Need the BBC's opinion......

[bshort]

Thinking about downsizing my truck. Currently have a 2016 Chevy 2500 diesel. I basically only use it to tow a 25' travel trailer that is 6K loaded and to go to Costco every other month. The towing trips are mostly flat. Once a year I tow up in the mountains.

Now, I'm looking at 2019 Chevy 1/2 tons. The trim level I'd like to get would have a 5.3 and a 3.42 rear with an 8 speed. I could step up to the 6.2 10 speed, but the required trim level would add about 10K to the cost.

I know neither of these would compare to the diesel in towing, but would the 5.3 get the job done well enough?

[TampaJim]

Cheaper to keep her ... I wouldn't trade unless you have an issue with the truck.

[Stratos xl NC]

I hate like hell. I don’t have my diesel anymore!

[grout-scout]

If you don’t drive it much, it would be hard for the trade in loss difference to pay for its self. Obviously maintenance is way cheaper on a gasoline motor .

[THOEFT]

Yes a 1/2 ton Chevy would tow your camper just fine to answer your question without giving you a lesson in economics.

[jimsch]

1/2 ton will be fine, personally, I would keep the diesel for the what ifs.

[grout-scout]

Yes a 1/2 ton Chevy would tow your camper just fine to answer your question without giving you a lesson in economics.

Well since he wants to save $10k, economics come into play.

[TrackerPro16]

My 2002 Suburban 1500 5.3 has 180K on it and tows our heavy 24' TT and 16' boat and 14' work trailer with no issues. I would get the 5.3 again if we were to get another. You have to relax and enjoy the view going up passes (2nd gear on steep ones) but we have gotten 16 mpg average towing on mostly flat with the TT over a 500 mile trip that had 2 mountain passes to go over. We get 18 average most of the time with nothing behind it.
I was looking for the 8 liter but could not pass up this one as it was the 'hook vehicle' (one of 7 vehicles) in an ad. It was discounted $12K and had most everything else we wanted. Glad we got it. I found a 2003 with 42K on it for under $12K recently that was pretty tempting, but I figure we can get another 30-40K out of this one, which is a couple years for us.

[BandBC10]

just my .02 cents. Keep the 2500. I just did what you are thinking about and wish I hadn’t. I got rid of my diesel and went to a half ton. I miss having my diesel daily.

[jigman51]

Keep the one you have, that 5.3 will be a dog after driving what you have now.

[mactlman]

2019 gm trucks are WAY over the top in pricing!! i built a 1500 denali and it was mid 70's only good thing is the 2500hd diesels really hold their value

[DURASPANK]

I'm kinda in the same boat. I don't pull anything with weight but my mega cab cummins is paid for with only 130k. I could trade it for about what I have in it. I'd only gain lower maintenance cost with a monthly payment, higher insurance, and taxes.

[wildturkey]

I am sure you paid cash and it only costs insurance and maintenance. Keep it.

[bshort]

I’d have to order what I want. Regionally, there are zero crew cab standard bed trucks with the max tow package. Thinking about leasing it, as I only put about 5200 miles a year on. The equity on the diesel would be cashed out.

[D.O.C. 989]

I’d have to order what I want. Regionally, there are zero crew cab standard bed trucks with the max tow package. Thinking about leasing it, as I only put about 5200 miles a year on. The equity on the diesel would be cashed out.

I think that is a smart move on your part. Leasing will answer all your questions as to whether the truck can do the jobs you want it for. Similar to guys telling us to rent a place instead of buying out of State home for winter to make sure it is what we want for sure.