Quote:
Originally Posted by gsyling
Hi again,
Narrowing my search.
Looking at two 2006 crew cab sierra 1500. One I think is an HD (searching on line). both are 5.3. one has 3.73 ratio and the other 4.10. The one with 4.10 has a Vortec Max. What kind of mileage difference if any. Any idea what kind of mileage I can expect without pulling. I may pull our trailer 4-5X a year.
Thanks for you help. Your info has been great.
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You sound like you're in the same position as me. My truck is my daily driver so mileage is important. I tow a camper only a few times a year also. Yes a 6lt and 4.10 will tow a lot easier but mileage isn't spectacular for dd use.
I towed with my 97 GMC 2wd 5 lt with 3.42 gear and wasnt' all that happy with it but it did get high teens mpg when not towing.
My 97 Burb K1500 with 5.7 lt and 3.42 towed ok but gets good mpg for a truck that size.
My dd now is a 2000 GMC seirra Z71 with 5.3 and 3.73 gears. It tows better than my other trucks and gets decent mpg for daily use too so I am happy with it.
Those 3.73 gears are worth a bunch in the towing power and don't hurt the highway mpg much.
I have considered a diesel but I just cannot justify the higher operating costs for the diesel to tow only a few times a year. Until I go to a larger camper I will be happy with my 5.3 and 3.73 gears.
My next truck will likely be a 3/4 ton with 6 lt and 4.10 that just won't see much highway use.