NorthWoodsDave

I'm looking at purchasing a Silverado 2500 HD to tow a 35 foot, 10,000lb (loaded) travel trailer. Having never owned a truck I need some advice. Do I need 4WD or would a 2WD be sufficient. Some people have told me the 2WD will be too light in the back during winter months and can fishtail on me. Not sure if this is true.

The next question is towing. I know a diesel would be great for towing our travel trailer, but would a 6L 8cyl truck with a 4.10 axle ratio do the trick. This is a big issue for us in terms of cost given how much more it costs to buy a diesel.

Thanks, Dave

old dog

well the four wheel drive is heaver ,yes but more expensive and better look at expected fuel milage if your only towing a trailer .i have a 2500hd 4x4 6.0 gaser w4:10 gears 12 mpg is a stretch in optmimum conditions but i also plow snow .if towing a trailer generaly weight on the rear axle is not a problem .for your usage i would stick to a two wheel drive .empty any truck is light in the rear .you just add 6 bag's of tube sand to the back and no prob!

NorthWoodsDave

Are you saying from a cost perspective I am better off with the 2WD? When looking at fuel economy at what point does a diesel become a better option then a 6L 8cyl gasser. Most of the time the truck will be used to get me to and from work, with about 6 times a year used for towing a heavy travel trailer.

We have an opportunity to purchase a used 2007 Silverado 2500 HD Diesel with less then 5k miles. However it is only a 2WD. The price is a bit more then we want to spend, but may be doable. If I wasn't so unsure about the 2WD vs. the 4WD the decision would be easy. If we decide not to go with this truck there are a few other 2006 & 2007 Silverado 4WD Diesels with between 20k and 35k miles for about the same price.

Thanks for the help.

Dave

old dog

well it look's like (personal choise) at this point gas may be a cheaper option for you at the price differance of gas versis diesel and how much driving you would do to make the differance of the diesel pay a divedend for the milage differance,and cost of the truck and repair's .

NorthWoodsDave

With the Silverado do you know the MPG difference between gas and diesel?

old dog

well i have personally got 12.9 max avarage 9.0 with my 4x4 with a diesel i have been told about 19 mpg max unloaded but you have to ballance it out cost wise fuel prices versis gas prices cost per mile to run the truck and cost differance of the two truck's is it worth it !

BigScott5150

If cost is an issue go with the 2wd. I have owned pickups since i started driving both 4wd and 2wd. my first pickup was a 2wd and it performed very well for me but now that i have purchased a 4wd, i'll be sticking with that. the versatility is much greater and when you really need the 4 wheel drive it sure is nice to have!