Hope I made right move!

schwalbach · 08-09-2015, 04:40 AM

Traded the 1997 Dodge Cummins 2500 off on a 2015 Silverado 6,0 gas, Could not justify the 9,000 upcost for the diesel, as the 1997 only had 65,000 miles on it.

Big question is will it haul the 10,0000 lb camper and 14,000 horse trailer as well power wise, I already know fuel economy will be much worse but felt for 9,000 I can buy allot of fuel.

So calling all you 6.0 Chevy people, will it get it done and want kind of fuel economy will I see?

old timer · 08-09-2015, 05:20 AM

I dont think you can put 10,000 lbs in the bed of the truck and haul a 14,000 lb trailer at the same time. Also it may be over the towing capacity. I can only put 2,200 in the bed of my F250 with a combined CGVWR of 23,500 lbs.

**chuckster57** · 08-09-2015, 06:15 AM

I don't think the OP meant at the same time.

Fuel economy will depend on wind, speed, weight, terrain and gear ratio. Hopefully someone with the same truck will chime in.

schwalbach · 08-09-2015, 06:28 AM

to clarify, a 10,000 lb 5th wheel or a 14,000 gooseneck.

Over the years we upgraded what I pulled behind the Cummins and never really gave a thought to the trailer weight as it handled it fine, until this week when the rear end ring gear bolts came loose. Lucky it had a leaking back cover, pulled it to reseal and found before it grenade, just loose.

So decided it was time to replace the truck and when I found the trailer weights the 2500 Silverado could pull 13,000 trailer hitch and 14,000 gooseneck, I decided to look back at the Dodge and the information I find online (truck is at shop), says it could pull a 9,0000 lb trailer for the 1997 2500 Cummins.

So if the online info is correct I was doing ay to much with too little!

rhagfo · 08-09-2015, 07:06 AM

Time will tell if YOU feel you made the right decision!!!
18 year newer TV, many great improvement in both Gas and Diesel in those years.

You might have been a little better off sticking with Ram and getting the 6.4 Hemi, lots of good reports on it's pulling power.
The 6.0 will get the job done, but it will need to rev to do it.

GaryWT · 08-09-2015, 07:09 AM

So the new truck is a 1500 or is it a 2500? A 2500 might be ok, a 1500 no so much.

therink · 08-09-2015, 10:48 AM

The GM 6.0 with 4:10 axle will have no problem with the 10k lb trailer. You will be at max towing capability towing the 14k horse trailer but it will do it.
I have owned three different 6.0 GM HD trucks and it handled my 12k fiver well. The compromise is fuel economy. Don't be afraid thatlet the engine rev out aat 4 to 5k rpms, around 4000 rpm is the sweet spot with the 6.0 on hills.

saw dust kid · 08-09-2015, 03:27 PM

Got to be able to stop to. Most diesels have some form of grade braking

schwalbach · 08-09-2015, 05:16 PM

2500- dealer and sales brochure say it is new in 2015 in tow haul mode there is a drivetrain brake that uses engine to slow on downhill, while not as effective as exhaust brake it is effective.

I have not seen the truck yet, is a dealer trade first getting to dealer Tuesday and then putting in hitch , running boards, flaps and come home and leave Friday for 5 day trip!

Nervous this will all happen, parts or old one coming Tuesday, then bring home and strip out my stuff to drop at dealer on wed night.

**JRTJH** · 08-09-2015, 06:41 PM

schwalbach,

If you're picking up the truck on Tuesday and leaving for a trip on Wednesday, does the truck have "essentially 0 miles" on it? If so, there is a recommended break in period of 500 - 1000 miles (depending on brand). You might be affecting your long term durability by putting a "near maximum" load both in the truck and towing behind the truck without proper break-in.

Check the owner's manual for recommendations. If this is a long term investment, you might want to consider GM's break-in advice.

Oh, and congratulations on the new truck !!!

bsmith0404 · 08-10-2015, 02:39 AM

Have had a 6.0, used to triple with 10k 5er and 2k boat. It'll pull it, just be prepared to lose a lot of speed on hills and stop at every gas station. I've been down to 25 mph on large / long hills and mountain passes that the dmax doesn't even down shift for. I personally don't like reving it that much because the tranny runs hotter as well so I just took my time and accepted the fact that I had a gas engine. As for mileage, about 8.

schwalbach · 08-10-2015, 03:15 AM

It will have a little over 500 miles on it and the dealer said it will be fine, they are not worried.

ls1mike · 08-10-2015, 06:14 PM

1997 Cummins
Power (SAE net)
• 215 bhp @ 2600 rpm - 49 state manual
• 180 bhp @ 2500 rpm - all auto. trans
• 180 bhp @ 2500 rpm - CA man. trans

Torque (SAE net)
• 440 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm - 49 state manual
• 420 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm - all auto. trans
• 420 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm - CA man. trans

Compression Ratio: 17.5:1

A 2015 2500 HD is 360 HP with E85, 322 with the normal juice. and 380 FT/LBS of torque with either.

The 2015 Just makes it at 4200 RPM let it sign and it will be fine.

Having said all that. My BIL had 1998 Cummins 5 speed. I towed his trailer with that and my truck more than once. I don't know if any of you have been in a committed relationship... lets just say I love the wife and I have towed the brother in laws trailer more times than I would like... The big difference was gas mileage, RPMS and noise. The Cummins sure was a loud bugger. Over the same hills with his trailer both trucks pulled about the same. He works for the Carnival. One story I recall is I had to go to Utah(I live in Washington..) to pick up his 5th wheel once when his truck was down for a bit. (carnival life is hard) Got it home with my truck no issue. I was over weight by about 1200 lbs. Went and picked up his truck, towed it home, had it fixed and towed it back for him while he was out doing Carny stuff. (spoken freedom

) Really had to use the go pedal just as much in his truck as mine.

A 2015? It will tow circles around my 02. You will be fine. I have a big tranny cooler on my truck, the stock one sucked. I have not seen it go over 210 even holding 4400 RPM for a few miles at time.

ls1mike · 08-10-2015, 06:25 PM

Oh...15 to 17 unloaded.

Do you really want to know when towing?

6 to 9

rhagfo · 08-12-2015, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schwalbach

Traded the 1997 Dodge Cummins 2500 off on a 2015 Silverado 6,0 gas, Could not justify the 9,000 upcost for the diesel, as the 1997 only had 65,000 miles on it.

Big question is will it haul the 10,0000 lb camper and 14,000 horse trailer as well power wise, I already know fuel economy will be much worse but felt for 9,000 I can buy allot of fuel.

So calling all you 6.0 Chevy people, will it get it done and want kind of fuel economy will I see?

Well if it doesn't you will know why the $9,000 for the diesel.
18 years difference in engine technology both gas and diesel, if the 6.0 doesn't do as well as the 97 12V Cummins, I would take it back to the dealer and demand my money back.

Zapper · 08-25-2015, 01:30 PM

I've often wondered about break in periods. How does new motor home on a 1 ton chassis have a break in period?

Pull Toy · 08-25-2015, 01:43 PM

Plus 1 for what JRTJH said!

You'll blow your warranty if not your engine! Drive through the night unloaded if you have to, to give the powertrain a proper "Burn in" period of at least 500 miles.

bsmith0404 · 08-25-2015, 02:34 PM

My understanding of the no towing break in period is that it is more important for the rear end than it is for the engine and trans.

As for the engine and trans, IMO the most significant part of the break in period is the filter and fluid change recommendations. Check those and stick to them. Most people buy a new vehicle, drive it and do normal change intervals, but many vehicles have an initial change before going into normal intervals.

schwalbach · 08-25-2015, 05:29 PM

came with 350 miles by the time the dealer trade was done, first tow with camper 100 miles, took it easy, next tow was 2 horse pull behind, just went easy on it, now have 560 miles, averaged 8.5 with camper staying under 50 mph 10,000 lb next 100 12 pulling 7500 or less horse trailer under 50 mph so should be good, driving it back and forth to work now. even going easy appear to have all the power the diesel had.

**JRTJH** · 08-25-2015, 07:59 PM

I had a 93 F250 with a NA 7.3L diesel and a 4 speed automatic transmission. We towed a 34' Holiday Rambler travel trailer and had all the power we needed as long as we stayed below about 4000'. Above that, the air was just "too thin" and we would start producing enormous amounts of black exhaust and the "power" seemed to escape as the black smoke increased... Maybe the smoke is what produced the power ??? Nah, probably not LOL

I just traded a 2013 F250 with a 6.2L gas engine. Towing a fifth wheel that is
about comparable to the HR, I had all the power I needed. We never towed it above about 4500' altitude. I wouldn't think you'll have any problems towing as long as you're in lower altitudes. I don't think you'll be satisfied with the truck's performance if you try to tow through Eisenhower Tunnel, but that's not your normal towing conditions. Today's gas engines have loads of "towability" and perform really well for "light/medium duty recreational towing". Just don't expect to keep up with a modern diesel from any of the manufacturers. Of course you already knew that.

I think you'll be satisfied, given the $9000 savings, as long as you keep that in perspective.

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