Went truck shopping today

[Ryan03]

After much pondering, I recently decided that it is time to think about upgrading to a newer truck. My trusty 2003 Dmax is beginning to show early signs of rust through in the cab corners and rockers, as well as beginning to nickel and dime me. Up until recently it has served me well, but 8 years of the ohio road salt has taken its toll on it.

I am seriously considering a gas engine this time around, as fuel wise the diesel only saves me around $700 per year, and a chunk of that savings is eaten up in additional maintenance cost.

I am not brand loyal, and buy what I like regardless of what emblem is on the grill. So far I have driven a 2011 2500HD GMC, 4x4, ext cab, short bed, gas engine, auto 3.73 gear. My impression, good fit and finish, love the double center console, much wider than my 03, which is a good thing. The 2011 felt much bigger when driving than my 03, kinda super duty like. Suprisingly, the one big issue I had with the truck was the 6.0 gasser, which felt to be sluggish and over worked. I have driven lots of 6.0's in the previous style trucks, and always felt that they were peppy, but not this one. All I can figure is the combination of the extra weight of the beefier truck and the huge 18 in wheels and tires are a little much for the 6.0. I will try to find a similar truck with 4.10's and see if there is a significant performance improvement. If not I will rule out the 6.0 and only consider the GM if I go diesel again.

Tomorrow I will drive the 6.2 Ford Super Duty, in the same configuration as the GM I wrote about above. I have driven reg cab 4x4 6.2's, and they to seem run pretty strong. We will see how it does in a heavier truck. I may also drive a Dodge tomorrow if I have time left after the Ford.

Can anyone post any real world mileage figures for a 2011 or newer Gm 2500hd 6.0 3.73 or 4.10 gear, as well as a 6.2 ford auto with 3.73 or 4.30 gears. I am looking for combined city and highway empty mpg. Any info would be appreciated, thanks Ryan.

 

[Wolfy]

I have a F350, 5.4L (300 hp version) It has plenty of power, if you pulled a trailer constantly the V-10 would be better. As you said, there is way less maintaince costs with the gasoline power. I have been told the V-10 is still available, alongside the 6.2L. I would also look into 4.10 gears over 4.30, unless you pull a max trailer.

 

[davygp38]

I have a F350, 5.4L (300 hp version) It has plenty of power, if you pulled a trailer constantly the V-10 would be better. As you said, there is way less maintenance costs with the gasoline power. I have been told the V-10 is still available, alongside the 6.2L. I would also look into 4.10 gears over 4.30, unless you pull a max trailer.

I believe The V10 is only available on cab and chassis trucks I am not sure if you could get it in an F450 dually p/u.

 

[LD1]

My uncle just bought a New chevy 2500HD with the 6.0 and 3.73's.

He said he's getting 11-12 empty and 8 pulling his camper.

Have you considered the Dodge with the Hemi. They are a pretty strong puller IMO. My wife had a 03 1500 and my parents have a 05 2500. Both 4x4 and both were ~14MPG empty. But I think the newer ones are better than that.

 

[Dmace]

Suprisingly, the one big issue I had with the truck was the 6.0 gasser, which felt to be sluggish and over worked.

The GM 6.0l is putting out 360hp/380lb.ft. so it's given up a good 20hp/20lb.ft to the others.
The Ford's massive 6.2l is putting out 385hp (5500rpms)/405lb.ft (4500rpms).
RAM's proven 5.7l HEMI is putting out 383hp (5400rpms)/400lb.ft.(3800rpms) At 0.5 liters smaller than the Ford, it makes the same power but sooner. I bet you'll fine the RAM to be the best combo of power and mpg's for gas engines.

Luckily, it's impossible to buy a bad truck these days. :thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

The GM 6.0l is putting out 360hp/380lb.ft. so it's given up a good 20hp/20lb.ft to the others.
The Ford's massive 6.2l is putting out 385hp (5500rpms)/405lb.ft (4500rpms).
RAM's proven 5.7l HEMI is putting out 383hp (5400rpms)/400lb.ft.(3800rpms) At 0.5 liters smaller than the Ford, it makes the same power but sooner. I bet you'll fine the RAM to be the best combo of power and mpg's for gas engines.

Luckily, it's impossible to buy a bad truck these days. :thumbsup:

It is amazing that the RAM makes near the same torque but 700 RPM's sooner than the ford. Even having .5L less displacement.

But I do agree. It is near impossible to buy a bad truck these days. And the 6speed auto's they are putting in these things just make them tow all the nicer:thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Ryan, another reason it felt sluggish is this heat. We hit 103 yesterday so that does rob some power.

That said the 6.0 does not hold a candle to the others. I have a feeling once you drive the others you will not even consider the GM unless you really like the looks or interior that much more.

By the way Fords V10 is in CC only. The 450 with a bed is only available with a diesel.

Chris

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

You will miss the torque and power of the diesel no matter what you buy if you go gas.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

a buddy bought a new GMC 4x4 denali duramax and then he got a new ford 6.2 gas given to him the next week.

He says ford runs great but the diesel will blow past it. Something about 800 vs. 400 ft/lbs of torque.:laughing:

 

[JB4310]

Your cab is rotting through in 8 years and you start with looking at another of the same brand??? I consider that blind brand loyalty.
I have no suggestion for a new truck, but fair or not that usually leaves one bashing that brand and looking for another.

I got 12 years of trouble free service out of my last service truck, (no rust) so even though I thought I was not brand loyal I ended up buying the same.

I don't blame you for looking at gassers, many more buyers are now.

Don't have real numbers, but naturally for empty driving the high gears are gonna give you better MPGs, city or highway.

JB