Ecoboost gone, hello 1 ton

[milw156]

Pulled the trigger yesterday on a '13 Chevy 3500HD 4x4 Crew Cab SRW w/8' bed & 6.6 Duramax. DW was ok with the upgrade and the numbers worked out.

Feels strange as I've been a Ford truck owner since 1992 when I first got my license. In fact this is my first GM product ever.

Going head to head with the F350 XLT I just liked the Chevy LT better. I'll miss my Ecoboost because it's such a fun truck to drive. At the end of the day I wanted more payload and engine braking capability. I know this is complete overkill towing my 28DSBH, but you never know the future so having a 1 tonner will allow us to upgrade if necessary.

Truck gets shipped up from Oregon later this week. Can't wait to get the break-in period over so I can take it out camping.

Will post pictures once the TV arrives.

[jal0710]

Good choice, will allow you to move up quite a bit in size and weight although the weight police will tell you that you should have bought a DRW rather than SRW.

[modmatt]

Congrats on the upgrade. I'm a Ford truck guy as well, but when it comes to a Diesel choice, the GM trucks would be a top consideration for me, given the issues Ford has had over the years with theirs - especially the 6.0L that I've read about on numerous sites and periodicals. The Duramax/Allison trans seem to be a solid combo.

[Grumpy]

There shouldn't be a break in period with the DURAMAX. When they are in commercial trucks it's load and go, same thing when the KODIAKS were used for MH.

[Doug]

During our trip out West, we camped next to a couple with a huge 5th wheel toy hauler.
They had a 3500 HD with single axel. They loved it.
So, I know you can go pretty big with that TV.

Enjoy, wish I had one :-)

Doug

[gtsum2]

Congrats! I am in the process of doing the same thing

[norty1]

Originally Posted by modmatt

Congrats on the upgrade. I'm a Ford truck guy as well, but when it comes to a Diesel choice, the GM trucks would be a top consideration for me, given the issues Ford has had over the years with theirs - especially the 6.0L that I've read about on numerous sites and periodicals. The Duramax/Allison trans seem to be a solid combo.

Using that same logic, you may want to stay away from the Chevy too. They had a lot of problems with the Vega's.

[Tail_gunner]

A couple of years ago, I was pondering a new truck. I was thinking about either the F-150 with the Eco-boost or a 3/4 or 1 ton Checy/GMC with a Duramax. I knew there was also a very good possibility of getting a new RV in the near future, but at the time, we were not sure what. Since it is better to have too much truck instead of too little, I decided to go with a new 2011 GMC 3/4 ton with the Duramax.

We did end up upgrading our TT from a 2005 Jay Flight 27P to a 2013 Eagle 284BHS. We were considering a 2013 WhiteHawk 28DSBH, but there were one or two things we didn't care for (like a postage stamp sized 15' awning). So we went with the Eagle version with pretty much the same floor plan. I'm glad I got the Duramax. The Eco-boost would have been near or over it's towing limit with our new Eagle 284BHS.

FWIW, The Duramax pulls the Eagle 284BHS like a dream.

[Crabman]

I like your upgrade.

[Gibby3275]

Welcome to the club.

With a little trailer like that, I wouldn't worry about the break-in too much. The Duramax wont even know it's there.

[clutch]

You made a good choice. Enjoy the new truck.

[Derek700]

Made a similar move myself and you will love towing with the one ton way more than the half.

[thomasmnile]

I suspect the OP will discover there is a break in period of 500 miles for the rear end before towing. And, not to worry about towing a WhiteHawk with a one ton; I'm doing it with an '05 Ram 3500 because the Ram is paid for!:clap:

[milw156]

Thanks everyone. The hardest part is waiting for her to arrive.

[modmatt]

Originally Posted by norty1

Using that same logic, you may want to stay away from the Chevy too. They had a lot of problems with the Vega's.

Sorry, didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, but to be fair Vegas were in the '70s and the 6.0L diesels were in the 2000s and had well documented issues that can be addressed with some work. Ford is now building the 6.7L in house, but there was a short term 6.4L in there as well that was also Navistar sourced. All I was saying, given the recent history of Ford Diesels, it's worth considering a Duramax option in the HD space. It may turn out well that the 6.7L gets a great rep, but it's only out since about 2011 and designed and built by ford, so it's relatively new. Congrats to the OP on the purchase.

[katgar05]

Peter,

I can't believe you crossed over to the dark side.....I'm only kidding. Congrats on the new truck and let us know how it tows. Although I love my Ecoboost and it pulls my 28DSBH fine, I too, have been thinking about a F250 gasser, I really don't have a need for a diesel since my 28DSBH is the biggest thing I tow. The reason the F250 has been on my mind is payload, I think I am pushing the limits of my payload capacity and don't want any issues going down the road.

Gary

[dmax_83]

Great choice, congrats!

[milw156]

Originally Posted by katgar05

Peter,

I can't believe you crossed over to the dark side.....I'm only kidding. Congrats on the new truck and let us know how it tows. Although I love my Ecoboost and it pulls my 28DSBH fine, I too, have been thinking about a F250 gasser, I really don't have a need for a diesel since my 28DSBH is the biggest thing I tow. The reason the F250 has been on my mind is payload, I think I am pushing the limits of my payload capacity and don't want any issues going down the road.

Gary

Thanks Gary.

Good luck with your search. Being a lifelong Ford truck guy I made every reason to not buy the Chevy prior to me driving it. Like you the payload was the primary consideration, however the Duramax and extra payload the 3500 provides was just me spoiling myself.

There are still things I love about the Ford Super Dutys such as dash layout and the extra room that the crew cab rears have. I also like the locking box underneath the Ford rear seats where you can place long guns or other items securely.

The cost was about $5K less than the Ford due to the dealership being extremely aggressive.

I'd say drive them all and give them a chance. You may be pleasantly surprised.

It's an amazing time for American trucks from half tons all the way up, and we all benefit from their competition...

[norty1]

Not to worry, no ruffled feathers. Us Ford guys have thick skin.

[eldermike]

Hey Norty, a guy named Jim told me that us Ford guys need thick skin.