I've had my '06 Sierra 2500 for 11 years and I can vouch for the Vortec 6.0 being bullet-proof. I have always used synthetic 5-30 oil and maintained it on schedule. It has 287,000+ Km on it and doesn't require oil to be added between 5K Km changes. Always starts and always runs, -40 to +40C. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada so I'm not exaggerating on the temps.
Former Sask dude here. All my life until a few years ago. Sask winters are no joke lol. Agree, the 6.0 are bulletproof. They'll run WOT at 4000+ pulling hills loaded down with a trailer all day long. Not quickly, but reliably and never whimper.
Definitely a reliable engine. I know a lot of friends who have them either in a personal truck or their company truck and they all seem to have good reliably. My father in-law had one as a company truck and when he left that company it had over 400,000 miles and was still running strong.
I have a 2003 2500HD 6.0 with 290k miles. Never had an issue with it other than normal routine maintenance (alternators, fuel pump, etc). I’m looking at a 2015 2500HD 6.0 with only 40k miles on it and this video answered any questions I might have had about purchasing it! Thank you so much. I know those older 6.0’s are virtually indestructible as long as you take care of them and it appears as if these newer versions are the same workhorse trucks! Thank you for this video!
Ive got a 2019 2500 LTZ Z71. Pulled my 34 ft long 10k travel trailer to Yellowstone and back to Missouri. No problems, ran true with sway bar. Love my truck
I would guess that slop in the hitch assembly (the play you showed at the start) is contributing to the floating feeling when driving. I know that when I had similar slop I had a similar feeling (before buying a shim and a bracket to lock down the hitch assembly) even when using a WD hitch. Great videos, by the way, I really enjoy them as I shop for a larger truck.
It’s possible and definitely something I should look at. I prefer using my 2.5 hitch as oppose to using a reducer burnt I forgot to grab it off my truck. Thanks for sharing and hopefully I can post a few more to help out 👍🏾
Great video. I enjoyed watching what a 4 year old truck looked like and the towing capacity, or lack thereof, it had back then. Kind of amazing what the "truck wars" did for the consumers! They also seem to be lacking amenities as well as compared to the new vehicles; of course, the price is lacking as well. Puts into perspective what you get for your money now.
Thanks bro! Man you are not lying about pricing..... $35k seemed high but I notice there isn’t much new inventory on the lots right now. Supply/demand is really showing up in the truck market... 👍🏾
I have a Vortec 6.0 in my Chevy Express 2500 extended van, and it is a great motor. I routinely outrun cars and trucks with it going uphill, no problem.
I had a 2016 6.0 I bought brand new. It was fine on flat land towing locally. Through the mountains of Maryland and West Virginia.....it ate gas like a pig. I could only get 190-210 miles out of a tank of gas pulling 10,000lbs. I traded it in on a new '2019 diesel 2500hd. The same trip through Maryland and West Virginia it got 370-390 miles per tank. Not to mention the gasser would turn 4500-5000rpm up an 8% grade for 8 miles. The diesel never downshifted and grunted away at 1700-1800 rpm up the same 8% grade. The very best empty mpg in the gasser I could average was 16.8. The diesel so far has had the best of 24.7 mpg.....and the truck only has 6600 miles on it. I was never a diesel fan....but after seeing the incredible difference I'd never buy a gasser heavy duty truck again.
@@U.F.0. what about weekend warrior towing, gas or diesel? what is daily driving MPG? We tow a pontoon and sometimes a camper on the weekends in the Texas Hill Country, my job is 8 miles from home. Looking to upgrade from 1/2 ton but i have no idea about diesels. Thanks,
Lol yup!!! Who ever stated first, “don’t believe everything you hear” should get an award. I’m glad I had a chance to pull with one, thanks for sharing 👍🏾
Love mine. Have a 15' 2500hd z71 crew cab with the 6.0 but also upgraded to fox 2.0 performance shocks with external reservoirs, put a set of airlift bags on the back with wireless controls , tuned , intake , exhaust lol. But she's good to me.
I like your absolutely honest opinion on these trucks!! I have an ‘08 2500 with this engine and it’s been very strong and reliable and does everything anybody needs it to do...that being said a diesel can do it better but still not worth the extra $$$ to do the same job!!
@@user-yi8pf8on6w normally to and from work I get 13-13.5 mpg…that’s with an 87 octane tune, before that it was 12. That being said it’s much better on the performance tune but the 93 octane isn’t real affordable at the moment (FJB). It has recently improved even more since I performed a trans flush and filled it with Amsoil synthetic fluid, still in testing but I’m seeing 14.5 plus!! As far as towing goes I’ve never towed far enough to gauge mileage but I imagine it’s pretty bad…probably 8-10 mpg.
I just picked up a 2003 2500HD with a 6.0 gas engine yesterday. It runs like a champ and I got a great deal on it. So much more confidence than my 1500.
I have a 2004 2500HD with the 6.0L & it tows 8k without breaking a sweat. Very capable truck. I think you will like it depending on what you plan on doing with it.
The Nissan Cummins has been a good light-duty truck. The only issue was when the driver filled the fuel tank with DEF at 15,000 miles. That was a mess to clean out. The dealer wanted $11k to replace everything from the tank the the injectors. The same guy that rebuilds our trans flushed it out multiple times for $1,000 and it has been running fine and now has 110,000 miles on it.
The prices are rediculas, my guess with everything going on with the pandemic and people changing their lifestyle, recreational stuff is in. like buying campers motorcycles and so on. So a lot of stuff you need trucks to pull these things around so its very easy to more of a demand and that comes with a bigger price tag unfortunately. It's not that your price is out of control It's anywhere you go lol. Thanks again
As for the 6.0 engine - we have had no unusually issues. We are in the concrete business so the trucks are loaded down and they suck a lot of gas but run great. We typically use the diesels to pull 10K of equipment trailers around. We'll use a 6.0 to tow short runs but they have to work hard. After the supervisors driving the Chevy 6.0's drive the 2500 Ram they say that's what they want next as they ride a lot smoother. If we buy another Chevy gasser it will probably be the 6.6. But the Ford 7.3 looks interesting too.
I've got an 2008 Chevy silverado with a 6.0L V8 vortec engine, has 175,000 miles on it and runs like a beauty, very powerful and it's been used by my dad for hauling hay and goats for 6 years, then he got a new truck for hauling, and then 2 years later he got a 2015 6.6L Silverado and I got handed down the 08. I wouldn't replace it if I had to.
I’ve been towing with this truck since I purchased it 2015 2500 HD 4.10 rear end, it’s a rocksolid towing vehicle I have no complaints I’m not sure if those tires are a load range E I tow a 11,000 pound fifth wheel RV with no issues whatsoever, also have air bags that help smooth out the ride. Granted my truck has more creature comforts than the one you’re showing I have leather big screen and the tow package
Nice. They sound amazing with aftermarket exhaust as well. I recommend it if you want to slightly improve mpg, get a few hp and hear the true sound of the engine.
Hotshoter here ...the gasers nowadays are way better for a 13k load then a dumb ass emissions destroyed diesel truck hell gasers get the same mpg and I've drive from Minnesota to Florida to California n back to Minnesota gasers cost less and overall better fuel economy n lower cost to own n maintain
Thanks for you work. I hope you will get a weighsafe hitch to get a more accurate touge weight to do these tests. Maybe this is why some of these trucks have sway. Having this hitch would also give you an opportunity to teach proper touge weight and why it's very important.
Have the same truck and diesel version as well. With the gas when towing heavy lock out 5th and 6th. Let it rev a little. Run 4th the whole time. Roof contractor and tow toy hauler with both trucks. Timbren rear kit on any heavy truck towing.
Just got this truck in Maryland I simply love it, my old truck had a 5.3 but I had a borla exhaust and velonte intake in it and I felt more power up top in my old truck but its great either way
Love your commentary brother!😂 I have a 2016 gen3 and tow nothing. Just bought for the strength and looks. If you're buying a pickup period, go for the HD's! Just in case of situations, your covered... Nice job bud
I know guys talk crap on 6.0 vortecs. But im still rocking a 2003 1500 w 5.3 and 3.42 rear. It barely handles my 7x14 cargo trailer (camper conversion), fully loaded bed etc. After over 250K miles, I would love to get a 6.0 HD next. Also would give me the choice to tow more. The '03 has been reliable as F. But in 2024 after 21 years, it runs hot. Dont like the stress of always checking temp, and I just cant justify paying 4$ a gal. for DEF and over $10K more for a used truck because its diesel. Cheapest diesel in my area (Northern NV) is 3.85. Gas is 3.95. No DEF necessary
My work truck is a 2016 3500 srw with the 6.0. Honestly it is what it is and does a good job 99% of the time. Where I fault it is, it will not pass a slow moving vehicle going up hill with an empty 30ft gn trailer. Being used to a Powerstroke that is the reason that I still drive a diesel.
I’ve got a 2014 Sierra 2500 with the 6.0L and I certainly see where people are coming from calling it a dog. However I think most of that comes from the fact that the rest of the truck feels so damn capable. My biggest complaint is something I saw you experiencing, when towing and trying to maintain 70, the transmission keeps shifting back and forth. It makes for frustrating long trips on the interstate. However, it feels terrific hooked up to my camper with weight distribution. Great video!
Thanks for sharing this Justin! Man when it shifted I was hoping my speed didn’t drop although I was going pretty fast but very frustrating. The truck handled my trailer well but I think the independent suspension does lack the feel I like when towing. You confirmed the WDH fixes the issue, thanks again 👍🏾
Can't you just put it in manual mode and shift gears yourself with the buttons on the columb ? / hold the gears that's how my avalanche is and makes towing such a better experience I know what you mean if you let it do the shifting its annoying
The manual mode doesn’t allow you to shift gears per se. All it does is allow you to lock out gears. So if you put it in 4th in manual mode, it will shift through gears 1-4 and stop at 4.
I have a 09 and you need to use the cruise control it will not let the truck go below 5 mph or if down hill will not go 5 mph above its a nice to have the engine breaking in the gasser..
How much would it be able to tow with just a stage 1 upgrade?? Because i have a 2004 and i want to pull about 14,000 fifth wheel but i feel it will struggle
@@WalkingDead520 It might struggle but it’ll handle it trust me. A tree service I worked for had an 03 with over 300k on the original engine. They’d haul a big stump grinder and medium size skid steer on the interstate regularly doing 80 mph. They abused that truck worse than any vehicle I’ve seen and it never skipped a beat.
I bought a new 2018 Chevy 2500HD with 6.0. Driving home from dealer was about 50 miles. This truck had problems with steering, it would not stay in it's own lane after hitting a bump in the road. Took it back a few days later to the dealer, they didn't see anything wrong with it. Took it back again, then told them I would never be back. Ended up taking it to a different dealer, showed them while standing outside reaching through window how much play was in the steering. First time the service department tighten down the back lash in steering box. Well then it still had play but I couldn't turn the wheel. Then they decided to replace the whole steering box, what a difference that made! I'm retired so don't drive much and that's why truck only has a little over 11,000 miles on it right now. Money wise the gas engine is fine, have an equipment trailer to haul a small tractor but haven't used it yet. My truck has the 20 inch tires and wheel setup
Run the same loop with your next gas HD but lock out 4th, 5th & 6th and see how much better it might pull when you can keep the engine/transmission in its powerband so like 3500 - 4000 rpms. Would like to see the results
@@JB_WhoWork I believe on that transmission when you lock out say 5th & 6th then the transmission will not shift higher than 4th. If it works like a “manual transmission” than yes you would control the gear shifts from 1st and then keep the transmission in the gear providing you the most hp/torque forever road situation you are in (flat, hill,mountain,etc)
I have a 2006 Silverado 2500 HD with the 6.0 vortec V8 and the reason I bought it is because when I test drove it it acted like a diesel it felt like a diesel it felt like a Ford 6.0 powerstroke I pulled the same 10,000 lb that I was going to pull with the powerstroke and my vortec never skipped a beat I pulled 11,000 lb 350 mi it was a little slow going up the hills but I didn't know I had water in the tanks at the time I tried to make sure all my water was evacuated but it wasn't pulled it all the way over here against headwinds against hellacious headwinds when I first crossed into Arizona and on a terrible terrible interstate I-40 east of needles is the most beat up freeway in the world anyways truck was even actually overheating because of the headwinds I pulled over let it cool off an hour kept right on going it was 108° I made it here safe and sound no problem I would recommend a Chevy 6.0 to anybody The gentleman I bought it from used it to haul cars from Southern California with a car trailer wonderful truck absolutely wonderful truck
I've got an 18 with the same engine and transmission, it does the job just fine. It works better if you manually shift to keep the gears where you want it.
Chevy updated the trucks from 15 through late 18. The late 16-18 trucks got lots of transmission tuning adjustments. They hold gears, shift better, and are overall smoother to tow with.
Agreed manual shifting I also believe is easier on the trans than even the tow haul mode. I tow alot and am very in tune with my shift points and how the truck responds
Man if I were in the market for a used pickup to tow a TT or larger boat part time this would do fine! I never had an issue with 6.0s. A friend has a 2020 6.6 and he says the seat of the pants feeling of power isn’t that much different than the 6.0 he owned for 17 😲years! But he only hauls and rarely tows. Everyone stay safe!
Thanks for sharing bro! I have a feeling I’m going to notice the same thing... I found a 2020 6.6L but I’m afraid it’s going to sell before I have a chance to get the keys for it...
Anyone that says the 6.0 sucks just doesn’t know how to respect a durable engine where it’s due. It has its problems like any engine, but a well maintained 6.0 can hit a million miles which is very rare territory for a gas v8 engine.
I’m more concerned about how much it lifts up the front end. My neighbors have this truck and tow a travel trailer with another trailer loaded with 3 ATVs on it behind that. It really does a good job overall, but the steep grades in Utah, plus high elevation, is a strain on the engine. It’ll only do about 50 going up some of the hills. They are towing a LOT though. I’m looking forward to buying the new 6.6 Liter. That 6-speed has proven to be very reliable, so give and take...
As always great work JB and greetings from well north of the border! I agree with your assessment. I used similar truck a couple of summers ago to tow my 6500 lb 27 foot RV bumper pull. I found the power to be just ok and had to be very mindful where the next gas station was as she was a thirty gurl. I am in the market for a new or 1/2 year old and a HD gasser is my best option given I just use it for summer camping. I am not holding myself to any particular brand. Deciding on a 3/4 HD gasser has been difficult bc each has their pros and cons. Any thoughts from you or the community would be great. Keep them sweet vids coming brother! I am already looking forward to our Canadian 3 weeks of summer before the snow flies!
Thanks bro! If you’re looking for a gasser, I hope you can find a Ford 7.3L especially since it comes standard with the 10 speeder! The power from the GM 6.6L is great but utilizing a 6 speed was the wrong decision from them... the 6.4L with a 4.10 axle from RAM would be my second choice 👍🏾
I towed a 20k gooseneck to southern Mexico with 6.0 gas Chevy.got me there 4 days of driving.didnt skip a beat,just a little slow on hills.i mean really slow.like 10mph on hills.but didn't over heat.
I have driven an identical truck and yes while there are other options that may have more power, however I did not feel that the truck was incapable of work and handling the task. Also, this engine is known for reliability. That absolutely matters when you are spending this much money on a truck and using it as your workhorse. So while you may not win at the dragstrip, you will win when it comes to reliability. I feel if it had a weight distribution hitch, this test would have been a piece of cake. Just my opinion of course. Good looking truck as well.
Thanks for sharing Charles! I felt like the engine was strong and capable even going up 6% grade. The transmission leaves a little on the table in my opinion though...
I have a 2003 GMC 2500hd 6.0L 4L80E 4.11 SLT with 145K on it. Very reliable. Great drivetrain. Never a serious problem. I keep it in very good condition. I will never sell it.
I started a hotshot business with my gasser and if you gat the 4:10 rear end the truck is an animal! The rear end rhat comes in exteneded/crew cab is crap.
Yep, it'll get the job done. It appears the previous owner "leveled" it by cranking up on the torsion bars. It also has slightly larger tires than stock which may contribute to the sway a little.
Looks just like my 2019 inside. Lol I love having a key. Especially because my wife NEVER knows what coat or purse her key fab disappeared in because she never has to actually use it. I think a physical key is a plus. And don’t act like you’ve never dropped the misses off someone and then you drive off w/o having a fab in the car. Lol
Do a video on a 8.1/Allison truck! I bought a 2500HD with the 8.1/Allison combo with the intent of selling... until I pulled with it.... NOT for sale anymore!!
I have the exact same truck 2015 with the LT trim. It has 145,000 miles. I tow a 7500 pound trailer and put a 4000 pound side by side in the bed while towing. I do use a 4 inch hitch extension so I can tow with the tail gate down with the atv on the back. The only upgrade is rear sumo springs. She does really well especially in manual mode.
@@morley3810 3,800 and I put a large full cooler generator and tools on the bed of the side by side. It's a pioneer 1000. They are the heaviest off all the sxs because of the dual clutch rather than centrifucal trans. But they are the only 5 seater sxs that will fit in the bed of a truck with the tailgate down.
All gm trucks feel like the steering is loose after coming from a ram. I noticed it immediately in a 16 Denali after owning a 14 Ram. I believe its in the IFS and power steering system.
That's because like anything it requires maintenance. IFS systems will feel loose if they are not aligned correctly or need new ball joints. Pretty standard stuff. They ride a whole lot better than anything without IFS and the front end essentially floats separate of the chassis
I just bought a 2009 Silverado 2500HD with only 86,000km in Panama. If you think that this truck you show looks antique, you should look at my truck. Absolutely nothing on gadgets. Bare truck. Only upgrade is the towing option.
I had an 05 Escalade best SUV I ever had it was nice but not over the top the 6.0 Vortec was so reliable just change the oil and put gas in her. Sold it with 190k got it with 75k
Yepp . Be0 i agree & plus maybe better tires .. because just sometimes i dislike Michellen tires for pulling.. just my opinion.. but theyy great for SUV 'z & mini vans for hiway use no doubt...
thanks for this video, I am considering selling my ram 3500 HD cummins and go to a gas hd truck because I only tow about 3 times a year. Besides the cost, monthly payment, and maintenance does not justify my use of the Ram. Any recommendations on a good HD gas truck to tow a travel trailer for camping?
It's all about relativity. Depends what you are comparing the truck to. I towed our 6500 GVW RV home with an 89 GMC 2500 and was pretty frustrated with the 220hp engine by the time I got home. 2 months later bought a 2018 2500hd with the 6.0 and was amazed at the difference. I worked in the RV industry in the 80's and that GMC is what you wanted if you towed an RV back in the 80's. I get 7-9mpg towing the RV and 12-15 daily driving empty. By the way the 89GMC with 4:56 gears gets 9mpg with or without the trailer.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom Chris! They needed those high axle ratios back in the day because they were so down on power... Now the GM diesels use a 3.42 rear axle 👍🏾
i have a 16' gas and i deff don't like the lack in power. For a truck that weighs in at nearly 7000lbs before you start adding weight in the box or a trailer, the power specs aren't great. i understand why it only has the power it dose for long term reliability but for myself i will be doing a trans tune, a cam swap and even an LSA supercharger from a ZL1 Camaro down the line.
I owned a 2016 Sierra 2500 6L. I liked it, it towed nice and was powerful enough for me, but the gas mileage was brutal! That's the reason for me buying a diesel.
Lol 😆 I do hotshot trucking and diesel is actually stupid fucking idea unless your towing 20k or more ..2016 f250 diesel deleted even stage 1 row tune only pulling a 7900 pound bumper pull 34ft camper maybe 12mpg cruise on 68mph .. Gas 6.2 2021 sierra 1500 got the same mpg and gas is way cheaper than diesel and maintenance is Hella cheaper for gas .. Those stupid dpf system cost 4000 bucks to replace every 100k and oil change double the cost then gas and fuel filters every 15 to 20k plus diesel is 1 to 1.50 more per gallon.
Litteraly from Jan 1st to today I've logged 74,068 miles on my f250 powerstroke and a gaser would have costed me thousands less to operate hell California diesel is 2.50 per gallon more then diesel is some areas.
I'm debating gas vs diesel but i only tow a pontoon and camper on the weekends when i would have a load. I would use this as my daily in between but have no idea about diesels and am about 60% educated on gassers, but i've heard gas mileage on these big gassers are so brutal, need some opinions on weekend warrior towing. Thanks,
@@user-yi8pf8on6wI tow my trailer regularly - I get 6 mpg towing. I get 14 unloaded. My 89 460 got 8 doing the same job. Wife wanted a newer truck and the price was right. I bought into the hype and 281,000 miles later I still miss my Ford 7.5 liter - especially at the gas station and when I have to climb.
Bring probably 25 years older than you, ive had my fill of rebuilding 350's in the past from beating on the motors. Granted, we were tacking out at 6k just where it would start to float from high RPM's. I've owned my 05 chevy 2500HD since new. I tow the same trailer you are pulling. I max out load capacity and drive 1,300 miles each way when I make a run. I have never pushed my engine to 5k rpm's. Your holding it there for several seconds. I'm driving from CT to AR mainly on I-81 to I-40 and finish on I-65N
Better than ford any day. 6.6 have turbo issues and def issues sometimes to expensive to repair. 6.0l is for people that work and reliable transport that’s all that matters
In 2020 I bought a 2001 manual shift 4x4 and A/T 2500HD single cab long bed with power nothing . Truck had 68,900 miles and paid $6800 cash from a dealer in MS. the truck had a matching camper top and no scratches and no dents . No carpet either which is a plus for me . Did I get a fair price on this truck ???
With that mileage that was an absolute steal. The trim levels on these trucks doesn’t matter too much in the market. You could easily get 10-12k for that truck. People buy them for the power train and that truck most likely had a tremec gearbox which is very rare.
