Duramax towing MPG

[American Bulldog]

Every year the duramax has gotten more HP and less mpg. This year's version has tons of power and the lowest economy yet. I drive an older LB7 version and get 18-20 empty and 12-14 towing 10k (tractor).

Given the $10,000 premium for the diesel, I'd just get the gas engine in a new truck. The new anti pollution solution scares me. I've heard DPF's out of warranty will be $1000-1200. Who knows what the urea systems will do. Plus the new gas engines are much more economical and powerful than the old ones. There is no longer a clear justification for diesel unless you run 40-60k a year loaded.

This statement poses the question: Why buy new? Is is perhaps the best solution to get a quality used diesel with low to medium mileage?

Just for curiosity, what years were the best for diesel engines? I am very curious to hear.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Given the $10,000 premium for the diesel, I'd just get the gas engine in a new truck. The new anti pollution solution scares me. I've heard DPF's out of warranty will be $1000-1200. Who knows what the urea systems will do. Plus the new gas engines are much more economical and powerful than the old ones. There is no longer a clear justification for diesel unless you run 40-60k a year loaded.

It seems the OP has given up on this thread and decided to wait on his purchase. It may be hard to justify a new diesel truck on the basis of saving $500 / month in fuel costs (OP's estimate), however, if I were in this situation
I'd be tempted to look at this in two parts:

1. Do I need / want a new truck?
2. If yes to #1 should it be Gas or Diesel?

On that basis the $10K extra cost for diesel is, I think, easily justifiable. Savings of $500 / month = $6,000 per year = less than two year payback.

Perhaps a good used diesel would be a solution providing much better mileage without giving up too much. As stated by a couple of others, slowing down a bit usually increases mileage. Seems to me if I can get 9 - 10 MPG range with 5.9 Cummins pushing a 26K motor home, pulling 3.5K toad @ 61 MPH, the OP should be able to find some sort of diesel truck that would at least double his current 5 mpg pulling 14K.

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

Just for curiosity, what years were the best for diesel engines? I am very curious to hear.

My opinion

Strictly going on fuel mileage, and engine longevity, I would say a 1998 Dodge 12v Cummins, with NV4500 5 Spd.

If you want the total package, I would have to say 2007 Dodge 3500 4x4 5.9 CR Cummins, 6 spd

If you don't like Dodge...or need more cab room than they offer.

2002-early 2003 Ford F-350 7.3

It is my opinion that with Ford anything from 2003 and up is a gamble, you might get a great one, you might get a lemon.

We just swapped off 2- 2008 F550's 6.4 diesel last week, took a beating on them, 31k for the pair. Still running the 2003 and 2004 F550 with 6.0. Sad day when a 7 year old truck can still out perform a 2 year old truck. These trucks haul 40 and 45' gooseneck trailers daily, loaded to max cap.

 

[brain55]

I haven't given up on this thread, I'm still reading. There was no sense in jumping in the middle of the who makes a better truck debate. I already know I will buy a GM product. I have worked on all 3 brands and my opinion is the GM trucks are easier to work on, the Allison transmission has more than proven its reliability especially in heavy towing applications, and GM's brakes are far superior to the other 2 manufacturers.

Brian
To answer the 2 questions.

Do I want/need a new truck? Yes, my truck has 200,000 miles on it and is having 200,000 mile problems. The drivetrain is solid, but now I'm having the little stuff that I don't want to deal with going wrong.

Gas or Diesel? Absolutely diesel, I would have bought the Duramax in 2001 if I knew it was going to have as few problems as it did. Who knew, it could have been like the 6.0 Ford. They don't even offer the 8.1L any more in the pick-up chassis and I don't think anyone could convince me the the 6.2L has the balls to pull my trailer everyday. Even if the Duramax only gets 8 mpg towing it is still an improvement over 5 mpg.

The other question, new vs. used. I already own a used truck why would I trade into another used truck. I don't like buying somebody elses problems, my truck is my livelyhood, without a truck I don't work.

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

I haven't given up on this thread, I'm still reading. There was no sense in jumping in the middle of the who makes a better truck debate. I already know I will buy a GM product. I have worked on all 3 brands and my opinion is the GM trucks are easier to work on, the Allison transmission has more than proven its reliability especially in heavy towing applications, and GM's brakes are far superior to the other 2 manufacturers.

Brian
To answer the 2 questions.

Do I want/need a new truck? Yes, my truck has 200,000 miles on it and is having 200,000 mile problems. The drivetrain is solid, but now I'm having the little stuff that I don't want to deal with going wrong.

Gas or Diesel? Absolutely diesel, I would have bought the Duramax in 2001 if I knew it was going to have as few problems as it did. Who knew, it could have been like the 6.0 Ford. They don't even offer the 8.1L any more in the pick-up chassis and I don't think anyone could convince me the the 6.2L has the balls to pull my trailer everyday. Even if the Duramax only gets 8 mpg towing it is still an improvement over 5 mpg.

The other question, new vs. used. I already own a used truck why would I trade into another used truck. I don't like buying somebody elses problems, my truck is my livelyhood, without a truck I don't work.

It sounds like your mind was already made up...A new Gm Diesel. So why worry about the fuel mileage it's going to get, if you have already decided to get it, just do it. Heck, you only live once, might as well drive the truck you want.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get what you want but I would suggest you drive all 3 before you buy. go in without the blinders on. Look at not only the truck but also the dealer and the manufactures situation.

I always buy what is best and drive each before I buy. Since 2003 alone I have had 2 Ford diesels F-250 & F-350, GMC 3500 diesel, Dodge 2500 Hemi, F-150, and a Titan. All were 4x4 and all had 3.73 gears with the exception of the Nissan.

Chris

 

[brain55]

It sounds like your mind was already made up...A new Gm Diesel. So why worry about the fuel mileage it's going to get, if you have already decided to get it, just do it. Heck, you only live once, might as well drive the truck you want.

Still have to justify it to the little lady. If I could have been convinced that the fuel savings would have made the payment, or real close to it I might have had a chance. The reality is, the economy is still to unstable to bite off a $55,000 purchase right now and I made this post before I thought the whole thing through.

Brian

 

[brain55]

Get what you want but I would suggest you drive all 3 before you buy. go in without the blinders on. Look at not only the truck but also the dealer and the manufactures situation.

I always buy what is best and drive each before I buy. Since 2003 alone I have had 2 Ford diesels F-250 & F-350, GMC 3500 diesel, Dodge 2500 Hemi, F-150, and a Titan. All were 4x4 and all had 3.73 gears with the exception of the Nissan.

Chris

It would be tough to get a real world feel driving all 3. They aren't going to put gooseneck hitches in their trucks to let me test drive them with my trailer hooked up. Power and feel unloaded, is completely different than pulling 14K+ with a gooseneck that is loaded tongue heavy.

Brian

 

[CCOUGHRAN1]

The reality is, the economy is still to unstable to bite off a $55,000 purchase right now

Amen to that.

I was doing some tire kicking at a dealership this year, looking at a Dodge 3500 mega cab dually 4x4 loaded out, and it was 50k+ once I put on a hauler bed, front end replacement, etc it quickly becomes a 60k truck. And it still won't get the economy that my 3rd gen truck gets.

I decided to hold off for the year on a truck purchase, and bought a new tractor and aluminum stock trailer instead.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It would be tough to get a real world feel driving all 3. They aren't going to put gooseneck hitches in their trucks to let me test drive them with my trailer hooked up. Power and feel unloaded, is completely different than pulling 14K+ with a gooseneck that is loaded tongue heavy.

Brian

Very true. I am just saying take a look and see what is out there. The GM may be for you but don't judge on the past. All have made major changes.

Chris

 

[capt_met]

if i were shopping today i would look for a LBZ Chevy from the pre-pollution years. let someone else take the hit for driving it off the showroom. in this economy it wouldn't be hard to find a low milage truck to fit the needs. anything with under 50,000 miles is still new for a diesel. imo. the new pollution devices aren't making any of the trucks better or more reliable. i was able to find my 4500 with 2800 miles on it for less than half what they wanted for them new. that just made sense to me. good luck in your search. we could use another duramax driver on here.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

The other question, new vs. used. I already own a used truck why would I trade into another used truck. I don't like buying somebody elses problems, my truck is my livelyhood, without a truck I don't work.

I don't see used as always buying someone's problems. I'd be tempted to think in CA there would be quite a few older / retired types who buy a loaded up LTZ or similar to pull a large 5'ver and then for some reason (maybe death) the truck comes on the market with low easy miles - just a thought to consider.

Even as for new, with the current deals and financing, I'd think a person could score a Dmax 3500 for less than $55K .

For example here's one thing I found on the GM site:

3500HD BIG DOOLEY CREW CAB STANDARD BOX LTZ 4x4

$44,945ｹ

• Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 engine
• Allisonｮ 6-speed automatic transmission
• Heavy-duty trailering equipment
• Integrated trailer brake controller
• 13,000-lb. GVWR(6)
• Skid Plate Package
• LTZ Plus Package
• Exterior Plus Package
• Interior Plus Package
• Engine block heater
• Power-adjustable, heated camper mirrors
• Rearview camera system

 

[crbr]

If your not dead-set on getting a brand new truck then maybe look at a used diesel truck. Like the others have said, if you want better MPG's then look for a pre-DPF truck like the pre-05 6.6l Duramax, pre-07.5 5.9l Cummins, or pre-04 7.3l Powerstroke. It will be harder to find exactly the truck you want but will be MUCH cheaper up-front and will pay for itself MUCH earlier than a new truck. That may turn the significant other towards a purchase.

Pre-DPFs get no better than any of the expectations here. I get 12 - 14 on a 2007 LBZ engine. Pre-2005s are nothing but an injector / fuel pump issue waiting to happen. The LB7 and the LLY are nothing but a mistake by GM. Those that have not had any problems, good for you. The Diesel Page dot com has a lot of testimony to this fact.

I've had two LB7s and an LBZ. Duramax has been nothing but a disappointment for me in the way of fuel mileage (althought I stay heavy in the throttle). I'm on my fourth and last Duramax (inclusive of four sets of failed injectors in the LB7s). I'll go back to a gasser as soon as I have time to shop.

For Sale: 2007 Classic (LBZ engine) with 4,700 miles. Gets 12 - 14 MPG (maybe more when broken in at 10,000 miles). Silver Birch in color / crew cab. Still showroom clean. Not even been driven in the rain. Good truck, I just don't drive it much.