Wiredgeek Wrote:My Car: 2004 Chevy Silverado LTZ (all luxury options)Well, two questions: How often do you tow the boat per year? If it's only once a year, it's not a good justification for the increased power. If it's every weekend for the entire summer, it might well be justifiable.
I love my truck. It's surprisingly cheap to drive - the 5.3 with the four-speed nets me between 19 and 22mpg on the highway if I'm running light, depending on how far down I push the go-pedal. It's comfortable and convienient, and a damn fine rig for towing and hauling, as well as running around, in all seasons of Alaska.
I love the leather seats. I had no real opinion on leather until I owned one - I don't think I would choose cloth now if I at all had the option.
I just don't have enough power. I have to work the truck a lot harder than I feel comfortable to tow my father's 21' boat to Valdez, for example. Gas milage plummets when I have anything in tow - even running a light enclosed box with about 750lbs of gear onboard, I'm down to 12mpg.
Replacement: 2006/2013 Silverado 2500hd
Diesel with the 6 speed auto in either year variant! The 2006 maintains the vast majority of the styling cues that make the 2004 the best-looking vehicle I've ever owned. the 2013 is supposed to be a complete redesign, so we'll see. The diesel with the 6-speed or better automatic should net me about the same highway mpg I get now, but significantly reduce the 'plummet factor'. Leather and heated seats, ok thanks.
I'm boring. I want more of the same.
The only other issue I might have is pouring enough power into the mix, that the difference between "unloaded" and "towing the 21' boat" performance on the pedal isn't enough that you remember that you have the boat attached. I've seen a lot of people out here in Colorado that are towing 15-20' trailers, and have enough power that it's not noticeable, forget, and maneuver as if they don't have that extra length actually attached to their vehicle at the time. So do balance it on that potential.
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"You know how parents tell you everything's going to fine, but you know they're lying to make you feel better? Everything's going to be fine." - The Doctor