I have the opportunity to buy a 2004 2500 sub for $15000 with 60,000miles, 6.0L, 4.10 rear, 4x4, LT with autoride, excellent shape. I will pull a 4900lb travel trailer. I know this will tow well. Should I try to buy a model with better gas mileage? A 6.0 with 3.73, or 1500 5.3L with 4.10? I know this sub has the 4L80E which will rpm in the 2200 range or so when driving 60mph. I have looked at used denalis with the 6.0 also. I will tow for 2000 miles a year, and drive empty for 5000 miles. Unloaded, it will probably get 14-15mpg highway, and towing 10.5mpg (I am guessing).

I like the look of the new body style, and the 09 have the 5.3L with a 6 speed and it will probably get close to 20 on the highway without towing. Hate to dish out $37,000 or more for something that gets 7000 miles a year.

I also could put a 32" (taller) tire which will help decrease rpm on highway. I could add a Volant cold air intake, ceramic JBA headers, and cat-back exhaust for $1100 to help with more power and better gas mileage.

I am not sure which way to jump, and whether this is a good buy for me. I also looked at 07 expedition EL with 6spd, and they cost $25000 used. Have never driven a 3/4 ton sub, or the expedition EL from Ford.

 

me thinks you are analizing it to much for starters.....4.10 to 3.73 there maybe 1 mpg difference, depending on your area, we actually find 4.10 perform better in British columbia due to the mountaisn and valleys you are always up and down..

as for 2500 or 1500...for a 5000lbs trailor, well a Colorado would pull it soa 2500 is a bit overkill for that....

You could do LOTS of things to improve gas milage, but reality is you will spend more on tires, exhaust, etc, CAI, etc, then it will EVER save you and on a 2500 burb, you will NOT get you money back..I would try and find a nice 1500 tahoe, unless the Suburban is needed for hte extra room...

get an 07 or newer if you can, you get the better warranty and NBS. In the end its up to you, but this to me is another case of over analyzing everything, even if you went with the 2500 and then spent all that money to get better gas milage, How much you think it will save you, as you already said you ONLY drive 7000 miles a year. And really for a 5000lbs trailor, get a nice 1500...

 

I traded my 06 ext cab 1500 with the 5.3 and 3.42 gears (4x4 getting 14.5mpg city) for an 06 ext cab 1500 with the 6.0 and 4.10 gears. i havent looked back. im getting about 13.5 mpg city. 5000lbs is pretty stout. its almost a bobcat with no trailer. my 5.3 sucked towing, well it was ok but for only a 1mpg loss during normal driving i wouldnt give up my vortec max for anything. a denali 6.0 will have more power than a 3/4 ton 6.0 but you would have to use 93 octane. i say get whatever you can afford but get what will make towing the easiest. a 6.0 is def going to be better than a 5.3. you can then get a custom tune by nelson performance for like $350 and get more power and about 1-2mpg increase.

good luck