Jeff did you go look at the trucks?

 

yeah, i'm sorry i didn't contact you to let you know. i just did a browse through as i haven't had alot of time lately with all the things going on with my family.

i'm torn right now between the 1500 HD 2500 and 2500 HD chevy/gmc extended cab pickups.

i'm also considering an avalanche as the local dealer by me has one with everything i need to tow for 23,000 new. downside is it's 2wd, but they claim to hold enough power to pull my trailer even though it's only a 5.3. i don't get it how can an avalanche pull better with the same driveline as a tahoe or pickup? the frame is pretty close to the same as well...


it's hard to find a vehicle that will handle this load relatively well and work as a decent driver throughout the rest of the year.

i'm just amazed that a tahoe won't do the trick....o'well.

i have to get some more info together and then i'll give you a ring. find out anything more on those engines??

 

Jeff I have a friend selling a 2001 chevy 3500 HD duramax 4 door 4x4 long bed absolutely loaded except dual rear wheel. Its got 11k on it and he paid 48,000 for it and is asking 31,000 for it, only problem is its a big frickin truck.

 

yeah that does sound nice ken, it's just to big for me though. i really don't need that much. thanks for the heads up though!!

 

Jeff those engine are all 2 bolt main blocks. They were all 2 bolt mains up to 550 hp. When you get some free time come by or call and I will give you the low down.

 

Jeff if I were going to buy one and if it were a 1500 I would get the Z71 because it come with the towing package and the 4x4. You would like the extra weight on the front of the truck. Also they are a better riding truck. just my .02 from working at a GMC dealership from driving and working on them. Talk to Redbird ( Kevin) he has had a couple of them and has a new one now.

 

according to all my literature gm says the z71 will not pull my trailer...........in fact the z71 looses alot of pulling power when compared to a basic HD 2wd?


i wish i could find someone who had a setup similar to base off of. dealerships don't seem to know a whole lot.

there telling me that an 2wd 1/2 avalanche has more pulling power than a 2500 4x4 pickup? crazy stuff i tell you.

 

Jeff you will lose some power when going to a 4x4. The person I checked with pulled the information right out of the book. 7800 pounds with the 373 gears and 8800 with the 410 gears. When you check with a dealership there is a book that has that information. I was given a new book each year. If you are unsure then I would go with the 2500. If you want to go by the dealership and look at the book I will go with you and get them to let you read it.

 

03 GMC regular cab, sportside, 4x4 with 5.3L and 3.73s will tow 8200lbs. According to the book that the dealer showed me.
I don't think I'll have any problems pulling my 16' flatbed with the 3400lb 'bird on it.

 

no i don't think so either, myself on the other hand the trailer alone is 4.500 and then add 3.500 for the car and a few 100 at most for some extras and your pulling some heavy weight....