New from Nebraska

owenja · July 12, 2017

I'm new to the forum but not to GM trucks. I currently drive a 2011 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLT 3500 DRW. I no longer need the beast as my 5th wheel was totaled in a storm so I'm looking to down size.

I'm looking at 2017 Sierra SLT Crew Cab Standard Box and looking to pull the trigger soon. I have owned and loved a 2013 GMC with the 6.2 max tow package.

The trucks I've narrowed my selection to are equipped with:

1. 5.3L w/3.42 rear end rated to tow conventional of 9100 lbs.

2. 6.2L w/3.23 rear end also rated to tow 9100 lbs.

Otherwise they are equipped the same with the SLT Premium Plus Package. The second option would cost $2100 more and would probably get 1-2 mpg less.

What are your thoughts on these two choices?

Thanks!

Jim

aseibel · July 12, 2017

welcome to the site.

I have always thought it makes more sense to choose what will work better 95% of the time. I think most of the 6.2 owners buy them more for fun than utility. They also claim there isn't much drop in MPG, but I'm not sure I believe that. If you only tow light duty trailers one in a while, the 5.3 with 3.42 does a fine job. I voted with my wallet and got the more reasonable, yet amply strong 5.3.