I have a titan and I'm considering an upgrade to a 3500 duramax.
I'm not familiar w/ Chevy/GMC diesels and I'd like some general "steer ya in this direction" type of comments etc.

I've read elsewhere about overheating?

I'm considering a 2006 3500 SRW Crew Duramax

...and not to upset the chevy/gmc purists here, I'm open to other brands if this overheating is a design issue....Dodge?

Please help me make a good decision (no, don't make the decision FOR me, give me some direction for research and things to think about).

Thanks! :help:

I don't think the overheating problem is quite as widespread as some would want ya to think. Though some are having big problems with it, I would hope GM would have fixed it by 06. From some of the pics in other post refering to the 06, its obvious they have redesigned some of the cooling system. If the only thing that is bothering you in the Chevy is the overheating- don't let it. It will hopefully be fixed by the 06 model year, but only time will tell.

Last 4 trucks have been Chevrolet (3 gas and 1 diesel) Virtually zero problems with each. Trade them all at about 60K miles. Son drives Dodges. Had transmission problems with all but still loyal to Mopar. Cummins engines are A-OK. He tows 30 ft camper trailer. Daughter has Ford gasser and pulls a 2 horse trailer. No problems. Personally I think you can get a great truck from any of the Big 3 manufactuers or if unlucky, as some can be, get one that for some reason just didn't go together right and be plagued with problems. The Japanese brands all seem to be of high quality but they have yet to put together exactly what the American pickup buyer wants in a vehicle. They are trying but just not there yet.

First of all Welcome.

I used to own gassers. They would all run a little (sometimes a lot) hotter loaded than empty. I pull a 16' enclosed trailer with bikes, it runs 4300-4500 Lbs. With that same load on the Duramax the temps never change. Heavier loads might get my truck to run hotter, don't know. One things for sure the harder the vehicle works the more heat it has to dispose of, there is a limit to pulling weight and engine temperature and in certain outside temperatures, traffic conditions, etc. but the General's limits are quite wide (at least in the owners manual). My personal recommendation is go for it!

I can tell you for fact someone at work was going through a divorce, he had to sell the 2004 LB7. Did OK on the sale. Went out and purchased a 2005 Titan said he loved the truck! Eight weeks later he was lamenting how bad he missed the Duramax. Four weeks later he traded the Titan on an economy car, said the gas was costing too much. Took a bath on the trade.

I don't see a gasser in my future. Go by the dealer and test drive a new one, you'll not go back either. Good luck.