Only my second post here but I have been doing a fair amount of research on my next truck and it looks like I will be making the switch from Ford to Chevy. I have nothing bad to say about my 05 250 6.0 as it has been a great truck, it's just I think Chevy is now number one in terms of reliability with diesels. I plan to place my order for a 2010 in the next month or so and will be ready to take delivery in March. I want to avoid the engine changes in 2011 or second 1/2 of the 2010 production year.
Is the shorter box available on the crew cab 3500 sw?
Any options are must get or highly recommended? I idle my 6.0 A LOT but have the high idle switch so it has not been an issue in 100,000 miles. Is this available on dmax? I also tow quite a bit long distances and rather heavy.
Looking forward to meeting you all in the years ahead...wish you all well with your trucks.
steve

Can't get a short bed 3500. Only Ford makes them. I'm pretty sure that High Idle is standard on them all. GM\Chevy makes 4 trim levels. Lowest is work truck that has rubber mats instead of carpet From there the next 2 trim levels there isn't a huge change except for rear backup camera on the 2nd level. 3rd level has Leather standard with heated cooled seats and some other frilly stuff. Best thing is to stroll over to Chev or GMC .com and familiarize yourself with the different trim levels.

I myself would take the highest level but stay away from Nav, Moonroof and DVD players. They push the price through the roof and all can be had aftermarket for much, much less.

i think high idle is on all trim packages with the DIC. you set the parking brake and hit the "set" button on the cruise and it idles up. You can adjust it as well, don't remember how to do that part.

Both Dodge and Ford offer a standard 6'6" bed on the 3500, GM only offer the long 8' bed.

High Idle switch is a $200 option. You just set it up on the digital display but it only automatically comes on below a certain temperature. Otherwise, do as instructed.

I went GM due to the Duramax being an engine that has been on the market for nearly ten years, with the only changes being yearly refinements. The other two diesels in the segment are new and the problems associated with that are very evident from perusing the respective forums. Getting peak torque of 660lbs@1600rpm vs 650lbs@2000rpm on the 6.4 PSD is another plus.

Both Dodge and Ford offer a standard 6'6" bed on the 3500, GM only offer the long 8' bed.

High Idle switch is a $200 option. You just set it up on the digital display but it only automatically comes on below a certain temperature. Otherwise, do as instructed.

I went GM due to the Duramax being an engine that has been on the market for nearly ten years, with the only changes being yearly refinements. The other two diesels in the segment are new and the problems associated with that are very evident from perusing the respective forums. Getting peak torque of 660lbs@1600rpm vs 650lbs@2000rpm on the 6.4 PSD is another plus.

Wow, never new they were that different

High Idle feature is a $200.00 option and can be set where you want the idle to be.

Elevated Idle is a standard feature on trucks with the DIC. When enabled it will elevate the idle when the engine is cold and outside temp is below 32 degrees. Once the engine warms a bit it will drop the idle to normal.

Many folks get these two items turned around.

As stated GM offers the 8' bed with the 3500s.

Leather interior gets my vote, and I rather like my sun/moon roof. ;)

High Idle = $200 option. Controlled by cruise control switches with truck in Park
Elevated Idle = Standard (With DIC?). Raises RPM in temperatures below ~40*F

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that GM was planning to offer the 3500 with a standard (6.5') bed, but not sure which model year the were talking about. Shouldn't be hard since the only real differences between a 3500 and 2500 are suspension and brakes(?).

High Idle = $200 option. Controlled by cruise control switches with truck in Park
Elevated Idle = Standard (With DIC?). Raises RPM in temperatures below ~40*F

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that GM was planning to offer the 3500 with a standard (6.5') bed, but not sure which model year the were talking about. Shouldn't be hard since the only real differences between a 3500 and 2500 are suspension and brakes(?).

Okay, okay, he believes us- the High Idle switch is $200.:D

Without wanting to sound pedantic, note the standard bed is 6'6":p: (well actually 6' 6.9" but I'm boring even myself with that!)

Thank you all for your responses and help. Just found out I can place my order for a 2010 in September 09 and the urea tanks will be in in Feb. 2010.
Now I'm a little unsure...the high idle is how much?:rolleyes:
Take care

Okay, okay, he believes us- the High Idle switch is $200.:D

Without wanting to sound pedantic, note the standard bed is 6'6":p: (well actually 6' 6.9" but I'm boring even myself with that!)

Yeah, that's what I get for skimming previous posts before posting.

BTW, 6.5' = 6'6" :D