2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 3.0L LZ0 Duramax Diesel Towing: MPG, DEF and Oil Use 

Here is the towing test with the mentioned PPE aftermarket transmission cooler: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sNhmQAdrc2E.html

Great video Tim. I got 11.5 towing 7400 lbs down to Myrtle Beach last month. My old gasser would have got 9.5 if I stay off the throttle. Most impressive is how this motor handles the hills. No more rev’d out to redline. Just cruises at 65 mph at 1700- 2000 rpm. Way more enjoyable experience. Love the diesel.

I installed sumo springs on my truck and it made a big difference with the amount of squat. Also improved towing stability

I still think this GM Duramax engine is the best small diesel ever. It’s smooth, quiet & powerful, without all of the horror stories associated with other small diesels. Great test, Tim!

The 3.0L is the best part of the new GM truck's. I think they really sold more trucks because of it.

I Love the smell of diesel in the morning.

There is an aftermarket tank that holds 43 gallons available from Titan for anyone interested in increasing the range.

I've been looking forward to this video since you first got this truck!!!! 1 minute in I already liked it.

I have a 2022 GMC Sierra crew cab 4x4 with the LM2. Just under 15K miles and so far I couldn't be happier. I am changing oil every 5K miles and have not observed any consumption between changes. I wish I had the max trailering package but when I ordered my truck you could not get it in conjunction with the X31 off road package. That being said my max trailer weight of 8,800 pounds plenty for me. My DEF usage with no towing has been one 2.5 gallon jug every 5K miles.

I have a 2021 Silverado 3.0 Diesel. Pulled my 28ft camper trailer up the west side of the Bighorns in the middle of the summer. Pulled awesome, transmission temp didn’t change whatsoever. Totally different experience than when I did it with the 5.3 Gas Silverado. Now Def guzzling, let’s not talk about that.

Nice vid! What I like about your videos is that you're talking to to me and not at me, if that makes sense. Great real world experience and information. Much appreciated!

Absolutely THE best power plant in any SUV or Truck! Such a quiet and smooth engine with amazing low end torque and THE best mpgs of any trucks!

Had a 2021 Silverado with the 3.0. Last trip was about 3,500 towing miles and averaged about 12.8 mpg towing about 7,500 lbs. Left Texas up to Denver across thru Utah then back thru Arizona and New Mexico. Used lest than5 gal of DEF on the trip. Highway mileage was between 22 and 28 depending on up/down, wind and speed. The very last trip Monday (May 8, 2023) was 350 miles at highway speed (70-78 mph) and computer showed 28.4. I know that was the very last trip in the vehicle because it was stolen Tuesday night in Dallas. Hope the SOBs that stole my truck get caught and spend a lot of time in the pen. Looking at the 2023 Silverado with the 3.0.

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE…great video Tim

Great video, Tim!

The Fast Orange hand wipes are a must-have if you have a diesel vehicle. They clean any diesel residue right off.

Great presentation, informative, straight forward, no information overload. A couple more trailer tow comparisons with some of the competitors trucks would be great.

I was listening to your video last night on my way home from my dads house. I did 164 miles of rural driving along with highway up and down mountains of central Pa 21 mpg on my 22 GMC limited 5.3. Trans temp 144. And seats were comfortable lol. Only thing I don’t like my rancho shocks I believe it could be a little stiffer at times don’t care for how they handle the bumps.

Tim, glad to see you using that IDASH gauge. My 2023 GMC SIERRA SLT with the LZ0 (3.23 rear end) used 2 1/2 gallons of DEF in 2600 miles (no towing). My REGEN intervals according to my IDASH have been; 276, 360, 396, and 501 miles and the REGEN time is about 12 minutes at highway speed. I did my oil change at about 2900 miles and didn’t see any oil usage. You lifted your truck so the squat will be accentuated. My fuel economy over the first 3000 miles is about 27 mpg. I sure wish that GM would have included a screen on the DIC that shows regen information. Great video BTW.

Great video. I currently own a Tundra 1794 2020 and if it was ever wrecked out and couldn't be fixed I would get a Sierra 3.0L Duramax over anything else. Nicely job.

Gasoline engines are great for racing, but diesel’s are best for economy and towing

The iDash will give you an accurate DEF level from 0-100, DEF at Walmart is $9.48 for 2.5 gallons right now, and I think you should have also monitored EOT (Engine Oil Temp) and not just Transmission Temp and ECT (Engine Coolant Temp).

Yes GM please just dont assume your truck buyers are stupid ,give us a switch to manually engage engine brake. " when in manual mode ."

Tim Your supposed to bring the back of the truck up with your load leveling hitch. Witch means you would have next to no squat. So if your hitch is setup properly the truck will be level. In your case that hitch is NOT SETUP CORRECTLY…… Also on GM trucks if your using cruise control the truck will downshift to maintain your speed automatically when going down hill

I have a 2023 Chevy Silverado LTZ with the diesel and max towing package. I would agree that it squats more than I expected but I need to go measure tongue weight and adjust the load distribution hitch. FYI you get the trailer mirrors from the HD with the max towing package on the LTZ. They are great except for the blind spot they create at the A pillar. Those mirrors also give you some other camera features. I believe the DEF tank is 5.3 gallons. I have towed a 7000 lb car trailer about 2000 miles total on 5 separate trips. I average 13 to 15 mpg. I have driven 5000 miles total and get about 25 to 28 mpg without the trailer. Hard to gauge DEF useage off the indicator. I would say so far DEF useage when towing gets about 1 mile of driving to every 3 miles of driving without the trailer. I am curious if this is driven at all by the exhaust brake which is used quite a lot with the adaptive cruise control? It can be annoying because I have gotten the DEF low warning and the indicator at 2 bars and then go to fill and there is still 1.5 gallons in the tank. The other day I came off a pull where I had filled the DEF and the bars showed I used 1/4 of my DEF. After unhooking and driving around some the indicator showed full. Obviously the computer is calculating useage on the type of load it is encountering. I wish the gauge was just a quantity and not a predictor. Other than that the truck is awesome. I was towing with a 2019 Chevy Silverado with the 5.3 and the max Trailering package previously. It did OK but rode a lot stiffer and hunted for gears. The 3.0l is far superior.

You can adjust the chains on the weight distributing hitch to level out the truck, tighten up to push more weight to the front of the truck, I tow a similar weight trailer with my Colorado, and it sits perfectly level.

You can set the idash to show transmission gear and you can display DEF fluid level and it will give you the real percentage. Also when you go to L on the shifter the truck shifts down one gear, at least that's my experience in my 23 AT4 LZ0.

Another great video. Thanks for the video. I’ve got a similar truck, 2023 with the LZ0 but the RST version and no max towing package as that’s become as rare as a double headed coin. I have a similar trailer at 6000 lbs and 29 feet so this is very helpful. The DPF does tend to clean itself a bit under heavier loads or highway driving. I’ve noticed on short trips, the percentage on the iDash goes up fast but if you run a bit on the highway, it tends to drop. Id say your theory is correct. As for the fuel mileage it’s still better than my 5.3 when towing and the non towing mileage is incredible. I’m getting 40 mpg on the highway at 60 mph and the engine isn’t even broke in yet. No 5.3 can do that. I’d love to hear from your GM engine engineer what he thinks are the max tempts for engine oil and trans fluid are when towing. I want to set up my iDash to monitor those parameters and make sure I stay within the design limits of this engine. By the way the iDash can show your gear also. It’s part of my page one on the display. Helpful when towing, especially going up hill. I love how people right away want to do the delete. When not towing, the DEF tank lasts 3000-5000 miles. Wow hardly worth considering when you’re still getting 35-40 mpg. So what if it eats DEF while towing. These emissions are clean and you’re getting down the road with no worries about the feds and the epa. Thanks again for the video and please see what your engineer says about max temps.

I have the same max tow truck in a GMC 1500 SLT. Tow a 5600 lb dry travel trailer...I put on some blue sumo springs and it helped with the overall ride quality and fixed the sag as well. 100% would recommend for anyone pulling a travel trailer with this setup. Much easier than air bags.

Tim on that corner turn using exhaust break I always tapped my brake and kicked in the exhaust brake and it kicked in and stayed on a exhaust brake mode . Idk it always worked for me. I’m in the market for the 3.0 LZO VERY SOON !

Bought one of them 3 litre diesels in January had it for 3 weeks it’s been sitting in the shop since

I’d be curious as to what the tongue weight is on that camper. As well if it were myself I would bring the draw hitch in closer to the bumper if possible, lots of leverage there extended out.

The after-treatment systems have gotten much better over the years and the one in this GM seems to be one of the most reliable of the bunch. That said the new Diesel engines would be AMAZING without any of that crap. They would be MUCH more fuel efficient and reliable.

Thank you Tim. Great info. I thought the DEF tank was 5.0 gallons?! The iDash will give you DEF tank % (as well as fuel tank %). I wonder if Banks offers a way to tweak the exhaust brake? Compared to the 2500 series exhaust brake, the 1500 exhaust brake isn’t very helpful. There are a variety of factors influence the degree of squat, as noted by other comments…but the components of the Max Trailering Pkg definitely help this truck perform more like a 3/4 ton vs. a 1/2 ton, IMO.

The irony of DEF, is it just takes particulate out of the air, and puts it on the ground and into the water supply directly. Instead of just indirectly via the air.

The manual tells you that each DEF bar equals 1/2 gallon, so the gauge only accounts for approximately 4 out of the total 5.4 gallon capacity. I say approximately because they do and they say you’ve used 4 gallons when the last bar is still there, but based on the 1/2 per bar, it should be 4 gallons left as soon as the last bar goes out.

The truck looked pretty level with the trailer. Most reviewers measure at the centerline of the rear axle but that's fine, we see what it looked like with the trailer. I don't see a problem with that setup. Nice truck. I wish GM would allow more trim levels to get the max tow package and 2-speed transfer case with the 3.0 Duramax.

You tapped the brake which turned off cruise control. If you simply back the cruise control speed down to 50-55, within a few seconds it would start closing the turbo vanes and down shifting. At least that's how it works best on my LM2. Getting on the brakes just enough to activate the brake light switch to get the engine braking to engage is a bit difficult while taking curves in traffic, etc. especially in big mountain country.

Great video. Thank you for all that input. I do have a question hoping you could answer. Does anyone know what normal range transmission temperature is when fully warmed up (not towing). I have the exact same model. I live in south Florida (pretty flat). I do have the 373 gear. My transmission usually averages around 194-196. When I tow my boat (6000 pounds) it climbs here and there depending on driving conditions but I have never seen it above 205. Are all these numbers within range?

As always thanks for the video. I'd be curious how much your gas mileage would improve over a longer distance on semi flat roads. I get about 10 miles per gallon on my GMC Savana 1500 with a 5.3 and 3.42 gears towing around 5000 lbs. I know it's not a fair comparison considering you are towing 7000 lbs. The Silverado is on my short list but trying to find one with 3.73 gears is difficult at best. My 5.3 is a dog going up any semi steep incline.

Regarding oil useage. My truck has 4500 total miles. 1990 miles of that was towing a 6 to 7K enclosed car trailer on several different trips. I just added 1 qt today. FYI the oil is not available in WalMart or most parts stores yet so if you are going on a trip stop at the dealer and bring a qt with. Computer says I have 42% oil life left. GM covers first oil change and my dealer does the next 2 as part of the purchase. So I bought a case of the DexosD to have to top off between changes.

Not sure if it's the same on the LZ0, but with the LM2 the exhaust brake doesn't work unless you have TH on AND cruise set, otherwise it just grade shifts without using the exhaust brake, I pull a 7k lb TT about 7 times a year through the rockies and with TH and cruise set it rarely goes 2 mph over what I have the cruise set at when I'm going downhill

Thanks for the great video - been waiting for this for sometime. Everything was pretty much what I expected. I have to say that I found the mpg a bit disappointing at around 10.5-11.5 towing 7K load. I say that in comparing to my current 5.7L Ice that gets about 9-10 mpg towing 6500 Ibs. which probably means I would get about 11 mpg on a Tahoe with 3.0L. I was hoping to see around 13-14 mpg in your test since the Truck tend to get a couple of mpg better than the SUV’s. I cancelled my 2023 Tahoe order with LM2 and will be placing an order for the 2024 with LZ0. Like your experience, I have also heard many comments that the exhaust breaking under tow-haul mode really does not contribute much at all or not as much as people like. Maybe GM can address that???

Dry weight is listed on the driver side of the a-frame on the trailer

I’d recommend watching TFL towing tests to up your measurement game a whole lot

The load equalizer bars will correct the squat and make the combination easier to drive and much better handling.

On a recent 2,000 mile trip I used 2 quarts of oil. This was highway traveling with no load and no towing. Currently undergoing an oil consumption test with the dealer. I love the truck and the LM2, but that's way too much consumption to be called "normal".

You should measure the squat after hooking up the weight distribution bars/ hitch. They move weight to the front axle.

Why are you not using equalizer bars on the trailer hitch, that would eliminate squat? Just wondering. Good test very informative. Thanks

Isn't grade shifting and the exhaust brake supposed to kick in when you set a speed point? They generally maintain the speeds once you apply the brake.

Tim I think your mileage would improve if you weren't using cruise control, I usually get 1 tl 2 mpg better when towing without cruise. I ha a 2021 lm2 , rst and have towed over 12000 miles averaging 11 TO 12.5 mpg, towing travel trailer weighing 7800 lbs.

2013 F150 ecoboost: Made oil, stunk like fuel especially in winter. Oil level would go up to the point where it would make a froth and contaminated. 2016 Ram 1500 Ecodiesel: Would burn about a quart in 10k miles. Would be at the bottom of the range come oil change time, but not low. 2018 Ram 1500 Hemi: Oil level never changes levels, do about 6k mile oil changes. Change it and forget about it.

I got another request, what’s the tongue weight. My 2021 1500 gmc seems to be stronger then my buddy’s Chevrolet like he squatted badly with not much of load. My gmc would take 1500 lbs on the hitch and it was handling it very well. Both trucks were 3.0 Duramax

Tim how does the new LZ0 compare to the 5.3 and 6.2 as for power and passing ability on the highway? I’m considering trading my ram rebel for a at4x diesel when order banks are available for 24’ model

If ya level it out it will make big difference in steer tire wear,also ya can go to truck stop and get def from pump alot cheaper

if my guess work still holds water, the reason it does so well with the regen thing, its probably because of the higher combustion temperature its achieving is plumeting the soot levels from the exhaust but increasing NOx (PM (soot) and NOx work at an inverse from one another, cold combustion temps/too much fuel = +PM & -NOx while high combustion temperatures/leaner fuel = -PM but +NOx) and thats why this engine has high DEF usage while towing, in my opinion if this can avoid even 50% of the common DPF problems im all in for it really, it will be a few extra bucks in running costs but no down time associated to filter problems...

" I don't like to go too fast when i'm towing..." The more one learns about mass and momentum...the slower ( safer ) one will drive. ☆

It's weird how different American trailers are built compared to European trailers. European trailers have the axles more to the middle and recommended tongue weight is about 75kg. This causes very little squat and no issues with the headlights of the car blinding oncoming traffic.

Hey Tim- on a non-related subject, have you heard that we could be damaging our turbo by not allowing our diesel engine to idle for a few minutes before shutting it off? I recently read an article that suggested it could be bad for the turbo to allow it to heat sink. Any thoughts on this, or maybe a subject that you would like to discuss in a future video. Thanks, Chevbowtie (Chevymike )

Thank you sir for the video, I have the same size engine and wondering what was the size of the trailer?

I never feel the exhaust brake on my 2021 LM2... I wish it was more aggressive..

Mpg would probably better if you had it in 2WD and not Auto 4WD. Auto does partially engage the transfer case clutches full time and varies clutch pressure depending on demand, the there is always some amount of tq/power heading to the front wheels in auto mode.

Hey Tim. Quick question. I’m looking into getting the sierra 1500 duramax. My dealer has a new 22.5 at4 which I’m pretty sure is an lm2 even tho it’s the updated truck. My question is. Is the differences between the lz0 and lm2 worth it? If I were to get a lz0 it would probably be a lesser trim like the elevation. I think being that it’s last years model I could get a better deal. Not to mention gmc is offering 0.9 % on 2022s.

I like to keep my 6.6L limited to 7th or 8th when towing. I don’t like the transmission hunting in the 7-10 going up and down hills. It also seems to help the engine braking also. Never driven a 3.0L so I have no idea if this is something that would make a difference or not. Let me know. I am considering a 3.0L GMC SUV; do you have any experience with the big SUVs with the 3.0L?

What is mpg with ppe intercooler, air intake, exhaust and banks remap get in mpg in 3.0 Diesel

3.0 diesel was the #1 traded in truck in 2021 and 22, followed by the f150 powerboost

I have to chime in. I purchased a BRAND NEW GMC Sierra with the 3.0 Duramax. Im not happy!!!I just towed a 2022 Rockwood Mini-lite from Omaha to Milwaukee. Here is my experience. 1. The trip was 500 miles, we used 3.75 gallons of def fluid, 46 gallons of diesel fuel and 1 qt of oil? This 500 mile trip cost about $200 or about $.39 per mile. If I had my old Ford F150 3,.5 Ecoboost using regular gas the I would be at about $.30 per mile. How does diesel make sense. 2. Plus! pulling that 22' camper around gas stations looking for the 1 or 2 pumps that have diesel fuel was a pain. The big stations cater almost exclusively to semis and the pumps do not fit the GMC. One fuel Stop I had to goto to 3 gas stations to find 1 with an operation diesel pump, don't know why but again a serious PIA. 3. Between low fuel warnings and Low DEF warnings, I decided this Sierra with only 1,400 miles HAS TO GO. I will take the loss and either get a Sierra with the 6.2 or go back to the 3.5 Eco. MY ADVICE, stay away from the Duramax. I do have a diesel jeep and its way more efficient.

I’d like too see towing tests between the 2 different rear diffs available. I’d imagine the 3.23 does better normally driving mpg but the 3.73 probably gets better mpg towing

Should measure squat at the wheel wells

How do you turn on the tow mode with the duramax 3.0? All I get when I push the button is exhaust brake mode.

I think for that kind of mileage I will stick with my f150 super crew v8 with the 355 axle. Gas is cheaper and I average 9 miles to a gallon towing a camper that weighs over 5500 lbs.. thanks for the great video. Keep up the good work.

Can you do a video using the pedal shifters?

I have a 2015 RAM Ecodiesel. I get 30mpg at 60mph. I get 34mpg at 55mph. I get 28 at 65 and 26mpg at 70. When I towed a 6000 boat and trailer 900 miles, I got 19 mpg. Please know I have a very soft foot. When I saw the oil temp going up going up a hill, I slowed to 40mph and the oil stayed under 220 degrees. One thing I will never do again is floor that engine. Thank God it was in warranty or it would have cost me $14,000.

Why does GM rate the conventional towing as 13K lbs and the gooseneck is only 8400 lbs. Is it because of Axle and or ratio ? The rear suspension? Thank you

I'm looking into purchasing a 2024 lt trail boss with the 3.0 LZO. My question is with your experience with this engine, would you buy another truck with the same engine again? Also would you recommend it to anyone?

Set up the wdh properly and you wont have any squat

Tow mirrors are available for this truck from GM

I had to stop watching after saying GM puts a sticker with GVWR and then that squat is a personal preference.

Do you use fuel treatment and if so what do you use or recommend

Does the GVWR warning go off in your are taking off into the wind? Uphill? Both? I saw it going off in the video Andre did on TFL Truck when they did a max towing on the Ike.

I have never seen anyone use a tape measure on a dipstick. Lol

How did you activate Tow/Haul Mode?

Not much squat, but you have a weight distribution hitch. There shouldn’t be that much squat.

I really think you got a standardize the cruising speed when you do these tests. Everything else is so scientific. Just one man's opinion

Squat might not be that big of a deal to some, but those outside the truck that has the truck in the review at night might disagree with the truck's headlights blinding them. Because I don't want to be one of those guys, last couple of trucks I have purchased have had airbags.

Gah! Don't show folks the pretty side of Nebraska! Nothing to see here. Best to stay away...But seriously, I just put in an order for a 3.0 LT after driving my '14 5.3L gas for 6 years. I think it will be quite an upgrade. Thanks for the video.

Diesel makes the best Cologne, you know, the woman is serious if she hangs around you!

Why did you leave the truck in auto 4WD with dry pavement? I would think that would slightly affect your numbers.

Cant find one with max towing package will I be disappointed without it? Towing up to 6000 pounds.

I'm not understanding why you gave the exhaust brake a failing grade. You had the cruise set at 65 and it heald it at 66 with a trailer, did you want it to reduce speed for the turn? If that's a thing I haven't heard of it. It seems like it worked much better than GMs Grade Braking on my '15, I'd have to have the cruise down around 55mph to keep the truck pulling a trailer at 65. Good video overall though, thank.

Hey Tim looks like you weight distribution hitch set up need some work. A properly set up weight distribution hitch should reduce your squat by about half.

Strictly from the p.o.v. of reliabelity who's more reliabel a: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss or the Toyota Hilux GR Sport 2.8l. Diesel?!

Here's a dumb question. If that fluid takes the pollutants out of the exhaust before leaving the truck, where do they go? Are they neutralized by some chemical reaction like a catalytic converter?

DEF kills reliability. Last failure was a DEF pump. The DEF crystallizes and clogs the injection system.

So , have you put ~$4,000 into a savings account to fund the oil pump belt replacement at 150,000 miles ?

It should do all of that as it’s NEW 🙃

Might have to get myself a 3.0. It looks like it gets the same mpg as my current lifted 07’ 1500 pulling a 29ft tt.😂

What kind of diesel are you using? I’m hearing horror stories about water in diesel and some dealers not honoring warranty claiming it’s the type of diesel used at gas station. I’m seeing nothing but renewable diesel or B20 in my area. No top tier diesel.

If you were purchasing a new 1500 today , which engine would you get ?

Can you get the max trailering package on the GMC Denali ultimate with the LZ0?