I was all set to get a 2010 2500 cc based on my own assumption that I should be able to get a screaming deal right now, but that is not panning out and I'm ready to wait a few months and pay the extra cash for a 2011. What do you guys think? I can't say I need the extra torque, but a bigger tank and better economy sounds nice for towing which is most of what I'll be using the truck for.

I'm a little hung up on wondering how screwed you'd be if the urea tank sensor went bad on you in the middle of nowhere and sent you into limp mode. I will be using this truck in pretty remote places, so this is really the biggest concern I have. Would Chevy have some sort of engineered "work around" for that? Thanks for any responses.

If it was me I would wait and get an 11. Mainly for two reason if you are doing alot of towing, 1) The added HP and TQ would be great and 2) The jake brake they are going to have. Those are my thoughts. I have a 05 now that I just paid off and plan on waiting to get an 11 or 12. The heavier frame and springs and brakes plus what I mentioned above are the big things for me.

If it was me I would wait and get an 11. Mainly for two reason if you are doing alot of towing, 1) The added HP and TQ would be great and 2) The jake brake they are going to have. Those are my thoughts. I have a 05 now that I just paid off and plan on waiting to get an 11 or 12. The heavier frame and springs and brakes plus what I mentioned above are the big things for me.

You mean exhaust brake option. Not a jake brake.

Brian

Any deals on new seem over since the factory shutdown to retool for 2011 trucks. Most expect the 2011 trucks to be more money than the 2010, at least for a while. If I was in your boots I'd be thinking 2011-more hp/tq, stronger frame , ex brake, bigger wheel/tire combos, larger service brakes.. etc.. The urea sensor won't be any weaker link than any other sensor that can limp you (truck has many), you get plenty of warning on needing to top up and it's best to carry a jug for that time if you are remote.

I was all set to get a 2010 2500 cc based on my own assumption that I should be able to get a screaming deal right now, but that is not panning out and I'm ready to wait a few months and pay the extra cash for a 2011. What do you guys think? I can't say I need the extra torque, but a bigger tank and better economy sounds nice for towing which is most of what I'll be using the truck for.

I'm a little hung up on wondering how screwed you'd be if the urea tank sensor went bad on you in the middle of nowhere and sent you into limp mode. I will be using this truck in pretty remote places, so this is really the biggest concern I have. Would Chevy have some sort of engineered "work around" for that? Thanks for any responses.

My understanding of the DEF system is its gonna operate similar to DPF regens. By that I mean if you are out of DEF or sensor is bad you will get a warning on DIC, it'll only "limp" after multiple ignition cycles of failing to address the problem.

That said, the 2011 truck is clearly the better truck "on paper" problem is its pretty heavily revamped. My biggest concern is the same as it would be for any new remodel, how many "bugs" need to be worked out.
Don't think it'll be anything major, (still using same engine and tranny basics), but who knows until they've been out for 6-12 months.

I was actually thinking of purchasing a used 2008 GMC Extended Cab for 32K, because I didn't want to buy new due to depreciation, but the next truck that I purchase would be a keeper for sure, so with that being said, I may go with the 2011 model instead. From what you guys are saying, there are lots of improvements over the earlier models.

With all the rebates and trade in 2001 1500 it brought mine 2010 down to 36K.

I apologize if this is viewed as a highjack of the thread but I keep getting conflicting info on the exhaust brake with the 2011's. It's over and above standard (2010) grade braking with the allison and uses the turbo right? Is this the same as what the SD's are doing with the 2011?

that braking option is amazing.

From the March announcement press release:

Sierra HD’s ‘smart’ exhaust brake feature provides greater control and reduces brake pad wear.

The details: A new standard feature on Duramax-equipped models is the “smart” exhaust brake. This driver-selectable feature uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. It is integrated with the cruise control feature and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load. The exhaust brake allows for virtually effortless driving and towing, with seamless and quiet operation. It also helps prolong brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill grades.

From the March announcement press release:

Sierra HD’s ‘smart’ exhaust brake feature provides greater control and reduces brake pad wear.

The details: A new standard feature on Duramax-equipped models is the “smart” exhaust brake. This driver-selectable feature uses the turbine control of the variable geometry turbocharger and the compression of the engine to generate backpressure, slowing the vehicle without applying the brakes. It is integrated with the cruise control feature and varies the braking to account for the grade and vehicle load. The exhaust brake allows for virtually effortless driving and towing, with seamless and quiet operation. It also helps prolong brake life and prevents overheating the brakes on long, downhill grades.


I swear the 2010 I drove recently in Colorado had something similiar to that. I came down Raton Pass and never had to hit my brakes, I loved it.

I wonder if the exhaust brake is a spin off from the Banks Speed Brake or maybe the other way around. Coinsidence maybe?

I wonder if the exhaust brake is a spin off from the Banks Speed Brake or maybe the other way around. Coinsidence maybe?

Don't know about the Banks, but the LML's just use the turbo to increase backpressure on the engine.

I would wait for an '11. I am thinking about picking one up in the fall.

Anyone have any idea if using the exhaust brake will help clog the dpf filter quicker?? Just curious

Don't know about the Banks, but the LML's just use the turbo to increase backpressure on the engine.

Yes, the Banks does the same thing. Adjusts vane geometry to build exhaust pressure against the engine. I'll get mine installed this summer but not sure if it'll be a waste of cash when/if I sell my truck in a few years. EFI is supposedly able to control the turbo as well and create a speed brake effect but I'm not sure how it's set. No one has really explained it but if it's like setting the cruise control on the 2011 then that would be cool.

Not sure why it would cause the DPF to plug earlier. Maybe cooling it off too much without any airflow? Once you get flat and level or climb another hill then the fire would build and should cook off any particulates. Guessing but who knows.

I would wait for an '11. I am thinking about picking one up in the fall.


Cool pics! Would like to go sledding some day.

Wait for a 2011. Alot of frame and suspension improvements.

The changing the vain positions causes a braking effect, but it is different than an exhaust brake. An exhaust brake is more agressive and brakes better than a vain position change style brake from Fleece EFI Live style adjustment.

Anyone have any idea if using the exhaust brake will help clog the dpf filter quicker?? Just curious
The brake is not offered on a DPF model the 2011 has urea no DPF

The brake is not offered on a DPF model the 2011 has urea no DPF

mmm yes...the 2011 duramax most definitely has a DPF. Im not sure who told you it didnt..

ben

Yeah, it definitely has a DPF. GM even talks about longer periods on the LML before hitting regen mode. Regen would be pretty pointless without a DPF. ;)