Posted 2006-12-11 7:23 PM (#806) Subject: I know a bigger truck is better, but...
Posts: 0
Location: Oregon
I currently have a '96 Z71 1500 Silverado. I'm looking to upgrade to a new truck. We've always thought we would get a 2500 HD, but then I started looking at the budget and thinking. javascript:smilie('9','%3Cimg%20src=HTTP://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/emoticons/icon_aug1.gif%20border=0%3E');I haul a 2 horse alum/over steel Keifer gooseneck. I usually haul within 15 miles of my house in fairly flat Iowa. On longer hauls I go no more than 3 hours. I don't usually take more than two or three of these trips a year. So far, the older 1/2 ton has hauled just fine (and stopped javascript:smilie('11','%3Cimg%20src=HTTP://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/emoticons/icon_aug3.gif%20border=0%3E'); )So now I'm thinking would a new 1500 be good for my situation? Since I don't travel long distances... Also I would be looking into keeping this new truck for atleast 5 years. Would do y'all think?
Cliffs notes:
My truck would have not safely pulled a 3 horse slant gooseneck w/ weekender package. (bare essential weekender). My old truck was a 2005 GMC Sierra Crew Cab Z-71 w/ the 5.3 motor. I'm not bashing that truck because it was a GREAT reliable machine. It just didn't have what i needed to perform adequately in reference to towing.
I learned my lesson, and it was costly. When we bought that truck i wasnt into horses, so it fit my needs perfectly. I posted the question on this board and some more knowledgeable people chimed in and made me realize i can take every angle i can come up with - fight the idea tooth and nail but, I just didn't have the truck to tow safely.
If it were me, I would get as big as i can afford! I looked around my area for used GMC's with the diesel engine and found NOTHING. Everyone i talked to said that people don't give up diesels because they're just a superior machine. I mean 20k or 30k on a diesel (and I mean dodge, ford, or GM) is just getting it broken in. Maybe you could get the truck you want, just find it used. That Duramax is something else; impressive isn't a powerful enough word to describe that combo. Obviously I'm happy with it :)
Posted 2006-12-12 6:19 AM (#808 - in reply to #806) Subject: RE: I know a bigger truck is better, but...
Posts: 493
Location: Utah
If you are buying a new truck, Just get the 2500. The purchase cost differnce between a 1500 vs a 2500 is small in comparison to the total price of the new truck. Fuel economy is not much difference as long as you stay in the gas engines.
The biggest cost difference would be IF you opted for a diesel engine. Which you can do with out for your 15 mile tows.
Posted 2006-12-12 7:00 AM (#809 - in reply to #806) Subject: RE: I know a bigger truck is better, but...
Posts: 727
Location: sc
what do i think? if the 96 half ton is doing the job, and it is not overloaded, then the new one will do the job even better. have you weighed the trailer? you will lose some mpg, and ride quality with the 3/4 ton.
Posted 2006-12-14 7:36 AM (#810 - in reply to #806) Subject: RE: I know a bigger truck is better, but...
Posts: 40
Location: Ottawa, ON
Look into the 1500HD trucks. It is basically a lower, lighter 2500 that you can get all the 1500 incentives on. I have one and am very happy with it. With my axle ratio and 6.0 engine it is rated to pull 8200 lbs. and does so with ease. You can get one with a higher ratio that would be rated for over 10k lbs. and even a bigger engine if you feel you need it.
Posted 2006-12-14 8:03 PM (#811 - in reply to #806) Subject: RE: I know a bigger truck is better, but...
Posts: 518
I got an 06 Dodge 2500 regular cab long bed diesel a month and half ago and felt like I got some very nice incentives. Really like the truck and am getting about 21 mpg so far.
Posted 2006-12-18 8:59 PM (#813 - in reply to #806) Subject: RE: I know a bigger truck is better, but...
Posts: 0
Location: Oregon
Thank you all for your input. After giving it some thought, I realized that we always said we would use the 1500 until we bought a new (or newer) truck. I stuck with the plan and am getting the 2500HD. I agree that the price and fuel isn't that much different. My hubby will feel better knowing that the bigger truck will be much safer for me and the horses.Plus, I got a GREAT deal and a hell of a trade in, so it made the decision much easier.javascript:smilie('12','%3Cimg%20src=HTTP://www.horsetrailerworld.com/forum/emoticons/icon_aug4.gif%20border=0%3E');
I know a bigger truck is better, but...
