Bluebeard wrote:
I assume a 2500HD gas or diesel is plenty to pull it? I live in the Sierras so everywhere I go is up or down. Actually, I am now shopping for a good used truck for hauling this thing- can I do it with a 2500 or should I shop for a 3500?. Is gas a viable option for towing this, or should I go with a diesel?
I've been told the Duramax '06 and '07 are the best- but being "Best" comes at a steep price (my wife will only let me buy a truck with less than 60k miles on it, so an '06 or '07 with that low miles on it is very expensive). Are any of the prior years good too? I was thinking of looking for the '05 to get the 5 speed allison- any reviews between towing with the 5-vs the 6 speed?
I know earlier engines had injector problems, do you think those early engine problems have been resolved by now?
Rick, I'd really look for a truck with the 6-speed Allie. Having that extra gear is really nice =and= can help with mileage. Also, on my '02, with the 5-speed, you can NOT manually select 4th gear or otherwise turn off OD; you go direct from OD to 3rd on a manual downshift. Absolutely f'ing STUPID decision on GM's part. Not sure if any of the later 5-speeds are the same way. GM actually has a build sheet for a manual OD cutoff switch and, when I looked into it a number of years ago, the local Chevy dealer wanted about $450 to do it. I balked, and have regretted it ever since. This is probably the biggest reason that I'd spring for some sort of full-blown programmer (Banks, Bully Dog, etc.), to be able to force the d/s point lower when on a grade. Also, if you're looking, get the turbo diesel. At those altitudes, you =need= that extra h.p. and torque. The downhill braking is much better than a gasser, too, even without an exhaust brake.
Lyle
