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Old 07-07-2016, 01:33 PM   #21
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Just loss our 2011 Chevy 2500 Hd in wreck, replaced it with 2013 GMC 2500 two weeks ago. Pulling about same weight tt just under 10k. Mileage is around 18-19 w/o tt at 70 on IState. Pulling trailer both hitting around 10.4 mph. About 25-30 per cent hills that drops the mpg a bit. As far as def, GMC has idiot indicators that state def okay, no indication as to how much in def tank. Manual on GMC sez 5 gallons on def tank.
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Old 07-07-2016, 05:43 PM   #22
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I own a 2011 3500 Duramax, 4X4 quad cab long bed and tow a 40 foot 5th wheel. First of all while others may have had problems with their 2011 mine has never been to the dealer for anything, warranty or otherwise in 50K miles. I do my own servicing. DEF is no big deal. As others say the DIC will tell you if you run low. I just add 2.5 gallons every oil change. Only have to add between oil changes once in a blue moon. You can also top it off at most truck stops. Re power, we towed our 40 ft 5th wheel to New York and back last year (from Utah) and the truck never even breathed hard. Averaged about 9.5 MPG. We also camp at a local lake a few times a year and there is a significant grade getting to it and I never slow below 65 MPH and I'm not even floored. The other thing I like about the Chevy is that the front 4X4 axle is independent suspension,not a solid axle like Dodge, which I previously owned. The Chevy has a much nicer ride than the Dodge. My wife hated riding in the Dodge because of the rough ride, which is the reason I bought the Chevy. Re 4X4 it only turns when you engage it so there is no extra strain/drag on the drive train unless you engage it. I can get 22 MPG on CC at 65 MPH. When I take a trip, without the trailer, and average 70-80 MPH, (Several places in Utah where speed limit is 80 MPH) I can get 18-19 MPG. Love the Allison transmission. It's much smother than the Dodge 6 speed. Lastly, I've towed my trailer on steep grades on 100 degree days and the engine and Trans temps never move off normal. So bottom line is you can't go wrong with the Duramax and Allison Trans.
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Old 07-07-2016, 07:33 PM   #23
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I have a 12 Silverado 3500HD and it's been to the shop six times and it has to go when I get home. Was in Cody WY when number eight glow plug went out, fourth one so far, I'm a long way from NC. DEF tank messed up had to be replaced a few months ago. Truck pulls Cedar Creek 32RL great, I'm not planning on trading truck.


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Old 07-07-2016, 07:48 PM   #24
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Originally Posted by spock123 View Post
I have a 12 Silverado 3500HD and it's been to the shop six times and it has to go when I get home. Was in Cody WY when number eight glow plug went out, fourth one so far, I'm a long way from NC. DEF tank messed up had to be replaced a few months ago. Truck pulls Cedar Creek 32RL great, I'm not planning on trading truck.


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we all know all brands have an issue pop up now again . just ask most ford 6.0 diesel owners . you can still find 12 yr old trucks with the 6.0 with less then 20,000 miles because they have been in the shop for the last 11 yrs lmao
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Old 07-07-2016, 08:28 PM   #25
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Had a 2011 Chevy Silverado EXC, first year with increased payload/tow ratings and DEF. No issues, traded for 2015, GMC 2500 SLT CC, all new style and super nice interior, heated cooled leather.
Using the WIFI now and it is FAST, everywhere. Reaches into the 5er. Rides great, quiet, power and torque. 22 mi/USG empty, 11-14 towing 12000 lb 5er. Handles confidently, safely, enjoy towing!
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Old 07-07-2016, 08:58 PM   #26
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have an 09 3500 drw 38,000 miles -most used for pulling 31 foot 5er in summer. 22 mpg unloaded -12.5 towing and round town. no def. work at gmc dealership- see alot of 11's in for def because of cold weather up here in upstate ny . only problem I had was pulling a 18,000pd tt and blew the turbo intake line off. was under warr. at 23000 miles.
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Old 07-07-2016, 09:12 PM   #27
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I have a 2013 2500 2wd with 75k. No issues, towing mileage around 11, non tow highway 22. DEF is used in all newer diesel's. No issues with it.
Great ride and power.


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Old 07-08-2016, 09:32 AM   #28
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Not all Z71's are 4x4

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Originally Posted by Springerdad View Post
OP stated they were looking at a 2011 Z71,,,,,,, that is a 4WD, not a 2WD. I've had both gas and diesel 2500 2WD, they have a higher payload and lower maintenance issues without the 4WD running gear. Just sayin'
This may have been the case in the past, but my 2015 2500HD has the Z71 package without 4x4. I thought the same thing until I bought this truck and then realized Z71 isn't necessarily 4x4....wish it was though!

Other thoughts on my recent purchase is the Diesel is 1000x better than the 5.3 Avalanche I had before, and that is pulling a lowly R-Pod of around 4,500#. What a terrific difference and I know I'm not stressing the truck at all. The Allison transmission is nearly imperceptible in shifting.....I love it. Maintaining 70-75 on surprising grades in Florida....yes, Florida, I barely had to move the accelerator. On the Avalanche, it was constantly dropping into passing gear to maintain speeds on any grade.

I'm very happy with the upgrade and now we can look at many larger TT options.
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Old 07-08-2016, 09:34 AM   #29
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Z71 used to refer to underbody protection and a few other things.

I will tell you this........a friend of mine had his truck totaled. He went to buy a new one and got a Chevy 1500. He mentioned something about Z71 package....asked some question....and the salesman said "We can put the Z71 decal on the truck if you want, we do it all the time".

Just FYI.
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Old 07-08-2016, 10:32 AM   #30
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Y. I. B. You two are right. Seems in the late 2000s GM decided to offer the off-road package without 4x4. Some one called it a cheap man's off road truck. Thanks for setting me straight. I retired from the auto repair world in 2005, back then a Z71 was a 4x4 and that was that.
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Old 07-08-2016, 11:31 AM   #31
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stay away from the 2011.
I had one which i liked a lot as far as towing goes
but got rid of it because of the DEF problems.
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Old 07-08-2016, 03:28 PM   #32
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2010 was a good year, no DEF system at all. 2011-2012 had DEF issues. Not every truck had problems, but it was well known. The DEF usage isn't a big deal, its when that finicky DEF system puts you into limp mode while traveling. They seem to have straightened them out by 2013. I am getting the new truck itch also, and I will be looking 2013-2014.
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Old 07-08-2016, 06:28 PM   #33
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Personally I would stay with your 07 Cummins for the simple reason that the engine is more SIMPLE. The less emission control on your engine the better. Just my opinion.
The 06 was the last of the simpler engines. Mine is a Late 06 Chevy 2500 LBZ with big exhaust and a tuner. I get 17.8 empty and 12 mpg towing 9000 lbs. Trouble free so far. EGR is still active and I leave well enough alone since its doing fine.
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Old 07-08-2016, 09:48 PM   #34
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You want 2011 and newer as it has the stronger frame, larger brakes, and better suspension. It also has the LML motor over the LMM. if you can swing it, try for a 2013. They went to the version 2 on the CP4 and worked all the kinks on the def system. I had a 2009 and my 2014 was much better and ran cooler. Now I have a 2016. Just an amazing truck.
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Old 07-08-2016, 10:12 PM   #35
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I have the 2013 2500HD Duramax/ Allison and love it. Can't imagine any better truck. Gets 20ish mpg highway loose and 12-13 mpg towing 9,000+ TT. Truck has 79,000 on the clock and no problems. Z-71 4X4. 50 gal aux tank /toolbox with an electric transfer pump.
The Allison tranny and exhaust brake make all the difference in the world when towing.
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Old 07-11-2016, 09:17 PM   #36
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Our 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Diesel is still running as strong as when new. We recently upgraded from a 7400 pound TT to a 13,000 pound 5th Wheel, and the Silverado just shrugged it off as if that was what the truck was born to do. We have climbed 16% grades with ease. Regular maintenance is important, along with top quality Michelin Truck tires. We will soon be embarking on a month-long trip up the Eastern Sierra to Reno, NV, then back to Mammoth Mountain, CA, then across Tioga Pass and on the Laguna Seca Raceway, then home. We have absolutely no qualms about the performance of our Chevy.
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Old 07-11-2016, 09:32 PM   #37
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Our 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Diesel is still running as strong as when new. We recently upgraded from a 7400 pound TT to a 13,000 pound 5th Wheel, and the Silverado just shrugged it off as if that was what the truck was born to do. We have climbed 16% grades with ease. Regular maintenance is important, along with top quality Michelin Truck tires. We will soon be embarking on a month-long trip up the Eastern Sierra to Reno, NV, then back to Mammoth Mountain, CA, then across Tioga Pass and on the Laguna Seca Raceway, then home. We have absolutely no qualms about the performance of our Chevy.

I've been up 6% grades and 10%grades and even an 11% for about a 1/4mile thats how long it was but i could not imagine a 16% grade . what road and where i may like to do it with the motorcycle not in the TV with the Th in tow
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Old 07-21-2016, 09:22 AM   #38
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The 2011 D'Max has a bad history when it comes to the emissions. I just traded mine in and it spent more time in the shop than any other vehicle I ever owned. Not saying every 2011 is bad but I definitely had a rotten egg. Only reason I kept it as long as I did was it was all covered. But the warranty just timed out (5 years), so it had to go.
I would recommend the latter years you are looking at, as it seems that GM got the bugs worked out by the 13 model year.
X2 on problems with the 2011. That year there were significant changes and, as I understand it, problems were common in the ones built in the 1st few months.

I had a 2011 2500HD Diesel. Ran great for several years then had one problem after another. Lots of them were FALSE fault readings which were troubleshoot and all they did was reset. Aggravating when truck starts a timer to 1st slow you down and then stop you... when you are on a trip. Also had instances where computer caused transmission not to shift... was towing... again aggravating to get truck and 5er towed.

I would not hesitate to buy a 2012 or later... but would probably avoid another 2011.

I now have a 2015 3500 Diesel DRW... great so far. It was not all the problems. I was also upgrading 5ers to a unit that would have overloaded the truck with the hitch weight of the 2500 (the real limiting factor with a heavy 4er and a 3/4 ton truck).
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Old 07-21-2016, 11:02 AM   #39
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My 12 Silverado has been good so far just glow plugs. This last time three, that's at least six glow plugs. Plus a new def tank.


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Old 07-21-2016, 12:19 PM   #40
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My 12 Silverado has been good so far just glow plugs. This last time three, that's at least six glow plugs. Plus a new def tank.


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Still beats the heck out of the ford 6.0 doesn't it .
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