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New Truck, first tow

Campforever
Explorer
Explorer
Moved from a 01 F-250 7.3 to a 15 duramax dually. First tow with the same trailer the 01 pulled. The 01 was not a dually. Amazing, simply amazing the difference. MPG were 1 mile to the gallon less than the 01, which had a 3:42 rear end. The 15 has a 3:73. Was amazed that their is only .3 mpg difference between cruise and non cruise. The one question I have is how often do you have to put in DEF fluid. Had to refill at a little over 800 miles.
This rig kept up traffic and was quick. Wonderful experience. Happy to have it.
By the way the trailer is a 2013 5 slid Montana. Rig is very balanced and the tow haul mode really works.
Randy, Retired and Loving it...
Chevy Dually 3500 Duramax 2015
3910 Montana (2015) Three Slides

5 slides
11 REPLIES 11

Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Explorer
Average DEF is 1 gallon/ 1000 miles.
~ Too many freaks & not enough circuses ~


"Life is not tried ~ it is merely survived ~ if you're standing
outside the fire"

"The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly."- Abraham Lincoln

Campforever
Explorer
Explorer
So far have been using tow haul mode, rpm's at 1550 and once jumped up to 1800 rpm's.
Randy, Retired and Loving it...
Chevy Dually 3500 Duramax 2015
3910 Montana (2015) Three Slides

5 slides

Passin_Thru
Explorer
Explorer
You can use top gear towing if you have a tailwind, long downhill or flat where it doesn't take much power. I have a07 Duramax and it hasn't hurt it in 112,000 miles. Shift manually, keep RPMs up above 2300 while pulling and the fuel mileage will come up after it gets broken in.

MinnCamper
Explorer
Explorer
Congratulations on the DMAX. You will love it- happy travels.

Campforever
Explorer
Explorer
Played with the HDC a little on the way down, can for see relearning how to descend a mountain. Going on another short trip in November, then FL in early January. In regards to "bending over at Walmart" it was $11.49 per 2 1/2 gallons. Local truck stop was $3.99 per gallon. DON'T WANT AN argument but will do the best I can depending on the area pricing. This trip was south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Thanks for the tip about the truck stop though it may be difficult to fill. DEF tank access is under the hood on the right side. Could be a stretch for the hose.
Randy, Retired and Loving it...
Chevy Dually 3500 Duramax 2015
3910 Montana (2015) Three Slides

5 slides

tomman58
Explorer
Explorer
Campforever wrote:
Moved from a 01 F-250 7.3 to a 15 duramax dually. First tow with the same trailer the 01 pulled. The 01 was not a dually. Amazing, simply amazing the difference. MPG were 1 mile to the gallon less than the 01, which had a 3:42 rear end. The 15 has a 3:73. Was amazed that their is only .3 mpg difference between cruise and non cruise. The one question I have is how often do you have to put in DEF fluid. Had to refill at a little over 800 miles.
This rig kept up traffic and was quick. Wonderful experience. Happy to have it.
By the way the trailer is a 2013 5 slid Montana. Rig is very balanced and the tow haul mode really works.

Going from an 01 to a 2015 is like moving from a cave to a Condo!
Great truck you should check out all the other towing features from the exhaust brake to the hill control. Great truck my BIL and I both bought 2015's and a 40' Jayco Travel Trailer to tow across the USA and more!
Oh Yeah baby! We don't like 5ers and I have towed a 35' TT for 90,000 miles and didn't even know it was there with a 2008 Dmax. Still wolrds of difference with the new one.
2015 GMC D/A, CC 4x4/ Z71 ,3.73,IBC SLT+
2018 Jayco 338RETS
2 Trek bikes
Honda EU2000i
It must be time to go, the suns out and I've got a full tank of diesel!
We have a granite fireplace hearth! Love to be a little different.

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Explorer
It sounds like the F-250 was not really up to the task with that fifth wheel! Glad that you are enjoying the dually now! They are great, and compared to the older SRW, it will have stiffer springs, and handle the hitch loads much better.

Good luck with the new truck! Enjoy! Someone else will also be enjoying the 7.3L too!

Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a

Porsche or Country Coach!



If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!



I havn't been everywhere, but it's on my list.

Kangen.com Alkaline water

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tomman58
Explorer
Explorer
azdryheat wrote:
Did you fill the DEF tank all the way? Doesn't sound like it was full. I get DEF at Walmart in 2.5 gallon boxes for about $11.50. DEF tank is 5.5 gallons and usually lasts about 5,000 miles. Except under heavy towing mine might only last 3,000 miles.


Boy did you bend over at Wall mart? Generally at the truck stops DEF is $2.78 you paid $4.50!
Generally my Dmax asks for DEF about every 3500 miles that doesn't mean it is empty but you need to fill in the next 1000 miles.
I find filling from a nozzle rather than a container easier and more controllable. With an unscrupulous vender like Wallmart there is no guarantee that the DEF is even fresh. Bear in mind that DEF has a shelf life and getting it at a truck stop means fresh DEF.
Go where the big boys play not at a "stick it to um" store.
2015 GMC D/A, CC 4x4/ Z71 ,3.73,IBC SLT+
2018 Jayco 338RETS
2 Trek bikes
Honda EU2000i
It must be time to go, the suns out and I've got a full tank of diesel!
We have a granite fireplace hearth! Love to be a little different.

Campforever
Explorer
Explorer
Nope, did not fill before left. Not sure how much was in it. But it is suppose to be a 5 gallon tank (I think) and I put about 4 gallons in it. Got the fluid at Walmart, china's American flee market.
Randy, Retired and Loving it...
Chevy Dually 3500 Duramax 2015
3910 Montana (2015) Three Slides

5 slides

azdryheat
Explorer
Explorer
Did you fill the DEF tank all the way? Doesn't sound like it was full. I get DEF at Walmart in 2.5 gallon boxes for about $11.50. DEF tank is 5.5 gallons and usually lasts about 5,000 miles. Except under heavy towing mine might only last 3,000 miles.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually
2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler
2019 RZR 1000XP TRE

MFL
Nomad II
Nomad II
Congrats on the new truck!

Sounds like a well matched rig, hope you enjoy many miles!

Can't help on the DEF question, I'm sure others will have an idea.

Jerry