Sorry Guys, this may be long but it will probably be my last post asking for advice on a new truck so I hope you will bear with me.
As I've posted before I have been looking for a truck to replace my totaled 03 2500 6.0. I've really been leaning towards diesel but I have found that they are difficult to come by in my area and prices on the 06 DMax are extremely high right now.
I found this truck and it is interesting, it has all of the options I was looking for in a diesel except it has the 8.1l gas engine. It does have the Allison 5 spd though. It is priced decent and only has 19K miles.
http://www.warrentonselect.com/detai...d-5536356.html (http://www.warrentonselect.com/detail-2005-chevrolet-silverado_2500hd-lt-used-5536356.html)

This truck will be mostly my DD. I commute 5 miles to work every day and will be towing a 24' enclosed car trailer to car shows about 5-6 times a year and mostly within 250 miles.
I am also a Capt with our local volly FD which means that I get calls and need to respond at all hours of the night, even in the dead of winter. This does not allow for a very good warm up and going from start up to fast response very quickly.

All things considered would this gas truck be a better choice for me than the DMax?

Thanks for the opinions.

Its probably got such low mileage on it because it was used a a tow rig only. With an 8.1L can you afford to really drive it any other way? If you're concerned about temperature issues in the winter time, get a second block heater put in on the other side of the engine as well then the whole thing will be warm for startup.

If you're taking the time to look and find the truck that you want, which it seems you are doing, have a look in Quebec and see whats there. You should be able to find an 06 Duramax for under 25K with under 100K miles easily (like this one) (http://www.autotrader.ca/result/addetailinfo.aspx?ID=1572445&make=GMC&prv=Quebec&c2t=Truck&srcID=35&frnID=9952610&ms=trucks_vans&prv=Quebec&r=30&mp=0). If that link doesn't work, its ad ID 35-AVS9952610 at canadatrader.com Its an 06 CCSB with 88K KM (about 50K-ish miles) on it for $22 900. Hit up craigslist around your area and what not to, I'm sure you could find a decent deal on there.

The 8100's get about the same mileage as a 6.0

Looked at the truck yesterday and was not impressed. The lift was really a barnyard addition.
I ended up buying an 06 Dura :)

Looked at the truck yesterday and was not impressed. The lift was really a barnyard addition.
I ended up buying an 06 Dura :)


You made the right move. Good luck with the truck. Got any pics?