No numbers handy, but I went from a '16 gas to a '19 diesel and it is night and day for towing, both power and mileage.

My 23' is around the same 5,000 lb mark.

 

I don't tow a travel trailer, but I have towed utility trailers both open and closed around and above that weight. The 2.8 will definitely do the same job much easier, and if you're looking for best value I would stay with midsize.

 

A friend has the 3.0 in his Silverado. The 3.0 is an impressive towing powertrain, very efficient. His FS truck manages just shy of what my tuned 2.8 manages. If you can swing the cost and don't mind a full sizer's size, I really do like the 3.0 and full size truck package, it is very nice for towing. The bigger trucks are much blingier inside than the twins too.

I have not towed extensively, but did rent a travel trailer about that weight. Towing in a 2.8 means living at 2,000 RPM, which is where the torque peak is. For me highway towing in my truck meant 5th gear, 2,000 RPM, don't look to accelerate with any real determination, just kick back, go light on the pedal, and surf the 440 pound feet of torque (370 stock). Drive it like that and one could expect an easy 16 MPG towing a 4500 to 5,000 pound trailer. I saw 22 MPG driving on two lane roads at 45 to 55 MPH.

Funny thing is, "tow/haul" mode felt like overkill for the 4,500 pound trailer I towed - I put it in manual mode and used the tow/haul button to activate the diesel's exhaust brake on a few downhills, but that was it. For the size trailer you are towing, doing it with the 2.8 is a pleasure.

Trailers are parachutes, the faster you go, the exponentially more fuel you use towing them. I have no doubt the 3.0 would match whatever my tuned 2.8 manages, fuel efficiency wise, and it would do the work with even less sense of strain. That is quite an accomplishment.

 

A friend has the 3.0 in his Silverado. The 3.0 is an impressive towing powertrain, very efficient. His FS truck manages just shy of what my tuned 2.8 manages. If you can swing the cost and don't mind a full sizer's size, I really do like the 3.0 and full size truck package, it is very nice for towing. The bigger trucks are much blingier inside than the twins too.

I have not towed extensively, but did rent a travel trailer about that weight. Towing in a 2.8 means living at 2,000 RPM, which is where the torque peak is. For me highway towing in my truck meant 5th gear, 2,000 RPM, don't look to accelerate with any real determination, just kick back, go light on the pedal, and surf the 440 pound feet of torque (370 stock). Drive it like that and one could expect an easy 16 MPG towing a 4500 to 5,000 pound trailer. I saw 22 MPG driving on two lane roads at 45 to 55 MPH.

Funny thing is, "tow/haul" mode felt like overkill for the 4,500 pound trailer I towed - I put it in manual mode and used the tow/haul button to activate the diesel's exhaust brake on a few downhills, but that was it. For the size trailer you are towing, doing it with the 2.8 is a pleasure.

Trailers are parachutes, the faster you go, the exponentially more fuel you use towing them. I have no doubt the 3.0 would match whatever my tuned 2.8 manages, fuel efficiency wise, and it would do the work with even less sense of strain. That is quite an accomplishment.

Don't I know it, travel trailers are really like parachutes. Funny story, I towed mine home late in the year, and thought I had plenty of fuel left to make it to the next exit about 10 miles away. Barely made it, pumped 20 gallons into the tank, so I was running on fumes. With the headwind I had on the drive, my MPG dropped below 10 and I barely made 190 miles on a tank. Won't make that mistake again.

The 2000 RPM comment is intriguing. I drive a diesel school bus, and the 6.7L Cummins has stump pulling 800 Ft. Lbs of torque, but only 200 HP. It can make 60, but it needs a mile to do it! I like to go light on the pedal and motor safely down the road, but can't do that with the engine wizzing at 4-5,000 RPM. I've learned not to use the Cruise Control unless on Flat level ground, in the hills it pushes the engine to 6,000 RPM too much.

Thanks so much for the reply.

 

I don't have a travel trailer, but my 2016 2.8L averages around 15-18mpg, traveling at about 70 MPH and towing a 23' enclosed trailer with snowmobiles and motorcycles, loaded between 3500 and 5000 pounds. I typically average 18-20 when towing my 4000lb car on an open trailer (also around 70MPH).

Both the 2.8L and 3.0L diesels should do better towing than your current V6. You should drive trucks with each diesel and see which you prefer.

 

That is awesome to hear. I estimated Diesel mileage on the 15MPG low side, and came up with a reasonable estimate of the cost per mile of the Gasser vs. Diesel. However, it is nice to hear real life experience from someone who tows a similar load. I don't even try 70MPH, the gasser fuel economy tanks anytime I take it above 65.

 

How many towing miles a year are we talking? At 6k ft and up elevations, a turbo diesel would serve you better regardless the mid or full size. I prefer the mass of a full size for that kind of towing personally, but that is just a preference. Right now with the rebates, you can get the full size diesel for not alot more than the midsize.

 

I got the Winnie Mini in February, 2020 - just before everything locked down. We were able to take a 3200mi trip to New Mexico and Colorado in June, but sourcing campgrounds got a bit dicey, so we took no more trips the remainder of the year due to lockdowns.

I am gradually retiring (long story), and want to do some ground level exploration of the USA. I would imagine that I would tow/travel somewhere around 10-12K miles per year. My bucket list includes a driving trip to Alaska up the AlCan highway.

I have a SLE trim Canyon, but the Denali trims are really tempting. The FS vs. Mid Size spread seems gets a bit wider when looking in the Denali trim level.

Thanks so much for your insights.

 

A great comparison...

I also wouldn't question longevity with the motor, they test them loaded at full revs for hours and months at a time in testing. The Diesel will get better mpg and tow better on flat roads or slight inclines but it is under powered, so in the mountains or on the highway if you want to get moving it will struggle. HP is HP, torque is nice but you really want both. The next gen 2.7 turbo should be a fantastic engine, diesel like torque at a low rpm while having that HP for the highway and mountain duty. Good luck, I personally would keep the truck you have now for a few years then trade in on the next gen or on one of the last diesels if that is what you really want.

Tyler

 

A great comparison...

I also wouldn't question longevity with the motor, they test them loaded at full revs for hours and months at a time in testing. The Diesel will get better mpg and tow better on flat roads or slight inclines but it is under powered, so in the mountains or on the highway if you want to get moving it will struggle. HP is HP, torque is nice but you really want both. The next gen 2.7 turbo should be a fantastic engine, diesel like torque at a low rpm while having that HP for the highway and mountain duty. Good luck, I personally would keep the truck you have now for a few years then trade in on the next gen or on one of the last diesels if that is what you really want.

Tyler

Thanks, Tyler.
While watching, this video also came up - same guys comparing fuel economy on the 3.6 vs. 2.8.

Lots to think about - especially since the 2016 gasser is paid for!

 

A parachute is a parachute. If you're going to be towing that much I would definitely go diesel.

As far as how a full size does by comparison, we have a shop 1500 double cab 6.5 bed silverado... 17. So comparable to to a CCLB twin. I personally feel with the same weight trailer that it doesn't really do anything better other than suck down fuel... and need springs. Pancaked 2 sets out of that. Meanwhile I did the same trip with trailer in mine and didn't. Never understood that. That being said the extra interior room is nice and you end up with the ability of more payload... so you can play with tongue weight and loading more. You have more room to play with to be legal and being a company vehicle I need that flexibility. If I tow anywhere near the rated 9400 lbs I use the 2500s. Makes the 1500 feel like a toy because it honestly is.

 

I tow a 3500 pound travel trailer. When I towed with a V6, I got around 13 mpg. Towing with the 2.8 diesel, I get between 18 and 20. I usually tow between 60 and 65 mph. The towing is much more relaxed with many fewer downshifts. I think the transmission is running cooler but I don't have data from the V6 to know for sure.

 

I have only towed once with my 2018 71 Diesel and I was towing a uhaul autotransporter with a SVT focus on it. Total weight of the car and trailer was about 5200 lbs. I towed from San Antonio to Houston so mostly flat but had small hill every now and then. I was very impressed with how my truck could handle the weight. I towed the same set up a year earlier in my dads Tundra and it felt so heavy in that truck. With my truck I started out using tow haul mode but realized I didn't really need it. Once I switched out of it my RPM's dropped below 2K and my trans temps stayed steady at 160 F.
That trip my MPG was 20.5. I think you will be much happier and have much better piece of mind with the 2.8.

 

I expect you are correct about the Diesel, my towing experience with the 3.6 gasser revving at 4,000 - 5,000 RPM's leaves a bit to be desired. Tyler shared a video on the Ike Gauntlet and I found another link above from TFL truck which clearly demonstrates what I experience.

I really appreciate all the guys that took time to share their thoughts!

 

I tow a Micro Minnie 2108DS with my Colorado diesel. We live in Colorado so tow in the mountains frequently. The baby Max is absolutely up to the task. It is not overpowered by any means but does the job more than adequately. I get around 14 to 16 mpg towing, depending g on speed. If I’m on an interstate with 75 mph limit, I generally tow just under 70 mph and get 14 to 15 mpg. If I’m on a secondary road and towing under 65 mph, I get around 16 mpg.

I really like that the engine is not revving very high to maintain speeds. Diesel torque is great for towing. I recommend the Colorado/Canyon Duramax for towing your Micro Minnie!

 

Thanks so much, I have the 2106FBS Winnie, great travel trailer for two. I have been very satisfied with the trailer, we are comfortable and yet it is small enough that I don’t have many restrictions due to length or weight.

To your point, I am not looking for overkill with a 2500 6.6L Diesel, I just want something that doesn’t have to rev to 6,000 RPM to get up a hill!

 

Ya, towing a 22 foot TT over the top of IKE is a tough test for sure. The 11,000 foot high air is very thin and less able to cool the engine. Old beater RVs break down there all the time.

Even worse perhaps is Vail Pass. That stretch is very curvy (the EB is really nice there, even when unloaded) and Vail Pass is chewed, with ruts and bumps on it that are worthy of the trails I ride my dirt bike on

I have seen unsuspecting people get pretty squirrelly on Vail, this in dry weather.

 

Ya, towing a 22 foot TT over the top of IKE is a tough test for sure. The 11,000 foot high air is very thin and less able to cool the engine. Old beater RVs break down there all the time.

Even worse perhaps is Vail Pass. That stretch is very curvy (the EB is really nice there, even when unloaded) and Vail Pass is chewed, with bumps on it that are worthy of the trails I ride my dirt bike on

I have seen unsuspecting people get pretty squirrelly on Vail, this in dry weather.

I agree about the road conditions on Vail Pass. I-70 in the mountains of Colorado is horrible, and getting worse each year. Trucks with chains wear deep grooves, and despite all the ridiculous user taxes the state adds to our annual registration fees (besides gas/diesel tax), they still can't seem to fix them.

 

Ill add to this thread, i flat tow a lifted jeep TJ behind my diesel canyon. i get about 19-21mpg at 70mph that way. I dont think i could even touch that with a gas vehicle. I dont know what that mileage will be now that i have had the truck tuned but it def gets and goes no problem with the load behind it.