hi, i am about to buy a silverado 2000 or up. I was wondering if a half ton would be alright for utility work such as hauling loads of firewood etc because the 2500 is alot more heavy duty but the half ton is alot cheaper.

If your going to haul heavy stuff like a camper and cords of wood and gravel. You'll prolly want to go with the 3/4 tonne. It has more capacity and can put up with more abuse. I'm sure if you buy the 1/2 tonne you'll probably regret it. I don't cause I don't do a lot of heavy hauling so the 1/2 tonne is more than enough.
Just depends on what you'll be doing. Yes it is more expensive but your paying for the extra load capacity.
Cheers

if your only gonna be hauling stuff like firewood and shit like that a 1500 should be fine. But if you are planing on towing large trailers alot or hauling CMU block or heavy stuff like that, or even just goin offroad more often, go with the 2500. Plus, you will be in a bigger truck, which is always better.:evillol:

There is a pretty big difference in towing hauling capability.

SEE:
http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/specifications/

How big a trailer are you planning on towing?
Do you have any idea of the loads you'll be moving around?


I went with the 2500HD (Crew Cab) because my friend has a 29' Trailer and it's 7,000lbs dry -over 8500lbs. when he loads up the kids, firewood, water, beer, bar-b-que, etc.

7500 is about the limit for the 1500 and the small block.


My 2500HD with the small block (6.0L) is rated at 10,300lbs. towing.
The price difference for me was small enough to get the 2500HD.

P.S. How much price difference were you quoted? You can get a BIG BLOCK 8.1L (496c.i.) 2500 for just over $28,000.00 HERE (http://www.usautosales.com/specials/new/)

2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LS 2500HD 4WD EXT CAB

Color: Dark Green Metallic

Options :
Big Block Vortec 8100 V8 Engine
Allison 5 Speed Auto Trans
Dk. Pewter Interior Trim
Locking Rear Differential
Electronic Shift Transfer Case
High Capacity Air Cleaner
6-way Power Driver Seat
Front Fog Lamps
Redundant Radio Controls
Custom Tint
MUST FINANCE THROUGH GMAC

Stock Number
#61325

ONE TON ALWAYS!

THEN YOU GET EVERYTHING HEAVY DUTY!!
Get a Crew cab and 8' bed.


Really the engine does not count as much as the tranmission and rear end.

1. 4LE80
2. 4.10:1 rear end


The 1500 and 2500 are for want a be's - oppss I am in trouble now. Just kidding.

You need to know how much weight you are going to tow.

A bubby of mine bought a 1500 and tows he race car on a trailer around every week, well not this weekend because he is replacing his tranmission.

I tow 22,000 lb and my truck was like bring it on!!!

If you get a diesel, there's NO difference in towing capabiities between the 3500 and the 2500.
Same for the 8.1 Big Block, the 2500 pulls as much as the 3500.
(According to Chevy)

But, I think he's asking about 1/2 vs. 3/4 models.

~Rob

I'd say this - If you are going to haul less than 1000 pounds or tow 6,000 pounds or less a couple of times a month then a 1500 will do fine and will cost less to operate. If your numbers are higher then go with the 2500.

MC

I am kidding.

Actually if you could find a 1500 with 4LE80 tran you could probably tow your house.

Chill everybody chill.

I was joking around.

:disappoin

If you are going to tow more that 500 lb maybe you should get an Ford.
Chevy Trucks were made for looks and to drag race up and down the street. :disappoin

Fords are work trucks. :nono:

Man, I am going to get in some much trouble for that.

See joking around.

Come on everybody its Friday relax.

Hey man, I knew you were kidding! :grinyes: :grinyes:

(but I had to look up the difference between the 3500 vs. 2500 because I didn't know myself!)

I think "mcontrols" hit the nail on the head in terms of what to buy.

Enjoy your Friday everyone !!
:cheers:


~Rob

Biggest difference is payload. Need to know how much your trailer/loads are on the rear axle. Years ago didn't pay attention and bought a truck I had to add overloads to to hold the trailer. Pulling was not really an issue.

Biggest difference is payload. Need to know how much your trailer/loads are on the rear axle. Years ago didn't pay attention and bought a truck I had to add overloads to to hold the trailer. Pulling was not really an issue.

dont know much about witch truck tow or haul better,,but i do know storm442 youve got a bad a$$ truck best one ive seen yet :evillol:

Go with the 2500 6.0L,HD trans, G80 Diffs, and 12mpg.

2003 GMC 1500HD (3/4 Ton)
6.0, Crew Cab, SLT, Bose, G80's,
265/75/16 BFG' AT's

I rode in a 2500 4X4 the other day and it actually rides about as smooth as my Dodge 1500. I was pretty impressed. Personally if I was only hauling firewood or a small to mid-size camper I would go with the 1500.