Thinking about a Duramax

[Aiblinger]

I am considering getting out of my 6.0L 1500 to upgrade to a Duramax with a crew cab. What I am concerned about is what the current crop of Duramax engines are producing in the real world for fuel mileage. What do you guys get from your trucks? What can I expect from a stock 08 or 09 Duramax? How much benefit would I see from adding a larger diameter exhaust and what would that cost? Also, I saw mention of "regeneration" in a few posts as I was doing research... what is that? Is that the cleaning process for the particulate filter in the exhaust?

Thanks in advance for any information. I don't know much about diesel trucks (though I have had diesel cars) but I learn quickly so I am looking forward to any advice/help you folks can give me.

[1st Synthetics]

Let me start by saying I would not trade mine for any other truck, I love it. You are kinda getting the facts right.....The Lmm trucks do get a few MPG less than the former D-max's. It is not the engine it is the particulate filter (DPF) that takes the MPG down. When the truck goes into re-Gen it uses around 1-2 gal of fuel to clean out the DPF. This occurs, depending on driving habbits every tank full to a tank and a half. I have talked to quite a few people that have taken the DPF off and they all seen increases in MPG. You will also need a programmer to do this. Not all programmers will do the job, but there are a lot out there that will. PPe or banks are both popular ones. I have not taken mine off yet but I do plan on doing so in the future. The down side is it will void your warranty and may be a vialation where you live.As far as my MPG, Yesterday when I filled ou I did the calculation and I got 16.7 MPG. When I drove to Wisconson last month I got 18.6.. I think that could of been better but I drove through downtown Chacaigo for about 45 min. Now when I pull my trailer I think I am getting around 14.5-15.6 MPG. I also seen a 1 MPG increase after my first oil change when I switched to AMSOIL 5W-40.

[08silverado3500hd]

I have a 2008 Silverado 3500HD, brought it home in Nov 07, and just turned 2600 miles. Bought mainly for towing an 18' flat bed trailer and 20' gooseneck cattle trailer. Daily driving a 1990 Silverado with a 454. For the Duramax no highway driving yet, best mileage so far was 15.75 mpg (this was the only fill up without any trailering). Worst so far 10.45 mpg.

[Aiblinger]

Here is another question for you guys: Is STABILITRAK available on Duramax equipped trucks? I am looking at a couple trucks online and they don't have it. Do you trucks have stabilitrak?

Thanks for all the input so far, everyone!

[08silverado3500hd]

My 2008 3500 HD doesn't have stabilitrak. Almost positive it wasn't even an option. Looks like for 2009 it is standard on all 1500 V-8's and an option on 2500 ext cab/crew cab.

[1st Synthetics]

That would not be an option on a 4WD, I don't think.

[Aiblinger]

my '07 VortecMAX has Stabilitrak and it is 4WD... hmm... I will do some more research. Thanks guys!

[dwill3015]

Good luck on your search!

[nickgiacalone]

That would not be an option on a 4WD, I don't think.

I know for the most part this conversation is regarding diesel trucks but my 09 2500hd ext cab 6.0 gas does have traction control and stabilitrac and is a 4wd.

[Aiblinger]

Thanks for all the info, everyone! I am still hoping for more input regarding 08-09 D-max trucks. Can anyone tell me anything that they didn't know about the truck until after they got it home? Is there anything I NEED TO KNOW before making a purchase?

thanks again!!

[ProspectorTim]

Bump!

I'm looking at buying a 2009 SLT 3500HD DRW 4x4 LWB Auto Crew Cab.
I expect it to take a while to "break in", but after that, what kind of MPG can I expect, hwy at conservative speeds?

What are the odds it will be comparable to my 99 Dodge 2500/Cummins auto srw short bed?

Usually, I drive the speed limit or a little less (Even 55 mph if I want really good mpg).
Also, what kind of performance/mileage can I expect towing a 28' enclosed car trailer in the mountains (Colorado, normal "load" will likely be ATV's).

I've got no complaints for the MPG or performance from my Cummins - but face it, it IS a Dodge truck, and it is getting OLD. We really like the Sierra that we are contemplating.


TIA

[1st Synthetics]

You should see 18-20MPG on the highway, that is what I get. As far as pulling a loaded trailer on the highway you ate looking at 14-16MPG. I can't help you with the mountains question. Al the new diesels lose around 4MPG due to the partial filter.

[vncj96]

My uncle has a Duramax and gets betwwen 21-25. He hauls a four wheeler in the bed at all times along with the a full toolbox. he also pulls his bobcat most of the time or has a gooseneck once in a while. i will say he has done some upgrades to his and he makes his own fuel for it too. He also has over 700hp and 1000ft/lbs:happy:

[Bluewater]

One thing on the negative side is the huge expense of servicing the engine. Often 2 to 3 times that of gas. Most people I talk to would only get the diesel for hauling not a daily driver. Good luck !!

[ProspectorTim]

Thanks for the replies.
It was a tough choice, between a loaded Dodge Ram SLT Lariat and the GMC SLT .. but we decided on the GMC.

So, now i am a Duramax owner!

[1st Synthetics]

Thanks for the replies.
It was a tough choice, between a loaded Dodge Ram SLT Lariat and the GMC SLT .. but we decided on the GMC.

So, now i am a Duramax owner!

You going to post up some pictures of your new baby? You got the crew cab, what color?

[ProspectorTim]

3500HD Crew Cab, 4x4Auto, DRW etc.
I hate to say it, but it is WHITE. That was the only color available here with the options we wanted. We'll have to dress it up some - real soon!

Anyhow, the price was right, and they were generous on my trade in too.

We signed the papers Friday, but I'll be trading trucks later today. I spent the weekend removing a whole lot of after market goodies from the Dodge, and they are supposed to get LoJack installed on the new truck this morning.

[ProspectorTim]

I guess I need to clean up the truck and take some more pics.
Preferably after I add some AMSOIL decals to add a little color to the picture!

I also plan to add some tubular chrome "nerf bar" running boards. The leading contender in that dept at the moment are wheel-to-wheel "Mega Steps".

[1st Synthetics]

I like white, it looks good! Do you need me to send you some AMSOIL stickers?

[ProspectorTim]

Thanks, but I'll just order some.

I am a "Lifetime" dealer; ZO 149015

It is good to see an AMSOIL presence here. I just wish I had been here first :wink:
:sign0144:

[s5belford]

my mom has a 2002 Duramax that she uses to pull a 39' horse trailer and she loves that truck and the engine. back in 2002 she sould our 94-95 silverado with a 454 and the duramax pulls the trailer a million times better and smoother. as far as mileage goes for the older trucks every time I've filled it up the mileage has been between 10-15 depending on in the city or on the highway. Hope this helps and the search goes well!