Do I need a 2500?

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Oldmopars

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I posted some questions about a 2008 2500. I guess I need to know if I really need a 2500.
The main reason for my thinking I need a 2500 is that I have a trailer that has a MAX GVRW of 8000lbs.
Dry it is 6500lbs.
From what I have read the 1500 can haul 8000lbs, and the 2500 can haul 9600lbs.
I know it would be nice to have the 2500, but I never fully load the trailer and I tow it maybe 3 times a year max.
There are a lot more options for a 1500 Suburban/Yukon LX than 2500s.
I just want to be sure that I need to spend the extra money before I do.
 

NOSOK

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I think the 1500 is closer to 5k #. At least that's what my hitch says and google confirms.

If your trailer is 6500# you're already considerably over the rated tow limit. Which personally I'd be fine with for relatively short/slow trips, but if you're towing frequently I'd spring for the 2500. You also get some extra power with the 6.0. Or look for a Denali trim or Escalade with the 6.2.
 

wsteele

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I posted some questions about a 2008 2500. I guess I need to know if I really need a 2500.
The main reason for my thinking I need a 2500 is that I have a trailer that has a MAX GVRW of 8000lbs.
Dry it is 6500lbs.
From what I have read the 1500 can haul 8000lbs, and the 2500 can haul 9600lbs.
I know it would be nice to have the 2500, but I never fully load the trailer and I tow it maybe 3 times a year max.
There are a lot more options for a 1500 Suburban/Yukon LX than 2500s.
I just want to be sure that I need to spend the extra money before I do.

I have a 2007 Yukon with 5.3L, 3.73 RA, heavy towing package, transmission cooler, etc. I towed a 5,000 lb enclosed trailer for it first 60K miles and it towed wonderfully, although I did need a transmission around 76K. I honestly would never hook an 8000 lb trailer to it. It would not be comfortable and I honestly doubt the truck would last towing 8,000 lb. If I had 8,000 to pull, at a minimum it would be a 2500 Sub/XL. Likely would seriously consider something more like a Diesel 3/4-1T pickup.
 

petethepug

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Good question. I had a buddy who’d tow a concrete pump on his 1500 p/u. He went through a trans and two rear ends because it wasn’t made to be a daily hauler. It could tow the load but it ran a race every day when a 3/4 or 1T truck would of made it a stroll.

Overbuilt is better for what you’re towing. You’ll pay a little more up front but less down the road. Obviously you wouldn’t tow it in a 1500 truck right? 2500 has the 1.5” vs 1” thick rotors to dissipate the heat from your load as well as the larger fuel tank. Lastly savings the motor engineered to run on Reg fuel will pay you back.
 

intheburbs

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All I can offer is my experience with my vehicles...

2001 Suburban 1500
2008 Suburban 2500
2009 Sierra Denali 1500

I towed a 7,000-lb trailer (actual weight, scales) around the country with my 01 1500. It was fine, nothing great or horribly dangerous. But I broke the rear axle on two separate trips - catastrophic, crippling damage.

Hence the acquisition of the 08 2500. Among other things, the 2500 has a Godzilla 10.5" free-floating rear axle. This axle is rated by the manufacturer, American Axle, for 8600 lbs. The lower rating in the Suburban is due to the tires.

Even though I tow much less frequently nowadays, I will still always have a 2500. The durability and added beefiness make it worth the price premium, IMHO.

Both of my half-ton trucks became quote the money pits as I approached 150k miles and beyond. Hubs/bearings, axles, half-shafts, brakes (I believe GM half-tons are under braked) - all inferior to the 2500. And don't even get me started about having to replace the Denali front diff at only 120k miles.

Meanwhile, my 2500 went from 100k to 200k miles, and I've spent about $300 total in repairs over the 7 years of ownership. And I work it hard. I haven't even done the brakes. Oh, and it's a 9900-lb braking system.

So, do you NEED the 2500? Probably not. But, in the long run, it might be the overall cheaper option.
 

bigdog9191999

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I depends on what actual weight you will be pulling and how often. the capacity is less relevant ( of the trailer) say the trailer is rated for 20k and you only put 2k on it.. ect.

one of the biggest advantage of the 2500 when pulling regular is that everything is beefier. the frame, axles, suspension ect. all this makes for a much more comfortable experience overall as your not pushing everything to the max every time, and things last longer because of this.
 

Dantheman1540

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I'd get your trailer with the max amount you plan to put in it weighed, I've found every load I thought I estimated well was considerably heavier than I thought. That being said I also don't think a factory 1500 with a 4l60 trans and 5.3 would be very safe towing 6k or more. My truck is well modded for towing including NNBS brakes and a hydro-boost master yet the brakes are still the weak point in my opinion. However, my trans is nearly bullet proof and I don't think a 4l60 would like it at all. If you got a 6.2 6l80 truck I think it would do considerably better.
 

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