Tow Vehicle

[SoCal205]

The family is growing and I'm looking at getting a suburban. I'm looking at one with an 8.1 liter and one with a 6 liter. Was wondering if anybody here has either and what kind of mileage they get not towing.

[Jerseydave]

I had a 2000 3/4 ton with a 6.0 liter and a 2007 1/2 ton with the 5.3 liter
Mpg highway not towing was 13 for the 6.0 and 17 for the 5.3
Towing my X-star they both got 9-10 highway.

Your boat is much lighter, so in my opinion anything over the 5.3 liter is a waste.
I originally got my 6.0 to tow my 30 foot Formula (9000 lbs with trailer)

[SoCal205]

I am looking to go a newer boat also how did the 5.3 handle towing your X-star?

[drschemel]

Are you sure about 8.2? I have the yucon Denali XL and it has a 6.2 which is the biggest motor you can get in a Yukon. I think they used to offer a 250\3quarter ton version in the suburban but I don't think it had that big of a motor.
Anyway, I get about 14mpg round town, 10 if I use E85. On the road depends a lot on speed. Driving 65, I can average almost 20 mpg but 16-17 is more typical. As you can see from the previous post, the small displacement v8 does not get better fuel mileage in the real world. Don't be afraid of the 6L! The 250 version is geared lower and accounts for the poor fuel mileage.

[SoCal205]

The 8.1 liter is offered in the tenth and eleventh generation 3/4 tons. Its also offered as a v12 in the eleventh gen.

[Chred]

I Have owned three different GM trucks all with the 6L it is a very strong reliable engine in my opinion...
2000 Sierra 2500 Ext cab SLE approx 11MPG
2004 Escalade ESV Approx 16MPG
2007 Silverado 2500 HD Crew LTZ Approx 13MPG

All the same block but different mileage, all numbers are city driving not towing

[Ski-me]

I have the 8.1L Yukon XL and around town I get about 10-11 MPG. 3:73 gears and about 32-33" tires.

When I tow the 94' 205, I get around 8-9 MPG at 75 mph. It tows it quite well.

When I got mine, I looked at the 6.0L and it only felt "OK" but not really "peppy". The 8.1L is a lot more snappy and more fun to drive. Especially with a vehicle that heavy. Generally speaking, you will probably lose about 1 MPG with the 6.0 vs the 8.1 but in my mind, it's worth it!

There are very slip pickings when it comes to aftermarket parts on the 8.1.....much more on the 6.0. But for general repairs, OEM parts, no problem.

It does drink oil so don't be alarmed. I go through about a quart every 2500-3000 miles and it's been that way since I bought it (approx 20,000 miles).

Here's the only pic I have right now....(dead boat battery)

[wakecumberland]

I owned a 2005 Yukon XL with the 8.1 and loved it. I sold it becasue I had a itch for the newer body style 2500 with the 6.0 and have since sold it to find another OBS with the big block! If you can find one with the 8.1 get it over the 6.0. My experience with the big block is that mileage is basically the same and actually a little better towing the boat than the 6.0. If you are doing any towing at all, do not buy a 1500 Suburban with the 5.3 as it is not enjoyable at all to tow with. They are designed as soccer mom vehicles. If you want a tow truck, you need the 2500!

[orbeamlb]

Originally Posted by SoCal205

The family is growing and I'm looking at getting a suburban. I'm looking at one with an 8.1 liter and one with a 6 liter. Was wondering if anybody here has either and what kind of mileage they get not towing.

I have a 2011 Suburban with the 5.3 and heavy duty towing and it pulls my PS200 very well. Granted its about 400lbs lighter than your boat.

Around town we average 14 mpg with the rolling terrain here. Took it on a 450 mile trip from Austin to Baton Rouge and it averaged 20 mpg (running 70-75 mph).

Towing the boat it averages 13 mpg in town and 16 on the hwy.

[Jerseydave]

Originally Posted by SoCal205

I am looking to go a newer boat also how did the 5.3 handle towing your X-star?

My '07 suburban 5.3 liter 3.73 gears handled the X-star fine on flat ground and small hills, never really tested it on steeper grades but I think it would be a struggle. Keep in mind I only had the 4-speed auto not the newer 6-speed. I think towing your 205 should be no problem at all. (I towed my Prostar 190 on a 20-hour trip and I was very pleased)

With that said, if you get a heavier boat in the future look into either the 6.0 or 6.2 that is available in the Yukon Denali/Escalade/Suburban LTZ. I had a Denali 6.2 and it was great.

I now have an F-150 Ecoboost that I cannot wait to hook to the Xstar. I want to see how it tows on steeper grades. I've heard good things.

If you're buying new, maybe check into a Ford Expedition Ecoboost.......I hear it's coming.