Well we made it back from Yellowstone. Awesome place to visit. Traveled 4275 miles in total.

Had no issues/problems with the truck however I noticed some details worth mentioning.

1. After driving for several hours at 70 - 75 the power steering pump groans a little when turning at slow speeds. Checked with a trusted mechanic and he said not to worry. When driving on the HWY the fluid is being bypassed, when turning at slower speeds everthing is hot and it talks a little.

2. Not pulling a trailer however the bed was packed to the gills with "stuff" and a 150 QT cooler on the hitch haul. Family of four inside and the transmission will get close to 200 pulling up hills at elevated ambient temperature. (90) Not sure if I need an upgraded cooler.

3. Mileage averaged 17.5 to 18. That includes Pikes peak and numerous mountain passses and driving in Yellowstone. With open highway cruising 70 - 75.

Overall I am very pleased with the truck. We logged over 80 hours in the truck during the past two weeks. It was surprisingly comfortable too.

The truck had 6000 miles on it before we left. Now over 10000. It burned one quart of oil on the first 1500 miles then stopped burning oil completely for the rest of the trip. ):h


Mark

Thanks for the post. I've always found GM's to be the most comfortable for whatever reason, even when the new dodges were meatier. Did you hand calc the mileage, or rely on the DIC?

The mileage was from the DIC. Don't really know how accurate it is but I think it is close.

Got a few stares and questions on my front bumper. Those things are not a common as here in Texas.

I was very pleased to see the oil consumption completely stop when I reached Wyoming.

Also I discovered how cool the grade braking really is. Living in the flat lands on the Gulf coast doesn't give me a chance to use it.


Mark

Good info. Yellowstone is awsome. I've been there hundreds of times. I do recommend a Mike L. (ITS) tansmission cooler to anyone here. It works. Your mileage was probably close to what the DIC said since you probably were driving straight through without much stop and go.

Hi, I am new here and was wondering is it common for these to burn oil? I just got my duramax yesterday and I will check the oil from time to time before my first change if this is the case.

That transmission temp is typical. Higher altitude, thinner air, less cooling capabilities. My Mike L cooler is going on tomorrow, can't hurt

Hi, I am new here and was wondering is it common for these to burn oil? I just got my duramax yesterday and I will check the oil from time to time before my first change if this is the case.

Yes

I think it is common for any engine to burn oil until it is broke in. Like I said before, it stoped completly.

My '95 Suburban has burned oil since new. Not an excessive amount but it will drop one quart of intown driving by 5000 miles. Never concerned me though and it still runs great.


Mark

Gulf Coast Romark1? You understated the bumper issue here. Word has it, you won't pass the state inspection if you don't have a locomotive-grade cow catcher on your truck down here!

Got a few stares and questions on my front bumper. Those things are not a common as here in Texas.




LOL i know what you mean. when i drive to chicago everyone stares at me and everyone is like what the hell is that? but it starts so many conversations.

Got a few stares and questions on my front bumper. Those things are not a common as here in Texas.

Should come as standard equipment IMHO. lol

17.5-18 sounds like pretty good fuel economy @ 70-75 mph with the odometer under 5k. That's encouraging.

I'm hoping to eventually be around 20 miles per gallon 10-20 thousand miles down the road. Maybe there is a chance :grd: .

I left Ohio and went to Mt Rushmore, then Yellowstone then Pikes Peak. Here are some of my facts.

I was towing a 10000 trailer and the truck was loaded (750?)
Transmission never got over 190 at any time
Temperature never got over 210
A lot of mountains and the temp did not budge.
Mileage 55< 14MPG
55-60 12
60-65 11
65-70 10
70-75 9
75+ 7 and I did 80 MPH from Graybull WY to Cody Wy. Awsome drive.
This truck pulls awsome just need a big wallet to go fast.
Everything went well and I am totally stock.
Oil pressure I do have a concern. At start up it is 60 PSI then driving at 70 the pressure drops to 50 and when I put a load on then it goes to 40. When I come to a stop it goes to 25 and stays there until I drive again. Not sure if this a problem.
One qt of oil used on a 4850 mile trip.

My first duramax (2001) burned oil until about 50K...it just stopped using oil and never added oil between changes again.....just keep an eye on the dipstick......

LOL i know what you mean. when i drive to chicago everyone stares at me and everyone is like what the hell is that? but it starts so many conversations.

I save myself the money and wear a bright orange shirt with the letters DO ME on the front. That's a conversation starter, lemme tell ya.

Gulf Coast Romark1? You understated the bumper issue here. Word has it, you won't pass the state inspection if you don't have a locomotive-grade cow catcher on your truck down here!

That's very true roswell. Last week I added the rear to match. My wife is now calling me a hillbilly! Eat your heart out is what I say!!!!:ro)

Mark

Wing464,

I usually keep a good eye on the dipstick but they are usually in my rear view mirror!!:lol:

Wing464,

I usually keep a good eye on the dipstick but they are usually in my rear view mirror!!:lol:

Ba ha ha ha ha. Is that the traffic, or YOU you're seeing? I always see the same dipstick staring back at me!

Have to agree with you there roswell. Sometimes I'm the bigest dipstick I know!!!!!!!!

re: Bumper - who is making a good winch bumper for the 2005 etc?

I put a Ranchhand Bullnose replacement on mine and really like it.

Good price also.



Mark

power steering "groan" my did the same thing coming back from moose hunting. gm shop, reposition the power steering lines no problem since


04.5 3500