First trip with my new Duramax

[Double_Haul]

All I can say is WOW. My 2004 6.0 gas did the job but going up I-80 and over Donner Pass I would have it up to 4200 rpm and doing 45 to 50 max in second gear. My 2016 duramax was effortless. I followed suggestions here on this board and kept it in cruise control and tow haul mode as much as I could and the truck did the rest. It maintained 62 effortlessly and I never touched the brakes unless encountering traffic. Tow haul mode would engage the engine break going downhill when needed. All I really did was steer.

[73guna]

OldSmokey wrote:



talk about a sledgehammer to crack a nut..:B

Haha! :B:B

Nice rig!

[Paul_Clancy]

Predicting new trailer in 3-2-1.....

[Grit_dog]

^ Nice rig! Those new L5P Dirty maxes are awesome!

[OldSmokey]

01tundra wrote:
We went from towing our new 3,800# TT with our FJ Cruiser to a 2017 2500HD Denali Duramax.....I still can't quit grinning every time we pull out of the driveway with our TT.

I've found that with such a light weight TT that we get better fuel mileage when we tow without T/H mode turned on. We turn the exhaust brake on and set the CC for 65 MPH when conditions allow and it doesn't ever come out of 6th gear on the interstate, regardless of grade.

talk about a sledgehammer to crack a nut..:B

[01tundra]

We went from towing our new 3,800# TT with our FJ Cruiser to a 2017 2500HD Denali Duramax.....I still can't quit grinning every time we pull out of the driveway with our TT.

I've found that with such a light weight TT that we get better fuel mileage when we tow without T/H mode turned on. We turn the exhaust brake on and set the CC for 65 MPH when conditions allow and it doesn't ever come out of 6th gear on the interstate, regardless of grade.

[bailer6334]

Just completed my first trip with my new to me 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500HD DMAX 4X4. Purchased with only 15K miles on it. I pull a TT with a GVWR of 6700lbs.

Trip was 4200+ miles through Utah, Idaho, Montana, So. Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico and home to Arizona. Didn't matter if flat, any grade hill or fighting headwinds traveled at 64-65MPH, the RPMs always stayed between 1800 & 1850 and never labored at all. Had it in Tow Haul mode when towing. Hand calculated the MPG average was 10.5MPH. Truck computer said 11. Used approx 1 gallon of DEF per 1000 miles.

Funny never saw a regen during the whole trip.

All in all very happy with the performance and mileage(could be a little bit better MPG's but being a 4X4 and headwinds understand). Only small concern is city driving, and regens with this type of driving.

[boshog]

Double_Haul wrote:
All I can say is WOW. My 2004 6.0 gas did the job but going up I-80 and over Donner Pass I would have it up to 4200 rpm and doing 45 to 50 max in second gear. My 2016 duramax was effortless. I followed suggestions here on this board and kept it in cruise control and tow haul mode as much as I could and the truck did the rest. It maintained 62 effortlessly and I never touched the brakes unless encountering traffic. Tow haul mode would engage the engine break going downhill when needed. All I really did was steer.

I tow the same way, cruise control, tow/haul, and exhaust brake on auto, and let the vehicle's computers do the rest. Like you nothing left for me to do but steer. These newer diesel pullers are awesome, I've pulled in a Duramax (my sons) and mine is a RAM Cummins. Never pulled with a Powerstroke but I would imagine they are about the same with tow integration as the other two. Detroit has done a great job bringing us tow vehicles. So solute to the big three.

[MinnCamper]

Diesel Period! Good choice.

[GadgetmanUSA]

I really really miss my 2007 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison.

[Camper_G]

Glad you are pleased with your truck. I sure love mine also. I don't need a diesel for what I'm towing, but all of the big 3 are building good trucks these days. We are all fortunate to have 3 good options out there.

[73guna]

I love diesel power, especially the Duramax.
While Im partial to Chevy/GMC, all the big three make great rigs!!


Lol! I love this comment!

jmtandem wrote:


Another gasser owner goes diesel and sees the light. No surprise to those of us that know diesels flatten the mountains.

[alboy]

I had a 15 gmc duramax crew pulling a 15 k fiver,a perfect match for power, mileage and effortless towing in the mountains.As good as it gets,loved the combo.

[FishOnOne]

Good report...

My parents purchased a '16 Duramax late last year and just recently pulled their camper for the first time with their new truck. My dad was surprised how much better the truck pulled their camper compared to their 05 Duramax.

[Double_Haul]

Yes the fuel bill did drop. Got around 7 to 9mpg on the 6.0. Not sure exactly what I got pulling since I was also running around fishing and doing day trips but the dash showed a 25 mile average at 22mpg at one point (probably a lot of downhill!. Was nice to make it non-stop to my destination and still have a half a tank left.
Looking forward to my next trip.