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Old 08-27-2015, 04:22 PM   #41
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Had gas diesel suburban..diesel chev pickups dodge diesels...a Ford 6.0 n a great excursion that blew up in the middle of nowhere...Now back to 2014 F250 Crewcab Lariat Powerstroke 450 hp 850 ft lbs torque...on Minnesota Dyno at 5000mmiles it was 480 hp 912 torque ! THIS IS THE BEST TOW VEHICLE YOU CAN BUY....and it sips the fuel....Downside is Tooooo Many Dashboard features, controls and performance readouts....just kidding...drive one !
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Old 08-27-2015, 04:28 PM   #42
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Originally Posted by usvipaul View Post
I thinking of upgrading my truck. I currently have a 2012 Tundra 4.6l DC 4x4 and pull a 2011 Rockwood 2604. The truck pulls fine here on the east coast, but I'm retiring next year and DW and I want to travel west and I know this truck won't do mountains well. I'm looking at some used Silverado/Sierra 2500hd trucks. My dilemma is do I go with a 2006-2009 Duramax LBZ/LMM in the $30-$35000 range (low miles) or something like a newer 2011 6.0l gas engine? I know the diesel will do it fine, but I worry about a used diesel and maintenance/repairs. If anyone out there has any experience towing with a gas 6.0 2500hd pulling a 6000lb trailer (5800 empty) in the mountains I sure would like to hear from you. Thanks for a great forum. Can't go a day without checking in here!
Thanks. Paul
I didn't read the 4-pages of responses, but I have a vast knowledge of diesel duramax's.... and the cost associated in owning them.
I can't stress this enough.... run... don't walk away from a Chevrolet diesel truck. I have had 6 of them in our business... all of them are serviced through a dealer and everyone of them has had numerous problems.... aside from the excellent transmissions, they are junk. Don't believe me, ask a diesel mechanic.
My problems are as follows and not listed in any chronological order
03 through 08....
4-Turbo's
4 Turbo actuator sensors
2 Head gaskets
1 cracked intercooler
2 Rear axel bearings on 2 different trucks
1 Set of tie-rods
1 pitman arm
2 sets of hub bearings
2 fuel pumps
3 exhaust filter problems
many many check engine lights for various issues
... and a bunch of glow plugs and misc other items I can't think of right now.
If you added up all the mileage on all of the trucks and put them all together you couldn't come up to 200,000 miles
They are junk in stock form...

I will note that one of our 06's is a 1-ton dully pick up with 4-WD that I personally drive. This truck is babied beyond the normal as it is my favorite for pulling the 17 foot dessert fox toy hauler hunting or my jeep to Moab...
it is in right now for $7400 of repairs... head gaskets and tuner up grades...
The only reason this truck wasn't junked is because I just put 5K in tires, suspension, and front end...
When I get this truck back it has been said it will be bullet proof and if it had wings it would fly...
I could care less about that, but it'd be great to get 115,000 miles on it while not spending so much time in the shop.
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Old 08-27-2015, 04:45 PM   #43
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Never had a problem with my '04 Chev. Duramax. Would definitely run TO it, not away from it. My mechanic says the exact opposite. Says he works on very few of them & he has a very busy shop. Guess that's why they make Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Nissans, & Toyotas.
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Old 08-27-2015, 04:46 PM   #44
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Mopar peace of mind service $89.99 plus tax every 5000kms per my 2006, 2010' 2011 and 2012 powered hemi's. $199.99 plus tax every 10000kms for my 2014 6.7 cummins.

Comment justify the price, the 2012 5.7 2500 has 280000kms on it, for the most part it is worn out. Will get about $6000 for it at auction. 2012 diesel, 300000kms on it, still good to go. Right now I spent 430000 on the gas truck buying it, get 6k back when I sell, cost to own 37k. Buy another at 45k or so and will bet when the next has hits 300k, it is done and the 600k on the cummins is still going. Oh how I wonder how will I get my money back...LOL
Sure won't be by paying the high price for oil change. No wounder you changed. Dealer get ya every time. BTW ever consider the 6.4 Hemi 3/4 ton truck. Almost bought one and sure it would have done just as well as a diesel as having 3.73 gear.

Just think what it will cost when the cumming goes belly up. Later RJD
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Old 08-27-2015, 04:51 PM   #45
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Diesel here in the mountains of CO is twice the expense of gas!
You surely aren't talking about the Price at the Pump... Unless there is one isolated General Store somewhere back in the Mesas that you're thinking of...

Per GasBuddy:
Costco - Gypsum CO - Reg $2.79 / Diesel $2.45
Shell - Eagle CO - Reg $2.96 / Diesel $2.79

It is unusual that Diesel is less than Gas, but once one figures the MPG and then Cost per Mile then Diesel usually comes in 15-20% less expensive.

I'm feeding my current RAM 1500 Mid-grade. But when it comes time for the next Truck, it'll be the RAM 1500 EcoDiesel... (unless the TT grows too)
(I just wish Sergio would give us back a REAL Shifter - and keep that silly Twist Knob for some Fiat or Alfa-R...)
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Old 08-27-2015, 05:05 PM   #46
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Sure won't be by paying the high price for oil change. No wounder you changed. Dealer get ya every time. BTW ever consider the 6.4 Hemi 3/4 ton truck. Almost bought one and sure it would have done just as well as a diesel as having 3.73 gear.

Just think what it will cost when the cumming goes belly up. Later RJD
The oil changes are a company thing, with the miles and what not it comes with an inspection. I do not have the time or want really to do it.

6.4 my certainly be the next gasser, the pull and the fact 87 octane fuel is recommend compared to 89! Reason I have gas/Diesel is some of the operations require huge idle times and the diesels do not fair to well under those conditions. Delete kits would get it done, actually watching the performance of a 2013 with 40k on it that has been deleted to see what the warranty is like.
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Old 08-27-2015, 05:06 PM   #47
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I did all the math a few months after switching to diesel 2 years ago. At the time, diesel was 20 cents per gallon more than gas. With that, it was still 19 cents per mile cheaper for me towing with diesel vs the 6.0 gas GMC I previously had. Now that the price is about the same, diesel is even a bigger savings.

As far as the upfront cost difference, with the cost per mile savings, you get that back in about 30,000 miles. Since the diesel truck will always be worth several thousand more, it's really a wash anyhow. 200,000 mile diesel trucks still sell for over $20,000. Not true with gas

Not that gas can't do the job, diesel makes it effortless for the truck and driver. The exhaust brake alone makes it worth having

Diesel may not be for everyone, but it's easy to prove why it's a winner. It's not coincidence that 100% of semi trucks, farm equipment and construction equipment is diesel. It's more efficient at making power.
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Old 08-27-2015, 05:30 PM   #48
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Recently completed an 8000 mile trip from Texas to California, Oregon,Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin Michigan,,,,,
Pulled my crusader 290RLT about 12000 lbs with a F250 6.2L. It did ok, struggled on some grades, transmission worked great going down hill. Second gear on some grades to maintain RPM. If I was not in mountains I would have been pretty happy except for gas mileage.
Just traded for a 2500HD Duramax and there is no comparison. Much better towing, better mileage all the way around. Exhaust break great on grades. If you never expect to tow over your 6000lbs it may be a toss up but the diesel is definitely a better way to tow.


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Old 08-27-2015, 06:10 PM   #49
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Next time you are on the road, check out the tow vehicles. The majority are diesels.( makes no difference ford, chev, dodge, GMC ) THEY ARE BEASTS, once you own one you will NEVER go back to gas.. The harder you work them the better they run.
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Old 08-27-2015, 07:09 PM   #50
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Go diesel all the way. Had an f150 gas and pulled a 29 ft tt worked great. Moved up to a 5er and purchased a 350 diesel and absolutely LOVE IT. You will not regret purchasing a diesel truck and once you pull with it you will never go back Give it a try, you will not be disappointed
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Old 08-27-2015, 07:25 PM   #51
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What do i do??

Quote:
Originally Posted by usvipaul View Post
I thinking of upgrading my truck. I currently have a 2012 Tundra 4.6l DC 4x4 and pull a 2011 Rockwood 2604. The truck pulls fine here on the east coast, but I'm retiring next year and DW and I want to travel west and I know this truck won't do mountains well. I'm looking at some used Silverado/Sierra 2500hd trucks. My dilemma is do I go with a 2006-2009 Duramax LBZ/LMM in the $30-$35000 range (low miles) or something like a newer 2011 6.0l gas engine? I know the diesel will do it fine, but I worry about a used diesel and maintenance/repairs. If anyone out there has any experience towing with a gas 6.0 2500hd pulling a 6000lb trailer (5800 empty) in the mountains I sure would like to hear from you. Thanks for a great forum. Can't go a day without checking in here!
Thanks. Paul
One of the things i have not heard anyone say is this;
If you go with a diesel truck and you want to travel around the country (and through the mountains) you can (add a extra fuel tank) if you have a gas model you can not!
So for the better long haul motor and the added fuel tank i will not even think about my next truck it will be nothing but a diesel.
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Old 08-27-2015, 07:40 PM   #52
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Well for me it came down to safety, and the choice between a screaming gasser and a purring diesel. To help make the decision for me I decided to check my actual towing needs... in other words, how much I actually tow, percentage wise. I'd say if you will be towing more than 25% of your driving time, a diesel is a must. Mine is running about 1,400 rpm at 65, and so was the gasser. Add a little grade, and the diesel is still at 1,400 but the gasser is at 2,700. Add more grade and the diesel is at 1,400 and the gasser is at 3,600. Get steep and the diesel is now at 1,800, having finally downshifted... but the gasser is in 3rd at 4,400 or 2nd at 5,200... just to maintain 65. And, with a 3/4 ton truck, you get bigger brakes and stiffer tires. If you're on a grade and your trailer brakes fail, would you rather have bigger brakes and exhaust braking, or 1/2 ton brakes and very little engine braking in comparison.


My fuel economy with my diesel is close to the same not towing... if not a touch better. Towing mileage is wonderful in comparison. I am getting 12 - 14 mpg towing a 7,200# TT. My F-150 would get 9.5 at best... with a tailwind. With a headwind and hills it would drop to 6 - 7 mpg... Not EVER going back to a 1/2 ton gasser as long as I am towing.
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Old 08-27-2015, 08:24 PM   #53
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I didn't read the 4-pages of responses, but I have a vast knowledge of diesel duramax's.... and the cost associated in owning them.
I can't stress this enough.... run... don't walk away from a Chevrolet diesel truck. I have had 6 of them in our business... all of them are serviced through a dealer and everyone of them has had numerous problems.... aside from the excellent transmissions, they are junk. Don't believe me, ask a diesel mechanic.
My problems are as follows and not listed in any chronological order
03 through 08....
4-Turbo's
4 Turbo actuator sensors
2 Head gaskets
1 cracked intercooler
2 Rear axel bearings on 2 different trucks
1 Set of tie-rods
1 pitman arm
2 sets of hub bearings
2 fuel pumps
3 exhaust filter problems
many many check engine lights for various issues
... and a bunch of glow plugs and misc other items I can't think of right now.
If you added up all the mileage on all of the trucks and put them all together you couldn't come up to 200,000 miles
They are junk in stock form...

I will note that one of our 06's is a 1-ton dully pick up with 4-WD that I personally drive. This truck is babied beyond the normal as it is my favorite for pulling the 17 foot dessert fox toy hauler hunting or my jeep to Moab...
it is in right now for $7400 of repairs... head gaskets and tuner up grades...
The only reason this truck wasn't junked is because I just put 5K in tires, suspension, and front end...
When I get this truck back it has been said it will be bullet proof and if it had wings it would fly...
I could care less about that, but it'd be great to get 115,000 miles on it while not spending so much time in the shop.

I have had two and yes I have had a glow plug to go bad but GM paid for that. My 2500 08 had 80,000 miles when I traded it in 12 for a 3500 and it now has 65,000 miles on it. I have had one bad camper out of four but the dmax had been great


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Old 08-27-2015, 08:43 PM   #54
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I have a 2009 gmc 3500 dually diesel lbz- I pay 100 for oil change at dealer- usually 2x a yr
avg 12.4 mpg.I am a transporter - have pulled 40' park models - 38' 5ers about anything I want. LOVE the power and control. no complaints. bought it 2011 with 11,000 miles for 28 grand- was offered 34,500 on a trade in for a denali 3500 dually
but I only have 34,500 miles on it now.
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Old 08-27-2015, 09:45 PM   #55
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Originally Posted by twojump36 View Post
I didn't read the 4-pages of responses, but I have a vast knowledge of diesel duramax's.... and the cost associated in owning them.
I can't stress this enough.... run... don't walk away from a Chevrolet diesel truck. I have had 6 of them in our business... all of them are serviced through a dealer and everyone of them has had numerous problems.... aside from the excellent transmissions, they are junk. Don't believe me, ask a diesel mechanic.
My problems are as follows and not listed in any chronological order
03 through 08....
4-Turbo's
4 Turbo actuator sensors
2 Head gaskets
1 cracked intercooler
2 Rear axel bearings on 2 different trucks
1 Set of tie-rods
1 pitman arm
2 sets of hub bearings
2 fuel pumps
3 exhaust filter problems
many many check engine lights for various issues
... and a bunch of glow plugs and misc other items I can't think of right now.
If you added up all the mileage on all of the trucks and put them all together you couldn't come up to 200,000 miles
They are junk in stock form...

I will note that one of our 06's is a 1-ton dully pick up with 4-WD that I personally drive. This truck is babied beyond the normal as it is my favorite for pulling the 17 foot dessert fox toy hauler hunting or my jeep to Moab...
it is in right now for $7400 of repairs... head gaskets and tuner up grades...
The only reason this truck wasn't junked is because I just put 5K in tires, suspension, and front end...
When I get this truck back it has been said it will be bullet proof and if it had wings it would fly...
I could care less about that, but it'd be great to get 115,000 miles on it while not spending so much time in the shop.
And you didn't even mention the nightmare fuel injectors of the 2003. My father in law fought that problem for 10 years. I was with him several times when it left us stranded. And the door caught on fire in the controls, steering column locked up on him while driving, instrument cluster went out twice. It was miserable, and he still brags about what a great truck it was. We have different tolerance levels when it comes to car trouble.
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Old 08-28-2015, 04:13 AM   #56
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Papa, that's the best thing I've heard all day! How could you argue with that? Gold monkey....love it! Thanks!
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Old 08-28-2015, 04:30 AM   #57
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Dcheatwood, I will let you know when I make the switch. I admire you for pulling your rig with that Tundra. One of the reasons I'm switching is for payload capacity. When I hook up that 2604, load up the DW, our 80lb. lab, Ruby, and a few light things in there bed, I'm at GVWR. And I know that 5.7 only has about 150lbs. more payload capacity than my 4.6l Tundra. I have weighed at a station in tow trim with a full tank of gas and propane without the trailer and only have 700 lbs left for tongue weight. Don't know what your pin weight is, but it could be over 850. Love my Tundra. Wish they would come out with a diesel. I'm getting close to analysis paralysis! All of you out there are so great for giving me your input on this. I know this diesel vs gas thing has been hashed over and over and I'm sorry for opening a can of worms, but I need information and this is the best place I know to get it straight. I have mechanics telling me the Duramax is the best. I have close friends that have Powerstrokes who swear by them. And horror stories from all brands. I suppose I want to make the best decision for our family, not just for me. As Red Green says, "we're all in this together". Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks to you all.
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Old 08-28-2015, 05:23 AM   #58
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Originally Posted by usvipaul View Post
I thinking of upgrading my truck. I currently have a 2012 Tundra 4.6l DC 4x4 and pull a 2011 Rockwood 2604. The truck pulls fine here on the east coast, but I'm retiring next year and DW and I want to travel west and I know this truck won't do mountains well. I'm looking at some used Silverado/Sierra 2500hd trucks. My dilemma is do I go with a 2006-2009 Duramax LBZ/LMM in the $30-$35000 range (low miles) or something like a newer 2011 6.0l gas engine? I know the diesel will do it fine, but I worry about a used diesel and maintenance/repairs. If anyone out there has any experience towing with a gas 6.0 2500hd pulling a 6000lb trailer (5800 empty) in the mountains I sure would like to hear from you. Thanks for a great forum. Can't go a day without checking in here!
Thanks. Paul
My wife bought a 6.4 Hemi 3500 for a second tow vehicle, we r truck people.
I've got a Dodge 6.7 Cummins and the Hemi is a good truck and tows well however, it don't even compare to a diesel. I can sit the cruise on 65 and go, course if u get in some big hills like the Smokys then she'll downshift.

Diesel is undeniably the best tow rig
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Old 08-28-2015, 06:28 AM   #59
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As for oil changes; my local Chevy dealer offers oil & filter change package (both gas & diesel) where you pay for about 1 1/2 of a regular service & you get 4. Been doing it with both of my vehicles there for years. Really good deal.
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Old 08-28-2015, 08:55 AM   #60
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You're doing your homework. That's good. You'll make a decision you'll be happy with. I'll be interested to know what you decide.
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