Moving from 1/2 ton truck to HD truck

[paulsharvey]

Didn't read every single post, but I'm dumb founded at the milage compared to the older Vortec 6000. My 6.0 2500HD 4x4, extended cab, got all of 12 mpg, highway, empty. Son's 1500HD crew cab 2wd gets about 11 mph, empty, and mostly highway. If these new 2500s are getting 15 MPG, that's fantastic.

 

[Tractorable]

In 2022 I bought a new F350 CCSB with the 7.3L gas motor and Tremor package (2in lift & 35in tires from the factory), SRW, 10 speed transmission, 4:30 rear end ratio, 3850lbs payload. Special ordered it and flew halfway across the country to get it for a decent price in this crazy economy, sticker $78K paid $69K. It gets about 14mpg empty.

This truck does everything for our family, tows a 14K equipment trailer, hauls materials to/from the farm, commutes to work, with the bed cover it's great for throwing all the luggage in the bed for family trips, great for off-roading, and takes my kid to daycare. My buying philosophy is "buy new and hold" and I keep vehicles for 20 years. I have no interest in owning a modern emissions diesel out-of-warranty. Plus, my commute to work is 5 miles, not long enough to even warm up a diesel. Gas fits my lifestyle better.

 

[dieselscout80]

Didn't read every single post, but I'm dumb founded at the milage compared to the older Vortec 6000. My 6.0 2500HD 4x4, extended cab, got all of 12 mpg, highway, empty. Son's 1500HD crew cab 2wd gets about 11 mph, empty, and mostly highway. If these new 2500s are getting 15 MPG, that's fantastic.

My 2000 Chevy 6.0 4x4 single cab would get 14 on trips running empty at 60 mph or less where as my 2020 exceeds that by a bunch.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Around this time last year I totaled my RAM half-ton, a truck that I had spent months looking for. I wasn't about to find a replacement at an affordable price; well, not locally anyhow. So I just started watching for potential values, and just stumbled on my F350. I was on a Ford lot, jokingly looked at the truck, and the more I looked the more appealing it became. Then the kids fell for it; it's huge to them, like an overgrown Tonka truck. That was the final nail in my checkbooks coffin.

Anyhow, moving from a half-ton 2018 RAM 5.7 to a 2019 1 ton Ford 6.2 was just as I expected. I went from averaging 16-18 mpg in a truck that felt like it up and moved, to an 11 mpg slug that could pull my house over. I love it, and find it a blast to drive because it's ridiculous. This Super Duty reminds me of the old land barges I used to enjoy, but the truck is actually a better ride in every way.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

In the early 2010's I had a lawn service. I pulled an enclosed stock trailer with mowers etc. weighed about 6,000# give or take. I pulled it in town 99% of the time. I started out with an F-150 that was a bit underpowered. I upgraded to an F-250, granted a diesel, but it was a huge improvement. I was expecting the power to be the biggest difference but it was not. I could immediately tell how much less stress the front end was taking navigating neighborhood turns. My 1/2 ton would almost growl when slowing down taking sharper turns, 3/4 ton was just like turning empty. Brakes were also a HUGE improvement. Where my 1/2 ton would wonder, float, and bounce, the 3/4 ton just drove. It was a night and day difference. I didn't even realize most of the issues above with the half ton but I noticed it missing with the 3/4 ton.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Just returned from a 600 mile round-trip moving my daughter to college with my 2004 new to me 3/4 Chevy Duramax with 218k miles. I bought it for $12.5k a little over a month ago. It worked just fine for me, has the 5 speed Allison in it, been well kept. Got the LLY Duramax, just gonna keep it serviced and making sure none of the overheating issues arise etc.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

That's what is holding me up. A lot of these HD trucks, such as the 2021 Silverado 2500/3500, do not have better gearing. In fact, the gearing on my Ram 1500 is significantly deeper. It's mostly all in the transmission.

Engine horsepower is identical. The HD does have a slight bit more torque output, but it's in a truck that also weighs 1500 lbs. more so it's probably a wash.

Like I said in the first post, steering/stability may be better but performance will not. It's got me scratching my head.

Awe heck,

I thought you were looking for a truck!

The brakes, suspension, steering components will all be bigger on the HD trucks.

Hp is for car magazines.

Torque is for pulling trailers and sh*t.

 

[MH8675309]

The neighbor that has a fleet of trucks (excavating business) still run many with the 6.0 gas engines. The trucks are heavy with tools and equipment and tow skids etc all the time.

Those 6 liters were bullet proof - many go past 300,000 miles. My 2010 has 276,000 and still has power. Hard on gas sometimes but the payment is right

 

[oosik]

I got a brand new 2018 Ram 2500 Power Wagon in Dec of 2018. It's got the 6.4 liter engine with 4.10 rear end. It just turned 30K miles - averages 16 mpg. It's know as the Taco Wagon. It's my fun machine.

 

[Hay Dude]

I use a 2015 Chevrolet 2500 HD with the 6.0 gas motor with 4:10 gears it pulls everything I hook it to, I pull a 30' gooseneck trailer with a large cabbed farm tractor and I also pull a 20' bumper pull equipment trailer 3 to 4 days a week with my skid steer and forestry mower, it doesn't get great fuel mileage loaded but I don't have all the modern diesel problems either.The 2500 that you are looking at will handle a real load far better than your 1500 Ram.

I have a modern diesel truck and don’t have any modern diesel problems, either.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I have a modern diesel truck and don’t have any modern diesel problems, either.

I didn't knock your truck, actually I think they are getting a little better with these DEF diesel pick up trucks, but when I purchased my truck in 2015 there were a lot of problems, so I opted for gas against my wifes wishes, gas truck works great for me I'm small time, if I had to haul what you do I would have a diesel, big time verses small time.

 

[Gee Ray]

2005 GMC 2500 crew cab, 360,000 miles, 6.0 gas 4 x 4, 410 gears, pulling a 27 foot gooseneck. I had replace the engine at 210,000 miles and the transfer case at 355,000 miles. Purchased new.

2004 GMC 3500 crew cab, 451,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 2 x 4, 373 gears pulling the same 27 foot gooseneck. I had to replace the injectors 2 times. The second time it was done correctly and it was awesome from then on. Purchased used with 69,000 miles. My son totaled it, he was unhurt.

2007 GMC 3500 crew cab, 442,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 4 x 4, 373 gears pulling a 30 foot gooseneck. The transfer case is being pulled as I write. Purchased used with 109,000 miles.

2002 GMC 3500 extended cab, 236,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 4 x 4, 373 gears pulling the 30 foot goose neck. Purchased used with 185,000 miles. It is not as strong pulling as the 07 but it gets the job done.

As the above shows I run them for as long as I can. The diesels all have the same cons. 1) The front axles are all wearing the tires. I think most of that has to do with the weight of the gooseneck. 2) The hoses on the hydro-booster leak.

I would never by another new truck for work. I did buy a new 2020 Chevy 1500 2 x 4 crew cab for my bride. I do not care for it. The steering and the brakes are too touchy. She loves it.

 

[Hay Dude]

2005 GMC 2500 crew cab, 360,000 miles, 6.0 gas 4 x 4, 410 gears, pulling a 27 foot gooseneck. I had replace the engine at 210,000 miles and the transfer case at 355,000 miles. Purchased new.

2004 GMC 3500 crew cab, 451,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 2 x 4, 373 gears pulling the same 27 foot gooseneck. I had to replace the injectors 2 times. The second time it was done correctly and it was awesome from then on. Purchased used with 69,000 miles. My son totaled it, he was unhurt.

2007 GMC 3500 crew cab, 442,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 4 x 4, 373 gears pulling a 30 foot gooseneck. The transfer case is being pulled as I write. Purchased used with 109,000 miles.

2002 GMC 3500 extended cab, 236,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 4 x 4, 373 gears pulling the 30 foot goose neck. Purchased used with 185,000 miles. It is not as strong pulling as the 07 but it gets the job done.

As the above shows I run them for as long as I can. The diesels all have the same cons. 1) The front axles are all wearing the tires. I think most of that has to do with the weight of the gooseneck. 2) The hoses on the hydro-booster leak.

I would never by another new truck for work. I did buy a new 2020 Chevy 1500 2 x 4 crew cab for my bride. I do not care for it. The steering and the brakes are too touchy. She loves it.

I like your thinking. The GM pre-‘08 HD’s may be some of the best diesel trucks ever built.

I always look for a ‘07 3500HD reg cab Duramax/Ally with the center console and power options, but I can’t find one not rusted. If you do find one, the seller wants $45,000.

 

[dieselscout80]

I have a modern diesel truck and don’t have any modern diesel problems, either.

I think you are one of those people who use their diesel hard enough to avoid the problems that happen when these HD diesel‘s are used more like a car.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Ayuh, puttering around is not something these new diesels seem to appreciate.

 

[deserteagle71]

2005 GMC 2500 crew cab, 360,000 miles, 6.0 gas 4 x 4, 410 gears, pulling a 27 foot gooseneck. I had replace the engine at 210,000 miles and the transfer case at 355,000 miles. Purchased new.

2004 GMC 3500 crew cab, 451,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 2 x 4, 373 gears pulling the same 27 foot gooseneck. I had to replace the injectors 2 times. The second time it was done correctly and it was awesome from then on. Purchased used with 69,000 miles. My son totaled it, he was unhurt.

2007 GMC 3500 crew cab, 442,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 4 x 4, 373 gears pulling a 30 foot gooseneck. The transfer case is being pulled as I write. Purchased used with 109,000 miles.

2002 GMC 3500 extended cab, 236,000 miles, 6.6 diesel, 4 x 4, 373 gears pulling the 30 foot goose neck. Purchased used with 185,000 miles. It is not as strong pulling as the 07 but it gets the job done.

As the above shows I run them for as long as I can. The diesels all have the same cons. 1) The front axles are all wearing the tires. I think most of that has to do with the weight of the gooseneck. 2) The hoses on the hydro-booster leak.

I would never by another new truck for work. I did buy a new 2020 Chevy 1500 2 x 4 crew cab for my bride. I do not care for it. The steering and the brakes are too touchy. She loves it.

I take it you like your Duramaxes...I remember when they were first introduced. People scoffed..."cheap Isuzu engine"...time has sure proved them wrong!

 

[Blue Mule]

Well the Silverado HD gas truck I was looking at sold. And the more I think of it, the less inclined I am to go gas because the pulling power just isn’t an upgrade.

Most times I go to look at a Ram HD with Cummins diesel it sells before I even get there to look at it. Those things sell like hotcakes. But, in the course of my shopping I have gotten to drive all three HD brands with diesels. Ford Powerstroke, GM Duramax, and Ram Cummins. All 2019 or newer, so the latest generations. These are used trucks that typically have 80k to 150k on them after a few years of use. What I’ve noticed is the Duramax seems to be the least reliable of the bunch (no surprise to me). Hard to find them that haven’t had or have issues. CELs, oil leaks, emissions issues, wiring harness issues, etc. Kind of scares me. So I marked those off the list. Started focusing on Ram and Ford. Honestly I have been a Ram/Jeep guy for 20 years but the Ford Super Duty is hard to beat. Aluminum body keeps payload rating up even on the ¾ tons. Powerstroke engine seems to get glowing reviews with lots of them well over 300k miles with almost no issues. Cargo bed is 6’8” so just slightly more volume. More power, better MPG. And I just kind of like how they look. I completely stumbled upon a 2019 F-250 XLT with Powerstroke diesel and 81k miles on the clock yesterday. Wasn’t looking for it, just fell on it. It was sitting in the back of the lot at the local Ford dealer. They said they had just taken it in on trade and hadn’t even run it through service for inspection yet. Before anybody could snag it up (again, these things sell like hotcakes) I asked to drive it and ended up buying it same day.

Look forward to seeing how it pulls and handles my trailer in the real world compared to all the ½ ton trucks I’ve had my entire life, and how daily life is with a HD diesel. Should be interesting. Might shoot some videos. What I will miss about my Ram is the luxury. Ventilated leather, LED lighting, heated steering wheel, super crisp backup cam display, etc. The frills. What I will love about the Super Duty is the power and complete lack of concern when using it as a truck.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Well the Silverado HD gas truck I was looking at sold. And the more I think of it, the less inclined I am to go gas because the pulling power just isn’t an upgrade.

Most times I go to look at a Ram HD with Cummins diesel it sells before I even get there to look at it. Those things sell like hotcakes. But, in the course of my shopping I have gotten to drive all three HD brands with diesels. Ford Powerstroke, GM Duramax, and Ram Cummins. All 2019 or newer, so the latest generations. These are used trucks that typically have 80k to 150k on them after a few years of use. What I’ve noticed is the Duramax seems to be the least reliable of the bunch (no surprise to me). Hard to find them that haven’t had or have issues. CELs, oil leaks, emissions issues, wiring harness issues, etc. Kind of scares me. So I marked those off the list. Started focusing on Ram and Ford. Honestly I have been a Ram/Jeep guy for 20 years but the Ford Super Duty is hard to beat. Aluminum body keeps payload rating up even on the ¾ tons. Powerstroke engine seems to get glowing reviews with lots of them well over 300k miles with almost no issues. Cargo bed is 6’8” so just slightly more volume. More power, better MPG. And I just kind of like how they look. I completely stumbled upon a 2019 F-250 XLT with Powerstroke diesel and 81k miles on the clock yesterday. Wasn’t looking for it, just fell on it. It was sitting in the back of the lot at the local Ford dealer. They said they had just taken it in on trade and hadn’t even run it through service for inspection yet. Before anybody could snag it up (again, these things sell like hotcakes) I asked to drive it and ended up buying it same day.

Look forward to seeing how it pulls and handles my trailer in the real world compared to all the ½ ton trucks I’ve had my entire life, and how daily life is with a HD diesel. Should be interesting. Might shoot some videos. What I will miss about my Ram is the luxury. Ventilated leather, LED lighting, heated steering wheel, super crisp backup cam display, etc. The frills. What I will love about the Super Duty is the power and complete lack of concern when using it as a truck.

Congrats on your purchase.

Go back and speak to the dealer about printing you a new mancard (XLT truck, instead of all the foo-foo stuff).

The new diesels pull like freight trains.

 

[Snobdds]

You'll be happy with it.

Just make sure you load it and run it hard every month or so. These new diesels run hot and need a good load to get the temps up to prevent sludging up.

 

[tacticalturnip]

You picked a solid truck; that said, they do have their own gremlins and some are rather unique. If you've not checked out a Ford forum yet, consider Ford Truck Enthusiasts; I found it a great resource.