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East Central Kansas | After having 3 2500HD's with the Duramax engine since 2004, I recently switched to a 1500 with the 5.3 engine and 3.42 rear end. I started thinking about this after noticing that the new 1500 had the same GVW as our old 92 GMC 3/4 ton (7200lb). After analyzing my usage pattern (27,000mi/yr, less than 2000mi/yr towing(all less than 20mi/trip with the heaviest GCW of 24,000lb)), I decided to go with the 1500 with the 5.3 engine. I have about 5000 mi on it now, and have trailered our JD 333 CTL several times, pulled numerous 2000gal NH3 tanks and 1000 gal liquid fertilizer trailers. My overall gas mileage is 15.7MPG. To date, I am satisfied with my decision. Some other benefits of the 1500 are: although it has the same ground clearance as a 2500HD, the body is several inches lower(easier for us vertically challenged older individuals to get into and to retrieve things out of the bed; the option of choosing automatic 4wd is great for pulling trailers and the ride is better.
The most surprising thing about this truck is the performance of the 5.3 with 3.42 rear end. That thing will flat MOVE. It accelerates a load well. From published specs, I think its performance will match or exceed that of the 6.0 offered in the 2500HD
JAK | |
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Ford F-250
