Ok New guy here, first post AND first Chevrolet
Looking for insight and advice.
I am going to purchase a new 2013 crew cab 4x4 Silverado V8 Gas truck, I own an antique truck and a boat, these are the only things that would be pulled with the truck. This is being bought only because the family finally requires us to own a secodn vehicle. I live 15 minutes away from my job and this is the only place I would be driving it, except some around town and occasional hunting trip.
The questions I have are is the mpg's THAT different in the 1500 and 2500?
Which would you advise I go with and why?
I know the 1500 will do most everything the 2500 will, at least that I will need done, but when pulling my car hauler with my antique truck on it would I regret not getting the 2500?
I like the looks of the 2500 better but feel if I am getting an V8 in both I should just opt for the 2500.

Let me know what some experienced Chevrolet guys here think.

 

I think a 1500 truck is going to be good enough - unless you have a VERY BIG boat or you tow stuff frequently.

Gas mileage will vary quite a bit from the 1500 to the 2500; mostly because the HD truck will be heavier and have a larger engine. It also has heavier springs, shorter gears (probably), bigger axles, stronger suspension parts, etc., etc.

For one example, my 2004 Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 averages about 14 to 15 miles per gallon around town and 18 mpg on the highway. An acquaintance of mine has a 2003 Silverado 2500HD with the 6.0L V8 under the hood. He averages 9 miles per gallon in town and gets 13 or 14 on long trips. That is a big gap percentage-wise.

 

As long as you get a diesel, you can have better mileage, good towing capacity and overall performance. The big difference is the cost where 1500 is less expensive when it comes to parts and other operating expenses.

 

I had a 2010 1500 on the highway i got 18.5 at best from iowa to east coats 15 city just traded up to a 2500hd to pull mt fifth wheel toy hauler 9800 pounds with the 2500 i get 12 in the city 16 on the hwy 10 mpg pulling anything from my toy hauler to a 600 pound utility trailer

 

You can find a 1500 with a 6.2 v8 and 3.73s in it. If it were me that's what I'd do. Cheaper price due to it not bein a 2500hd and a lil better mpg but still has the pullin power a HD will have. It's basically a 1500hd they just don't call it that anymore