Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

My 05 Duramax with the Banks upgrade got 20-21mpg on the highway running 70-75 with stock wheels no trailer. When I put 20x9's with extra width rubber it dropped to 18-19 no trailer. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

My 01 8.1L got 10.0 unloaded at the same speeds. After I upgraded it to Hypertech Programmer only, it went up to 11.5mpg. I had to have one heck of a tailwind to get any better. Towning a trailer or the boat it dropped to 7mpg. I never had an oil issue with my 8.1 and it usually needed a quart when it was time to change the oil. I did put 230,000 miles on it and it still did not use oil. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Both of mine have been the 5 speed Allison and I love it. I did grenade one in my 05 with 120,000 miles. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif Thank god for sponsorship from the dealer. They put a new one in for $4400.00 out the door. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif All other dealers wanted $7000.00-$8500.00. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/mad.gif

If was was buying another new one this year I would do the Duramax again-no questions asked!!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

--------------------------

Chris
1967 Yenko Stinger YS-199
Southeast of Disorder

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

2005 GMC HD Dmax with Triple Dog Power Pup with Outlook combo,,,
I will only purchase diesel trucks for hauling from now on.

https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

Rob,

You heard right. The 8.1 is dead. Largest gasser for GM is the 6.0 if I understand it correctly.

I am finding that the more things change, the more things stay the same. After I have worked the truck over, I am finding that I can get about 10 out of my old school with the 24' box on behind. Savin' my money for the petro to make it to Michigan! http://usera.imagecave.com/smallhurst/FordDually14.jpg

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

I just managed my best fuel mileage ever, from my 05' dodge cummins. I got a whopping 17.5 mpg from a truck with 3.73's, 4X4, DRW, and crew cab. Did I mention that I was limping home to get a new clutch installed after 85K miles? You duramax guys are killing me! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/frown.gif

Has anybody here experienced a mileage increase after switching to the larger diameter 19" wheels? I've been told that you could run tractor-trailer tires and save $$ due to their superior tread wear characteristics.

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

Steve: physically, you *can* do that...but the trucks aren't really designed for it...I looked into it also, but the cons seemed to outweigh the pros. Everyone that had done it said the ride was horrible, they made the truck wander, but more they couldn't stop as well because of all the additional rotating mass. If you're worried about you legal rated GVW, I've read where a few guys have had their trucks re-tagged for more GVW...like us D/A guys, you Cummins guys have the AAM axle, which is actually rated at around 11k pounds...but due to the cheap tires that come on our trucks from the factory, they're stuck to like 8500 lbs or so...so, jump up to an F or G rated tire, print the certification info off of the AAM website, and you can legally up your GVW, and your DOT can retag it as such...or so they say. Adding airbags is supposed to help, also...

And don't feel bad about the mileage...our D/A dually doesn't see 20mpg either...https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

I'm trying to buy a 2003 Dodge-3500 Quad Cab, 2WD, (single rear tire), SIX SPEED, Cummins 5.9 HO.

Anybody have any experienced comments on this package......

Thanks,

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

This may seem like a small thing but I have a 2003 Ram 2500 Quad Cab and the turning radius is kinda large. It is not easy to park in a lot. If I am going anywhere that parking might be a problem I take my Ford truck, it is the same length but compared to the Dodge it is down right agile. I think it is because the wheels actually physically turn sharper. Other than that I love the Dodge.

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

I still need to buy a USED truck and opened this thread up so as to read nay new opinions.......given the significant price diff in diesel fuel.

I am interested in hearing more about the 8.1/Allison versus Duramax versus Cummins/manual transmission

This will be for towing and misc chores only, not driving to the grocery store or work !!!!!!!!!

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

[ QUOTE ]
I am interested in hearing more about the 8.1/Allison versus Duramax versus Cummins/manual transmission

[/ QUOTE ]
There are some *very* good deals out there on any make/model of truck right now, in all price ranges...

What cab/bed configuration? Rough guesstimate on price? Amount & length of towing miles? Trailer size?

We've got both a Dmax & 8.1 (both with Allisons), and they both have there good/bad points, so ask away!

[IMO, a GM gas 2500HD is about the best bang for the buck right now...]

Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
 

My son has an '02 Duramax/Allison 4WD Crew cab Dually. Not the easiest thing to maneuver in a parking lot but the thing has tons of power and pulls his 40' triple axle gooseneck like there's nothing behind him. He has an "Edge" programmable chip and on-the-fly controller in it, along with a K&N air box and 5" exhaust. Granted, he has some work on the truck but he's pulling down 20-22 mpg on the highway and still gets around 14 mpg towing the trailer with two 'Mud Trucks' on it. He constantly watches his mileage/fuel costs and is still convinced he's doing better $$$ wise with the Diesel vs. the 8.1. (However, he's very close to producing his own bio-diesel.) But he did tell me a few days ago that he has a lot of respect for the power of the 8.1.
With fuel costs as they are, you can buy these used trucks VERY reasonable right now.

For any upcoming long tows with my trailer (i.e. VF), I'll be borrowing his truck! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif