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Vroadracer's avatar
Vroadracer
Explorer
May 06, 2013

2006 Chevy Duramax/Allison Question?

Recently I read an article in an automotive magazine that stated that the 2006 Duramax/Allison was the best year for the Duramax/Allison? It said that in that year the engine made more horsepower and torque than any other year between 2000 and 2013? This was due to the environmental requirements from the government that begin in 2007. It also said that the 2006 had a 6 speed Allison transmission and got better fuel mileage both towing and empty than other models?

I am interested in hearing from anyone that has any experience with the 2006 Duramaz/Allison combination. I would like to know what kind of mileage they get towing an RV and what kind of mileage they get empty on the open road? Thanks for your information.
Tow Vehicles
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    2006 4X4 CC LBZ, no chip or lift, tires bumped up one size from the stock pizza cutters to 265/75 16, just turned over 125K on the ticker today - overall great truck/tranny combo. MPG with mixed driving are right at 15. As others say I can get 20-21 rolling down a flat non-windy highway at 55 but can't do it for long (I'm impatient). Hwy at 70 with some hills I'll get 16-17.

    Towing an 8K trailer I get 10-12 depending on speed and hills. It's funny because I use to tow a 12K 5th wheel and the MPG weren't that much different than with the 8K TT - maybe 1mpg.

    As mentioned these trucks are rare, especially fining one that hasn't been chipped/modded or lifted to the hilt.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    21 mpg unloaded 190 mile round trip highway and some city driving.
    Loaded varied by weight and design of trailer being towed. But it was very good.
  • taviking22's avatar
    taviking22
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    I get 11.5 MPG towing my 5W (about 14K GVW) at 62 MPG (speed at which the TC locks up in 6th gear).

    Around town I get 13 MPG and 20 MPG at 65 on the Interstate when empty.

    I have 65K on the ticker right now but will bump that up significantly as leave for AK on Thursday. My LBZ is the first diesel I've owned. Have had minor repair issues with GMs el-cheapo tranny hoses leaking at the crimps and the replacement of 1 glow plug.

    My intention is to keep my '06 D/A until someone has to pry it out of my cold, dead hands.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    Almost everything they said about the LBZ is true except the HP and torque. The later years had more depending on year.

    I get right at 12 towing my 7K TT. I'm grossing somewhere around 16K.
    I run fast when I'm on vacation because I have to just to cover the miles I need to. I'm usually at 75mph towing on the freeway. I bet I could get 13+ if I slowed down to 60.

    Solo I get 16.5 to 17. This is mixed town and open road but mostly town.

    Ric, your phone is ringing. :B
  • Norskeman's avatar
    Norskeman
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    If you find a 2006 or 2007 it would be a good purchase as noted above.

    Traded my 2005 for a 2011 because of the increased GVWR, exhaust brake, more HP/Torque, integrated brake controller and 6 speed Allison. Have a little over 21,000 miles on it without any issues.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    May 06, 2013
    The 2006 and early 2007 (classic) Duramax Allison LBZ generation is considered to be an excellent combination..It has proven to be very reliable and relatively trouble free.
    Lots of power with very few EPA mandated 'environmental protection' systems.

    Later generation motors do have more horse power and torque but also have a number of systems that are designed to reduce emissions...some which have been problematic and have reduced mileage.

    I get around 12 sometimes less towing a 10K GVWR trailer and around 14 mpg mixed daily driving...have seen a tick over 22 straight cruise control freeway long runs.

    If you can find a clean 06 D/A consider it. They are hard to find and sought after.

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