QuestionWhat, if any difference is there between the 2500 model pickup & the 2500 HD model? Also, what options should I look for in a pickup to tow my 30ft camper. The diesel engines are out due to there high$$$ price tag.I would like to get the allison trans and a 454ci engine
thanks for the info you send earlier. Todd
AnswerHey Todd - back for more, eh!
The 2500 is an 8600 # GVW truck, and the HD is a 9200 # GVW truck, which is what the old single rear wheel one ton used to be rated at.
Also, the HD has all of the powertrain choices, where the 2500 only has the 6.0l V8 with either the 5 Spd manual or 4L80E automatic.
Also, just to clarify, you would be getting the new 8100 Vortec, which is 496 ci, not the 454 ci.
What you should be most concerned with at, firstly, are the trailer weights. What is the hitch pin weight on the truck? What is the trailer weight? In some places now, they are taking the GVW of the truck, subtracting the weight of the entire truck, and passengers, and the difference is what you are allowed for a trailer pin weight, by + or - 10%. Example - the truck has a GVW of 9200#, weighs 6500 #, two passengers weighing 150 #, so you have an allowable hitch weight of 2400 #. This is a good guide to decide if you have enough truck for the job. It has nothing to do with enough power, but do you have enough brakes, springs, and tires to safely handle the trailer. Heck if it were power, you could soup up a 1500 to do it - I just would hate to have to stop the truck and trailer in an emergency!
Of course, what trim level you decide upon is entirely up to you - either a base truck with the upgraded (from the LS model) seating, the LS itself, or Leather. I like the LS, or SLE (GMC) trim myself. This is an entirely subjective choice.
Next, the truck itself - I would suggest a Crew Cab shortbox, rather than a four door extended cab. The length difference is negligible, and the extra room is fabulous. People actually enjoy sitting in the back seat rather than being scrunched up. It would also be a more saleable item after you are ready to trade, and price difference is not as much as one would think, typically around a thousand dollars more for the Crew Cab. Model Code is TK25743 (GMC), or CK25743 (Chevy).
The things that I would be looking at in a truck if it were me, are the:
L18 8100 Vortec V8 (496 ci)
M74 Allison Automatic Transmission
Z82 Trailering Equipment Package (you get a tranny temp gauge!),
QIZ On/Off Road Tires (better grade of tires!)
GT5 axle ratio (4.10)
G80 Rear Locking Differential
Z85 Heavy Duty Chassis Equipment (basically HD shocks)
K47 High Capacity Air Cleaner (more airflow)
TP2 Dual Batteries - if you don't have another one in your camper, you can run the camper off of this batery without running the truck battery down - optional - if you have extra batteries on the camper, you don't need it.
NP1 Push Button Transfer Case - (if you go 4x4)
UY2 5th Wheel/Camper Wiring - an extra harness that is tied onto the frame rail between the cab and the box for an extra trailer plug-in - for about $ 50, what the heck.
AJ1 - deep tint glass
The other thing that I would do, that is not a factory option, is to get another fuel tank installed. With the shortbox truck, you only get a 20.8 Imperial Gallon fuel tank, and with a big block engine, I think it is a great idea. Most of the guys around here, have a simple rectangular shaped one that fits inside the front of the box, about 8" wide, goes across the front of the box and rail height. Gives about another 30 gallons or so, to really make your trailering a better experience. Typically they braze a fitting into the fuel filler neck, and also install a valve to be able to shut the tank off, and a fuel filter.
Anything else for options is a choice of comforts. Go with what you can afford and with what you like. If it turns out that you don't have the weight carrying capacity, you may have to look at a one ton. 3500's come only as dual rear wheeled, and if it looks like you don't want to go that way, understand the limitations that you may be faced with by having a 2500 HD, like the stability of a 3500 is better with the extra tires on the ground. More springs, bigger brakes all contribute to better trailering, but they do hinder regular driving without the trailer. If you understand what your truck will and will not do within expectations, you will have a great experience.
These things are my own opinions from over fourteen years of experience in the business. It is what I would buy, knowing the product and what it will do for you. You are way beyond most people by doing this research! Getting the right truck for the job is as important as having a nice camper.
I hope that this is of some help to you, and if I may help further, please feel free to drop me a line!
Automotively yours,
Dean
