New Truck? - GM 1/2 Ton vs 3/4
Equipment
Yes...another new truck thread. I am looking to have to get a truck in December, sooner than anticipated, for tax reasons. I am driving a 2018 GMC Sierra, crew cab with the 5.8' bed. I really do not like the shorter bed but do like the big cab. I want a 6.5' bed and full crew cab.
I do not tow enough to need a 3/4 ton.... But feel myself moving in the direction of a 3/4 ton because I have never seen a 1/2 ton with a 6.5' bed and full cab. It looks like GM makes them but they are very few and very far between and I need to make the purchase prior to year end. I suspect I could finagle that some but not significantly. But I have not found a higher end model with the 6.5' bed and full crew cab.
I do want a GM because a good friend and client sell them and that's important to me more than other factors.
My questions - for you guys that have moved to a 3/4 ton - : 1) Is the ride much rougher? 2) How is the fuel efficiency? This isn't a big driver but it is unpublished for 3/4 ton trucks 3) How miserable is it to park in town? I park in a parking garage most days. 4) Anything other factors that would push you away from a 3/4 ton?
Thank you.
If you’re not towing much, I’d go with a 1/2 ton simply for the smoother suspension… some places I hunt, my 3/4 ton would just about beat you senseless. Moved to a Trail Boss with the 6.2L engine and found a happy medium.
F150 has a 6.5 bed and the same crew cab as the f250 and f350. Difference was seat height when I was looking.
I had a 3500 diesel 4 door 6.5’ bed GMC, I parked in garages often, no biggie, find a spot and back in. Ride was smooth as it got. Granted I had the Denali package. Only got rid of it because I swapped jobs and moved…
Just order one I was in nearly the same boat, So in June I ordered a new Chevy trail boss 1/2ton with a 6.5’ bed the 6.2 liter motor all the things I wanted and not much I didn’t you won’t find what you want on a lot in that configuration the 6.2 has a ton of power and way better mileage then my previous 3/4 ton 6.0 liter, to my surprise many factory add ons are cheaper then after market accessories, the pickup arrived sept. 1st so about 6 weeks is all it took because the allocation for the order didn’t get picked up till mid June, I would 100% do it again just my 2cents…
I had a 2001 GMC 2500HD with the 6.0L V8. It had an extended cab and a full 8 foot bed. It was great truck and pulled anything like a dream. It got 9-10 MPG whether you were pulling anything or not. Not an easy truck to park because of the length and turning radius, my wife refused to drive it. It was comfortable enough, but not nearly as comfortable as my half ton GMC single cab with an 8’ bed. I love a 3/4 ton truck, but in my opinion, they really not necessary unless you pull a lot of heavy weight.
What is the reasoning for the somewhat longer bed?
Thanks all. I appreciate the feedback.
sitO - mainly just to get more junk in it. During hunting season I have a dog box, treestands, clothes lockers.... And the 5.8' bed is just a hassle; my old truck is a 6.5' bed and much more functional. Plus when I travel to hunt, especially waterfowling, I carry a lot of stuff. And I am lazy. I like leaving stuff in my truck and not always unloading it. I duck hunted this morning and deer hunt tomorrow and will do same Saturday. With a camper shell, a bed slide and a 6.5' bed it makes it easier for me to be lazy and still stay organized with my junk.
The ride and the cost of repairs and maintenance make it hard to go with a 3/4 if not really needed. My buddy has a new GMC 1/2 ton with the diesel and is pleased.
Ok, I get that, I have an older Suburban and at anytime I can have gear for several species in there. I also have a 1500 Denali with the 3L Duramax, and we have several 2500's at the shop which I also drive. If you aren't towing much weight(over 9k), I'd suggest looking at the 1500 with the 3L. You can stack stuff a little higher in the bed and get 21-28mpg. Also, in my experience, the 2500 is much less apt to fit in all parking garages, but if you're using the same garage you should be able to measure and see.
I have a GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6 1/2’ bed and love it. I have a topper on it and built a bunk in it and also have room to store tools and coolers.
I wouldn’t want anything shorter.
I agree with Glunt. My brother, who is a farmer had a 3/4 ton chev. I rode in it quite often. It was very rough riding. He just went back to a 1/2 ton. I like my half ton, with the short box. But, it’s a PITA to maneuver in parking lots and garages. I’d think a 3/4 ton long box would be much worse.
I'v got an 2016 3/4 ton and love it. looking to got a 1/2 ton with a 6.5 box after the first of the year hope I can find one.
I have a 2019 GMC 1500, 6 1/2 foot bed, Denali with 6.2 liter, gets between 18 and 22 MPG, depending on how I drive it.
I had a 2018 - same thing except it was an HD with a 5 1/2 foot bed - absolutely did not like the shot box.
Both have the extra large cab for back seat passengers. Is almost mandatory for long trips. (MN to CO, WY on elk hunting trips)
I just bought a 2023 Toyota Tundra SR5 Crew Cab. I had a heck of a time finding a 6.5 box.
I looked at some with 5.5 box but they were way too short.
I would go with the 1/2 ton with the 6.5 box.
there are no factors that would push me away from a 3/4 ton. but, my needs and uses are different than what you describe.
they do ride stiffer but, i prefer it vs. a 1/2 ton. GM's are known for having one of the best rides though. the GM 3/4 ton have an independent front suspension, and to my knowledge ford and ram do not. they still use a solid axle.
GM recently started putting the allison transmission in their 3/4 ton gasser. that is getting really good reviews and is something that i may consider in another year or two. the previous 6 speed tranny sucked.
the 1/2 tons from all manufacturers are fairly fuel efficient as posted above. if fuel mileage was not a top priority and i intended to keep this truck long term, i would choose the 3/4 ton over the 1/2 ton.
2015 z71, Silverado 1500... keep up with maintenance... although I just replaced transmission after 140,000 with a plow on truck I couldn't be happier. scentman
why are trucks so expensive now!!! i can't believe how much things have gone up the past few years
Wait till the recently approved UAW contract kicks in. You ain’t seen nothing yet on vehicle pricing.
“why are trucks so expensive now!!! i can't believe how much things have gone up the past few years”
“Wait till the recently approved UAW contract kicks in. You ain’t seen nothing yet on vehicle pricing.”
They’re grooming and prepping you to give in and buy an EV. Don’t worry, they’ll give great incentives on EV’s so you won’t be so reluctant to conform.
1/2 or 3/4 ton is completely up to the buyer. I can't tell enough difference in the ride to matter myself.
The length of the bed is important though.
I'd go with the 1/2 ton because of gas mileage alone. I realize gas prices aren't terrible now, but with the transition away from fossil fuels, I suspect gas might be much higher in the future. Just a thought.
When I upgrade my truck I’m going with a 3/4 gas GMC. I just want a bigger truck that will pull anything I need it to. I don’t need a diesel at all.
What happened to eight foot pick-up truck beds? I could never understand all the carpenter contractors with short pick-ups.
I drove a 2018 GMC 2500 diesel from my work fleet for about a year. It has a crew cab and a 6.5 foot bed. It drove like most trucks, nothing special. I will say it has a terrible turning radius so if you're maneuvering/parking in tight spots it will be a pain in the ass. No major issues other than the def system at 145k. It's getting fixed at the moment and I believe it's a sensor so nothing too costly.
Best of luck in your decision and enjoy your new truck.
My buddies 3/4 ton Silverado rides pretty good. My partners 3/4 ton bighorn Ram rides like a tank. My old Tundra (1/2 ton of course) rode like a Tank with big Toyo OC’s until I put Icons on it. My Ram 1500 limited with air ride has a better ride than a Lexus.
What I’m saying is; the model matters, you have to drive them. I used a long bed hauling stuff but lets face it, parking lots aren’t what they used to be. Now they are all designed for a smaller vehicle. Parking those big long bed trucks is a pain. I just drop the TG when I’m hauling plywood and such.
Of course you will lose a couple MPG, its bigger/heavier.
Like the 6.5’ bed extended cab F150. Cab space is adequate in the back seat area. Wing doors work. Don’t like a shorter box than that for sleeping in, hauling hunting stuff, chest freezer when moose hunting, etc.
In the last ten years I’ve had 5 different (1500) crew cab Silverados. All of them were built and configured with the 6.5” box. I like the xtra space and find it necessary for stands to cooler to tents etc. My latest 2022(refresh) has the 3L Duramax motor. It’s been my favourite truck thus far. Good power, great driving experience and incredible fuel economy. On highway trips u can expect between 9 -10 L fuel used per 100 Km. Good luck with your purchase and please keep us posted!
Loving my 2023 1500 Diesel AT4…coming from a 2011 Tundra 5.7
Damn. Bill, that’s a nice truck. How nice is that 3L diesel?!?!?
I don’t think my 2500 rides that much rougher, but most of the time I’m running 65 psi on oversized 12 ply TOYO A/T Open Country’s and as much as 75-80 PSI when I have the 10’ truck camper on it.
I have the carbon version which has a carbon fiber bed which was important to me because this was the only area I noticed rust on my Tundra. I drove the GMC 2500 HD version and my wife definitely liked the ride better in the 1500 size. The power band is definitely different in a small diesel than it was in my tundra. In that the towing capacity is slightly less than the 2011 Tundra TRD I had... but I can get 28 to 30 miles per gallon if I take it easy on secondary highways around home. Even pulling my camper I’ll get 22 to 24 miles per gallon. I averaged 13 miles per gallon not pulling anything in my tundra. The baby diesel does not have as much top end acceleration (at highway speeds) as the tundra did but I don’t drive as fast and hard as I used to when I was younger. If I was pulling a larger camper/gooseneck fifth wheel I think I would definitely recommend the 2500. But, for a regular hunting vehicle, pulling medium and smaller trailers, I think the 1500 diesel is a great combination. I have about 10,000 miles on mine already and am enjoying the elevated comfort/fit/finishes/over the Toyota.
My game warden neighbor stopped today, state has her driving a 2500 gmc. Asked her how the ride was, she said very rough!
I used to drive 1/2 ton Chevys. But the past 20 yrs or more I've been buying 3/4 ton Chevrolets. Today's 2500 trucks, ride better than the older 1500 trucks. The new style GM's short box is 6 foot 9 inches. Full 4-door crew cab. Lotsa room, very comfortable. I have the new 401 hp 6.6 gas motor in one truck. Which has way more power & better gas mileage than the old 6.0 motor. And also have the newest 470 hp Duramax.
Manager, how’s that new DMax!?
I just ordered a 24 F150, but I’ve always driven GMC/Chevy and drove an AT4 3.0 Diesel today… debating if it’s worth the price increase to cancel my ford order and get the gmc….
I just ordered a 24 F150, but I’ve always driven GMC/Chevy and drove an AT4 3.0 Diesel today… debating if it’s worth the price increase to cancel my ford order and get the gmc….
Bill, what does your trailer weigh? I've got the Carbon Pro 3L as well, but I get around 11-14mpg pulling 3500#. I pull that weight pretty much all year, already 56k on my 1500(its a 2021, but bought new in Jan 22). Our mileage is similar w/o trailer, but something isn't adding up when pulling?
The new Duramax (& the new 6.6 gas) come with a new Allison 10-speed. That combo is amazing. Shifts (up & down) incredibly smooth. Night & day difference from the past 6-speed trany. Makes the Dmax run better; faster; smoother & quieter than previous versions. I've heard good reports on the 1500 with that 3.0. Like 30 plus mpg, etc etc
A year ago I sold my Ram 1500 and bought a Ram 2500. I felt I was overloading the 1500 at times and now after driving the 2500 I know I was, just much more capabilities. Rides slightly rougher, gas mileage little worse but all worth it.
SitO- Camper UVW is 2837 GVWR is 3810 lbs. I’m nearly at sea level. Plus 4 adults and a few hundred lbs in the bed. I believe the engine is a new variant for 23.
