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Old 06-16-2019, 05:48 PM   #1
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1500 6.2 L vs 2500 gasser

More questions to sort out so here it goes. Besides payload and fuel mileage what am I gaining or losing between the 1500 and the 2500. Keep in mind I’m asking about the 6.2L. I know the new 2500 is coming out with a bigger engine with more than the current one but still has less HP and torque than the 6.2L. Am I seriously over looking here. So just trying to sort things out before I go to the dealer and start looking and lose focus of what I really need over want to a point. Please know that I have only owned a 97 1500 and that was a hand me down and only pulled a pop up with it and owned it for 4 years back in 07-10. So my knowledge of trucks is little to none. I own a mini “man van” and a traverse. So thanks for any help you can provide. This would probably be a daily driver and to and from work about 20-30 miles one way. Oh and I don’t mind diesel people jumping in but know I’m trying to cover all areas and I’m really just interested in gassers for now. Thanksgiving any insight and I’m sure I’m overlooking stuff so please let me know.

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Old 06-16-2019, 06:05 PM   #2
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Whatcha pulling? The 2500 will more than likely have 4.10 gears, will pull great, but so won't the 6.2, just depends on how much weight.
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:17 PM   #3
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Hard to say without knowing what you’ll be towing, but if I were buying a gas v8 full-size truck to tow with I would go with the 2500 over the 1500, the towing experience is much better due to suspension and stability increases with the 2500, especially with trailers on the large side. Very easy to run out of payload with a 1500, especially if you’re planning on taking your family or loading stuff into the bed.
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:19 PM   #4
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1500 6.2 L vs 2500 gasser

Ha I forgot to include that [emoji16]. As of now a shamrock 183. But in about 3-5 years we will upgrade to a larger TT but not sure exactly what as of yet. But travel in the mountains or higher elevation is a possibility for sure. If I had to guess right now probably a 26-30’ around 6-8000 lbs based off what my DW has talked about but that will change I’m pretty sure of it [emoji12]
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:23 PM   #5
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Having towed a 31ft TT, that was just over 8,000lb loaded, with both a half-ton and 1-ton SRW truck, I’d never tow a trailer that size with a half ton again. I don’t care what the truck mfrs say the trucks can tow, I’d do a 26ft, 7,000lb max trailer with a half ton. Anything more and I’d rather have a 3/4 ton minimum just for the stability and payload.
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:41 PM   #6
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That right there, going to upgrade in a few years, BUY A BIGGER TRUCK NOW, you won't regret it! 2500 you will at least have the option of a fifth wheel, 3500 would be my option if I did it over again, don't hesitate!
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:49 PM   #7
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IMO, the 2500 6.0L w/4:10 rear will pull anything in the 35' - 10K lbs anywhere you want to go. ½ tons make better daily drivers and grocery getters than larger trucks but small cars beat them.

It's a matter of what you are going to do with the truck. Going to tow a lot or seldom? Bigger trailers in your future? Think it through.
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Old 06-16-2019, 06:56 PM   #8
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Give y'all our experience, had an 03 Tahoe, we both loved it, bought a lil 23' ish TT, worse towing experience in my life. Last tow with that Tahoe, bought a 2500, pulled that lil house no problem. Next thing you know, bigger camper, yup, fifth wheel. We are over our truck limits according to the sticker by 200lbs. I got 300lbs of stuff in the tool box I could get rid of. Truck doesn't know the difference, we've pulled it all over the place, no problems. Very good friend of ours had bought a TT had an older Avalanche, upgraded to a newer 1500, had a little more towing capacity. Out of the blue he calls me and asks my opinion on ANOTHER new truck, yup, talked him into at least a 2500, what's he do next you ask, bought a 2500 THEN a new fifth wheel, well guess what, he's over his limit by 600 lbs. towed great according to him, but we've gone camping together and on just the little hills in SC his truck was struggling a lil bit, he didn't want to talk much about the fact that he would do 70+ mph down hill and I'd have to take the cruise control off when we caught up to him at the top of the next mole hill. I only set the cruise to 63-64 mph. He recently traded for a 3500 this time with a diesel. So take some advice when people say you can't have too much truck, sounds to me like your wife will be looking to go bigger. 👍 Hate to think how much money a good friend of mine lost on trading through so many trucks, just to go camping!
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Old 06-16-2019, 07:13 PM   #9
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The 6.2 is an all aluminum engine hot rod originally for Cameros and Corvettes, that is why it is not available in 2500 or 3500 trucks
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Old 06-16-2019, 07:37 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Crusadernoob View Post
Give y'all our experience, had an 03 Tahoe, we both loved it, bought a lil 23' ish TT, worse towing experience in my life. Last tow with that Tahoe, bought a 2500, pulled that lil house no problem. Next thing you know, bigger camper, yup, fifth wheel. We are over our truck limits according to the sticker by 200lbs. I got 300lbs of stuff in the tool box I could get rid of. Truck doesn't know the difference, we've pulled it all over the place, no problems. Very good friend of ours had bought a TT had an older Avalanche, upgraded to a newer 1500, had a little more towing capacity. Out of the blue he calls me and asks my opinion on ANOTHER new truck, yup, talked him into at least a 2500, what's he do next you ask, bought a 2500 THEN a new fifth wheel, well guess what, he's over his limit by 600 lbs. towed great according to him, but we've gone camping together and on just the little hills in SC his truck was struggling a lil bit, he didn't want to talk much about the fact that he would do 70+ mph down hill and I'd have to take the cruise control off when we caught up to him at the top of the next mole hill. I only set the cruise to 63-64 mph. He recently traded for a 3500 this time with a diesel. So take some advice when people say you can't have too much truck, sounds to me like your wife will be looking to go bigger. [emoji106] Hate to think how much money a good friend of mine lost on trading through so many trucks, just to go camping!


I assume his 2500 was a gas engine because as far as I can tell Ram, Ford and Chevy offer the same power train in 3/4 ton as they do in a 1 ton. So the improvement in performance came from getting a diesel not a 1 ton
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Old 06-16-2019, 07:42 PM   #11
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1/2 ton vs. 3/4 ton

I have a ‘16 Sierra 6.2, 8 speed, 3.42, 1840 lb payload with max tow pkg. I tow a 28 ft Apex, and went cross country with it. I was very careful to stay within payload and my est. TT weight was 7000 lbs. loaded vs. a rated 10,700 lbs Tow rating...(wouldn’t even consider pulling that weight). Towing is probably less than 10% of my truck time. She pulled and braked fine in heavy cross winds, as well as up and down the Smokies and Rockies. WDH and sway bar does it’s job. Now, if I was gonna go bigger TT then the 2500 gasser is minimum and a diesel considered. I prefer the benefits of the 1500 for my purposes. At 70, this set up works for me and I don’t expect to go to a larger TT.
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Old 06-16-2019, 07:47 PM   #12
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I do agree if you plan on going bigger then get a 3/4 or bigger. Now if your not going over 30-36 ft my Tundra and eco boost with WDH did great pulling my North Trail even thru the mountains. Before buying know what your going to be using the truck on a daily basis vs how many times you’re gonna tow. Make sure you’re numbers are good and do what fits you the best
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Old 06-16-2019, 09:33 PM   #13
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When we were trying to decide between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton, the big thing for me was it had to be a daily driver, and as a result we restricted the campers we were looking at. Payload on a gas 3/4ton will be in the 2500-3000lb range. When I decided to go with my F-150, I looked at my wife and said "you're ok with narrowing the camper search down to 2 models, right?" She was. We're happy with our 2509, I'm very happy driving my 1/2 ton every day and getting 20+mpg on the highway. It tows great. No way I'd want something much bigger with this truck though. I like not having to worry about the numbers.

I know that a 3/4 ton will tow much better and without being weighed down by a diesel engine you'll have enough payload to tow just about any bumper pull travel trailer. If you're not sure what you'll upgrade to, and have something else to drive every day I would go 3/4.
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Old 06-17-2019, 12:14 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by dannyabear View Post
The 6.2 is an all aluminum engine hot rod originally for Cameros and Corvettes, that is why it is not available in 2500 or 3500 trucks
Yep, they won't put an all aluminum in a 2500. 2500 is a cast iron block. Don't be mislead by HP numbers with the 6.2 engine in a 1500.

It would be a great choice for towing a trailer within the half ton capabilities. However, if you're planning on a larger trailer in the future, go with the 2500 knowing that engine is designed for towing larger loads and longevity over an all aluminum engine.

My 2 cents.
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Old 06-17-2019, 01:03 PM   #15
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When I was looking most of the 6.2 max tow 1500s were more expensive than my 6.0 2500 LT All Star. The 6.2 will get better mileage, but it won't tow what a 2500 will.
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Old 06-17-2019, 01:10 PM   #16
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Towing

I would go w/ the 3/4 ton. You give up very little in ride quality and milage. You gain in brakes, pulling power, stability. It opens up a lot of future choices. You may decide you want a 5 th. wheel down the road after several years in your current trailer. The towing experience will be better w/ the 3/4 ton. Many of us have learned the hard way. All three big brands make good 3/4 tons. I really like the current F-250 gas for the features and power they offer w/ 3.73 rear gear. Under 10k towing, unless towing in mountains, capable, common sense answer. Having had turbos, and the expense of replacing turbo, simpler is better. Your cargo carrying is actually better in the gas than the diesel, 700 less pounds of motor. My experience is over 10K, I want the engine braking of the diesel.
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Old 06-17-2019, 01:33 PM   #17
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My son-in-law has a '17 2500 RAM with the 6.4 gas and 6 speed auto. He trades every two years. Prior to that he had a '15 2500 with a diesel. I have driven both. The diesel is a real beast for towing... great mileage towing or not.

HOWEVER as a daily driver, I prefer my '14 RAM 1500 5.7 Hemi with 8 speed auto and 3.21 gearing. That combo pulls my 5K# trailer just fine, even in the Appalachia mountains and has a softer more comfortable ride at all times. Both 2500's I drove were very stiff, and uncomfortable to ride in unless loaded down with a camper weight. The 1500 3.21 gearing gets me in the 20+ MPG range when not towing on interstates and about 15-16 around town.

Here is a video showing real-world towing comparison between RAM and FORD 2500.
https://youtu.be/dvs8kRyW8gc
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Old 06-17-2019, 05:02 PM   #18
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To get the maximum performance out of the 6.2L, one is going to have to use premium gas to allow the ECU to advance timing enough to be beneficial. Whereas the 6.0L can gobble any fuel you put in the tank except diesel.

I have kept my 2015 2500 6.0 on E85 for over two years now. Sure, the mpg is worse, but the cost for E85 is half that of premium and E85 delivers 100 octane and burns far cleaner. Even with the lower fuel economy, the actual cost per mile of using E85 in the 6.0L in my 3/4 ton still puts the 6.2L in a 1/2 ton to shame. Meanwhile I have substantially higher payload availability and tow capacity than the 1/2 ton with the 6.2L And even with the low cost of E85 and the lower fuel economy, I can still almost beat the diesel 3/4 tons on a fuel cost per mile basis.

And I can get a decked out 2500 6.0 that has more capability cheaper off the lot than a decked out 1500 6.2 any day of the week.

The 6.2 is for folks who just want their pickup to drive like a Vette. it has no other beneficial, cost effective purpose. It costs more to buy, it costs more to operate, and it costs more to maintain over time. The L96 Vortec 6.0L is about as rock solid as they come. It is going into many new mid sized trucks now including Fuso.
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:38 PM   #19
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To get the maximum performance out of the 6.2L, one is going to have to use premium gas to allow the ECU to advance timing enough to be beneficial. Whereas the 6.0L can gobble any fuel you put in the tank except diesel.

I have kept my 2015 2500 6.0 on E85 for over two years now. Sure, the mpg is worse, but the cost for E85 is half that of premium and E85 delivers 100 octane and burns far cleaner. Even with the lower fuel economy, the actual cost per mile of using E85 in the 6.0L in my 3/4 ton still puts the 6.2L in a 1/2 ton to shame. Meanwhile I have substantially higher payload availability and tow capacity than the 1/2 ton with the 6.2L And even with the low cost of E85 and the lower fuel economy, I can still almost beat the diesel 3/4 tons on a fuel cost per mile basis.

And I can get a decked out 2500 6.0 that has more capability cheaper off the lot than a decked out 1500 6.2 any day of the week.

The 6.2 is for folks who just want their pickup to drive like a Vette. it has no other beneficial, cost effective purpose. It costs more to buy, it costs more to operate, and it costs more to maintain over time. The L96 Vortec 6.0L is about as rock solid as they come. It is going into many new mid sized trucks now including Fuso.


Just out of curiosity what is your payload for your vehicle? I know every truck is specific to what it comes with and such but just want to get a feel for it. My Father in law just got a new 2500 diesel and has a payload of 2268 which I was like wow I thought it would have been a little more. Thanks for the advice and information.
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Old 06-17-2019, 06:42 PM   #20
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My 2018 double cab 6.0 gas is just over 2900. Diesels suck on payload unless it's in a 3500 dually
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