02 silverado 2500 lt, 8.1 l--will it be a good tow vehicle?

[Southern Lady]

I'm new to the trucking business having just purchased my first 27 ft. 5th wheel rv. Kind of got the cart before the horse! I've located an02 silverado 2500 lt 8.1 gas engine locally at a decent price and 66,000 miles. Has anyone driven this truck and can make a recommendation?

Thanks.

[bry2500]

Got a 02 avalanche with an 8.1L and although I don't tow with it I have put over 2 tons in the bed and it drove like a Cadillac.

Gas mileage is like 11-13 at best.

[Z71_guy]

that will pull just fine, my grandpa bought a 95 2500 new with the 5.7 and tows a fifth wheel camper to texas every winter, does ok kind of undersized for the trailer but it does it

[Bluewater]

i have an 03 with the 8.1 and Allison and it will pull stumps I swear. I tow a 12000 # boat and have a 4000 pound camper. Not the two together but it handles each very easily. I did have GMC with a 454 and thought it was tough but this 8.1 is so much better and more fuel efficient. You will love it.

[retired2001]

I have the same engine in my motor home and I pull my Chevy behind it. The motor home is a 39' Winni', so the Sub' shouldn't have any problem with a 25' trailer. Good luck!

[dwill3015]

Welcome to the site! Like Bluewater said, you should have no problems at all (even with a longer 5-er). We have a 24' Weekend Warrior that we towed with our 2001 Suburban w/5.3 and it towed pretty good but that 8.1 should be just the ticket!

[WhiteSilverStreetBullet]

i had a youkon xl with the 8.1 ran great pulled my 6k boat with 7 people 1200 miles each way to lake havasue for 6 years straight. ran great sold it because the gas mileage SUCKS


I had a 03 sierra diesel though as well and thats a way better tow rig.

i would highly suggest getting a diesel

all though the 8.1 will get it done

[seffieldvillage@aol.com]

you should have know truble towing it. it will do the trick.

[lenb]

what kind of hgwy. mpg are you getting @70 -75 w/allison tranny, not towing. thanks lenb

[Custom04Chevy]

I would definitely recommend getting a diesel if thats an option. My buddy and I go on a fishing trip up to red river every year, about 150 miles one way. He drives an 04 diesel and he got about 21 mpg highway at 65-70 mph towing a 15 ft bass boat. Pretty good I thought.:neutral:

[95CTburb19]

My friend's dad has a 2500 with the 8.1 and the Allison. I think the best mileage he's gotten is like 14 but it does tow really well. If you can afford a diesel I would recommend going that direction. You will see better mileage and it will probably tow better. And if it leaves you wanting more, a simple chip can give you substantially more horsepower and torque.

[Bench350]

I believe it would depend on what you're towing.