Calling 2020+ GM 25/3500 6.6 Gas Owners

My GVWR is 11350, my payload is just under 3200lbs. Gonna be awhile before I push those limits.

 

One day I'll catch up to you tractor bros!

I'm actually trying to talk my wife into considering a move to Tucson. We can buy existing on acreage there very comfortably... but there would be nothing to do with a tractor other than push dry dirt around.

 

My next truck is going to be a 2500 Chevy 6.6L 4x4 Double Cab in either the Custom or LT trim. I have heard many good things about the truck. Now my new current needs can put me with a Tundra but I built a Chevy 2500 that I mentioned for the same price of a Tundra or less when I built the Custom and LT trim so yeah no point in getting a Tundra. Probably looking to purchase one in about a couple years from now depending on how things go.

 

I drove both before ordering the 3500 and couldn't tell any noticeable difference in ride quality. It was only $1200 more for the 3500 so I figured I'd just get more capacity than I needed in case we ever get a larger trailer.

 

GM loves to do things to force you into higher trim levels.

 

What's the payload difference between the 2500 and 3500, though?

 

Its about a 600lb difference at base configuration.

It's about 2000lbs difference between a 2500 and a DRW 3500.

 

I'm pretty sure. I think the only real difference between the 2500 and the 3500 is that the 3500 has a helper spring and a 12" ring gear, versus an 11.5" ring gear in the 2500. The rear axle is same. Tires are likely different off the lot, but that's something that can easily be swapped out.

I had to check myself - I looked into this deeply before deciding the 2500 would work for me, but yeah, it's just around 600lbs difference in the most popular configuration (crew cab, 4wd, standard bed)

 

This is by no means an attempt to make the case that if you put airbags on your 2500 you can load it up like a 3500... Just saying that the platforms both with Ford and GM seem to be closing the gap, with the 2500 class getting closer to the 3500 class.

You can still choose 10k GVWR package for states that tax the hell out of you if you're over 10k.

 

I'm not an expert so I may be wrong, but my understanding was that the rear axle was the same with the only difference being in the differential - and that's for pulling, not payload.

If I'm wrong here please correct me.

 

Ah I forgot, the one issue I had was a burnt up relay that controlled the tailgate so I couldn’t open it at all due to the genius design of a button instead of a handle on the tailgate.

I have a custom trim and it’s got a functioning center console for that jump seat.

 

There is a video on this topic from some full time RVers. They went with a bigger camper and looked at upgrading to a 1ton and found the exact items you outlined. Instead of buying a new truck they bought the leaf packs with the overload springs and essentially made a Chevy 2500 into a 1 ton for payload. And of course I can’t find the video.

 

That would be my one big complaint with the new GM HDs is no physical tailgate handle.

 

I might give that a try before our Zion Spring break trip. The amount of oil lost on my previous Moab trip was very concerning.

 

Let's add a dollop of fun to the 6.6L, then I'll be your huckleberry.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2023/07/whipple-now-taking-orders-for-gm-6-6l-v8-l8t-supercharger-kit/

 

Had to put 3 on there for the price tag

 

Trucks are getting heavier along with that

 

For that coin why not just go with the diesel option?



If you REALLY want to spend another $1850 you can bring HP up to 595 and torque up to 1180 ft-lbs..

 

Don't want a Diesel.

 

Diesel option brings more to it than just more power. Most don't use an HD truck for true HD use. Commuting in a modern diesel isn't ideal as it doesn't really get them into a true duty cycle on most people's daily drives. Regen issues, higher maintenance costs, and once out of warranty all the mechanical bits are insanely more expensive in a diesel.

 

There are a lot of studies out there showing cost of diesel ownership is in most cases less than the gas version of the same vehicle. Here's one:

https://magnumtruckracks.com/blog/c...g the gas version,and the highest was $15,600.

This is purely anecdotal, but I've owned a diesel for 13 months now and have spent quite a bit less on fuel. While your information about daily driving used to be accurate, the modern diesel engine works extremely well as a daily driver - so long as your drives are generally long enough to get the truck up to operating temperature. Regens will only occur under certain driving conditions. It's not the end of the world if you interrupt a regen occasionally, it will just happen the next time you're operating under appropriate conditions (up to temp, over 40mph, etc).

 

And in case it matters to you, the modern diesel is more environmentally friendly than a "comparable" gas engine.

 

said another way....Diesels are a pain in the ass. I don't haul stuff.

less on fuel? questionable. at least in Texas. Diesel is never cheap.

too much regulation crap on the motor.

nothing personal. just don't like Diesels.

ever replaced your C4 fuel pump after it took a shit into your fuel system?....we've done 2 so far. ouch.

 

The article you quoted includes resale into the equation and doesn't mention maintenance at all. As for the regen cycles, driving shorter distances with incomplete regens prevents the engine from running in it's most efficient mode, lowering fuel economy in that usage scenario. Diesel is a great option for those that need and can use an HD truck for it's intended purpose. Most inquiring here just have a big boat or travel trailer they pull 6 times a year. And otherwise need a personal commuter and occasional family hauler.

For every article that says it's cleaner, there's another that points out the non CO2 emissions related pollution that also comes with diesel.

"CO2 usage alone is a way off from providing us with the whole pollution picture.

Diesel engines heat air with fuel to make the fuel use more efficient. But this produces nitrogen oxides (NOx) including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) which is toxic. Nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a greenhouse gas, and nitric oxide (NO), which reacts with oxygen to create NO2, are also emitted.

Building a Healthier Planet by Eliminating Leaded Petrol
NOx is cleared up in a three-way catalytic converter in gasoline engines, which emit about 30% less NOx than diesel cars. However, since NO exposure is known to cause respiratory problems, modern diesel cars are fitted with filters that prevent excessive NOx from reaching the atmosphere.

But as well as NOx, diesel engines also emit fine particulate matter in their exhausts. As well as causing problems for respiratory systems, this kind of pollution has also been shown to lead to heart problems."

 

It's a truck - not taking it personally at all! Everyone has their preferences and the only paycheck I have a right to spend is my own.. I'm just stating what I learned when I made the decision to move to diesel. I'm typically a pretty data-driven guy. I've heard all the arguments against diesel ownership and I think there is a lot of new information available today that invalidates some of those arguments.

At the end of the day I'm just relying on other people's data and experiences to make up my mind about something I don't have direct or long experience with myself just like everyone else.

That all said I love everything about my "new" truck. I love towing my camper up extremely twisty 10° grades to 10k feet and never once even slightly clenching a single cheek. I love coming back down and hitting the exhaust brake button and experiencing a similarly relaxed experience. You're not going to believe this, but my Sierra 2500 is a smoother ride than either of my gen2.5 Tundras were. Both Tundras had minor suspension lifts (properly done with UCAs, coilovers, 2.5s, etc). The GMC has a 2" front level using a torsion key and UCAs + 2.0 Fox shocks. We have cement highways here and the highway panel frequency made both Tundras vibrate like crazy - this Sierra just sucks up everything. Literally commented about this to my wife while we were on a drive yesterday. Such a great truck.

Lots I miss about the Tundras too! If I could justify two trucks I'd still have a Tundra.