Silverado 5.3L V8 1500 Crew Cab vs 2500 HD **Gas**

[Hellionprime]

I have a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8, Crew Cab Short bed. I have a 2020 Imagine XLS 23BHE, about 5,500lbs. Equalizer E2 hitch

I drove the rig from Minneapolis to the Black Hills in South Dakota with my wife and kids, 30mi/hr winds both ways, this past Fall.

I have been to Yellowstone twice with my previous Pop-Up camper, and we are going again this summer in the 23BHE.

My question is this: Without bringing up numbers, should I upgrade to a 2021 Silverado HD gasser? And for those that have upgraded, how does it “feel” compared from a 1500 to an HD? How do you like the larger mirrors? Gas tank size? Power? Stability? Etc....

[NB Canada]

If your current truck is due to be traded go for it but if not why would you?


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew 1840 payload

[Hellionprime]

If your current truck is due to be traded go for it but if not why would you?


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew 1840 payload

Good question. The truck is paid for, and has 150,000 miles on it... but I felt like I was stopping a lot to fill up gas, the wind was making me want more power in the truck, and just overall comfort for long drives I am wondering if a HD would really be better.

This being said, the truck works very well on 2-3 hour drives.

[NB Canada]

Good question. The truck is paid for, and has 150,000 miles on it... but I felt like I was stopping a lot to fill up gas, the wind was making me want more power in the truck, and just overall comfort for long drives I am wondering if a HD would really be better.

This being said, the truck works very well on 2-3 hour drives.

I can’t imagine for your size trailer an HD would be noticeably better

Question I would ask yourself is how often do you tow?

My half ton rides rough enough empty that I definitely don’t want an HD empty

As far as power well...I am never in a rush and my truck gets my heavier trailer up to 63 mph pretty quick

Bigger fuel tank will make for fewer stops but how far do you travel in a day to make a difference?

An HD is going to have worse fuel economy on average so that will be an increased expense

But go for it if you want a new truck


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew 1840 payload

[Hellionprime]

I can’t imagine for your size trailer an HD would be noticeably better

Question I would ask yourself is how often do you tow?

My half ton rides rough enough empty that I definitely don’t want an HD empty

As far as power well...I am never in a rush and my truck gets my heavier trailer up to 63 mph pretty quick

Bigger fuel tank will make for fewer stops but how far do you travel in a day to make a difference?

An HD is going to have worse fuel economy on average so that will be an increased expense

But go for it if you want a new truck


2021 Imagine 2400 BH
2018 GMC Sierra 4x4 crew 1840 payload

Thank you, I appreciate your feedback!

[Refclown]

Good question. The truck is paid for, and has 150,000 miles on it... but I felt like I was stopping a lot to fill up gas, the wind was making me want more power in the truck, and just overall comfort for long drives I am wondering if a HD would really be better.

This being said, the truck works very well on 2-3 hour drives.

I tow our 22MLE with a 2018 GMC 1500 Crew Cab with the 6.2L V8 with the 8-speed trans. More than enough power. I use and Anderson 12,000 lb WD Hitch with 1,200 lb Bars. The bars ride on brake pad material and they do a great job of controlling any sway and no noise. I presently have on order a new 2021 Chevy 1500 Crew cab with the HD trailer pkg. with the 6,2L.and a 10-speed trans. Only draw back with the 6.2 is that you have to use premium fuel, but I will take that as it has a ton of power (420hp with 460 lbs of torque)

[Chewwi]

. . . Only draw back with the 6.2 is that you have to use premium fuel, but I will take that as it has a ton of power (420hp with 460 lbs of torque)

Check your GMC owners manual. We have the 6.2L and 8 speed transmission in our 2017 Silverado 1500. The owners manual states, “Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low as 87 may be used, but it will reduce performance and fuel economy.”

Frankly, I can’t tell any difference in performance or MPG when using 87 octane when towing or RV. MP$ is less though.

[Refclown]

Check your GMC owners manual. We have the 6.2L and 8 speed transmission in our 2017 Silverado 1500. The owners manual states, “Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low as 87 may be used, but it will reduce performance and fuel economy.”

Frankly, I can’t tell any difference in performance or MPG when using 87 octane when towing or RV. MP$ is less though.

It says that in my manual as well...but I prefer the power and I'd rather not take a chance with the low octane fuel. Mileage is a constant 15 mpg around town and 20-23 mpg on the highway. Towing our 22MLE is gets between 10-12 mpg depending on the terrain...I usually keep the speed between 58-62 mph when towing

[Calbar]

@Hellionprime I doubt that the 2500 truck will use less gas and power might still feel the same when towing into a headwind. The 10 speed transmission will likely help with towing but unless you want a new truck or need a new truck, I agree with @NB Canada.

Rob

[Pipefitter597]

I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and I get about 12 miles per gallon empty, and I tow a reflection fifth wheel that weights in at about 12,000 lbs and I get 9 miles per gallon while towing.