Forum Discussion

01dale's avatar
01dale
Explorer
May 07, 2013

2500HD w 8.1/Allison Opinions

Looking at updating my current tow vehicle by a couple of years and 100000 miles. Would like valid opinions on the 8.1/Allison combination regarding towing and overall durability/longevity. Don't care about fuel economy as it's well documented these are not built for that. The unit I'm looking at is a 2004 ext cab w 4.10 gearing. Truck has 50000 miles and appears in excellent condition, wish it had the 8' box. Asking 19000 for those that want to know. Coming from a 2002 2500HD ext cab w 6.0 4L80E w 4.10 gearing. Towing 9000# (ready to camp) 30' 5th wheel about 6000 miles per year mostly in Michigan, no plans in the future to upgrade 5th wheel.

Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • larry_barnhart's avatar
    larry_barnhart
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    We bought a new 2001 2wd dually 8.1 Allison 4:10. Traded it a 52K miles and it was still running as the day we bought it. fuel mileage was not that bad in my opinion. towed the same alpenlite as in my signature.
    chevman
  • Jack_Diane_Free's avatar
    Jack_Diane_Free
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    Had a 2005 extended cab 2500 with short box and 2WD and 4:30 gears. It was a towing monster. Loved every second driving it. Towed a heavy 5er with no problems. Loved that truck but had to go with a F-350 with V-10 as the 8.1 was not available in 2008.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    May 07, 2013
    As far as overall durability/longevity goes they are great.

    Sounds like the TV for you if you don't care about F/E.

    Price sounds really high to me though. Although I have not priced them so it might be right there?

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