Best Vehicle or Truck for Towing.

[Dan Fahey]

Wow thanks for the feedback.
The wagon has been reinforced with Tahoe Springs, Airbags and air compressor.
Added Metco Lower arms and installed a SS Roll bar.
Front end completely rebuilt, new gear has, pump, brakes front and rear.
Moser axles and studs.
Stops good with electric brakes and using 275/5017 tires with a 3.08 gear.

YouTube did comparison where Canyon with the mini Duramax.
It performed better than several other trucks including a Jeep.

Jerry thanks for the link.
Lots of good information.
Now have a few questions to sort.


D

[SSDiv6]

From my personal experience, I had a Dodge Ram 3500, single wheel, powered by the 5.7 Hemi.

I towed different types of trailers, including an open trailer several times.
One typical issue when towing with gas engines is the lack of torque when going uphill. I have friends that have towed with both GM 5.3 and Dodge gas 6.4 engines and they have all said the same.

When I switched to a Cummins Diesel Dodge Ram, it was night and day pulling uphill, with the exhaust brake, there is no effort while going downhill and you have much better control when braking.

As regards to reliability, torque and power, the Cummings engine outperforms both the Duramax and Ford engine. This is not only from my own experience, but also from other racers that tow and from friends with diesel shops.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

From my personal experience, I had a Dodge Ram 3500, single wheel, powered by the 5.7 Hemi.

I towed different types of trailers, including an open trailer several times.
One typical issue when towing with gas engines is the lack of torque when going uphill. I have friends that have towed with both GM 5.3 and Dodge gas 6.4 engines and they have all said the same.

When I switched to a Cummins Diesel Dodge Ram, it was night and day pulling uphill, with the exhaust brake, there is no effort while going downhill and you have much better control when braking.

As regards to reliability, torque and power, the Cummings engine outperforms both the Duramax and Ford engine. This is not only from my own experience, but also from other racers that tow and from friends with diesel shops.

Thanks for the feed back...
My wagon has a 5.7 LT1. Added 1.6 roller tip rockers and a tune.
Did well towing over the PA and NY steep hills.
Held at near full throttle 70mph with temperatures were climbing.
May install a 383 if I keep the car or just add 3.42 or 3.73 gears next year.

Is the Cummings is an old design modernized or a whole new engine design?

Dan

Dan,

If I were in your shoes I'd investigate at a minimum a 2500 with a Duramax. Get a crew cab and your wife can drive it. A 4x4 is a nice option too. That way if you ever upgrade to an enclosed trailer you won't need to upgrade your truck. No sense in buying a new one now that won't quite do the job.

For what it's worth we bought our first diesel last fall. Picked up a '15 Silverado 3500HD LTZ DRW 4WD. I hope to never tow with another truck again. This truck is a dream!

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Dan,

If I were in your shoes I'd investigate at a minimum a 2500 with a Duramax. Get a crew cab and your wife can drive it. A 4x4 is a nice option too. That way if you ever upgrade to an enclosed trailer you won't need to upgrade your truck. No sense in buying a new one now that won't quite do the job.

For what it's worth we bought our first diesel last fall. Picked up a '15 Silverado 3500HD LTZ DRW 4WD. I hope to never tow with another truck again. This truck is a dream!

Good to hear from you...
Problem with the 2500 or 3500.
Maria would not drive the truck that big.
Do like the Duramax and Silverado.
Still looking at the Canyon Denali to replace the wagon.
Should do just fine!
I am not in a hurry.

D

Yes, we love the Silverado with the Duramax. But ... ask me one day when it needs an injector, turbo, fuel pump ... and I have to sell plasma and blood to pay for it. Might have a different answer then.

I'm in the same boat as you. Wendy won't drive this truck; especially since it's a DRW. Takes a little getting used to. Do this Dan. Take her to a dealership and drive a non-dually 2500HD and see what she thinks. They're not much larger than a 1500 and it's a really nice feeling sitting up higher with the better visibility. You'll never know until she drives one. With the new Duramax coming out this fall there are some good deals to be had on low mileage LML Duramax packages.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Yes, we love the Silverado with the Duramax. But ... ask me one day when it needs an injector, turbo, fuel pump ... and I have to sell plasma and blood to pay for it. Might have a different answer then.

I'm in the same boat as you. Wendy won't drive this truck; especially since it's a DRW. Takes a little getting used to. Do this Dan. Take her to a dealership and drive a non-dually 2500HD and see what she thinks. They're not much larger than a 1500 and it's a really nice feeling sitting up higher with the better visibility. You'll never know until she drives one. With the new Duramax coming out this fall there are some good deals to be had on low mileage LML Duramax packages.

Maria does not even like driving the wagon.
Will always try.

D