Thinking of going 3/4

[Davidg]

Phenom, I've never heard anyone complain about having to much truck. And you will not regret the diesel. Although I'm pretty much a Ford guy, my second choice would probably be the cheby. Do you know which transmission it has?

Oh yeah, congrats, I know it was tough giving up the Tundra, which is a really nice truck. It's just that, although capable, none of the half ton gassers are great tow vehicles, esp when you get up in the 7000 lb and up category. It sounds like you found a heck of a deal on a nice quality truck.

By the way ask a gm dealer to pull up the repair history. It's good knowledge to have. Great job with your search. Now, load up the family and go have fun!

[Phenom]

There's always better deals. I'm actually traveling for work now and only made a small deposit with a plan to finalize on Thursday. So, I'm still looking just in case. However after driving it about 40 miles on mixed surfaces and speeds I think it's a good truck. Even piled the family and dog in there to be sure for a short ride.

Turns out the truck has always been dealer serviced just a few miles from the house per the carfax. I called that dealer this afternoon with the vin, and they told me all that's been done. Just standard maintenance. No hunting for odd problems or anything. Was in there about every 4-5K miles.

I liked the Fords. Never drove a diesel but really liked the gas models I drove. Nice trucks. The mirrors and general visibility were awesome. I never did try a dodge. However, from all I've read, I think that the 6.4 is probably a great engine. I just liked the understated styling of the Chevy(wife thinks it's ugly), the 36 gallon tank, and the back seat that folds up to a nearly flat floor. The practical stuff. The Chevy felt smaller inside than the Ford, but I'm not a big guy so that's ok.

Wasn't in the market for a diesel. However, of the Chevys/GMC's in my price range this one was my favorite, and checked all the boxes.

I've got about 400 miles of towing to do in the next couple weeks between a trip to camp and a trip to the dealer, so I'll post up my impressions as they relate to stability as that was the genesis of my going this route.

[Too Tall]

Don't be discouraged by the sticker prices of diesels. this is a buyer's market and you can negotiate 12K plus off the sticker. Up to 14K in some cases. This is off a 60K vehicle.

[ryand]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Don't be discouraged by the sticker prices of diesels. this is a buyer's market and you can negotiate 12K plus off the sticker. Up to 14K in some cases. This is off a 60K vehicle.

Yep same applies to the gas 3/4...imo for certain people it out shines the oil burner....for a equally equip gas 3/4 you are nearly right in line with the 1/2 tons. If you are not full timing or pulling over 10-12k this is a very good option for people that want the power and stability of a heavier truck but not the Maint and possible repair cost of the diesel.


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[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by Phenom

So, 3/4 it is. Found a used 2500HD. No frills. LT model with 27K on the clock at a good price. As an added bonus it has the Duramax. I'll officially have too much truck for my trailer. I hope the trailer will be ok. The Tundra is an awesome truck, but I think for towing now, this will be more enjoyable. Didn't need the Duramax, but it was there, so what is one to do.

If anyone needs an '07 Tundra in nearly perfect condition with 57K on the clock shoot me a pm. I'll even leave the Timbens and Tow mirrors in place.

Going to love that truck!!! Enjoy.

[RollingDownTheHighway]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Don't be discouraged by the sticker prices of diesels. this is a buyer's market and you can negotiate 12K plus off the sticker. Up to 14K in some cases. This is off a 60K vehicle.

Isn't that the truth, I got my '16 GMC 2500 for the same price I paid for my 2014 1500 Gasser.

[Phenom]

Well, back to the drawing board. Even with a deposit Moritz Chevy in Fort Worth sold the truck out from under me. Maybe I need to look at dodge after all.

[Too Tall]

Find a 5.9 that's pre EGR and DPF.

[DocGTO]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Find a 5.9 that's pre EGR and DPF.

03-05 were the best 5.9s. That was just before the "3rd" injection even to heat up exhaust to reduce emissions. The 06.07 had that motor and they had some piston issues and then the 07.5 went 6.7 as you know.

I had an 03 triple 5 and the guy who bought it from me is still transporting cars with it. I sold it with 95K on it and last time I saw it, it was at almost 200K, new tires, and was only 1.5 years after I sold it to him.

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by ryand

Based on your question you had...hands down 3/4 wins in any configuration over a 1/2 ton towing 7-8K. There is not a comparison to stability, stopping power, weight and payload. The mill under your hood is up to you, either way you will have a better towing experience with the heavier truck.

You bring up a good point. It is not just about the power plant. It is the weight and strength of the truck frame and its peripherals that make going bigger better. Bigger coolers, bigger brakes, better transmissions, etc. that make pulling less of a chore and something that actually puts a smile on your face. Its the truck size that will keep the trailer from swaying and blowing around when you pass that semi or hit a strong cross wind, not the engine.

[Phenom]

I did find another. Found a certified '14 2500HD Z71 gasser with 19K miles. I'll burn more gas than if I'd gone with the Duramax, but I won't be nervous about my warranty running out. Looking forward to its first tow when I pick up the trailer after some dealer repairs in a couple weeks.

I'm hoping my Equalizer hitch head will extend down far enough for a level trailer since this sits up higher than my Tundra.

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by DocGTO

03-05 were the best 5.9s. That was just before the "3rd" injection even to heat up exhaust to reduce emissions. The 06.07 had that motor and they had some piston issues and then the 07.5 went 6.7 as you know.

I had an 03 triple 5 and the guy who bought it from me is still transporting cars with it. I sold it with 95K on it and last time I saw it, it was at almost 200K, new tires, and was only 1.5 years after I sold it to him.

I found a picture of my 95 with my camper hooked up when everything was brand new and I started crying haha. great truck and engine. I think I would swap my 14 for it right now.

[Phenom]

Here's a photo of the new truck. It's a 14 and from what I can tell it has the 3.73's, which odd since 4.10's are standard for this year. For my load I think it will be fine. Most importantly I'll have more stability and don't have to think much about what I carry. I like that at high rpm, the engine is quieter than the Toyota at a similar rpm. It's a good fit for us, a heavier truck yielding better stability, slightly greater range, longer bed, more room for the dog,

[Super Thirty]

I have a 2013 and it has 3.73's with 4.10's optional. The 2014 I looked at had 4.10's but I never asked or checked if 3.73's were available.


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[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by Phenom

Here's a photo of the new truck. It's a 14 and from what I can tell it has the 3.73's, which odd since 4.10's are standard for this year. For my load I think it will be fine. Most importantly I'll have more stability and don't have to think much about what I carry. I like that at high rpm, the engine is quieter than the Toyota at a similar rpm. It's a good fit for us, a heavier truck yielding better stability, slightly greater range, longer bed, more room for the dog,

Heres some axle rpo codes. Just look at the sticker in your glove box and you can see what codes match up.

[MillerTime]

Oh yeah....congrats on the new truck!
Good choice!
After working at several gm and toyota dealers, gm vehicles are several steps up from toyotas! Regardless of what the general consensus about jap "quality" is. That isn't the case anymore. Toyotas are severally lacking.

Anyways, have fun with the new truck!!

[Phenom]

GT4 and G80. So, that confirms 3.73.

[aufinger]

Originally Posted by MillerTime

After working at several gm and toyota dealers, gm vehicles are several steps up from toyotas! Regardless of what the general consensus about jap "quality" is. That isn't the case anymore. Toyotas are severally lacking.

The Tundra is engineered in Michigan and assembled in Texas with 70% of the parts made in the US and Canada (45% for GM trucks). Kelley Blue Book lists the Tundra as Best Full size Truck for Resale Value. Hardly an indication of lacking quality.

[MillerTime]

Originally Posted by aufinger

The Tundra is engineered in Michigan and assembled in Texas with 70% of the parts made in the US and Canada (45% for GM trucks). Kelley Blue Book lists the Tundra as Best Full size Truck for Resale Value. Hardly an indication of lacking quality.

Ok!

[davel1971]

whether a good truck or not, a Tundra can't compete with any brand of 3/4 ton truck. Maybe Toyota should step up their game and come play with the big boys.