For anyone who has towed with such a truck:

I'm on the verge of buying a Jayco 24' Octane toy hauler trailer with UVW of 5800 and GVWR of 9500. Most likely it'll weigh around 8,000-8500 most of time.

My tow rig is a 2002 GMC Crew 2500 HD 6.0 gas w/4.10 gears and 265/75/16 tires.

Will I be able to cruise at 75mph without overtaxing the engine/tranny?

Does it require dropping the tranny into #3 or can I run in OD with the Tow/haul button activated?

With load equalizing hitch, will it handle ok in a crosswind?

What kind of fuel mileage might I expect?

Thanks. Jim

 

Drive the speed limit..... But, you should do fine at 70...

As long as youre running a swaybar with the loadequalizer you should be fine..

Thats all i got.. haha

Oh and gas mileage is gonna SUCK at 70-75...

 

I had a 2004 2500 HD gasser, and we tow a 23 foot Attitude with 3 quads. The gas mileage sucked... about 5-7 mpg, and heaven forbid we got stuck behind someone on the hills. I got rid of it and have the same vehicle in a diesel. All I can say is it is worth every penny. I will never own another gasser for hauling..... just my .02 worth.

 

I have a 2003 Chevy 2500HD w/ the 6.0L and we pull a 26ft Hobbi toy hauler loaded with 4 quads and get about 7.5mpg

 

We got an 02 2500HD with the 6.0 and we pull a 24' Haulmark car hauler, with 4 quads and a buggy in it. we get about 6-7 mpg, and have no real problems pulling it. also have the sway bars, and equalizer kit.(dont' think that's the actual name but you know what i mean). we go about 75-80 no problem. I pulled the same tailer with 7 quads, with a 1/2 4x4 reg cab chevy with the 5.7 before, that wasn't fun, but i was always goin about 80 on the turnpike. Mileage sucked as i only got 4, and we only went 200 miles with it, but i would do it again, if i had to.

 

Ok, who wants to sell me a diesel?

The verdict is in - I bought the Jayco, loaded a 600# ATV, 350# ATV and a 300# dirt bike, gear, and about 30 gallons of water, with wife, two kids, dog and also a fiberglass topper shell on the truck, and headed west 600 miles to the Rockies.

Observation #1 - 65 mph was about as fast as I could go with tranny in #3 without really taxing the motor.

#2 - Fuel mileage was generally 5.5-7, about what I expected.

#3 - Going up mtn passes it was real easy to soak in the scenery, after all, going 25-35mph you have a lot more time to look around.

#4 - Tranny temps were running pretty high (IMO) going up the passes, even being locked into #2 or #3 to prevent frequent shifting. 210-225 or so & was making me worry a little except I felt more comfy knowing I had just had the tranny serviced/flushed and installed Mobil 1 synthetic tranny fluid ($$$).

#5 - with water tank full, I could really feel the added weight of about 80 more gallons of water

#6 - being self-contained was great. I can't imagine doing it any other way.


Jim

 

That sounds about right.My work truck is an 02 3500 w/6.0........worthless unless you are gonna deliver flowers or candygrams with it.I just picked up an 02 DMax/allison,that is a sweet combo for towing.keep your eyes peeled on ebay and the truck trader type ads,you could find a good deal.

 

Not to repeat everything you just heard.....But when it comes to towing you really want to if possible go diesal. The truck will get it done, but you will be working the truck hard. Plan on even going to second gear on larger hills. As far as gas mileage goes, there is none !! Your slightly oversized tires will impact your towing (but you are running some pretty low gears in back). I had a Ford 350 460 gas, put tons of money in it...I just kept working it to death....Finally went and got a used 04 Dodge Cummins long bed crew cab 4X4 limited (it's like night and day)

Do what works for you, there's nothing wrong with running the poop out of that 6.0 for a couple years..

 

For what it's worth, here is my 2 cents worth.....

We have a 2001 Chev 2500, 6.0L V8, 4.10 rear, Ext Cab, 6 1/2' bed, 4x4, Auto.

We pull a Laredo 27' 5th wheel about 6 times during camping season each year. On highways, I do 70mph with no problem whatsoever. That being said, on long hills, it really craps out. Usually about 30-35mph. Average 8-9mpg towing; 12-14 empty (on a really good day!!)

I am trading in this spring. Have not decided yet on either the 8.1L gas or the Duramax/Allison diesel. I have made a point of talking to every one I can about the Dmax/Ally combo--ALL LOVE IT. Decisions, decisions..........any opinions out there??????

 

MaxDaddy - If you want an 8.1 you're either going to have to buy used or find one of the few '06's or '07 classics left on the lots. GM has discontinued the 8.1 for the 2500/3500 trucks.

Jaybee