Duramax Dually
05-13-2004, 01:39 PM
I took possession of my K3500 CC LB Dually in May of '01. I had ordered it in Aug of 2000 and it took me 9 months to finally receive it. I ordered the LS model because I wanted Leather front bench seat. It was listed as available, but special order. I did not want the LT as I routinely have 6 (2 adults and 4 little ones) with me and I was not fond of Big Brother having potential to monitor me with that OnStar program. I was told a myriad of excuses for the delay. I heard they had shortages of Dually's, they had shortages on Duramax motors shortages of Allison transmissions and then of course the leather front bench seat special order.
History:
Changed all rearend fluids to synthetic after 500 miles. Then started towing trailer. Towed quite a few different trailers. The trailer weights varied between 5K and 15K lbs.
5,749 miles developed fuel leak. Had cross threaded fitting in injector pump and it was replaced, at dealer for 1 day
8,432 miles back to dealer to have ECM/TCM reflashed to stop the constant shifting that was being experienced while in Tow/Haul Mode. At dealer for 45 minutes.
My opinion on the truck as the customer: The truck has not been back to the dealer since the 8K mile mark and that was only for the reflash. I have to date not incurred any dealer costs. I have 86,432 miles on the truck. These have been what I would consider "Hard" miles. I would estimate 65-70% of the time the truck has had some sort of trailer in tow. It was towing a 11Klb trailer at the 505mi mark. The outside conditions have not been favorable as I usually tow in temps exceeding the 100 degree mark and my wife ALWAYS had the AC running. The body is in perfect shape and the paint is still almost showroom. The interior is in mint condition (no tears, marks sagging or thin spots) and still smells like new for the most part. The leather interior has held up quite well even with 4 little ones. I have not experienced any problems with interior features. I have not developed any leaks in the drivetrain, occasionally I have a drip from the crankcase vent tube. The brakes are still the original pads. They have 65% or better left. I have only had to replace 2 side marker lights on the bed. I would have to say I am highly satisfied with my truck. It has performed as GM stated it would which is why I bought it. I still have 14K miles or 2 years left on the Motor warranty so I feel comfortable with that. I have not added any power boxes.
Here is my maintenance schedule
Add FFFP fuel additive at every fill up and have since 5K miles
Oil every 10-11K, Filter every 5K. Redline Synthetic 15W-40, Wix oil filters. Started using it at the 10K mi mark
Fuel filter every 10K ( Racor )
Allison Spin on filter every 10K
Chassis lube every 10K(Redline Synthetic grease)
Air filter clean every 10K
General inspection every 10k
Tranny fluid change every 25K (Switched to Allison deep pan and Transdyn synthetic trans fluid at 10K miles)
Wash and wax as required
MPG:
Daily driving: 14.7-15.2mpg @ 65-75 mph
Towing: 5K - 14Klb trailer 12-13mpg @ 60-65mph. I had times where I went 55mph and got between 16-17mpg and I have gone at speeds in excess of 75+mph and got 10mpg.
Best MPG: 21.9 it was Empty and on cruise control coming down the interstate 5 from Shasta area.
Worst MPG: 7.8 towing race car trailer across interstate 10 from AZ to CA in 30-50 mile per hour head wind in sand storm.
Things I wish it had come with from GM or been optional:
Larger capacity fuel tank or dual tank option
Larger outside mirrors
Sliding rear window
Better headlight
History:
Changed all rearend fluids to synthetic after 500 miles. Then started towing trailer. Towed quite a few different trailers. The trailer weights varied between 5K and 15K lbs.
5,749 miles developed fuel leak. Had cross threaded fitting in injector pump and it was replaced, at dealer for 1 day
8,432 miles back to dealer to have ECM/TCM reflashed to stop the constant shifting that was being experienced while in Tow/Haul Mode. At dealer for 45 minutes.
My opinion on the truck as the customer: The truck has not been back to the dealer since the 8K mile mark and that was only for the reflash. I have to date not incurred any dealer costs. I have 86,432 miles on the truck. These have been what I would consider "Hard" miles. I would estimate 65-70% of the time the truck has had some sort of trailer in tow. It was towing a 11Klb trailer at the 505mi mark. The outside conditions have not been favorable as I usually tow in temps exceeding the 100 degree mark and my wife ALWAYS had the AC running. The body is in perfect shape and the paint is still almost showroom. The interior is in mint condition (no tears, marks sagging or thin spots) and still smells like new for the most part. The leather interior has held up quite well even with 4 little ones. I have not experienced any problems with interior features. I have not developed any leaks in the drivetrain, occasionally I have a drip from the crankcase vent tube. The brakes are still the original pads. They have 65% or better left. I have only had to replace 2 side marker lights on the bed. I would have to say I am highly satisfied with my truck. It has performed as GM stated it would which is why I bought it. I still have 14K miles or 2 years left on the Motor warranty so I feel comfortable with that. I have not added any power boxes.
Here is my maintenance schedule
Add FFFP fuel additive at every fill up and have since 5K miles
Oil every 10-11K, Filter every 5K. Redline Synthetic 15W-40, Wix oil filters. Started using it at the 10K mi mark
Fuel filter every 10K ( Racor )
Allison Spin on filter every 10K
Chassis lube every 10K(Redline Synthetic grease)
Air filter clean every 10K
General inspection every 10k
Tranny fluid change every 25K (Switched to Allison deep pan and Transdyn synthetic trans fluid at 10K miles)
Wash and wax as required
MPG:
Daily driving: 14.7-15.2mpg @ 65-75 mph
Towing: 5K - 14Klb trailer 12-13mpg @ 60-65mph. I had times where I went 55mph and got between 16-17mpg and I have gone at speeds in excess of 75+mph and got 10mpg.
Best MPG: 21.9 it was Empty and on cruise control coming down the interstate 5 from Shasta area.
Worst MPG: 7.8 towing race car trailer across interstate 10 from AZ to CA in 30-50 mile per hour head wind in sand storm.
Things I wish it had come with from GM or been optional:
Larger capacity fuel tank or dual tank option
Larger outside mirrors
Sliding rear window
Better headlight