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Diesel Tow vehicle options
I'm looking for a new tow rig and have been a Suburban guy forever but I really want a diesel.
The Ford Excursion has got me interested and have heard that the 6.0 (available since mid 03 I think) is supposed to be better than the 7.3, any opinions? Thanks in advance!!! |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I've heard a *lot* of folks are having troubles with the F@rd 6.0...however, our gravedigger has had one for a few months and has had ZERO problems.
My wife drives a sub with the 8.1L...the thing is a MONSTER. It's rated for a 12k pound trailer I believe, and will absolutely FLY with our loaded 24ft trailer. If you're dead set on a diesel in a Sub, though, I believe GM is supposed to coming out with a Duramax/Sub combo...believe it's gonna be a V6 version of the Dmax, but it's still supposed to be up around 300hp/500+ ft-lbs... |
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I was a Suburban guy also, but it just didn't have the economy nor power when pulling the trailer.......traded it in on a Sierra Crew Cab w/ the Duramax -Allison combo....Best thing I have ever done (Almost).......This thing pulls the trailer without any effort and basically.....you don't even know the trailer is back there...........the Torque these Diesels make is pretty wild...............I'll never go back to a gas rig for pulling.......Hope this helps.....The only thing with more Torque than this truck is Charley's 55......LOL https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif
Ken https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/flag.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Or his twin Turbo Camaro...or his SD455...or his https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I believe Rob is correct about the diesel Suburban coming out.
I had a 2001 2500HD crew/short with the 8.1 that was slightly pumped up. It would run like a raped ape https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif except past the gas station. 10.5 most of the time and 7 with the trailer. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif My 2005 2500HD is a Duramax and I love it. U.S. Diesel has the best prices on the upgrades. I put a full Banks kit on mine when it was new. The 6 gun, Speed Loader and Exhaust. It now is about 400hp and close to 800#'s on the torque. It is a rubber roaster!!! 0-60 @6 sec. 97 in the 1/4. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif I will never go back to gas. All of the Banks goodies was about $1500.00 delivered and it took me about 6 hours to install. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif --------------------- Chris 1967 Yenko Stinger YS-199 Southeast of Disorder |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I tow with a '99 Super Duty F-250.
Pulls a 26 foot trailer, no problems. Average about 11 mpg with trailer/chevelle inside. I've heard the new 6.0 litre motor is not as good as the old 7.3 which I've got. Only plus I've heard is it's a lot quiter. |
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I pull with an 05' Dodge diesel, it pulls good, but after 90K miles I'm beginning to wish I had bought a GM with the Duramax / Allison combo. I've heard nothing but good news about them.
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Thanks for the insight guys. I've just purchased an 07 Avalanche and absolutely love it so the news about the Suburban sounds great!
My old tow rig is a 96 1500 Suburban and the new Avalanche drives sooooo much nicer. This is the third Suburban that I've used and they all seem to last about 250K before they give up when used for towing. My trips are almost always 5K plus and are usually done in the shortest time frame possible so having the diesel guys pass me going 75+ fully loaded on the uphills is really getting to me. A diesel is going to take at least a few hours less per trip (more sleep time https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif). This may sound petty but the smell of diesel fuel is the biggest reason that I've stayed away, you just can't seem to get rid of it. I guess I'll keep a box of disposable gloves in the truck. Any other ingeniuos ideas? Do the diesels typically average 10mpg loaded with a trailer and does running 75-80mph really affect the mileage, it sure does on a gas Suburban. I know the older Dodge and Ford trucks were really loud, after just spending the weekend in a friends Chev Duramax I noticed the fan is quite loud from the interior and seemed to kick in and out alot. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
Do the diesels typically average 10mpg loaded with a trailer and does running 75-80mph really affect the mileage, it sure does on a gas Suburban. I get 12.2mpg with my Duramax loaded running 65 to 68 hope to be up around 13mpg this year with my air box mod. yes going 75-80 will affect your mileage. on a side note I get 19mpg running 68 empty. I know the older Dodge and Ford trucks were really loud, after just spending the weekend in a friends Chev Duramax I noticed the fan is quite loud from the interior and seemed to kick in and out alot. there is a fix for the fan running all the time. (the fan will kill your mileage) he must have an LLY motor. [/ QUOTE ] |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Where I can read,hear find out about which years,models,engines of USED Dodge Cummins are good and which to avoid.....
I would prefer a 2 wheel drive, but understand there are few out there (????) |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Chuck,
the cummins are all good. its everything else around it that you want to avoid! |
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My first diesel GMC 2005 fully loaded with trailer package - 2500 extended cab long box, I love it and like any body else here that has had one will probably never go back to gas tow vehicles.
I drove to and from Florida and Toronto and on the way back home I got over 1100 kilometers to the tank ( 128 liters )not pulling a trailer. I have just bought a new 32 ft enclosed trailer and it pulled ok but when fully loaded I liked a little more power so I bought the Bully Dog kit with Outlook and I'm looking forward to installing that little option. Duramax LLY 5 speed Allison. Totaly love it ! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif |
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I'll add to mine from before.
My 2005 Crew/Short bed Duramax Banks pumped up gets 10-11 pulling a trailer(loaded) at 70-80. This is either pulling the car trailer or the boat. The car trailer is open and the boat is 13,000 wet full of fuel. (1994 Cigarette Top Gun-38 foot). If I pull the car trailer empty it gets 11-13. The Banks goodies did not really effect the mpg but the power is worth the $$$. 150hp and 3003#'s of torque for $1500.00. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif One of the other at the dealer that I vintage race with has the Bully Dog on his and loves it. -------------------- Chris 1967 Yenko Stinger YS-199 2005 Duramax LLY/Allison 5 speed/ Banks Power https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif Southeast of Disorder |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
thanks to all the stringent emmisions standards on all the diesel trucks for 2007 this is what happened to the new 2008 superduty trucks
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...ipe_fires.html |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
My first diesel GMC 2005 fully loaded with trailer package - 2500 extended cab long box, I love it and like any body else here that has had one will probably never go back to gas tow vehicles. [/ QUOTE ] You ever driven a 8.1L/Ally truck, or even a 6.0L? We have both an 8.1L and a Dmax, and until we hung the Edge on the Dmax the 8.1L would *easily* outpace it with a load. And best as I can tell, their ain't a lot of difference in fuel mileage, either...however, while you can turn down the torque management on the 8.1L and gain some power, it is a lot easier to turn up the wick on the Dmax! |
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I made the mistake of buying an 8.1 back when the Dmax was just out and the dmax was hard to come by - traded it after about 6 months. Sure, it had some power, but with automatic it was buzzing 5k rpm on the hills. 5 mpg. We're talking serious towing of 20k lbs and wind resistance. I've put 200k miles on dmax trucks and the same load as the gasser results in 8 mpg and never out of overdrive on 6% grades. The dmax pickups get 20 mpg empty. Your lucky to get a best of 15 EVER with the 8.1. Absolutely no comparison!
Dave |
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[ QUOTE ]
The dmax pickups get 20 mpg empty. [/ QUOTE ] I'd be hard pressed to say our Dmax has even gotten *close* to 20mpg...we had (and still have) the 8.1L, and heard all the "20mpg" quotes before we bought our Dmax, and thought it all sounded perfect: great fuel mileage *and* a better towing package, where do I sign! But we haven't seen it...mid-teens at best empty, probably. And then you figure in the all the extra cost @ every service interval, and then the 30 cent per gallon premium for diesel fuel (which I have *yet* to understand!). FWIW, the gentleman we bought our Dmax from pulls a 45ft horse trailer w/living quarters, and said he thought his 8.1L powered truck actually handled the load better and was *the* setup for heavy towing...but then again, he was selling the Dmax dually to help pay for the new Dmax powered TopKick he had sitting in his driveway! LOL!! Don't get me wrong, I *love* our Dmax, and other than the obligatory injector failure and a burnt ring & pinion, the truck has been flawless...pulls our 45ft 2-car very well. But our 8.1L is a brute...I just wish I could plug into the harness and turn the wick up another 100hp like with our Dmax! Seems like I heard GM is doing away with the 8.1L this model year, though? Any word on that? I wish they'd pour the development into that powerplant like they did the LS series engines... |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
my 2006 Dmax 4WD gets right at 20 mpg at 75 mph, and 15.3-15.7 around town, 100% https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif without a doubt.
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
My 2005 4x4 duramax got 20 empty and 16 pulling open car trailer with 6000 pound chevy truck on it. sure miss that truck.
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I have a 01 Silverado 8' box, 8.1L, Allison, 3.73 gear. Bought it new and at the time did not feel I would get the use out of the Duramax, I only have 20K on the truck now.
I pull a 24' box and the thing can run 75 with little effort. I love the Allison, awsome tranny. I see around 10 mpg when I tow and the same just around town, I love jack rabbit starts from a traffic light ! Hard to keep your foot out of it. I do not think Chevy offers that motor anymore ?? One small issue with the my 8.1, since new I have always had to top off the oil about every 1500 mi. or so. Mike |
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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
1 Attachment(s)
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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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, |
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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.
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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...] |
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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 |
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[ QUOTE ]
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. [/ QUOTE ] We have the exact same truck, and we don't get NEAR that kinda mileage...empty or loaded. Problem is, car trailers are basically rolling bricks, and eat power/mileage...in fact, we get about 10mpg with our single enclosed with the Dmax and about 8mpg or so with it behind the 8.1L...empty is around 16mpg & 11mpg, respectively (that's here in the hills/curves, both get a couple mpg better on interstate). But before we added the Edge/Attitude and did some other little tricks, we thought we weren't especially fond of the Dmax... |
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I agree. I notice a huge difference between pulling my 18' open trailer with a car on it vs. my 20' enclosed.
I like the analogy of the rolling brick. I used to describe my son's Jeep as having the aerodynamics of a brick pulling a parachute. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Some numbers on my 2 trucks, per 1,000 miles (assuming diesel @ $4.30/gal & 16/10 mpg, gas @ $3.50 & 11/8 mpg):
<u>Unloaded</u> Dmax: $268 8.1L: $318 ------------- Dmax saves you $50 per 1,000 miles <u>Loaded:</u> Dmax: $430 8.1L: $437 ------------- Dmax saves you $7.50 per 1,000 miles Ironically, the more expensive fuel gets, the greater the savings will become with the Dmax (assuming the better mpg), but folks can't stand paying high-$4 to $5 per gallon of diesel, or having to pay well over $100 to fill it up...so they've been parking them! |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
I will say this, though, it's a HECK of a lot easier to crank out big power from our Dmax than our 8.1L! Just reach up and hit a button, and WHAM-O, 150 extra hp!!
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Local prices today:
87 octane gasoline $3.89 89 octane gasohol $3.79 Diesel $4.84 Illinois taxes! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...thumbsdown.gif |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Hey Cumby: has your son had to have the injectors in that LB7 replaced yet?
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Yep. And it was back in a couple of weeks ago for another fuel delivery issue, but I don't recall what it was. No real problem. Just something he had read and wanted to have checked out.
Did you have the whole 'Bosch return/rebuild debacle'? He was without the truck for two weeks. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
[ QUOTE ]
Did you have the whole 'Bosch return/rebuild debacle'? He was without the truck for two weeks. [/ QUOTE ] Yep...I was loaded and headed to Martin, MI, for a race when ours quit...unfortunately, it was *before* the final revised version of injectors, so I'm just waiting for it to happen again. The ballbuster is the LB7s are all running out of the 7/200 warranty and GM/Bosch has said they've ceased all R&D on the injectors...so, no solution to the problem, and they are EXPENSIVE to fix on you own dime. |
Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Time to trade up. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/crazy.gif
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Re: Diesel Tow vehicle options
Thanks for your expereinced opinions/comments.
Evidently no one on this web site (being G.M. muscle car owners) is a fan of the Dodge/Cummins with 6 speed stick. I had been looking at a 2003 (non catalytic convertor) 3500 single rear tire Quad cab long bed six speed but could get seller to come down on price. He claims to get 20mpg empty with a stock cummins and hadnt pulled any box trailer to know. If I go with a USED Chev/GMC truck I'm inclined to like the 2500 extended cab 2WD LONG bed. I want the long bed because it seems so much more useful when actually using the truck for misc chores, or possibly carrying a small camper when on the road with car trailer, (or has anybody made a bunk area in front of trailer?????) What are some absolutes on buying a used Duramax regarding knowledge of previous maintenance. So many used trucks do not have proof of anything ????? This truck will sit alot and I dont have a business to write it off against........... Thanks, |
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