Just found this forum & am looking for some feedback on my considering the purchase of a Duramax/Allison crew-cab truck.


I'm currently driving a Dodge Dakota extracab 4x4 - I've never had any problems with the truck, other than it seems underpowered. My decision to pick up the GMC is based on:


1) kids getting bigger & the Dakota's jumpseat is getting smaller


2) I'd like to get something that I'll keep 'til I die ... or as close to that as possible


3) while I don't have a camper shell or tow a 5th wheel, I do a fair amount of mountain driving both dry & in snow, and have in-laws in Mexico, so durability is a concern


I mainly haul a lot of audio equipment, and my motorcycle on occaision. I'm leaning toward the Duramax primarily for the power to fuel consumption radio. My comparitavely small V6 Dakota gets around 13 around town & 15-17 on the highway unladen - I really like the idea of being able to get that or better, with a much more powerful truck that can get up mountain roads without having to drop to 2nd gear...


Long story short - as a general use vehicle, that will see a lot of unladen driving, is the Duramax more headache than it's worth? Are there concerns about the eventual switch to biodiesel rendering these trucks inoperable or very expensive to operate?Edited by: inte

the other diesel I'm looking at is missing a couple wheels & you'd be more likely to find information about it in the advrider forum (http://www.advrider.com)

inte ~ while I don't tell others how to spend their money ~ I feel the DuraMax to be an all inclusive truck. To the mall, to the trail and lesser to off road. The power/economy experienced has endeared it to my heart but perhaps not yours. Its still new yet and you didn't indicate just how new you were. I'm not new and expect that this is my last truck ~ and its a DuraMax.

For me I wanted a crewcab. I had a Z71 with a 5.7 engine. I was unimpressed with the 6.0. It didn't have any more power than my 5.7 and worse mileage. I don't like all the bells and whistles and it turned out a slightly less equiped 2500HD with an 8.1/6 spd cost the same as a 1500HD 6.0/auto. I went with the Dmax in the end but like I explained to the wife the cost is the same. Higher truck payment and lower fuel bill or lower payment and higher fuel bill. The only extra with an 8.1 or Dmax is the extra money for the Allison.


I thought GM was releasing a crewcab 1/2 ton with 5'8" bed mid year. That would be a good upgrade from your Dakota and the 5.3 should get better mileage.


ps - Mine is my daily driver. 90+% unloaded driving.

Similar situation here. It's my daily driver, useed now n then for towing. I've only had it a few weeks but am very impresseed thus far. It gets better mileage towing than my Suburban got not towing. It will tow faster up hill than the Suburabn would do down hill. No regrets here at all!!

I'm sort of in the same boat as you. My Dmax is unladen 98% of the time. My primary reason for its purchase was for the 2% of the time when I do need the power and wieght capacity and the 100% of time when I desire fuel economy and durability. There is no crime in going a bit overkill !

Same here for me- mostly daily driver - but love the truck for everything!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I'm in the same boat as all the other guys so far Duramax is my getting around town mostly truck. I had the 6.0 with 4.10 gears and go 12mpg in town. We also have a 29' travel trailor that I have never even pulled, but I know I have the power ready to go. I still needed the crewcab as well and GM was the only truck with a back seat someone could sit in that was larger than 3' tall. I have 12k on mine now and love it.

Thanks for all the comments!

I'm pretty much sold on the truck - I've never owned a vehicle with so much programmability and electric components (seats, etc...) - and had some concers about that many more things to go wrong, but it seems most of the duramax 4x4s are showing up that way. If only you could mix & match (work truck with a couple SLT options) ... ah well.

Just a matter now of seeing weather one will show up like I want, or ordering one...

I've been hearing about fuel problems, the need to run dual filters, fuel stabalizers, etc but don't know if these stories are the exception to the rule. Should I do these things right off, or can I just run the truck like it comes stock & do the regular maintenance?

Thanks for all the comments!

I'm pretty much sold on the truck - I've never owned a vehicle with so much programmability and electric components (seats, etc...) - and had some concers about that many more things to go wrong, but it seems most of the duramax 4x4s are showing up that way. If only you could mix & match (work truck with a couple SLT options) ... ah well.

Just a matter now of seeing weather one will show up like I want, or ordering one...

I've been hearing about fuel problems, the need to run dual filters, fuel stabalizers, etc but don't know if these stories are the exception to the rule. Should I do these things right off, or can I just run the truck like it comes stock & do the regular maintenance?


Well,


I would go with secondary fuel filtration right away. There are several options for you and everyone has their reasons for the type and location of secondary fuel filtration.


Pre-OEM and Post OEM are the current choices.


Look around here , do a search, there is a ton info, a lot of very staunch opinions about it as well.


Good Luck, don't settle, this is your BABY !!





Thttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clown.gifNY

I don't think you'll find a quieter, more fuel efficient beast on the road. I too don't haul a lot often, but when I need to put the car hauler behind her and tow the world, its got plenty of power to spare. The crew cab is the only way to go. I had an extended cab in my half ton truck and I wouldn't go back for nothing. The room in the back is impressive. Well worth the extra money. Drive hard and Drive On, Duramax is the only way to go!