Just purchased a "glorified" 2010 Sierra 1500

[cgotto1204]

Just traded in my 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE for a 2010 GMC Sierra 2500 SLT hoping to get better towing capabilities. All I got was an additional 300 lbs.

2011 Sierra 1500 SLE
5.3L V8 KL5 HD Cooling Pkg
3.42 Axle Ratio
9,600 lbs Max Trailer Weight
82133 Miles

2010 Sierra 2500HD SLT
6.0L Vortek V8
3.73 Axle Ratio
9,900 lbs Max Towing
53135 Miles

[Ford Idaho]

Looks like it's time to haul Puma!

[DocGTO]

Doesnt seem like a lot but you will notice a difference. The frame, suspension, brakes are beffier, ect. Chevy made the big jump from 1500-25/3500 with the 2011 and newer models.

The 6.0 and the 3.73 gears will get things moving quicker then the old setup as well. Another thing is the 6.0 is mated to the 4L80 instead of your old 4L65 so much stronger tranny too.

There are all kinds of improved things over the 1500 there.

The 6.0 Vortecs do respong well to the tuners out there. The stock tune is VERY mild. Edge makes a nice handheld tuner that has a towing mode which boosts the power a little but alos tightens up the tranny pressure to quicken the shifts to reduce wear and tear.

Enjoy!

[cgotto1204]

Thanks Ford Idaho and DocGTO,
I am happy with the new truck, especially the increased cargo (tongue weight) capacity. There are a lot of extras that the old Sierra didn't have, for example, HEATED seats and REMOTE STARTER for those cold Pennsylvania winters.

[Total Loss]

Originally Posted by DocGTO

Doesnt seem like a lot but you will notice a difference. The frame, suspension, brakes are beffier, ect. Chevy made the big jump from 1500-25/3500 with the 2011 and newer models.

The 6.0 and the 3.73 gears will get things moving quicker then the old setup as well. Another thing is the 6.0 is mated to the 4L80 instead of your old 4L65 so much stronger tranny too.

There are all kinds of improved things over the 1500 there.

The 6.0 Vortecs do respong well to the tuners out there. The stock tune is VERY mild. Edge makes a nice handheld tuner that has a towing mode which boosts the power a little but alos tightens up the tranny pressure to quicken the shifts to reduce wear and tear.

Enjoy!

X2.
The #'s don't measure "feel" or driving pleasure.

I may look into a tuner for my 6.0 Express MH.

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by cgotto1204

Thanks Ford Idaho and DocGTO,
I am happy with the new truck, especially the increased cargo (tongue weight) capacity. There are a lot of extras that the old Sierra didn't have, for example, HEATED seats and REMOTE STARTER for those cold Pennsylvania winters.

Oh yes! Heated seats and remote starter is perfect for that location.

[Keith Seck]

Get a custom tune from Black bear performance.

[friendofacatahoula]

You may have been better off looking for a 1500 with the 6.2 given the ball hitch ratings for the 1500's. Yes I know, too late. I am impressed they are that good. If I didn't need payload capacity 6 months of the year I would consider the 6.2

As mentioned you may want to look into a "tune". BlackBear is a good place to start. Maybe seems a little pricey but with the 6.0 and the 6 speed (someone said its a 4L80, it is not, its a 6L90) save all money spent on the canned programmers and get a custom tune. You won't likely see major gains but it will help.

The fuel tank on the pre 2011's is small as well. You won't enjoy the range you are going to get. I have had a number of 6.0's and I just prefer to enjoy the reliability of them.

[flymhi]

nice looking truck!

[Jz5g52]

I don't think you will see tons of difference. I towed a 28ft race trailer for years with a 1500 then moved to a 2500 and was very disappointed but I believe that was due to going from a 5.3 to a 6.0 thinking it would handle hills better and it truly didn't. I never towed a fifth wheel with my gas trucks only tag along. I finally bit the bullet a couple years ago and bought a 2500 Duramax. and totally thrilled towing both my fifth wheel and tag trailers can go 65 set the cruse and it doesn't bat an eye going through PA. Yes I know its a lot more but I wish I did it years ago. sorry just my opinion

[cgotto1204]

Thanks everyone for your inputs. I am happy with my truck and just wished that I did more research prior to purchase. I do believe that it will tow the fifth wheel better due to the increased cargo weight capacity (increased tongue weight) and the truck will not feel that it is dragging.

[cgotto1204]

Returned from my first trip with the GMC Sierra 2500HD. While my gas mileage didn't increase (approx. 9.0 mpg while towing), I did see a significant increase performance. Was able to maintain 65 mph climbing the hills and mountains in Pennsylvania.

Looking forwards to other trips.

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by cgotto1204

Returned from my first trip with the GMC Sierra 2500HD. While my gas mileage didn't increase (approx. 9.0 mpg while towing), I did see a significant increase performance. Was able to maintain 65 mph climbing the hills and mountains in Pennsylvania.

Looking forwards to other trips.

[325BH]

There is a huge difference between a 1/2-ton at its "limit" and a 3/4-ton at its "limit".

The 1/2 ton limit is often pushing the envelope in order to play the weight-race with other manufacturers.

The 3/4 ton limits are often "paper" limits due to many factors: tax/license/class friendly, distinguish between the 1 ton, easier to stay out of CDL territory, etc. These limits are often much less than the truck's actual capabilities.

Although it is nice to have a 3/4 ton with a lot more cargo on the yellow sticker, it is still much more capable than the 1/2 ton. Just compare the springs, driveline, frame, hitch, wheels, brakes (disc, calipers, etc), axles (semi vs full-floating), etc.

Driving the 1/2 at its limit... and you'll know it. Drive the 3/4 at its limit and you will feel much more in control.


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