[qmdv]

I have been kicking around the idea of selling 2004 Dodge Diesel and getting a new Colorado diesel. I do not need the towing capacity of the Dodge. The heaviest I will towing is an ocean boat and trailer that weigh about 6500 pounds. I also have a 2000 Chevy Tahoe that tows the boat just fine. Will the Colorado do as well as the Tahoe? We are just south of Oregon California border and have a few grades to get over to get to the Oregon Coast

If I buy the Colorado with the diesel will I be having buyers remorse. Oh the Tahoe has the 5.3L engine

Tim

 

[7.62x39Colorado]

I would do your research on our transmissions. I moved from Oregon to Texas and went up the grades of utah. Some serious grades there. I was in a different rig but even towing 5k I don’t know how well my 6l50 in my Colorado would handle those grades. I’m curious to know what punishment others have put on their transmission.

 

[qmdv]

No one knew how crappy the 1999 to 2003 auto transmissions were in the 7.3 liter Ford were until they crapped put at the 100K mile mark. I know more than a few that are on their second. Those trucks were not built to tow. So the Colorado is a gamble at this point.

 

[RollyPollieBenito]

If you are comparing it to a 5.3L, than you will absolutely have buyer’s remorse. I have a suburban with the 5.3L and diesel canyon. Both are 4X4. I used both regularly. There is no way one will replace the other.

 

[qmdv]

If you are comparing it to a 5.3L, than you will absolutely have buyer’s remorse. I have a suburban with the 5.3L and diesel canyon. Both are 4X4. I used both regularly. There is no way one will replace the other.

So in your opinion, what pulls a trailer better on a hill, the 5.3 or the Canyon diesel

 

[RollyPollieBenito]

So in your opinion, what pulls a trailer better on a hill, the 5.3 or the Canyon diesel

The 5.3L in a P/U will walk circles around the 2.8 Duramax everyday of the week and twice on Sunday.

The 5.3L in My suburban have a tow limit of 5000lbs. So if I was towed just 5000 lbs, my canyon can do it without a sweat, but my suburban with get up a grade Faster but suck up more fuel.

Honestly, if fuel consumption is not a factor, and you are ok with a bigger truck, and all you care about is towing, I would do a 5.3L Sierra over a 2.8D canyon. I bought the canyon for the smaller size for mild rockcrawling and off-road.

 

[7.62x39Colorado]

I made my trip to Texas with my Nissan Titan. Different animal but I had zero issues. I would honestly be nervous putting the 6l50 on that same trip towing. IMO and I’m glad to be proven wrong but our trucks aren’t built to be anything more than light duty. That’s fine with my life style now. I got my Colorado with the intent of light duty use. I looked at Nissan, Toyota, and Chevy. I decided to branch out and go with Chevy.

I wouldn’t put my 6l50 on the grades of Utah in summer towing. No sir. I can see that Bruce Jenner temp going pretty high.

 

[Burgess159]

If you want a full size for towing, just get a 6.6 in a 2500HD and be done with it

 

[qmdv]

Thanks all. No decision yet. I am learning towards the Canyon and keeping 2004 Ram for heavy stuff. The Dodge is kind of roachy so it is only worth 7000 max. That is less expensive than a new truck that will do it all I do not tow big that often

 

[7.62x39Colorado]

One thing to keep in mind with your decision is consumer/recall reports. Let the numbers talk. You will find some years of gm trucks to not be that bad. Dodge reports are just ugly. Ford in some years is behind gm. So in the whole “this brand is better than that brand” don’t let folk lore encourage your decision. Let the numbers talk. 2014 and up gm trucks are decent. I did a lot of homework in deciding my next (current truck). I eliminated dodge without a test drive.

 

[RollyPollieBenito]

One thing to keep in mind with your decision is consumer/recall reports. Let the numbers talk. You will find some years of gm trucks to not be that bad. Dodge reports are just ugly. Ford in some years is behind gm. So in the whole “this brand is better than that brand” don’t let folk lore encourage your decision. Let the numbers talk. 2014 and up gm trucks are decent. I did a lot of homework in deciding my next (current truck). I eliminated dodge without a test drive.

I agreed with this. Do your own research and decide what will make you happy and keep you happy for years to come.