Chevy/GMC Hybrid - any experiences?

[Nomad_K]

Have any Expo members driven, or better yet owned a Chevy/GM Silverado/Sierra hybrid, the 2009 onwards two-mode hybrid system?

While I am still leaning towards a smaller diesel (Jeep, ML, other) there is an even chance I might be towing a decent load (in excess of 3500 lb's) on a semi-regular basis, and as such, I am looking at older (pre-DPF) domestic diesels and a dealer I talked to asked me if I would be interested in Hybrid Silverado.

The mileage at 20/21 mpg isn't great, but if it came close to that day in and day out in the city and on the road, AND was able to tow (rated to over 6000 lbs), that would be great. As for 'Expedition-ifying' it :sombrero: that would be good fun as well, albeit a slightly more long-term project.

 

[bftank]

no personal experience with one, but if you are looking at hauling 3500+ on a regular basis i would look into a larger diesel than a jeep, more like a cummins or duramax or powerstroke. the jeep diesels seem better suited for commuting than hauling loads.

hybrids and expeditions don't seem like a good mix. not very common, complicated electrical, low weight rating. if you are towing you are going to be using the gas engine the majority of the time anyways, which means you will get even less mpg than 20-21. i don't see the point of getting a hybrid that gets the same mpg as a diesel with less abilities. comparing a hybrid gmc sierra to a 2500 gmc sierra with duramax. seems like a waste of money.

not a fan of hybrids i think they are a gimmick, personal opinion. good luck!

 

[cocco78]

You don't need a 3/4 ton diesel to pull 3500 pounds! But if your looking at diesel Jeeps a Grand Cherokee will easily tow that and more, the V8 gas WJ's and WK's I believe are rated upwards of 7000lbs with a WD hitch. I have personally towed with a V8 WJ many times and felt it was a good setup.

As far as the hybrid GM trucks? Well, a regular old 1/2t GM with the 5.3L is rated for 21mpg for the 2010's... My personal truck is a 99 gmc with the 5.3L V8 and with over 180,000 miles on it, it will still get 19-20mpg highway and around 16 in town. I would stay away from the hybrid as you are not getting any better mileage to be worth it!

The best mileage out of a diesel is a toss up between 07 (pre dpf) and older Dodge's with the 24V 5.9L Cummins and the D-max's. The Dodge will be more Expo friendly with its solid front axle and coil springs, they ride real decent... The 03 and older fords with the 7.3L powerstroke are great trucks, the 7.3L wont get you the mileage that the Cummins or Dmax will tho, but they are pretty durable trucks, but the ride is poor with the leaf sprung solid front axle. Also with the PowerStroke being an international motor parts should be very easy to find when on the road, and are usually decently priced.

 

[Nomad_K]

Hey guys,

Thank you all for the replies - a hybrid isn't my first option - I would like to bring a Hilux or 3.0L diesel Colorado back to the States with me but I digress. While I wouldn't bother trying to tow with most hybrids (you can't with many), the Silverado's rating at 6000 lb's gave me some hope for this 'option.'

Bftank - I wouldn't mind a full-size diesel, but I haven't met anyone getting good mileage with a newer domestic with the DPF, the pre DPF Duramax and Ford 6.0 don't sound too reliable, and that really leaves a later model Cummins that hasn't been hit by rust. I am looking for a nice 2003 or 2004 if anyone happens across one.

Cocco78 - I have heard pretty good reviews on towing with the Grand Cherokee and ML. They are not light weight rigs, and they 3.0 L Mercedes diesel puts out quite a bit of torque. A 7.3 powerstroke would be a less expensive alternative, but as you mentioned, they don't seem to get quite the mileage that the Cummins do.

 

[78Bronco]

An electric motor makes torque from zero RPM so dont under rate their ability to pull loads. Look at trains, winches and the starters that turns over your diesel engines they all have lots of balls to get things moving.

However, I would not want a complicated computer controlled hybrid for serious towing or off road use especially a system built by GM.

 

[BCHauler]

Hybrids shine in stop and go traffic. That is their strength. I don't think its a bad expo vehicle, but definately not something I would seek out for that purpose.

 

[cocco78]

Cocco78 - I have heard pretty good reviews on towing with the Grand Cherokee and ML. They are not light weight rigs, and they 3.0 L Mercedes diesel puts out quite a bit of torque. A 7.3 powerstroke would be a less expensive alternative, but as you mentioned, they don't seem to get quite the mileage that the Cummins do.

I'll add something here... I had a 2000 F250, ext cab, short bed, 4x4, auto, 3.55 gears, 7.3L powerstroke. It had a 4" lift on it and 35" tires and would average 17mpg on the highway pretty consistently... It would do between 12-14 towing 7000lbs, my Jeep and trailer. I imagine with smaller tires the mileage would be better.

 

[stimpy13]

They scare me!:Wow1:
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/showthread.php?422099-RIP-Silverado-Hybrid&highlight=hybrid+fire

 

[bftank]

no you don't need a 3/4 ton to haul 3500 pounds. my personal opinion is that jeeps were not intended to be used consistently for towing. which is why i suggested a 3/4ton. if it was meant for towing consistently it wouldn't have a unibody construction. again my opinion. i like to have a little built in overkill.

the '03 ford f350 i owned had impressive ride qualities with a mini spring pac leveling kit. and with 35's a 7.3l and 6 speed got 18-20 on the highway and 16-18 in town with 3.73 gears. i felt it rode better than the duramax and the dodge of that era.

anything with newer emissions standards engineered in is not going to do well mpg wise. most are 13-14 mpg if lucky. this is due to fuel being injected into dpf to burn off soot. they are working on using urea injection, which will burn less fuel but you will have to buy the urea mix.

 

[Bernie]

I just spent a week in a Silverado CC hybrid using it in wet muddy conditions, city driving and highway. The 3 second conclusion is; What's the point, sorry.