Chevy 5.3 L vs 6.2L

I already decided on a Chevy so I don’t want this to turn into a “inset favorite brand” vs Chevy issue. My question is does anyone have any thoughts regrading the 5.3L vs the 6.2 L V8 in a Sliverado 1500. The FW says “no diesel” so that is out. As far as trailing I pull a Lund ProV 1800 occasionally.

So pros or cons on one vs the other?

I’ve got the 5.3 in my 2007 its a good motor but if I buy another one ill get the 6.0 I belive the 6.2 is a gmc motor I’m leaning on a ford with eco boost before a chevy. For the fact I can get a crew cab with a standard box instead of a short box with crew cab just my 2 cents

5.3 should be plenty for what you are towing. If you can be sure to get the bigger gears. I think they still offer 3.73. That or the 6 speed tranny will make all the difference while towing and overall performance. The 6.2 has a lot more power but gas millage is also not very good!!

5.3 will suit you well. We have one for a 17.5′ Fishhawk with an tranny coolant system. Works well.

My boss just bought a 2012 2500 Jimmy with the 6.2L. We think it must of been engineered in part by the oil companies as his truck REALLY likes the gas. He was hoping for more power from the 6.2 pulling the enclosed trailer and his large travel trailer, it does a nice job but he was not overwhelmed by the power that he thought he was getting. His 05 and my 00 5.3L mpg were/are so much better than the 6.2L. I told him that the cost difference compared to diesel would buy a lot gasoline. Pulling a trailer only on occasion I would lean to the 5.3L. These are only my observations and opinions and from what I hear they aren’t worth two cents.

I would stick with the 5.3L If you are buying new go with the six speed tranny.

I have pulled a skeeter 2100 with my 1500 and 5.3 and havent had an issue. I wouldnt want to use that truck to pull it everyday but it has no problem doing it!

had a GMC 3/4ton 6.0 litre with 4:10 gears. It would pass everything but the gas pump. 12mpg empty, 11-11.5 pulling a 1775 pro-v.

I have the 5.3l now and I get 16-18 on the hwy empty and 12 pulling the boat. The avg tank after tank after is 15mpg….. It seems pretty gutless to me, though, but it gets the job done. Just make sure you pull in 3rd gear with the tow-haul turned on. A rebuilt tranny at less than 60k taught me that expensive lesson……

The 5.3 is more than enough to tow a boat that size, I tow a boat at least twice as big with a 4.2 L in an SUV.

What matters in towing is the tranny, cooling system, and breaking systems. Regardless of engine size, IMO you need a tranny cooler and if possible a high-cap water pump.

Grouse

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…and breaking systems…

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Freudian slip???

Pulling my boat, 5.3/3.42gears/6spd tranny is running 12.4. Warrior 1890bt, whatever that weighs. Empty it does a bit over 15. Am I happy? jerr

I tow my Ranger 621 with a Tahoe 5.3 with 3.73 rear end and it works good.

Vortec Max rocks. My 2006 Vmax is only 6.0. They bumped it up since then. In my opinions it should be the base gas engine. I even put in a couple go-fast items and that truck has been fun. This is a different animal than the old work truck 6.0

142K on it now and its my daily driver. Mine has 4:10 rear. Now they have 3:73 which is perfect. Mileage not as bad as you would think.

Go with the 5.3 The 6.2 will cost you way more on the gas mileage end and you won’t get that much power for the cost. Enjoy the new truck

Tim I have a 2011 GMC Z71 with the 5.3 and 3.73 rears. I pull a Ranger 619 with it. We go alot of places as we already have 41,000 miles on it. My computer says for every gallon of gas run through it I’ve averaged 16.4 mpg. It has the fuel management motor which helps alot when I drive to work (55 miles 1 way). So you’ll be more than happy pulling that boat with the 5.3 !! Good Luck

Thanks everyone. Looks like a 5.3 with either the 6 speed tranny or the 3.73 rear end will do the job. Good to know.

But if you want to get the job done AND have more fun driving get the 6.2 Worth the extra gas in my opinion. I plan on buying another.