Considering upgrading my present 2007 diesel TV for something newer. One of the trucks I am looking at is a 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500 Z71 2wd. I have no experience in Chevy/GMC and wanted to get some opinions of those who own them.1. What is the difference between a Chevy and GMC?2. Love, It is ok, or hate your Chevy/GMC?3. I am looking at 2010 - 2013 models. Any difference in those years? One year better than another? I would assume the later the better?4. I am towing around a 34'/9,000 pound TT. For those towing around the same (TT or 5er); what type of MPG are you seeing?5. Any other pertinent info you would like to pass on.Thanks,

1, trim2, there are better choices, but there OK.3, 4, expect 10-11 towing no matter what5, drive them all and pick what you like the best

GMC is a higher priced GM truck. Other than a few luxury items like interior or plastic, they are the same truck. I have a 2013 3500 4wd, single rear wheel duramax and love it; however, I have had several issues with the NOX sensor and radiator and going through the GM repurchase. But, I am staying with GM because the truck has never left me stranded, only warning lights have come on and GM agreed to give me a new truck. I have two friends who have about the same year trucks and neither has had any issues at all and love the truck. That is why I am staying with Chevy. I would suggest you get the most current year as possible because in 2010 GM had to put emissions equipment in the diesels. Each year after they have made whatever part/technology improvements needed. Towing is awesome, I love the exhaust brake system. I get about 18mpg non-towing and about 11-12mpg towing my 35' 5th wheel trailer. I will be going from a shortbed to a long bed for additional comfort towing, so you might want to consider all options. Good luck

2011 is the first year of the LML series Duramax which added DEF. That first year had a lot of issues with NOx sensors going bad, TCM (trans control module) going bad and DEF tanks having to be replaced. Personally I would look at 2012 and up. 2011 also got an entirely new chassis with a lot of beefed up drivetrain components including brakes and exhaust brake. 2011+ is a much more capable truck from a towing perspective.

N-Trouble wrote:2011 is the first year of the LML series Duramax which added DEF. That first year had a lot of issues with NOx sensors going bad, TCM (trans control module) going bad and DEF tanks having to be replaced. Personally I would look at 2012 and up. 2011 also got an entirely new chassis with a lot of beefed up drivetrain components including brakes and exhaust brake. 2011+ is a much more capable truck from a towing perspective.I have a GMC Duramax 2011 model year and agree with this poster completely. When it is working right it is a heck of a tow rig.

1) trim and cosmetics. Other than that, they are the same vehicle. there are some differences, GMC doesn't have the WT (very base version) and until recently Chevy didn't have the Denali equal, now they have the High country. but for other versions you'll find prices virtually identical.2) I had an 04, Chevy after 125K miles went to our son and we now have a 2015 GMC Denali. We love both, and 04 was and is still trouble free. 15 only has 20K miles on it, but so far is flawless. very quite, better handling than the 043) I think the chassis changed in 11 and then it was updated significantly again in 154) as for towing 9K lbs, piece of cake, but expect between 10 and 13 mpg depending on (a) SPEED and (b) terrain. 60 or so on flat ground I can get 13, usually it is in the 11-12 range.

Chevy/GMC 2500 diesel owners | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

Bob_Olallawa
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
N-Trouble wrote:
2011 is the first year of the LML series Duramax which added DEF. That first year had a lot of issues with NOx sensors going bad, TCM (trans control module) going bad and DEF tanks having to be replaced. Personally I would look at 2012 and up.

2011 also got an entirely new chassis with a lot of beefed up drivetrain components including brakes and exhaust brake. 2011+ is a much more capable truck from a towing perspective.

I have a GMC Duramax 2011 model year and agree with this poster completely. When it is working right it is a heck of a tow rig.
N-Trouble
Explorer
Jul 07, 2016
2011 is the first year of the LML series Duramax which added DEF. That first year had a lot of issues with NOx sensors going bad, TCM (trans control module) going bad and DEF tanks having to be replaced. Personally I would look at 2012 and up.

2011 also got an entirely new chassis with a lot of beefed up drivetrain components including brakes and exhaust brake. 2011+ is a much more capable truck from a towing perspective.
guidry
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2016
GMC is a higher priced GM truck. Other than a few luxury items like interior or plastic, they are the same truck. I have a 2013 3500 4wd, single rear wheel duramax and love it; however, I have had several issues with the NOX sensor and radiator and going through the GM repurchase. But, I am staying with GM because the truck has never left me stranded, only warning lights have come on and GM agreed to give me a new truck. I have two friends who have about the same year trucks and neither has had any issues at all and love the truck. That is why I am staying with Chevy.

I would suggest you get the most current year as possible because in 2010 GM had to put emissions equipment in the diesels. Each year after they have made whatever part/technology improvements needed.

Towing is awesome, I love the exhaust brake system. I get about 18mpg non-towing and about 11-12mpg towing my 35' 5th wheel trailer. I will be going from a shortbed to a long bed for additional comfort towing, so you might want to consider all options.

Good luck
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 07, 2016
1, trim
2, there are better choices, but there OK.
3,
4, expect 10-11 towing no matter what
5, drive them all and pick what you like the best

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Chevy/GMC 2500 diesel owners

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