Originally Posted by caprice_2nv
Originally Posted by dave1251
Originally Posted by dadto2
Originally Posted by dadto2
I have no experience with the Pentastar, but I can tell you that my Sierra (2WD) with the V6 has plenty of power. I get 24mpg highway, 20ish around town. I've been towing a 16' aluminum fishing boat (super lightweight) but will have an 18' fiberglass bow rider I/O this spring. I'll try to remember to report back on my towing experience after I drive down to Cincinnati to pick it up. I'll have 500 miles to tow it home. I expect it to be a breeze.
Update - I trailered the boat home on Saturday. As expected, it was a piece of cake. I set the cruise for 70 MPH and averaged 18 MPG from Cincinnati, OH to Rochester, NY. No trouble with the hills, transmission temps hung right around.195.
I agree if it's the base V6 to V6 the GM powerplant beats anything from FCA and Ford. But the OP seemed very firm it was a inferior 3.6 Ram or nothing.
The 4.3 V6 in the GM's is not related to the old 4.3 and I'd want to see after a number of years now they hold up. The Pentastar has been proven to be reliable at least.
This is second hand information but the company I work for has a 2015 Silverado 4.3 V6 6 speed, at one of our other offices. I've never driven it but 2 of my co-workers have worked there the odd time and said that truck would scream going up steep hills. They don't pull a trailer but have the box loaded with surveying equipment just like our trucks. They also have a small generator in the back to power their hammer drill.
For comparison my 2005 4.8 v8 4 speed will downshift on some hills and Rev to keep its speed but at least it sounds happy doing it. Not exactly quiet, but smooth.
Besides our companies truck I haven't heard any other feedback on the 4.3 but I have heard nothing bad about the Pentastar. My friend has one in a ram and a Durango and loves them. They should be fine for towing less than 5000lbs on occasion.
I'm very familiar with your neighborhood... So I can tell you how this 4.3 Sierra performs on roads you know. I cruise up Rt. 3 out of Lansdown doing 95 - 110 kmh, and the tach sits right around 1300 to 2000 rpm. Same on Rt 15, and 43 to Westport. And same up the Perth road. Doesn't scream at all. If I really get on it up the hill out of Westport, she'll wind up to 3000 rpm, but is nice and smooth throughout.