I need a new truck.

I've narrowed it down to the Chevy/GMC 2500 gasser or 1500 diesel. They are essentially the same price in the options I'm looking at.

I tow a small boat often and may end up with a small camper in the future. Almost all my miles are highway miles.

Will keep a very long time. Current truck is at 210k and I would keep it if it was 4wd.

2500
Love the simplicity of the big v8.
No diesel emission crap
Bigger bed
More stabile towing
More ground clearance
Worse mpg
Won't fit in garage
A bit large to drive around town.

1500
Better mpg
Diesel low end torque
Will fit in the garage, kind of a big deal in Dallas.
10 speed transmission
Wish I could get a standard bed but they are rare
Much harder for me to work on by myself.

silverado_lover said:

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1500 w/ 6.2

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6.2 seems to be about a $8k premium, 6.2 is mainly in higher trims.

2500. I got the gasser coming out of a diesel super duty, and am super happy.

Simplicity of the engine was top of the list of reasons to switch. Coming from an Hd fuel economy didn't really come into play as it's similar cost per mile. That may change with 1500 vs 2500. I will tell you the extra few inches in the new short bed 2500 really makes the new short bed more useful compared to older ones.

harge57 said:

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silverado_lover said:

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1500 w/ 6.2

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6.2 seems to be about a $8k premium, 6.2 is mainly in higher trims.

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I have a 6.2L in my RST. They're few and far between, but they're out there. Plenty of torque for a half ton.

Depends on how much heavy towing you do.

If you're often going to pull a heavy, tall, trailer against the wind, or in the mountains, or at 75mph, diesel all day and twice on Sunday.

If it's only occasional, a boat, or a small RV, and you don't care if you go fast, and you likely won't be trying to climb mountain passes at 10,000 feet, where your engine is at only 70% of rated power, stick with gas.

The diesel is going to get mileage in the high teens, pretty much regardless of what you pull. The gas will get good mileage empty, and horrible mileage when towing hard.

That being said, you can buy a lot of gasoline with the difference in purchase price and operating price between a diesel and a gas engine.

As an aside, I much prefer a 3/4 ton of any kind for towing, as opposed to a 1/2 ton. The higher capacity and bigger brakes are a huge benefit.

I will also disagree with the availability of diesel, at least in my part of the world. It's everywhere, maybe because we are farm/ranch country. But I also see it down I-40. And a tank full of diesel will carry you a whole lot further than the same size tank in a gasser.

Quote:

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Diesel is almost always more expensive.

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If it's 20% higher, but you're getting 30% better mileage, diesel is still cheaper.

CanyonAg77 said:

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Depends on how much heavy towing you do.

If you're often going to pull a heavy, tall, trailer against the wind, or in the mountains, or at 75mph, diesel all day and twice on Sunday.

If it's only occasional, a boat, or a small RV, and you don't care if you go fast, and you likely won't be trying to climb mountain passes at 10,000 feet, where your engine is at only 70% of rated power, stick with gas.

The diesel is going to get mileage in the high teens, pretty much regardless of what you pull. The gas will get good mileage empty, and horrible mileage when towing hard.

That being said, you can buy a lot of gasoline with the difference in purchase price and operating price between a diesel and a gas engine.

As an aside, I much prefer a 3/4 ton of any kind for towing, as opposed to a 1/2 ton. The higher capacity and bigger brakes are a huge benefit.

I will also disagree with the availability of diesel, at least in my part of the world. It's everywhere, maybe because we are farm/ranch country. But I also see it down I-40. And a tank full of diesel will carry you a whole lot further than the same size tank in a gasser.

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Comparing small half ton diesel to 3/4 gas may not yield the towing fuel economy you think. I have towed my Deere 450k on a gooseneck and got 9-10mpg on flat highway with the gas. I got 12 with my deleted F350.

Daily driver, fit in your garage, shines on the highway, and will rock towing the little bit that you do (assuming you're towing less than 9k lbs yes?)...

I have the 3.0 Duramax and it sounds like the ideal vehicle for what you're wanting.

I'm going 2500 gas next time. Was very tempted last week when I saw a perfect one.

DEF

Almost a month with my 2020 F250. Love the truck! Engine and 10 speed transmission are great. Previous truck was f150. First diesel so still new to the maintenance side since only have 2500 miles on it.

Within first week pulled cattle trailer, went 4wd to deer blind then took it took duck hunting on day 9 of having the truck. Just got back from a trophy hunt to Eden, Texas. Drove great. Yes parking garages can be tough. Had to get a reserved spot in downtown Houston for the office. Worth it.

If you plan on keeping the 3.0 duramax a long time, have fun replacing the oil pump belt at 150k miles. You have to pull the transmission to get to it. I'd go 3/4 ton gas.