I currently have a 2000 Chevy 2500 4WD Crew Cab that I am looking to trade in on a smaller truck, and a brand new one. I have not researched these trucks much yet, and have a few qustions:

1) How does the 4.8 motor tow? I have a 17ft trailer and a ~3500lb car, will I be able to tow it ok, or will I need the 5.3?

2) I like the looks and interior of the GMCs better than the Chevys, but are there any other mechanical differrences that I am not seeing?

3) I will probably tow my car on a 2-3 1600 mile round trips a year, as well as pretty frequent trips to the local dragstrip throughout the summer months, what other options would be helpful?

4) Anything else that I need to be looking at?

5) How modifiable are these trucks? I cannot leave anything alone, but I would like to do the basics. (Headers, pulleys, exhaust, possibly convertor, etc)

6) Let me see links to your trucks, with pics and mods, help me make up my mind.

Thanks, Shawn

 

I just bought a 1500HD with the 6.0 engine. A 17' trailer with a 3500 pound car on it will weight more than 5000 pounds. I used to pull my trailer which weighed 3800 pounds with my 4.6 Ford truck and it would barely get over an overpass without gearing down. I would recommend a truck like I have for what you are towing. Particularly if you plan to tow in hills.

I certainly would not consider anything less than the 5.3.

 

I agree with Larry that the 5.3L is the minimum that I would go with. I tow right at 5,500# (3,450# car with 2,050# 18' dovetail) with my '01 GMC ext. cab w/ the 5.3L, and it's GREAT. I highly recommend the 3.73's and posi, too. Drive one of these trucks w/ an open rearend in the rain, and you'll be scared into getting a posi. I would also recommend the trailering suspension. It makes a big difference in the ride of the truck, and it won't squat NEAR as much when you have a trailer hooked up. I'm also a big fan of the optional 255/16's. I like the added contact patch.
There aren't any mechanical differences between the GMC's and Chevrolets. It's more or less a matter of preference, and I prefer the GMC as well.
These trucks are incredibly modifiable. My only mod is a K&N FIPK, and I could definitely tell a difference with it. FLP is getting ready to release a set of NICE headers for the trucks that I might have to try out. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> Torque converters, UD crank pulley, cams, you name it. The sky (or your wallet) is the limit. <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
Here's a pic of my GMC, but it looks pretty crappy w/ out the tinted windows. I'll snap a pic of it tomorrow w/ the tinted windows. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

 

Let me just answer the ???'s
1.I tow a 6000# travel trailer w/o a problem but I put in a 373:1 gear and an Auburn posi for towing and speed reasons
2.No mechanical differrences. Styling is your preference.
3.373:1 and posi
4.6.0 <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">
5.see my signature link. Be careful with a converter when towing, a 2600 or 3000 Yank is as much as you want.
6. www.picturetrail.com/fast4.8 descriptions are with the pics.

As far as trailering goes, I put air shocks out back and it is peeerrrrfect. Keep in mind, I tow with a 3/4 drop. I put add-a-leaf spings on mine and it sucked(took them back) Air shocks $60, Helper bags $260. I like the shocks. I also have weight distribution hitch setup, about $400(wouldn't tow w/o it)

 

I'd have to agree with Greg, I've seen his HUGE travel trailer that he pulls with the 4.8L no problem.

I towed my car on a trailer from Houston to Bowling Green Kentucky this past year, and did so with a weak-*** 4.9L '94 Ford F150. Those trucks make about 150 rwhp max. There were MANY hills between here and there, and the weak F150 pulled with no problems. The GM LS1 based 4.8L is a MUCH better motor than that old Ford 4.9L

Trevor, that truck does not look like crap without tint, that is a sweet truck!

Tony