tchnlgykd

hello, i was looking into buying a silverado 2500 crew cab standard bed with the GAS engine and was wondering if anyone had one and could tell me city and highway mpg they are getting because i know gm doesn't list the mpg on heavy duty trucks.

Thanks.

JK23112

Manufacturers generally don't list EPA mileage figures on "heavy duty" trucks. First of all, they are over a certain weight rating (8,000 pounds, I believe) and are exempt. Second, and probably far more importantly, they also don't count against the company's CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) ratings, where the federal government mandates their fleet average to be xxx miles per gallon.

Part of the reason that Ford sells so many F-250s to people who could get by with an F-150 is that the SuperDuty trucks don't count against them the way a 1/2-ton F-150 does. Ford will have to sell two Focus sedans and a Fiesta for every pickup truck, so as to "balance out" their overall average miles per gallon. I suppose the same is true for GM and Chrysler, where they have to sell economical cars (even at a lower profit ratio or perhaps a loss) in order to be able to sell their more profitable trucks and SUVs.

Gotta love big government, eh?


Regarding the mileage on your potential 2011 2500HD, I suppose it depends on which engine you get. I believe there are two or three different gasoline V8 options from which to choose. Fuel economy will vary with transmission & axle choices, as well as whether or not you opt for a 4x4 drivetrain.

With a gas V8 (over 6.0L, of course), I would estimate that you might get 10 or 11 miles per gallon around town - and maybe 14 or 15 on the highway if you have a light foot. I have a 1/2-ton with the 5.3L engine and I rack up 15 mpg in town and maybe 18 or 19 on the highway if I take it easy.

Good luck! (you might want to look into getting a Duramax diesel if you haul a lot or put on more miles than average)

tsduke

How are you planning to use the truck?

JK has the mileage pretty close. Friend of mine has the 6.0 2500. I think he wished he would have went diesel, put he is a farmer and pulls a camper cross country. Although this truck rarely gets used for rough farm stuff has he still has his 05 2500 duramax for that.

tchnlgykd

pretty much just for plowing. some people have told me if i wanted a crew cab id have to get a 2500 because putting a plow on a 1500 is a bad idea. are they correct? can i get a 1500 but change the suspension or raise the truck? any suggestions?

tsduke

I personally wouldn't want a plow on a "new" truck at all unless it was going to be for a good income, but never on a 1500. Plows are hard on trucks.

JK23112

To use a truck for plowing, you should use a heavy-duty platform (GM/Chevy 2500 HD, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Dodge Ram 2500, etc.). A diesel is preferable, but a gasser will do.

Our company "maintenance truck" is a Chevy 2500HD with a 6.0L gas V8; and it uses A LOT OF UNLEADED under normal conditions and a huge amount when plowing or towing.

Plowing is hard on transmissions, cooling systems, ball joints, tie rods, universal joints, etc., etc.; but most any well-maintained, heavy-duty pickup can handle it. Probably too much for a mere 1500, though.