I have a 2012 2WD Silverado 1500LT crew cab short box and I tow a 5,500 center console boat between Ohio and Florida. Anybody got an opinion on how much ...

nwaring · by **nwaring** [OP] » Jul 26 2020, 11:06pm

I have a 2012 2WD Silverado 1500LT crew cab short box and I tow a 5,500 center console boat between Ohio and Florida. Anybody got an opinion on how much better the 3.0 Duramax will handle this load. The 5.3L does ok, lots of RPM and less than 9MPG. I read where the 6.2L has the same upcharge as the 3.0

Thanks
Niles

19trax95 · by **19trax95** » Jul 26 2020, 11:15pm

From the reports I have seen and read, the 3.0 does pretty good for itself. It won't have near the get up as the 6.2 does off the line, but from all accounts it drive similar to the 5.3, but with more grunt down low, which is generally where the diesel shines, and also why you will almost always get better mpg while towing with a diesel.

With it being so new still, longevity would be the main point of contention for me. But besides that, it seems to be a pretty decent motor so far besides for a couple introductory issues like everything will have.

I still am wanting to drive one to see how they are first hand. Then I'm really eager to see what tuning comes out for them.

ssmike1 · by **ssmike1** » Aug 05 2020, 1:06pm

the 6.2L Diesel is a $10,000 upgrade charge,...
the 3.0L Diesel is a $2700 upgrade charge.
….
if you think back 10 to 15 years ago, the Powerstroke & Duramax 6L engines made about 500ft/lbs of torque, now that's what the 3L diesels are close to making!
...

ssmike1 · by **ssmike1** » Aug 14 2020, 10:10pm

I now have 2000 miles, and I towed a 5000lb trailer. I LOVE IT. the torque is plentiful, and smooth. it is very easy to speed in this diesel vehicle...

Srderb · by **Srderb** » Aug 14 2020, 10:37pm

SSMike: there is no current 6.2l diesel. The 6.6 Duramax is almost 10k upcharge but only in the HD trucks.

Jetmech76 · by **Jetmech76** » Aug 14 2020, 10:59pm

I was at the dealership about a month ago and while mine was getting an oil change I took a 3.0 Duramax for a little shake . To say I was impressed was an understatement. I was merging onto the highway under normal to me acceleration, looked down and I was flirting with 90. I'm pretty sure it would outrun my truck all day long. I can only imagine it tows very well also, and I'd venture to say you'd do much better than 9 mpg.

Transitlarry · by **Transitlarry** » Aug 22 2020, 12:30am

You only need to drive one to love it. It’s night and day power over the 5.3. Steady pull at low rpms. The 5.3 (and the 6.2) have to really wind up to pull. The diesel option is about the same cost as the 6.2. I would think if you do any amount of miles the fuel economy would be a plus. Mine is doing amazingly well on fuel even though I haven’t gone on any long trips yet. Time will tell how the reliability will be, so far I’m hearing of some CEL codes being set but the gassers doesn’t that too.

zproud · by **zproud** » Dec 25 2020, 3:29pm

: 2021

Just got mine, 21 crew 4x4 3.0 , my last truck was a 17 crew 4x4 5,3 with 342 axel 6 speed
The diesel is smooth in performance and ride quality.

Gm nailed this truck. This will be the truck to Have.

Merry Christmas
Happy holidays

Transitlarry · by **Transitlarry** » Dec 25 2020, 6:54pm

Happy Holidays to you too! Yes you will really enjoy the Duramax compared to the 5.3. So much more power. Low rpm pull. Enjoy it!

ssmike1 · by **ssmike1** » Dec 25 2020, 7:22pm

Duramax,... I LOVE the Torque and the feeling of acceleration right away off idle. GOOBERS full of torque.
I was constantly spinning the rear tires in 2 wheel drive. I have put the truck into the AUTO all wheel drive mode, and it accelerates like crazy all the time, going around turns and when raining.
My foot is on it constantly, it is so addicting and fun to drive.