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11-02-2014, 09:32 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 242
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Need Your TV Upgrade Opinions
I'm a little disappointed with how my 1/2 ton pulls my TT. Pulled from Kentucky to Florida on I-65 and it did an ok job. I'm sure taking I-75 through Chattanooga or going east crossing the Appalachians would be a bunch of work and slow speeds I wouldn't be comfortable putting up with. I plan to pull to the west coast next summer and tour around the mountains in between so I'm looking to upgrade to a Diesel 3/4 ton. I'm considering that trip, the possibility of a bigger TT in the future and eliminating the payload limitations inherent with the 1/2 ton.
I hear good things about the Chevy Duramax and I've never owned anything but GM all my life so my search has started for the Chevy's/GMC's. I'm looking to buy used - 1 to 2 yrs old.
I've never owned a diesel before - are they maintenance headaches?
What kind on mileage have you experience with the diesels?
Anyone had bad experiences with Duramax and thus would recommend a Ford or Dodge?
Anything else I should consider or be concerned with in making this purchase decision?
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2015 Jayco 27DSRL (Sold and shopping for new 5er)
2016 Little Guy CIRRUS 800 Truck Camper
2015 GMC SLT 3500 Duramax Crew Cab, SRW
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11-02-2014, 10:00 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Charleston
Posts: 1,714
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Im a Ram guy myself but I have buddy's that have duramax and they seem to be a great engine also
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TV 2005 Ram 3500 CC LB SRW Cummins POWER
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11-02-2014, 11:25 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sparwood, BC
Posts: 2,800
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I have run many diesels in my life and there is no better engine for towing. Maintenance is minimal just like the fuel injected gas engine in today's technology. As with all vehicles drive and maintain them proper. If I see heavy black smoke coming out a diesel truck or car, then I shake my head. Then you will burn valves in a diesel and you're in for costly maintenance. Also the extra engine cost is only justified when you make the miles. But what the hack if you love a diesel just for the sake of fun......get one. The general rule with a TV is to better have reserve then being under powered. It gives a driver a lot of discomfort with a line up behind. In Europe the speed limit for truck and trailer (also TT's) 80 km (50 mi) on the freeways (Secondary highways is 60 km (40 mi). Here in North America the average is 100 km (63 mi) which takes a lot more power. Well go for that Duramax, GM learnt their lessons after all their diesel engine failures since the late 70's. On the moment they offer 0% on new, then at least you know what you get.........warranty.
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2014 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4x4 5.7 Hemi 3.92 Rear and Air Lift 1000
2005 Jayco Jay Feather LGT - 29Y GVWR-7000 lbs.
Dexter Axle Lift 4-9/16" - installed with sub-frame.
Pro Series 1200 lbs. WDH with Double Sway Bar.
Champion 3100/2800 watt Inverter/Generator-Onboard Solar Power
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11-02-2014, 12:22 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Alberta
Posts: 557
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Dodge guy here. My last three trucks (2005 Ram 2500, 2011 Ram 3500 dually, 2013 Ram 3500 srw) were all diesels. I really loved the 5.9 liter in my 2005 but the 6.7 pulls like a freight train.
Maintenance costs are what they are. Probably more than a gas job but the extras you get in towing make it worth it. My big advice (particularly if you buy a Dodge) is the new diesels are not good daily city drivers. They have to be worked or they end up in regen mode.
The gas guys will chime in I'm sure, but no current dealer offered gas engine will produce the combination of hp and torque of a diesel. My Cummins is 385 hp and 850 torque. A big gasser will definitely tow and in many cases do it well, but my diesel does it effortlessly. I don't think you can go wrong with either the Powerstroke or the Duramax either.
In any event buy what makes you look out your kitchen window at the driveway, for no apparent reason (guy thing).
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11-02-2014, 01:03 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Southeast, NY
Posts: 1,113
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Personally, if you're a GM guy, you likely won't be happy with anything but. I have a 6.0 Ford which has had its share of issues. From what I've read, the Dodge is probably the more reliable of the 3.
In the end, it's more than just the engine, you've got to love the rest of the truck too.
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Karl - Southeast, NY
2020 377 RLBH
2018 Ram 3500 Mega Limited 6.7L Cummins w/ Aisin
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11-02-2014, 03:08 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Kennewick
Posts: 320
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I had a Ford diesel and after a small fortune in repairs I bought a GMC Duramax. I had a lot of Ford gassers and they were good trucks. Did a lot of research and drove a lot of miles in Dodge and GM before I purchased the GMC. I decided against the Ford as they have been changing motors so often it is hard to get a proven long term track record. My decision on the GMC came down to comfort, proven track record and quite. The Dodge has some good features and I like the cab storage compartments. It will boil down to personal preferences. You may want to look close at a new rig as to a rig only 1 or 2 years old. I bought a new one after rebates for the same price I would have needed to pay for an almost new unit.
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2014 Eagle Premier 361REQS
Mor-ride pin box
SuperSprings
2013 GMC Sierra 2500 CC SB 4x4 Duramax
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11-04-2014, 09:16 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Port Hope
Posts: 308
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you cant go wrong with a duramax or a cummins, both great motors and they tend to have good trans behind them
i had a ford 6.0 for a week and sent it back to the dealer because it was such a POS i ended up with a 07 6.7 dodge and could not be happier, i pulled a 12,000ish lbs park model on the weekend for over 4 hours and didnt even break a sweat
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2007 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW 6.7 cummins
2014 Eagle HT 27.5 BHS
1998 Tahoe Q5 4.3 (My Baby)
2006 Ford F150 5.4, (SOLD Oct 2014)
2014 Jayco Jayflight 26BH (SOLD Feb 2014)
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11-04-2014, 09:22 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: The Mitten
Posts: 459
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I have a 2013 Ford with the 6.7 powerstroke. It's a great engine. Between 13-14 mpg pulling my fifth wheel and boat combo (about 12k lbs). 17 city and about 21 highway without. Maintenance isn't a headache. Higher costs (I use 13 qts of oil, and fuel filters need to be changed often). Otherwise turn the key and go. I don't think you can go wrong with and of the big 3 diesels right now. Look for which you like best, price and warranty. Ford had issues with diesel in the past with the 6.0 and 6.4 but it won't be a problem if you are looking for a newer one. Different manufacturer.
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11-04-2014, 09:57 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,726
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D-max's are GREAT. Just remember when coming off the highway to let it idle for 2 min to cool off before you shut down.. doing this is cheaper than replacing the turbo. mine always gets synthetic lubricants. Always change your fuel filter when you do an oil change.
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Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days /2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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11-04-2014, 10:52 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MD
Posts: 3,856
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Need Your TV Upgrade Opinions
I have been nothing but happy with my Duramax. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the diesels. I loved my Sierra 1500 but towing with it was just ok. With the Duramax 2500 towing is great.
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2017 JayFlight 28BHBE
2014 JayFlight Swift 264BH (Sold)
2007 GMC 2500 Sierra Classic Crew Cab LBZ Duramax / 6spd Allison
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11-04-2014, 10:57 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Zeeland
Posts: 39
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Chevy D-max is the best diesel that we use in our pull trucks on the farm. They take incredible abuse and run strong in terrible conditions. We do fine the 6.0 has to work well also just a bit slower getting to speed and some issues with knock censers. We pull 10k trailers in 4x4 through sandy fields 10 hours a day.
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2015 Jayflight 287BHSW SLX
2000 Chevy Suburban 2500 6.0L
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