't expect it to be good..
- Dick_BExplorerI would trade in my 6.0 for an 8.1 in a heartbeat! But they are no longer made. I get 9+ mpg when towing 7500 lbs. same as my old Suburban. I get 15 mpg or so on the highway when not towing but I rarely drive under those conditions. It remains to be seen how long the transmission lasts. It always seems to be straining and downshifts even when going up a little slope.
- _tpc_ExplorerThe hardest part about the 2500 6.0's is finding them, from what I hear anyways...
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44,028 PostsLatest Activity: Apr 08, 2025