2011 and up duramax

[hrcarver]

Looking into a new drw 3500. Not been impressed by any of the diesels since around 2001, but I don't really keep up with the news on them until I need another one.. Are the bugs worked out? How bout mileage? Is that urea fluid working well so far? Allison tranny still good I hope.

 

[Peacock]

According to a lot of owners and reviews its the best pulling of the current crop. Most useable power, best ride, best transmission and best exhaust brake.

The 2013 Ram 3500 may change all this.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Only real issue is the GM trucks have had the Urea freeze. Ford does not seem to have this issue and Dodge just started using it this year.

Also, GM made a big advancement in the chassis. I believe it was 2012 or 2013 but you definitely want it versus the previous one if buying a GM.

Chris

 

[Peacock]

2011 and up is the new chassis.

The nice thing about the GM trucks is that if and when you have a fuel system problem under warranty you won't be shafted like Ford does. The new CP4 high pressure fuel pumps have incredibly tight tolerances and cannot handle water at all.

The engine is proven, like the Cummins. The disadvantages is that the switchgear is a bit cheaper and the cab is smaller. I can say from my own experience that they are very comfortable.

 

[tcartwri]

Only real issue is the GM trucks have had the Urea freeze. Ford does not seem to have this issue and Dodge just started using it this year.

Also, GM made a big advancement in the chassis. I believe it was 2012 or 2013 but you definitely want it versus the previous one if buying a GM.

Chris

I have never seen Urea freeze. Even in the coldest weather.

 

[andrehoude]

Same here our 2011 duramax started at -47 in the north with no issues of frozen DEF

 

[AKfish]

Same here our 2011 duramax started at -47 in the north with no issues of frozen DEF

If you leave the truck parked outside - below 32F - the DEF tank will begin to freeze. Unfortunately, even FORD has not yet developed the technology to keep "unheated" water (or Ammonia) from freezing below 32F!

No, problems while driving... the manufacturer's have installed heaters in the DEF tanks. It's the parking - that'll get you.

Although, I've been told that the GM vehicles do not require DEF for the first 30 miles or so. Or, until the tank warms up enough for the fluid to be injected into the exhaust.

AKfish

 

[burnieman]

Only real issue is the GM trucks have had the Urea freeze. Ford does not seem to have this issue and Dodge just started using it this year.

Also, GM made a big advancement in the chassis. I believe it was 2012 or 2013 but you definitely want it versus the previous one if buying a GM.

Chris

Boy Ford really is special. The urea some how will not freeze in a ford but will in other trucks, right. It's like ford is magic to some people.

 

[tcartwri]

If you leave the truck parked outside - below 32F - the DEF tank will begin to freeze. Unfortunately, even FORD has not yet developed the technology to keep "unheated" water (or Ammonia) from freezing below 32F!

I have observed UREA re-fills at -30C. It was still liquid. That's -22F....

 

[aczlan]

Boy Ford really is special. The urea some how will not freeze in a ford but will in other trucks, right. It's like ford is magic to some people.

Or they have just done a better job at heating the urea tank and then teaching the ECU when the urea is unavailable (from being frozen) so that it doesn't try to use urea and fail (causing limp home mode and other such niceties).

Aaron Z

 

[tcartwri]

well, there must be a different formulation for urea north of the border, because it does not freeze here.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Boy Ford really is special. The urea some how will not freeze in a ford but will in other trucks, right. It's like ford is magic to some people.

Learn to read and figure out how the systems work before you spout off.


Fords system scavenger the fluid out of the lines back to the tank at shut down. GM's does not. The way Ford did it gives the in tank heater a chance to heat ALL the fluid.

GM's has a heater in the tank but the issue is it will freeze in the lines.

Education? Typical __________....

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

Or they have just done a better job at heating the urea tank and then teaching the ECU when the urea is unavailable (from being frozen) so that it doesn't try to use urea and fail (causing limp home mode and other such niceties).

Aaron Z

Ding ding ding. Winner here.

The scavenging of the lines is the key. All have in tank heaters and ECM's programed to prevent regen with a frozen tank but in extreme conditions the in tank heater on the GM's cannot transfer enough heat to thaw the lines.

Chris

 

[AKfish]

I have observed UREA re-fills at -30C. It was still liquid. That's -22F....

While Urea contains ammonia (NH3), the compound in DEF is Ammonia Hydroxide - not Urea - Ammonia Nitrate. Urea is an explosive compound in certain applications - situations. You wouldn't want Urea to be injected into the exhaust of your truck...

Ammonia Hydroxide is Ammonia and water. It freezes! And, while it has a freezing point a bit lower than straight water - it begins to get thicker - the closer to 32F it gets.

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

Ding ding ding. Winner here.

The scavenging of the lines is the key. All have in tank heaters and ECM's programed to prevent regen with a frozen tank but in extreme conditions the in tank heater on the GM's cannot transfer enough heat to thaw the lines.

Chris

Really... Do you have a stack of Ford sales brochures on your desk??

AKfish

 

[Diamondpilot]

Really... Do you have a stack of Ford sales brochures on your desk??

AKfish

No. I do have a couple of the popular ones on my phone though. I have researched each and every year of truck for about the last 20 years when I took up towing as a side business.

I bet I get a call every 2-3 days from one of my customers. Its amazing how little the general public and even worse the sales people know.

Had a guy call me yesterday about a Eco Boost. Dealer told him the tow rating was 7,700#. I told him to find another dealer because that was the GVWR. The actual tow rating was 11,200#

My real job gives me plenty of time to study these trucks.

 

[tcartwri]

While Urea contains ammonia (NH3), the compound in DEF is Ammonia Hydroxide - not Urea - Ammonia Nitrate. Urea is an explosive compound in certain applications - situations. You wouldn't want Urea to be injected into the exhaust of your truck...

Ammonia Hydroxide is Ammonia and water. It freezes! And, while it has a freezing point a bit lower than straight water - it begins to get thicker - the closer to 32F it gets.

AKfish

Diesel_exhaust_fluid

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an aqueous urea solution blended with 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. DEF solution is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to lower NOx concentration in the exhaust emissions of diesel engines.

It also does not begin to freeze until -12C ( minus not plus ) Well below the freezing point of water.

I HAVE HELD THIS STUFF IN MY OWN HANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. I DOES NOT FREEZE.

 

[AKfish]

Diesel_exhaust_fluid

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is an aqueous urea solution blended with 32.5% high purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. DEF solution is used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to lower NOx concentration in the exhaust emissions of diesel engines.

It also does not begin to freeze until -12C ( minus not plus ) Well below the freezing point of water.

I HAVE HELD THIS STUFF IN MY OWN HANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. I DOES NOT FREEZE.

Well.. I stand partially corrected.. It's 1/3 urea and 2/3 water. Water freezes. That's why the manufacturer's install heating systems. It does freeze!

AKfish