1500 vs. 2500 [Archive] - RiverRacer.Net

tcook33

01-03-2006, 10:36 AM

What's the differences between these two Chevys??? I know the 2500 has the Allison tranny but what else?
Suspension.......
Photoglou would know a lot more, but definitely suspension.

superdave013

01-03-2006, 10:37 AM

Rear end are different too. 2500 is a floater and the 1500 is not.

Hardly Satisfied

01-03-2006, 10:38 AM

I think that one is a 1/2 ton the other is a3/4 ton

Waldo

01-03-2006, 10:40 AM

So obviously better for towing???
I know Jay is a busy man...that's why I'm asking here.

tcook33

01-03-2006, 10:50 AM

Definitely better for towing...

GOFSTSUMDAY

01-03-2006, 10:58 AM

Larger engine, Trany fluid cooler, beefier springs and shocks, more stout tranny. I went from a 1500 (half-ton) towing a 4000 lb boat /trailer knowing it was there to a 2500 (3/4 ton) and it was like the boat wasn't even there. It was night and day!

superdave013

01-03-2006, 10:58 AM

2500 will be better for towing for sure. Most of the time they have a lower rear end gear too. But empty they ride rougher so that's something to keep in mind.

Cole Trickle

01-03-2006, 11:00 AM

Diesel/Allison is only avaliable in 2500/3500 trucks
1500 avaliable with the 4.8/5.3/6.0 HO
I have owned 2 1500 trucks with the 5.3 and I think there great.They offer great power and good gas mileage.
I also owned a 1500HD with a 6.0L and it was a nice truck with decent towing ability.(Gas mileage isn't great and the ride was a little harsh)
If your towing under 7K pounds and staying away from big hills the 1500 is pretty hard to beat.(Price,performance,mileage)
If your towing a toy hauler or big boat go 2500 with the diesel.(Heavy duty susp,rear-end,etc..)

Rock-A-Bye-Baby

01-03-2006, 11:04 AM

What's the differences between these two Chevys??? I know the 2500 has the Allison tranny but what else?
What's up bro? Getting a new rig?

Waldo

01-03-2006, 11:07 AM

If I were to tow a 30' trailer (not 5th wheel) would I need airbags?

Cole Trickle

01-03-2006, 11:14 AM

If I were to tow a 30' trailer (not 5th wheel) would I need airbags?
No but you would need a 2500 with the Diesel
30' trailer is to big to tow safely with a 1500
Call Jay for his price on a diesel!!! :p :220v: :)

Waldo

01-03-2006, 11:16 AM

What's up bro? Getting a new rig?
You know us...always thinking!!

Waldo

01-03-2006, 11:17 AM

No but you would need a 2500 with the Diesel
Why...Torquier? Not a big fan of diesels but I've never owned one.

tcook33

01-03-2006, 11:19 AM

Why...Torquier? Not a big fan of diesels but I've never owned one.
Once you go "diesel", you'll never go back.

Mandelon

01-03-2006, 11:25 AM

I used to have a F-150, moved up to a F-250 and now a Silverado 3500 CC Duramax and it pulls, and carries my 9'6" camper with ease. This is my first diesel and the Chevy is by far the quietest of the big three. Zero mechanical problems on the Chevy where the ford has problems from day one.
Hopefully someday the price of diesel will come back within my stratosphere, cuz it hurst paying more than premium every time, but you can't beat the pulling power. Its amazing. Coming back over the mountains I can tow at 65 or better and pass all the smaller trucks....
We've had suburbans for years and they are like the 1500's I imagine. OK, but no where near as stout.

Cole Trickle

01-03-2006, 11:36 AM

Why...Torquier? Not a big fan of diesels but I've never owned one.
30' trailer is gonna kill a 1500
My 1500 crew cab with the 3:73 gears/locker is rated with a towing capacity of 8100lbs
I tow my 28' Sleek (really a 30) with no problems arond Parker/Havasu. I would still rather have a diesel and the weight of a 2500/3500 going up the pass or hitting wind in Palm Springs.
If your towing a flatbed trailer with a couple quads then the 1500 will be great.
If your towing a 30' Toyhauler your going to need a diesel

PHOTOGLOU

01-03-2006, 12:16 PM

So obviously better for towing???
I know Jay is a busy man...that's why I'm asking here.
1500 LD has 5.3L and 6 lugs 1500 HD has 6.0 and all the same stuff as the 2500 except rear leaf springs and rear end... Also 2500 HD has optional trans and motor combo...

superdave013

01-03-2006, 12:27 PM

if you don't like diesel then go for the 8.1. Those 8.1's have lots of oats too.
With the words 30' toyhauler even in your thoughts you better go for a 3/4 ton truck.
Like I've said over and over I love my 1/2 ton because of the nice ride when empty. It tows smaller boats "ok" (18 ~ 23'). But that 3/4 ton burban I have is night and day. Like someone else said, you forget the boat is even there. I don't think you would ever forget about a 30' box though. To small of a truck really sucks when you are using trucks for towing. Maybe that 1500HD would be "ok" but be sure to check that the brakes are up to the task also.

superdave013

01-03-2006, 12:29 PM

1500 LD has 5.3L and 6 lugs 1500 HD has 6.0 and all the same stuff as the 2500 except rear leaf springs and rear end... Also 2500 HD has optional trans and motor combo...
ding ding ding
You want that 2500 full floater rear end with the larger brakes fo sho.

Biglue

01-03-2006, 12:32 PM

What's the differences between these two Chevys??? I know the 2500 has the Allison tranny but what else?
Hey Waldo just thought I could share some info on my experience. I had an 01 F150 with a 5.4L motor. That thing was rated to to tow 8000LBS. My boat weighs just shy of 6000LBS on the trailer. I recently got into a Chevy 2500HD. NIGHT AND DAY when towing. This thing is rated to tow 10300LBS. You would be much happier with the 2500HD. Gas mileage sucks but then again it is a 3/4 ton truck. I didn't buy the diesel but if you can afford it go for it. I like my truck but I should have got the diesel. Just didn't want a truck payment that was going to hurt every month.

hoolign

01-03-2006, 12:39 PM

Even though diesel is pricey right now, you'll get alot more milage out of a tankfull. I would never buy another gas truck, or a 1500 for that matter. If you plan on doing alot of towing, the diesels Tow/haul mode makes things alot easier going down long hills and there arent to many hills you'll have problems going up at speed. Go with the 2500 diesel!

Tom Brown

01-03-2006, 01:00 PM

I'm thinking of dumping my current tow vehicle... a Nissan Maxima... in favor of a Datsun 520 pickup. :cool:

hoolign

01-03-2006, 01:09 PM

I'm thinking of dumping my current tow vehicle... a Nissan Maxima... in favor of a Datsun 520 pickup. :cool:
:rolleyes:

Up 4 River

01-03-2006, 01:55 PM

MagicMtnDan

01-03-2006, 02:25 PM

What's the differences between 1500 and 2500?
1,000 :D

Beer-30

01-03-2006, 02:34 PM

If I were to tow a 30' trailer (not 5th wheel) would I need airbags?
Well, yes and no. I have friends with a 2500 Duramax 4X and a 26' WW Toyhauler. They have airbags and run about 30-40 in them to stay level. Toyhaulers have some tongue weight to them. If you are looking at a 30', you will be getting a 32, 34, 36, or 40 at some point. If I were you, I would get a 3500. Heaftier rear axle, suspension, frame rails. It's not much more than a 2500, and you would be much less likely to break something. I am a fan of 1-tons just for the overkill. You can usually get a great deal on one, since they don't deal much on 2500s (so popular) and you have the peace of mind pulling hills.
W/O airbags, your headlights become obnoxious.

Brewzed

01-03-2006, 03:09 PM

Once you go "diesel", you'll never go back.
I totally agree. Plus the new allison is a tottaly different beast from the old one. Auto/Manual push button shifting, new 6 speed. The 06's haul a$$ compared to previous years too.

me4drvr

01-03-2006, 03:34 PM

www.alssurvey.com/trucks.JPG
Diesel is the only way to fly.....
:crossx:

BarryMac

01-03-2006, 03:41 PM

Do yourself a favor, buy the 2500, you wont regret it, plus like everyone else said you will eventually work your way up to the larger truck so why not start there. Are you looking for a new or used?

Dave C

01-03-2006, 04:06 PM

I went from 1500 4x4 (5.3) to a 2500 HD 4x4 (diesel)... I'm not a big fan of the diesel but it makes a big difference in towing. Plus the 3/4 ton & HD handles the weight better.
The 5.3 was definitely great from towing smaller lighter trailers. Mine was great up until 5000 lbs.

Waldo

01-03-2006, 04:28 PM

Do yourself a favor, buy the 2500, you wont regret it, plus like everyone else said you will eventually work your way up to the larger truck so why not start there. Are you looking for a new or used?
Either one. Just depends on the budget!

Hal

01-03-2006, 06:06 PM

Am I correct that there is a 4 door 1500 with a short bed? If so do those come with the 5.3 and 6.0 options as well? If I keep the boat at the river and almost never tow back home would that be a realistic option?
The 1500 HD is a 4 door short bed and you can get it with 6.0. It can do almost as much as the 2500 but at a better price. Talk to Jay of course.

tcook33

01-03-2006, 06:46 PM

Plus, you can convert your diesel motor into a veggie oil burner if your are a hardcore environmentalist. :cool:

riverroyal

01-03-2006, 07:43 PM

If I were to tow a 30' trailer (not 5th wheel) would I need airbags?
the desert last weekend,a guy passed me going uphill on the freeway,he was in a 1500 GM something,with a 25ft plus long trailer,he had plenty of power.But he couldnt keep it in his lane,the road went to the left,he went straight.His trailer was inches from my driver mirror.I couldnt move over because of a gaurdrail,I couldnt slam the brakes,Im towing a 37ft fifth wheel.Ive never been so close to having my family killed in a car accident.I was sick for hours after it happened,my wife wanted me to pull over.Stupid thing is I passed the idiot up the hill a few miles later.He was lacking the correct truck so he hauled ass on the flats to make up for it on the hills.Dont even think of towing a 30 ft trailer with a half ton.If you want to kill yourself fine,dont endanger others.Thats really not the truck for your needs..just my .02$

Waldo

01-03-2006, 08:01 PM

the desert last weekend,a guy passed me going uphill on the freeway,he was in a 1500 GM something,with a 25ft plus long trailer,he had plenty of power.But he couldnt keep it in his lane,the road went to the left,he went straight.His trailer was inches from my driver mirror.I couldnt move over because of a gaurdrail,I couldnt slam the brakes,Im towing a 37ft fifth wheel.Ive never been so close to having my family killed in a car accident.I was sick for hours after it happened,my wife wanted me to pull over.Stupid thing is I passed the idiot up the hill a few miles later.He was lacking the correct truck so he hauled ass on the flats to make up for it on the hills.Dont even think of towing a 30 ft trailer with a half ton.If you want to kill yourself fine,dont endanger others.Thats really not the truck for your needs..just my .02$
I know the 3/4 ton is better...it's now just a matter of gas vs diesel. Thanks for the info...sorry you shiat your drawers because of someone elese's stupidity.

riverroyal

01-05-2006, 09:38 AM

I know the 3/4 ton is better...it's now just a matter of gas vs diesel. Thanks for the info...sorry you shiat your drawers because of someone elese's stupidity.
but chevy does have a great big gas motor,and gas is about .40$ a gallon less,so thats a tough call.I love my deisel,but paying for the fuel to drive around town kinda gets old.Its worth it while towing,but thats once a month

Waldo

01-05-2006, 09:42 AM

but chevy does have a great big gas motor,and gas is about .40$ a gallon less,so thats a tough call.I love my deisel,but paying for the fuel to drive around town kinda gets old.Its worth it while towing,but thats once a month
I was thinking the same thing. Once or twice a month towing might be worth it. I know towing up hills in a diesel is better though.

hoolign

01-05-2006, 09:42 AM

but chevy does have a great big gas motor,and gas is about .40$ a gallon less,so thats a tough call.I love my deisel,but paying for the fuel to drive around town kinda gets old.Its worth it while towing,but thats once a month
But you don't get the distance out of gas as you do with diesel

BarryMac

01-05-2006, 09:46 AM

I was thinking the same thing. Once or twice a month towing might be worth it. I know towing up hills in a diesel is better though.
I have a used 2500HD for sale, it has the big gas motor in it, I will make you one heckuva deal. Whichever way you decide, definitely get 3/4 ton, you wont regret it, I tow the same boat that you do, not the biggest on the lake but I will never go back to a 1/2 ton for towing, the 3/4 is built for it...

riverroyal

01-05-2006, 09:47 AM

But you don't get the distance out of gas as you do with diesel
no one ever keeps there vehicles long enough to make longevity a issue,,,did I spell that right?...Mine does do good on hills.It drops to around 45mph and thats it,but thats on the hill coming home from glamis on the I-8,its kinda big

hoolign

01-05-2006, 09:49 AM

no one ever keeps there vehicles long enough to make longevity a issue,,,did I spell that right?...Mine does do good on hills.It drops to around 45mph and thats it,but thats on the hill coming home from glamis on the I-8,its kinda big
I mean distance out of a tank full.

riverroyal

01-05-2006, 09:51 AM

I mean distance out of a tank full.
I dont get to great of milage while towing.But just driving at 75 to havasu I do real well

desertbird

01-05-2006, 09:52 AM

I'm shopping too, and of course, Jay has been more than instrumental in helping me put my package together.
I'm buying the Big Block. I love the 496 (8.1) in the boat, so why not match the truck.
The 8.1L costs $950 for the upgrade, and I think we all know the 6.0L would never cut the mustard. For $6K deisel option and the price of diesel, do you really think your going to save money with the mileage?
I doubt it.

hoolign

01-05-2006, 09:53 AM

I dont get to great of milage while towing.But just driving at 75 to havasu I do real well
I get the same milage pulling my 34 foot fifth wheel in my diesel, as I did in the empty gas 2500..so diesel makes more sence to me

hoolign

01-05-2006, 09:55 AM

riverroyal

01-05-2006, 09:56 AM

I get the same milage pulling my 34 foot fifth wheel in my diesel, as I did in the empty gas 2500..so diesel makes more sence to me
around 7 or 8mpg towing my 37 at around 65mph.

Big Warlock

01-05-2006, 10:02 AM

is pretty good with the 2500 Chevy. I have the 8.1 gas engine. I get 9 mpg towing a 29 foot Warlock (really a 29). And, when I am not towing, I get 9 mpg there too. So very consistent engine. :rolleyes:
But it tows great! I have a 40 gallon tank and all the nice stuff you can ask for inside. Go with the 3/4 ton minimum. The suspension is worth it.
Then buy a KIA or something for mileage. :rollside:

hoolign

01-05-2006, 10:06 AM

BarryMac

01-05-2006, 10:09 AM

Before I bought my 01 gasser I did a shitload of research, I was thinking that I wanted the 6.0 to save gas but when it came right down to it the difference between the two was less then 2mpg. Another thing to consider is the amount of weight you can tow between the two motors, if memory serves me right the BigBlock can haul about 3,000lbs more and has the Alison Trans...

desertbird

01-05-2006, 10:19 AM

not to mention that the 6.0 is the biggest piece of shit to come out of a chev plant! well they were in 02 anyways! ratteling piece of garbage!
According to GM, that wasn't RATTLING, that was acceptable Piston-to-Cylinder wall clearance!!
(Known to us lay-persons as PISTON SLAP!) Kinda like bitch slap, but with a piston. :rolleyes:
My 99 5.3L does it, and has done it for the past 115K miles. :yuk: Funny how I'm still loyal right?

Dave C

01-05-2006, 10:26 AM

The diesel has plenty of power to tow, accelerate and pass..... Maybe a little too much. The gas motor gets the job done. I think the diesel is a bit overkill but that is the reason why we buy it.
When I drive on the freeway I can get the trailer up to 90 mph with the deisel. Is that a good idea. NO it isn't, especially if the CHP wants to crack down on speeding trailers.
I tow 7000 lbs and get about 15 mpg(Diesel) while doing the speed limit (its 65 right :rolleyes:). I don't think the savings will ever make up for the purchase price.
So it depends on what you want:
Diesel - good ol fashion American overkill :)
Gas- better value
Both are good trucks.

hoolign

01-05-2006, 10:26 AM

According to GM, that wasn't RATTLING, that was acceptable Piston-to-Cylinder wall clearance!!
(Known to us lay-persons as PISTON SLAP!) Kinda like bitch slap, but with a piston. :rolleyes:
My 99 5.3L does it, and has done it for the past 115K miles. :yuk: Funny how I'm still loyal right?
I know all about it..and their bullshit "piston slap" two motors replaced by 80,000 miles..piston slap :rolleyes: . That was the last gas job I'll own in a truck!

cdog

01-05-2006, 10:28 AM

Waldo

01-05-2006, 10:56 AM

Waldo,
I'd suggest leasing a 2500 with the 8.1. The new trucks will come out soon and the 2nd or 3rd year of production will have twin turbos on the diesel. When the new trucks come out the current one's will take a big hit....
What new trucks...06 or 07??? Not planning on buying just yet. It may be a few months so I am doing my research.

cdog

01-05-2006, 11:04 AM

What new trucks...06 or 07??? Not planning on buying just yet. It may be a few months so I am doing my research.
07 trucks will be new body. But the 2500's won't be out till late late 07.

Beer-30

01-05-2006, 03:32 PM

07 trucks will be new body. But the 2500's won't be out till late late 07.
Im waiting for that. No since buying a new one right now when the body will be "old" next year.

IMPATIENT 1

01-05-2006, 04:03 PM

What's the differences between these two Chevys??? I know the 2500 has the Allison tranny but what else?
frames,suspension,motor and trannies. they're are a couple of different trannies for the 2500.the allison,manual trans. 5 or 6 speeds,and a 4l85e trans. i've been a gm master tech for 10yrs and i hardlly ever worked on the 4l85e.that thing is solid! the allison has it's squirks,but is pretty solid too.if ya towing big and long distances get the allison.the 4l85e will get better mpg but isn't built for long hard tows.
the frame on a 1500 is lighter built than the 2500
the susepension is heavy duty on the 2500 and has a steering gear instead of the 1500's rack and pinion.
they make a hd 1500 truck now that's a good mid between the two.

IMPATIENT 1

01-05-2006, 04:08 PM

07 trucks will be new body. But the 2500's won't be out till late late 07.
i seen that tahoe add too, iasked the salesman about the truck body style change over and they said 08. i order a 06 4dr 1500hd 2 weeks ago and expect it next week,i told em if it changes body style next yr i was goin to be real pissed!so as far as my little dealership knows,the trucks won't change for a couple a yrs..
if someone has info to the contrary,i would like to see it so i can kick my salesman's ass for lying to me. :crossx: