Thinking I might be buying a Duramax soon

[Lt CHEG]

Yeah, I know, I'm crazy. I just bought a truck last year that I am happy with, but here's my line of thought. When I bought my crew cab 2500HD last year, I really wanted a diesel crew cab but couldn't justify the expense. Since a gas powered crew cab was rated to tow what I needed, and I wanted a crew cab even more than I wanted a diesel truck I bought my current Chevy and its been great. I wanted to put a plow on it at the time but my wife nixed that idea, so a few months later I found a great deal on a 1997 F350 Powerstroke with plow. I bought that truck at a great price and put some work into it and had a well running, strong work truck. The problem was that it didn't have air conditioning and the color while better than rust was not appealing and it really needed a paint job.

So I tinkered with the truck and got it in pretty much perfect mechanical working order. The problem is that I don't have a place to do paint work properly so there was no way that I could return the truck to its glory myself. When I priced a paint job, plus adding the components for air conditioning I realized that I was going to have twice the money into the truck that it was worth in order to have something other than just a winter plow truck. Also my wife has been starting to come around to the idea of letting me put a plow on m primary truck now that she she's how low profile the Western plow mounting system is. So I put my Ford up for sale. I got a little less out of it than I wanted but more than I had into it (not counting my time of course).

Problem is that I miss the diesel turbo hiss, the truck like rumble at idle and the limitless power that a diesel offers for my needs. So I've held off putting a plow on my 2011 Silverado right away. Then I get some incentives sent to me from GM which total about $7000. So I talk to my dealer. As it turns out I can take the money that I got from the sale of my Ford, add about $2000 to it and drive away with a brand new 2013 Duramax equipped exactly the same as my current Silverado AND a brand new Western 8' pro plus plow for around $10 more per month than I am paying now. It's a great truck at a great price (basically invoice price, fair trade in allowance for my truck and $7000 in rebates on top) and I'm close to pulling the trigger.

So am I totally nuts or just economically nuts. I know it's not the best financial decision, but I've got no problem affording this. I know my current truck would suit my needs, but I still miss having a diesel. I guess I'm just looking for a little encouragement to put me over the edge. Am I totally nuts to spend a little extra money to get the kind of truck that I've really been after for a while now? Either way I'll let you know what I decide.

Oh and by the way, I have considered other truck as well. I'm really not into the newer Ford diesels, but 2013 Ram diesels excite me. I have talked to dealers about both of the those options but at the end of the day GM is throwing so much money my way that it wouldn't make sense for me to make the switch to one of the other brand right now.

 

[Diamondpilot]

There is a reason there is them incentives. Diesel trucks are not selling. I have had 4 & 3 were very trouble free, the other was a nightmare. I still own a trouble free 2006 F350 4x4 diesel but it will most likely be my last.

Reason being it just does not make sence anymore for 9 out of 10 of us to have a diesel. The gas trucks have come a long way in the past few years while the diesel offerings have taken two steps back.

Now on to your deal. I would do it. Thats a $6000 plow setup and a better truck than what you currently have. Yes, its only $10 more per month but look at the terms. Its very easy to end up side down in a truck by living by payment only and not keeping the terms reasonable.

Chris

 

[JESSE1]

Around here diesels are selling, at least the Ford and Rams are. Also see a lot of Duramax running around. If it's a SuperDuty and owned by an individual it's going to be a diesel. The gas Superduties usually go to businesses. It's the same with Ram. Even with the extra expense and worry with a very complex engine the diesels are still selling, at least in this part of the country. The Ford dealer I use doesn't have any gas SuperDuties on the lot except for the XL's that a business would buy.

 

[dodge man]

I also see alot of diesels in my area, but I don't know if new ones are selling. Hey, if you want it, get it. I've always bought vehicles I liked and wanted, not always what I needed though. Its kind of my hobby though.

 

[crashz]

I'm all for spending your money to keep GM solvent. But I feel like you made a mistake with selling the Ford work truck.

The reason I say that is a few things:
- Plowing will beat up your new truck.
- If you plow more than your own driveway, you will likely be driving the truck with the plow mounted in the worst conditions. This adds wear, corrosion and risk of an accident.
- The new truck will be longer and have less visibility.
- Plow trucks love to slide into ditches and immovable objects.
- The work truck can be customized for hard duty without compromising for daily comfort.
- You could throw a load of fire wood into the work truck, versus hand placing into the new truck.

But, you have a great deal offered and the Ford is gone. And the new Dmax is sweet!

 

[CJONE]

I love the way the GM's drive/handle on the road. The only thing I can add is be carefull where you buy fuel and don't run the truck out of fuel. A few of the people who have gotten bad fuel, especially water ended up replacing injectors shortly afterwards. So I don't blame the injectors in as much as they don't tolerate dirt/water very well. CJ

 

[Diamondpilot]

Around here diesels are selling, at least the Ford and Rams are. Also see a lot of Duramax running around. If it's a SuperDuty and owned by an individual it's going to be a diesel. The gas Superduties usually go to businesses. It's the same with Ram. Even with the extra expense and worry with a very complex engine the diesels are still selling, at least in this part of the country. The Ford dealer I use doesn't have any gas SuperDuties on the lot except for the XL's that a business would buy.

I don't have the article here on my desk but for 2011 Ford 3/4 tons and up were 75% diesel. Dodge was like 82% diesel. GM was around 35% diesel. There is a big difference between GM and the others.

Chris

 

[mikehaugen]

I don't have the article here on my desk but for 2011 Ford 3/4 tons and up were 75% diesel. Dodge was like 82% diesel. GM was around 35% diesel. There is a big difference between GM and the others.

Chris

now, correct me if I am wrong, but from what I read this could be partly because chevy seems to be the one with the more comparable gas engine. I am a dodge fan, but haven't heard much great about the hemi's and since I am kinda giving up on my dreams of a diesel for my next truck, I am looking more at a 6.0 GM. To be completely honest, I have been kind of a Ford basher for most of my life, but have recently opened up my mind and I don't completely take them off the table, but definitely haven't heard much positive about the 5.4 as far as towing power. As far as I know they don't have the v10 anymore, and I don't know what they do now for a larger gas motor. So the point of my post is that if dodge/ ford don't offer a capable gas engine, more people are forced to buy the diesel. Again, I am going on heresay with all of this, but I do pay a lot of attention to different opinions- especially on this site.

To the OP, if you can step up to diesel for $10 per month, then I would say do it. I would have to assume that this would re-start your loan term and you are also giving up quite a bit of cash as well, so it may not be as good of a deal as it seems. As I kind of alluded to previously, I was really wanting a diesel for my next truck. The main reason being that towing anything substantial with my 5.9 gas motor feels like I have an aircraft carrier behind me. With the advances in gas engines now, a newer gas would probably suit me fine as I am starting to realize. If I do get a diesel I will look for an early 2007 ram with the 5.9 cummins. As others have mentioned, diesels don't make as much sense as they used to. Admittedly though, if I had a money tree in my backyard I would probably go buy one anyway just because I want one.

 

[Diamondpilot]

now, correct me if I am wrong, but from what I read this could be partly because chevy seems to be the one with the more comparable gas engine. I am a dodge fan, but haven't heard much great about the hemi's and since I am kinda giving up on my dreams of a diesel for my next truck, I am looking more at a 6.0 GM. To be completely honest, I have been kind of a Ford basher for most of my life, but have recently opened up my mind and I don't completely take them off the table, but definitely haven't heard much positive about the 5.4 as far as towing power. As far as I know they don't have the v10 anymore, and I don't know what they do now for a larger gas motor. So the point of my post is that if dodge/ ford don't offer a capable gas engine, more people are forced to buy the diesel. Again, I am going on heresay with all of this, but I do pay a lot of attention to different opinions

You are right. The Hemi is a great engine but not really the best match for truck duties. I had a 2500 4x4 and was not impressed. They still use it today.

Ford dropped the 5.4 which was never a good match beyond the F150, and the V10. It was a power house but thirsty. The new Ford 6.2 liter is the best truck motor in its class but just does not get the sales numbers.

Chris

 

[Dmace]

Sounds like a deal to me, you may even make out with better fuel mileage out of the diesel. Plus MUCH better resale!

 

[Dmace]

You are right. The Hemi is a great engine but not really the best match for truck duties. I had a 2500 4x4 and was not impressed. They still use it today.

This from the guy who thought the Ford 5.4 was a perfectly capable truck engine. :laughing:
Obviously, you've changed that opinion with Ford's 6.2l now available.

Speaking of the huge 6.2l, wierd that even with that size they limit it to 385 hp / 405 lb.ft. (max torque at 4,500 rpms)
Where as that old technology HEMI 5.7l that you weren't impressed with makes 383hp / 400 lb ft. (max torque at 4,000 rpms)
Also, if I remember correctly you had the older 345/375 HEMI and not the newer "Eagle" HEMI making 383/400.

And even with taller gearing (4.10 vs. Ford's 4.30), PickupTrucks.com was

very impressed by the Hemi’s overall performance at Milan Dragway and on the 7-percent and 16-percent climbs.

http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2010/08/2010-hd-16-percent-hill-climb-test-.html

The RAM was not far off the pace with a much smaller engine, taller rear axle ratio AND the old 5 speed transmission. Obviosuly, your the only one "not impressed"...

 

[Diamondpilot]

This from the guy who thought the Ford 5.4 was a perfectly capable truck engine. :laughing:
Obviously, you've changed that opinion with Ford's 6.2l now available.

Speaking of the huge 6.2l, wierd that even with that size they limit it to 385 hp / 405 lb.ft. (max torque at 4,500 rpms)
Where as that old technology HEMI 5.7l that you weren't impressed with makes 383hp / 400 lb ft. (max torque at 4,000 rpms)
Also, if I remember correctly you had the older 345/375 HEMI and not the newer "Eagle" HEMI making 383/400.

And even with taller gearing (4.10 vs. Ford's 4.30), PickupTrucks.com was
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2010/08/2010-hd-16-percent-hill-climb-test-.html

The RAM was not far off the pace with a much smaller engine, taller rear axle ratio AND the old 5 speed transmission. Obviosuly, your the only one "not impressed"...

The 5.4 was fine in the F150 but was never enough motor for a 3/4 ton and up.

When will you get it? HP and TQ mean nothing at peak, its what it does at 2000 rpm, ect. The 6.2 Ford like many of the other offerings including the 5.4, eco boost, 5.0, ect make 80% or better.

Anyone who has ever owned a truck and really used it seems to know its about gearing and low end grunt. Big HP and TQ numbers sell trucks to the uninformed.

Chris

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I wouldn't put a Chevrolet with their independent front suspension and torsion bars into plow duty. The front end just isn't very robust. I would lean towards a Ford with a solid axle or a Dodge if they're still using a solid axle design. I also take exception to those that say the Chevrolet rides better. Use to be true, but not so much anymore. I just got rid of a 2011 2500HD 4x4 gasser (LWB regular cab) in favor of a 2012 F250 4x4 gasser (crew cab short bed) and believe it or not the Ford rides magnitudes more smoothly on our rough roads. The longer wheelbase helps a bit, but it's only in the neighborhood of 8 or 10in longer.

 

[architect]

I have a client who is one of the largest BIG truck Dealers in US, he uses lots of vehicles for service and parts, I asked about the mercedes diesel vans, and his reply was did not keep over 250,000 miles because of repair costs, then he added that the GM 6.0l GAS engine seemed to last forever in their box trucks, also liked the Ford Courier, mini van with 4-cyl, said 30 mpg all day. So a 2500HD with 6.0l gas truck should last a long time.

 

[Dmace]

When will you get it? HP and TQ mean nothing at peak, its what it does at 2000 rpm, ect. The 6.2 Ford like many of the other offerings including the 5.4, eco boost, 5.0, ect make 80% or better.

350 lb.ft @ 2,000 rpms = 85% of peak
My point was to show how close they compare even with Ford's larger displacement. That's impressive and even "real" people that use trucks will agree...

 

[Diamondpilot]

I wouldn't put a Chevrolet with their independent front suspension and torsion bars into plow duty. The front end just isn't very robust. I would lean towards a Ford with a solid axle or a Dodge if they're still using a solid axle design. I also take exception to those that say the Chevrolet rides better. Use to be true, but not so much anymore. I just got rid of a 2011 2500HD 4x4 gasser (LWB regular cab) in favor of a 2012 F250 4x4 gasser (crew cab short bed) and believe it or not the Ford rides magnitudes more smoothly on our rough roads. The longer wheelbase helps a bit, but it's only in the neighborhood of 8 or 10in longer.

I agree. I have seen too many GM trucks with plow sag. Meyer's and others do make kits but the GM front end just ain't up to the task. Not to mention the 8,800# or 9,200# gcwr is pretty low on the 3/4 tons. Truck weighs 7,500# & add a 600# plow and you you are pushing the legal limits with two guys in the truck and nothing in the bed. Not to mention you are probably exceeding the front axle limits.

Chris

 

[Dmace]

I agree. I have seen too many GM trucks with plow sag. Meyer's and others do make kits but the GM front end just ain't up to the task. Not to mention the 8,800# or 9,200# gcwr is pretty low on the 3/4 tons. Truck weighs 7,500# & add a 600# plow and you you are pushing the legal limits with two guys in the truck and nothing in the bed. Not to mention you are probably exceeding the front axle limits.

Chris

Maybe if he was looking at a 10 year old truck this would be true. The new 2500HD's are up to 10k GVWR and front axles are 4400 (gas) or 5200 (diesel).
http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado-...apabilities.config=crew_cab_standard_box.html

 

[puckgrinder85]

To be honest i've put more ball joints in straight axle fords than I have in 2500+ series chevy trucks as of the last 8 years or so. No bias here either, I could care less I make money on them all. With the fords any wear results in unwanted camber and is terribly evident in tire wear right away, typically the top joint fails. The Gm trucks are a little more forgiving with the wear. If this was 10 years ago, yea the 2500 trucks struggled with plow weight but they seem to be getting better. If they are taken care of i've seen many plow vehicles well over 100k with OE joints.


To the OP- If you can keep the truck in warranty for that little amount of money and a plow to boot that would be awesome. You're not going to hurt the truck with a plow unless you're really going overboard. Nice thing is usually those trucks come with towing packages with extra trans coolers and a temp gauge as well for them. If commericial guys have a hard time screwing them up im sure personal use isnt a huge deal, its all common sense.

 

[dhagood]

MUCH better resale!

this. used diesel trucks are in demand and sell for significantly more than their gas-powered counterparts.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I'm not worried about beating up the truck plowing. The DMax powered GM's have a 6,000 pound front axle rating with the snow plow prep package and can easily accommodate any of the plows I would consider putting on a truck. A 9 foot plow is almost useless here unless All you are doing is big parking lots, and since these trucks are built to accommodate 9 footers an 8 footer will definitely not be a problem. I'll only be plowing my driveway, my rental property and two others so its not going to be a hard core plow truck.

I buy a new vehicle every 4 to 5 years at most and in fact the Ford was the first truck I've owned out of warranty since college. Based upon that I won't own this truck long enough to really hurt it so I'm confident that it will perform reliably for the entire time I will own it. I do plan on having it treated at Ziebart initially and then touched up every year so I'm not too worried about corrosion either. My truck only gets about 5,000 to 6,000 miles per year anyway. Actually one of the selling features of re consolidating into one truck right now is that any problems will be paid for by GM under warranty instead of me opening up my wallet to fix the little things. Another plus is that the dealer is great, treats me right and I have no doubt that he will always do right by me in the case of any issues with the truck. At this point I'm really leaning towards the new DMax.