Truck choice for TC

[Bud99]

After looking at quite a few trucks for a TC I have it narrowed down to 2. First is a 2007 Chevy 3500 extended cab with D/A. Truck is in like new condition with 41000 miles. Asking $27985. Second is a new 2013 Chevy 2500 LT extended cab long bed with 6.0L. After negotiating is finished it will be 37500 to $38500.
The 2007 sounds good and drives great. much power.
The 2013 is new.
What are your thoughts/opinions?

Thank you as always
Bud99

[Butch50]

Is it a 2007 or a 2007.5 (new body style)? This is when they went to the DPF on the 2007.5 if I'm not mistaken. I may be wrong as I have been in the past and I'm sure I'll be in the future.

Also like stated above the newer 2013 2500 probably has more capacity than the 2007 as GM did a bunch of upgrades to the trucks. For instantance my 2011 F350 SRW LB gasser has almost the same GVWR as a 2007 GM dually. The duallies of that time frame were 11400# GVWR and my Ford is 11200# GVWR. The 2011 later Ford diesels SRW max are 11500# GVWR. I think GM was pretty close to the same. The 2007 is probably a 9900#GVWR and if equiped properly the 2013 could have a 10000# GVWR and is probably lighter than the 2007 Dmax. If you looked at a new 3500 you would probably be in the same range as the Ford of around 11200# GVWR.

I agree that the Dmax well have more power but that is not all you are looking at for hauling a TC. With my 6.2 gasser I can pull any hill that I have crossed with my camper running right at 60 to 65 MPH. This is not all I can do it is just the speed I travel with my TC on. I get between 10.5 and 11.5 MPG with it. It is true that I have to wind up the engine some to pull the hill but it makes it with no effort.

This is IMO

[NMace]

The new manufacture's warranty is worth a lot to me, perhaps even $10,000.

There is a lot of missunderstanding about which is the more capablr truck for a camper. Properly equiped the new gasser might have a slight edge in payload.

[Farmerjon]

another vote for the 07

[Jfet]

07 was the last year before you start having to carry blue toilet water in your engine

this was one reason we went with a 2006 isuzu diesel instead of a new 2013 diesel.

[DWeikert]

Another vote for the '07 3500 Duramax.

[GeoBoy]

Bud,
You can't beat that 2007 3500 Duramax/Alli. That is what I would buy.

[wintersun]

Why not get a 2013 gas powered 1-ton long bed for a $1000 more and have the more economical truck to drive (diesel is more expensive than premium gas in most parts of the country). As advised start with the camper first. Unless you want to get a 11' camper for a dry bath the Duramax is a nice to have and not a need to have and the same applies to the DRW.

GM made a great many changes to their heavy duty trucks for the new platform (2011-2013) and the 3/4 ton can take a heavier load more capably than the older trucks SRW or dooley. The gas powered truck will gain 800 or more pounds of load capacity with the lighter engine. 1-ton only adds an extra set of leaf springs and the rear brake rotors are 4% larger in diameter - not a lot of difference which is why the dealer invoice is difference is going to be less than $700.

Time to take a deep breath and step back as neither truck is your best available option.

[Bud99]

Thank you for your opinions. I'll go for the 07!

Bud99

[dodgerdog]

2007 you will appreciate the one ton more...

Mike C.

[MTRhino]

For $10,000 less I would buy the 2007 every time. It is almost broken in, larger payload, same body style as the 2013, and the motor should go twice as far as the gas 6.0.

[kerry4951]

3500........ 1.The D/A is a great combo. 2.Better beefier truck to haul a bigger range of TCs. 3.You save $10K 4. The Duramax is only now starting to get broken in.

[dave17352]

Either is good if u bought a 2013 3500 srw gasser u would have more payload than the diesel dually. But as far as the diesel goes u can't beat that year.

[Trackrig]

Take the 2007 because it's heavier and you won't get hit with the depreciation when you drive it away like you will the 2013. And since it does cost less, the insurance may cost less.

Bill

[Buzzcut1]

The 3500 for carrying capacity with fewer required mods over a 2500 is the way I would go.