Suburban 2500

[puckhead]

Okay, let's see if I can throw a wrench in this with a 3rd option!! We'll see if I am shooting myself in both feet here lol

Option 3: Keep the F350 and find a fairly cheap higher mileage Tahoe or Suburban. I figure this way I can park one, work on it as needed myself and not need to do everything all at once. I say a Tahoe or Suburban only because I know them and can fix them easily. Just haven't had a high mileage (150,000+) Chevy before. There are plenty of options for $3k or less from a quick search. I get it will be two vehicles, insurance, etc. but I can always pause insurance for one. What do you think? Stupid?? Or worth a shot?

 

[swathdiver]

Don't know what your budget is but you might consider the 2012 and 2013 2500s. They have all the latest electronic improvements for towing, are FlexFuel and have 6-speed transmissions. Built in Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, and varying levels of powertrain and cruise grade braking. RWD versions are rated to tow 9600 pounds or 9400 for the 4x4s. They are overbuilt, far more durable and reliable then our 1500s and can exceed their towing capacities with ease.

I don't remember if anyone else other than Bob on here tows with one regularly, he's been all over this wonderful nation pulling a travel trailer with his and can tell you everything you want to know. @intheburbs

 

[intheburbs]

Don't know what your budget is but you might consider the 2012 and 2013 2500s. They have all the latest electronic improvements for towing, are FlexFuel and have 6-speed transmissions. Built in Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, and varying levels of powertrain and cruise grade braking. RWD versions are rated to tow 9600 pounds or 9400 for the 4x4s. They are overbuilt, far more durable and reliable then our 1500s and can exceed their towing capacities with ease.

I don't remember if anyone else other than Bob on here tows with one regularly, he's been all over this wonderful nation pulling a travel trailer with his and can tell you everything you want to know. @intheburbs

Bill

The 8.1 was offered from 2000-2005. But 8.1s are hard to find unless they're high mileage and beat to crap. The 6.0 is much more common.

8.1 trucks got free float axles and the beastly 10.5" rear. 6.0 had semifloaters and the 9.25" rear.

The platform was refreshed in 2003 with newer/better electronics and interior.

2007 was the first year of the new platform. Only 6.0 was offered 2007-2013.

The 2007 came with the 4-speed and either 3.73 or 4.10 gears. 2007 trucks will generally be cheaper than the later models because of that.

All 2008-2013 had 3.73 and the 6-speed. They also all have free floaters and the 10.5" rear. No 4.10 because the 3.73/6-speed has a higher first gear final drive ratio, and lower overdrive final drive ratio compared to the 4.10/4-speed, so it's the best of both worlds.

None of these trucks have AFM, so no issues with collapsed lifters. They do, however, have VVT.

 

[puckhead]

Bill

The 8.1 was offered from 2000-2005. But 8.1s are hard to find unless they're high mileage and beat to crap. The 6.0 is much more common.

8.1 trucks got free float axles and the beastly 10.5" rear. 6.0 had semifloaters and the 9.25" rear.

The platform was refreshed in 2003 with newer/better electronics and interior.

2007 was the first year of the new platform. Only 6.0 was offered 2007-2013.

The 2007 came with the 4-speed and either 3.73 or 4.10 gears. 2007 trucks will generally be cheaper than the later models because of that.

All 2008-2013 had 3.73 and the 6-speed. They also all have free floaters and the 10.5" rear. No 4.10 because the 3.73/6-speed has a higher first gear final drive ratio, and lower overdrive final drive ratio compared to the 4.10/4-speed, so it's the best of both worlds.

None of these trucks have AFM, so no issues with collapsed lifters. They do, however, have VVT.

Thanks for the great information! for the 2008-2013 models, is it the same 6.0 that would have been in our 2007 Yukon Denali? That thing gave me tons of issues.

 

[swathdiver]

Bill

Sorry Bill, hadn't had my coffee yet!

 

[intheburbs]

Thanks for the great information! for the 2008-2013 models, is it the same 6.0 that would have been in our 2007 Yukon Denali? That thing gave me tons of issues.

A 2007 Yukon Denali would have had the 6.2 all-aluminum engine. The 2500 trucks have the 6.0 with a cast-iron block.

 

[puckhead]

A 2007 Yukon Denali would have had the 6.2 all-aluminum engine. The 2500 trucks have the 6.0 with a cast-iron block.

Thanks for the reminder! It's been a little while since we had it. Good to know.

 

[07Burb]

Sorry Bill, hadn't had my coffee yet!

 

[stallion_412]

This is slightly off-topic, but 2015+ you can buy a Suburban 3500HD as long as it's for a fleet. There aren't many out there, but occasionally you can find one on cargurus or similar.

 

[07Burb]

This is slightly off-topic, but 2015+ you can buy a Suburban 3500HD as long as it's for a fleet. There aren't many out there, but occasionally you can find one on cargurus or similar.

Would be cool if it also had dually fenders and a duramax engine