6.0 vortex chevy ext cab 4x4 2500hd 2.73rear end

[jimkottke]

Has anybody pulled a fifthwheel using a3.73 or 4.10 rear end ? Chevy states that you can tow up to 14700lb using 4.10 rear end and at what gas mileage due think you would get? I have a 8.1 2001 chevy gas that gets 6 to 7 mpg. Need help.

[Johnnyg]

Our 2008 f350 diesel has 3.54 differential. I feel it's a Little sluggish out of the gate and runs on the Low side of the rpm torque curve at highway speeds. As a result it upshifts more than some with lower gears. The mileage towing is around 8.

[bigskyjimmy]

Yep I had 3.73 gears on my V10 gas F350 it did fine with a 34ft Big sky but when I bought a 40fter NO WAY! those gears do not cut the mustard with a bigger 5th, If you had a diesel different story On my V10 I switched to 4.11 gears that cost me $2700.00 for front and back diffs make a nice difference without much of a gas mileage difference I was getting between 7-8 mpg but still was not enough for me and I gave in and bought a Diesel.... P.S if you are going to stay with 3.73 GET A EXTRA TRANS COOLER! because going up the pass with 3.73 gears really works that tranny keep it cool!

[billhoover]

In the subject, you say 6.0L and in the text you say 8.1L?? If you are thinking about getting a 6.0, check the GCWR.

[8.1al]

We have a 2001 2500HD with 8.1 Liter and 4:10 gear and our fifth wheel weighs 13,600 lbs. On a long trip we will average just a tad less than 8 mpg. We don't go up the steep grade quite as fast as the new turbo diesels but it does a fine job.

[bethandkevin]

Are you looking to replace your current 8.1L with a 6.0L truck? If so IMO you'll regret the move. You'll definately not improve your fuel economy, but more importantly, you'll be working that 6.0L extra hard compared to the 8.1L. My nephew currently tows with a 2009 2500HD with a 6.0L and 3.73 combination. He gets around 7 mpg towing about 8,000 lb 5ver. That 8.1L is a workhorse, especially if coupled with the Allison 5speed.

[kdeiss]

I lovemy 8.1 with Allison I would not go to a 6.0

[Art]

As seen by my signature, my combination is pulling about 14700 lbs. also. I average 7.5 mpg on trips in flat highway pulling (I-95 to Florida) or pulling in hills in New York and Connecticut. I'm sure that western mountains will decrease the mpg's next summer but i am very pleased with my 8.1 and 4.10. My 3000-4000 miles per year does not warrant a diesel for my needs. I would NOT drop to a 6.0 regardless of the HP rating. This HP comes at a high rpms-one that you normally do not reach. You do need to keep the rpm's up to produce some power. I get better mileage at 63-65 mph than 50-55 mph. Good luck.

[SAndreasen]

I have an8.1 and the Allison and I've been all over. In the mountains, deserts, hills. Worse tour was highway 60 comping up out of the salt river in AZ. Worse than salt lake city to park city on I-80. It works great. I get 8-10 towing and 12-14 solo. Love it. rated to tow 14000. Has a 3.73. The 6.0l will NOT make it. I agree with the statement that "it is a workhorse"!