Anyone thinking of a GM 1500 with the 3.0 Duramax?

I think there is a market for such a truck, just like a mid sized truck. It will be interesting for sure how it compares to other offerings out there being gas and diesel. I have not run across any 3.0 diesel fords just yet. But with so many now towing with a 1/2 ton trucks, I’m thinking this truck will still find value for some. In my last large RV show that I attended to, I met several full timers or people just going more often cause they are retired. Now I’m not close to that point in my life yet so I enjoy the fact that others can. It’s funny to note that not all wanted or were purchasing large fith wheels or campers. A lot were looking for smaller and more cheaper units. I have run across many that are downsizing from the massive behemoths that are out there. I’m not talking trash about those cause mine is 34 foot in length as well. I just have noticed many are keeping things smaller and more simple. So I do see a push eventually for more efficient trucks that can make some power. I like the fact that both Ford and GM will offer a diesel in a 1/2 ton truck, despite owning a 3/4 gas job. I really can’t use it now because of the need for an HD but I can see how the market can support these trucks. Most people who camp are families or weekend warriors that need an so called all purpose truck to drive everyday yet pull a camper, boat, utility trailer, or occasional HD or Lowe’s runs on the weekend. It’s also interesting that there are more 1/2 ton offerings or versions of verse any 3/4 or 1 ton offerings. So the market is there from a manufacturer point of view, give the consumer what they want. I don’t know when this 3.0 will come out, when it does I’m looking forward to the test and see what it will do for the money.

IdaD wrote:
The baby diesels don't make a ton of sense to me. With the premium for diesel plus DEF you really don't save much in fuel cost, and you give up a lot in terms of performance. The big diesels don't save you any money either but at least there you're paying for a substantial increase in performance, especially when towing.

I'm with you. Baby diesels belong in small diesel tractors like Kubota's, not in a highway truck. I'd get the less expensive gas motor instead. Cheaper to run fuel and maintenance wise.

Diesel will always be more costly than gasoline, refiners will see to that and now you have the DEF thing too. In amedium duty truck, a gasser just makes better economic sense.

kw/00 wrote:

twodownzero wrote:
Towing with a vehicle equipped with a semi floating rear axle is something I'm no longer willing to do.

People do it all the time, no reason not to. I have never seen one broke off, I see more trailer owners not servicing their bearings causing a wheel to let go. OP as far as the new 3.0 diesel, I don’t think they are being built or at least sold right now. Should be a good tuck within its weight ratings.Should be a good tuck within its weight ratings.

Problem with that is most people (I use that term lightly) never pay any attention to weight ratings. They don't even bother to look at the Owners Manual.

Premium for 2018 ED was $3,000 over the Hemi. Traditionally with diesels you get that back at resale. Also diesels generally last much longer than gassers. Even in areas where “progressive gov” has so much additional tax on diesel that you pay 30 percent over gas fuel cost its a wash. If you tow regularly it’s still advantage diesel. I can’t speak to your wife complaining.

The 3.0 diesel half ton is a nitch vehicle to complete the 1/2 ton line up and stave off market share loses only to be about 5 percent of sales. So it’s no threat to whatever your favorite is. Quiet smooth low rpm pull is preferred by some of us. Realistic 30 mpg Hwy capable & averaging 14 towing a box TT at 65 makes for a solid case if you tow & put on lots of miles. Thing is it only has to make sense and be worth it to the person spending his money.

If you’re towing needs are 1/2 ton platform appropriate IE practical max wet TT weight of 8k or less the 3.0 diesel will be an enjoyable quiet ultra efficient tow vehicle and ideal for someone who puts on lots of miles. I have 500,000 miles on current 3.0 diesel truck so one day I will need a replacement truck and am looking forward to the 3.0 I-6 diesel.

The baby diesels don't make a ton of sense to me. With the premium for diesel plus DEF you really don't save much in fuel cost, and you give up a lot in terms of performance. The big diesels don't save you any money either but at least there you're paying for a substantial increase in performance, especially when towing.

twodownzero wrote:

kw/00 wrote:

twodownzero wrote:
Towing with a vehicle equipped with a semi floating rear axle is something I'm no longer willing to do.

People do it all the time, no reason not to. I have never seen one broke off, I see more trailer owners not servicing their bearings causing a wheel to let go. OP as far as the new 3.0 diesel, I don’t think they are being built or at least sold right now. Should be a good tuck within its weight ratings.

I have had a c clip break on a virtually stock vehicle that wasn't towing anything. But for disc brakes, I would have been walking home.

My life is far too valuable for that nonsense. No thanks.

I’m curios, what vehicle? How many miles? Was the rear end worked on prior? Just never has happened ever to me, or anyone that I know, but if u had the experience then tell us about it. I have never seen one break, even towing heavy. I have worked on cars and trucks personally now for most my life including farm equipment and I’m going on 46. I’m sure there has been cases of issues like yours, just very rare. Anything can happen at any given time. All because I own a 3/4 ton HD truck with a full floater doesn’t immune me from having any drivetrain issues. But your comment doesn’t really help the OP. He’s just asking about the diesel version of the 1/2 truck that he’s interested in.

kw/00 wrote:

twodownzero wrote:
Towing with a vehicle equipped with a semi floating rear axle is something I'm no longer willing to do.

People do it all the time, no reason not to. I have never seen one broke off, I see more trailer owners not servicing their bearings causing a wheel to let go. OP as far as the new 3.0 diesel, I don’t think they are being built or at least sold right now. Should be a good tuck within its weight ratings.

I have had a c clip break on a virtually stock vehicle that wasn't towing anything. But for disc brakes, I would have been walking home.

My life is far too valuable for that nonsense. No thanks.

You have to want what a half ton diesel has to offer, because you wont be buying one because your saving a bunch of money. The MPG's may or may not be a big winner, the Nissan isn't much if any better mpg than the HD diesels, the Ford and GM diesel hopefully can get into the same area as the Eco Diesel, guess we will see.

Unless things change I can't justify the cost of a 1/2 ton diesel in any brand. Between the up front cost, 30% extra currently for diesel fuel in my area, DEF, my wife complaining about the smell of diesel and less performance it just doesn't make sense to me. But, if you want one and can afford it go for it.

I would consider it.....BUT in my case. I want a WT or LS, I'm recalling that you can only get in an LT or higher interior.....at least initially.
With that said, I've driven an MB sprinter with a diesel, if it's powered setup similarly, should be good to 12-13,000 gcw with out issues. Possibly a ton or so more.

Marty