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46stude
03-08-2010, 22:04
My current truck is a '93 ext cab Silverado 2500 lwb w/ the gas 350 & auto overdrive, 2wd.

Looking at a '94 Sierra ext cab shortbed 1500 w/ the 6.5TD & auto OD, 2wd.

Obviously fuel consumption is the main issue.

The '93 gets about 11 unloaded, less than 7 pulling my 5K pound 5th wheel TT. The TT is actually not a strain at all on the '93, but I wonder how much it would affect the '94. The 6.5TD would get better MPG's unloaded, & I think it'd do somewhat better w/ a load as well- not sure

I pull it no more than 3-4 times a yr at most, & the round trips are within 500 miles on mostly flatland w/ some TX Hill Country thrown in.

I figure loaded down w/ people & gear the weight is right around 6200K- prolly a little less. The TT is a 25' I believe (not sure, but it sleeps 4).

I forgot to look at the weight ratings on the truck, but figured some of y'all might know & have some advice. I'd run the trailer brakes of course, & either helper springs or air shocks. I've seen similar yr Z71's pulling TTs as big & bigger than mine, but they're 4wd & have a little more suspension I'm told.

*EDIT*
Oh, I'll be running ~60 mph.... I never run much more than that when pulling any trailer.
JohnC
03-09-2010, 09:50
Depends...

Does this truck have 5 lug wheels? If so, the rear axle is pretty light duty. Also, what is the axle ratio? The light duty 6.5 will pull pretty well with a 3.73 but if it's 3.42 not so good.

I used to pull a 6000# horse trailer with a LD K2500. Same engine but heavier, 4WD running gear. Also, the horse trailer is probably a little more aerodynamic than the TT. I got 12-14 mpg on the highway.

YMMV
46stude
03-09-2010, 19:21
Not sure of the ratio. I was just seeing of someone knew the GVRW for these trucks offhand.

And it is a 5 lug rear, but the GM 10 bolt is stout enuff to do the job I'd ask of it. I was more concerned whether the 6.5TD could pull it, to be honest. Never owned one before.

I'll look at the RPO stuff next time I'm near the truck for the ratio & look at the GVRW.
Edahall
03-10-2010, 00:00
Not sure of the ratio. I was just seeing of someone knew the GVRW for these trucks offhand.

And it is a 5 lug rear, but the GM 10 bolt is stout enuff to do the job I'd ask of it. I was more concerned whether the 6.5TD could pull it, to be honest. Never owned one before.

I'll look at the RPO stuff next time I'm near the truck for the ratio & look at the GVRW.

The 6.5TD should pull better than the 350. For comparisons sake, I pull a trailer of about the same weight as yours with an 82 Suburban that has a 6.2 non turbo and 3.08 axles. It does a dandy job and pulls the grades fine. I get 15-16 mpg towing.
JohnC
03-10-2010, 12:29
... the GM 10 bolt is stout enuff to do the job I'd ask of it. I was more concerned whether the 6.5TD could pull it, to be honest.

It doesn't take much to make that 6.5 strong enough to tear up the axle. I tore up a 9.5" 14 bolt SF axle with mine.
46stude
03-17-2010, 20:51
3:42 rear axle, open diff

GVWR 6200/2812

GM trucks aren't really that lightweight, are they? Or am I wrong in thinking the rating is good for about a 3K pound trailer?
46stude
03-17-2010, 21:29
OK, been doing some research.

Where do I find the GCWR? That apparently tells me what the truck can pull.
The GVWR tells me how much weight I can put on the truck.

For comparison, my '93 2500 has a GVWR of 8600 & a 3:73 open diff.