CliffordG
Central Wyoming
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I currently have a 2005 Silverado 2500HD with the 8.1L and the Allison transmission for towing my 2007 WW FSW 2800.
I have an opportunity for a SCREAMING deal on an '06 Silverado 2500HD with the 6.0L and the non-Allison trans.
My interest in upgrading is first the unbelievable deal. Second the '06 has far nicer interior. Bose stereo, steering wheel controls, OnStar, rear environmental and stereo controls, body in better shape, 30,000 less miles, etc.
What I'm wondering about is the performance difference in towing the trailer between my '05 with the 8.1L/Allison combo and the '06 with the 6.0L/GMC trans combo.
Does anyone have any advice or experience to offer?
2005 Silverado 2500HD with 8.1L and Allison 1000 pulling a 2007 WW 2800 FSW loaded with an 07 Suzuki Vinson, 07 Suzuki Eiger, 2007 Yamaha TTR50e, and 97 Suzuki LT80.
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carringb
Corvallis, OR
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The FSW 2800 is not a lightweight trailer. I think you may kick yourself for donwgrading the first big hill you hit. Plus you have a far better transmission on your current truck.
I think you would find OnStar and rear HVAC controls probably wouldn't ever get used anyways. You could always upgrade your seats and stereo.
Bryan
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Had: Weekend Warrior 41' FSW
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coptalker
Western Colorado
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With that size of a trailer, I'd be hesitant to give up the Allison tranny. Although the Chevy tranny is good with the 6.0, it pales in comparison to the Allison. I tow a 27' Dutchmen Lite and ended up burning out the transmission on my 1500. Since I've upgraded to the 2500HD 8.1/Allison, I've had absolutely no problem. I tow in the mountains, but if you don't, the 6.0 and accompanying tranny should do fine for most of the flatland towing.
Were it me, I'd keep the 8.1, but the one you're looking at sounds like a great truck. Tough call.
Good luck,
Glen
* This post was
edited 10/29/09 12:16pm by coptalker *
2004 Dutchmen 27BG, Rocky Mountain Elk Edition
2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 8.1/Ally
2 boys, 13 & 15
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Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
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CliffordG
Central Wyoming
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The two opinions in this thread, unfortunately, mirror my own. I don't think that downgrading from the 8.1 to the 6.0 and losing the Allison in the process is a good idea.
I was hoping someone would offer that they'd done it and it wasn't a big difference. Oh well. 
coptalker wrote:I tow in the mountains, but if you don't, the 6.0 and accompanying tranny should do fine for most of the flatland towing.
Glen
Glen I live in Central Wyoming. I can't go 30 miles in any direction without major elevation changes.
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eric james
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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That is not a screaming deal to downgrade to that small block drivetrain. With that size of trailer you have, you need the 8.1L/Allison combo.
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CliffordG
Central Wyoming
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eric james wrote:That is not a screaming deal to downgrade to that small block drivetrain. With that size of trailer you have, you need the 8.1L/Allison combo.
Anytime someone is offering you a 2006 Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Quad Cab longbox in running condition for 10% of it's retail price it's a SCREAMING deal. Yes, a 90% discount from "clean retail" is the deal I was offered.
No, I'm not going to extend that deal to you.
I'm going to stick with the '05 and it's big block. I've decided to buy the '06 anyway. It's too good of a deal to pass up.
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Capt Skup
Southern Maryland/Nantucket
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10% of value? May I suggest you smudge your fingers across the title to see what blurs. Anytimg a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. I sure would give it close scrutiny, condition and history.
Capt Skup
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retired4fun2002
Bracey,VA,USA
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I think the screaming deal would turn out sour for you; that 8.1 and the Ally sounds better suited for your needs. The add-ons....they are nice, but you have a rig that is there for the long-haul. Good luck.
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ib516
Up here!
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I say buy it! Then keep what you have (the 8.1L truck) and flip (resell) the 6.0L truck and make a few bucks.
2010 Cougar 322QBS 5er
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Prev Trucks:
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2001 Dodge 2500, 4x4, 360 gasser, 4.10, 46RE auto
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SkiDood
Peoples Republic of Minnesota
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Yup, buy and resell the 6.0. I personally would not trust that "Sweet" a deal on a HD tow vehicle.
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