2000 1/2 or 3/4 ton trucks

[Boog]

I am looking at a few trucks right now and trying to decide which one would be a better buy for me.
1st is a 2000 GMC 1500 4wd, excab
2nd is a 2000 Chevy 2500HD 2wd excab
both gassers
I don't really need the 4wd but it's nice to have when the winter weather sets in.
I only tow our camper but will be upsizing the camper in the future so I'll want a heavier truck to pull it with. The 2500 with the 6 lt has a tow cap of 10500 lb. Should be more than enough grunt to haul my stuff.
Not sure if I'd want to drive the HD full time, stiffer ride and not so great mpg.
Would anyone care to chime in with your likes/dislikes of the 2500 series trucks? Diesel or gas.

[Rudy67chevy]

2000 Chevy 2500HD 2wd excab

[Skirkpat]

I did not know they had winter weather in AK, LOL I always have a 4x4, not because I need it all the time, but when I do it is there. I use mine all the time though, It's nice knowing I won't get stuck. if you can live without it buy the 2 wheel peel

[Josh]

You won't be happy towing with the 1500, it'll slowly work the truck to death. The 2500HD 6.0 truck will do the towing duties far better then the 5.3 truck ever will. I wound up buying a 99 3500 454 dually cause we bought a 30' camper that weighs in around 8k ready to camp. The yukon pulled it but it didn't like it and severely lacked power. The 1500 also has a weaker trans that won't hold up under heavy towing. I'd go for the 2500.

[Skirkpat]

Originally Posted by Josh

You won't be happy towing with the 1500, it'll slowly work the truck to death. The 2500HD 6.0 truck will do the towing duties far better then the 5.3 truck ever will. I wound up buying a 99 3500 454 dually cause we bought a 30' camper that weighs in around 8k ready to camp. The yukon pulled it but it didn't like it and severely lacked power. The 1500 also has a weaker trans that won't hold up under heavy towing. I'd go for the 2500.

Bigger is almost always Better when it comes to tools or equipment...Running out of capacity is not good, especially when working. You may not NEED a Snap on ratchet, until that one bolt that breaks your cummins tool, and cleans your knucles of all the skin?

I agree if he is upsizing to a very large camper, and pulls it frequently...I have a 30 foot Prowler and need a heavier truck to pull it, but it has not been out but about 5 times in three years? And then only about 20 miles each way.

I don't like 1/2 ton trucks to pull anything, but 90% of the time they will get you by, for short periods, they usually get the job done.

[Boog]

Well I did get a truck last week. I bought the 2000 Sierra excab Z71. I just couldn't see the 2500 as a daily driver no more towing than I do and this one was calling to me. I wasn't listening but my wife was. She urged me to go check it out and I finally did and to my surprise it is a great truck. Even with the 285/16 tires it moves on out really good with the 3.73 gears. You may be able to tell by the pics just how straight it is. And as I said before I am impressed with the 5.3.

[Gray Ghost]

Nice truck! I am sold on a short bed regular cab Z71 I found. I won't be doing much towing at all and when I do it'll be a short run.

Since my job description has changed, I won't need to be hauling much of anything more than a few miles. Sure feels nice for a change.