towing advice please
#11
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Re: towing advice please
I pull 7600lbs dry no trailer Warlock. Maybe 9500-10000 with trailer, fuel, etc. 2500 Cummins Dodge 4x4 pulls it pretty well. (Better than I thought it would!) Make sure you get a class 5 hitch (rated to 1200lbs tongue and 10000lbs total). They ususually sell most trucks with a class 3 (500lbs tongue and 5000lbs total) even with a tow package. Make sure and check this no matter what truck you get!
#12
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Re: towing advice please
Ya can't compare an H2 to a 2500 Avalanche. Yes, they share some parts, but the 2500 is beefier from frame to axles to brakes to tranny to factory tires to engine.
Well, I guess you can compare the gas mileage.
Drive one, or the very similar 2500 Suburban (w/ 8.1L). All of the 2500 Avalanches have 8.1L engines. Some 2500 Suburbans have the 6.0L similar to the H2. The torque curve of the 6.0 is very steep, meaning to tow you have to have that thing revved high. The torque curve on the 8.1L is much more suited for towing, making a max of 455 lb ft. The HP on most of the 6.0L GMs is around 345. The HP on all of the 8.1L GMs is 340.
Make sure to check the option codes for these two figures:
GT4 = 3.73 rear end
GT5 = 4.10 rear end
You want 4.10 no matter what for the towing/frequency you are describing.
Definately buy a 4wd, whatever you purchase.
Well, I guess you can compare the gas mileage.
Drive one, or the very similar 2500 Suburban (w/ 8.1L). All of the 2500 Avalanches have 8.1L engines. Some 2500 Suburbans have the 6.0L similar to the H2. The torque curve of the 6.0 is very steep, meaning to tow you have to have that thing revved high. The torque curve on the 8.1L is much more suited for towing, making a max of 455 lb ft. The HP on most of the 6.0L GMs is around 345. The HP on all of the 8.1L GMs is 340.
Make sure to check the option codes for these two figures:
GT4 = 3.73 rear end
GT5 = 4.10 rear end
You want 4.10 no matter what for the towing/frequency you are describing.
Definately buy a 4wd, whatever you purchase.
#14
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Re: towing advice please
Originally Posted by dreamer
avalanche and h2 are on the same platform isnt there a H2 tow package?
i guess not or youd see more prob just get a dually for under 10k when i start looking
i guess not or youd see more prob just get a dually for under 10k when i start looking
#15
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Re: towing advice please
I will never own a truck without Air Bags helping the rear suspension. Changed my Tahoe into a totally new truck, and I installed them on my Avalanche when only towing 7K lbs, no where near full towing capacity. Now towing 12K lbs, they are really nice to have. When I upgrade to a dually, I will have them installed again.
#16
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Re: towing advice please
Forget the H2
The Max towed load weight is only 6700 lbs.
I have a 2004 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 single rear axle with the 8.1 gas and Allison transmission.
It has the same towing capacities as the diesel engine.
It is my daily driver and I am more then happy with the towing performance.
I am towing over 10k.
I live about an hour from Cleveland and would be willing to come up and we could hitch up your boat and see what you think.
My last tow vehicle was a 99 1 ton with the 7.4 (454) and the new truck does a much better job.
Cordell
The Max towed load weight is only 6700 lbs.
I have a 2004 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 single rear axle with the 8.1 gas and Allison transmission.
It has the same towing capacities as the diesel engine.
It is my daily driver and I am more then happy with the towing performance.
I am towing over 10k.
I live about an hour from Cleveland and would be willing to come up and we could hitch up your boat and see what you think.
My last tow vehicle was a 99 1 ton with the 7.4 (454) and the new truck does a much better job.
Cordell
#17
Re: towing advice please
Originally Posted by Lapse of Reason
Yes 2500 or bigger, if you use the H2 it's just going to be a big mess. And I would want a diesel.
Sierra or silverado 2500 HD would do it. My dad just picked up a sierra 2500 LT with the 8.1L V8 and 4.10's. Awesome truck, tons of power.
#18
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Re: towing advice please
no question get a ford or chevy one ton with a diesel engine. Their made to tow and they hold their resale value, a lot of other truck/engine combos will work but the diesels are the best!
#19
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Re: towing advice please
Originally Posted by ofshore
no question get a ford or chevy one ton with a diesel engine. Their made to tow and they hold their resale value, a lot of other truck/engine combos will work but the diesels are the best!
Last edited by blownincome; 07-28-2004 at 05:58 AM.
#20
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Re: towing advice please
remember...the GM 2500 HD is the same as a Ford 1 Ton single rear wheel. GM doesnt make a 1 ton srw. I have a Chevy 2500 HD Duramax/Allison that pulls much better then my old ford 3500 srw. The Duramax is awsome and the Allison transmision is the ONLY way to go. I loved my ford but I love the chevy even more.