GM/Dodge trucks

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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by Mike Clay »

Yes
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by bop11 »

Rich,
I have a 2008 Chevy 3/4 ton diesel crew cab with an 8' box. The truck has a 3.73 rear axle ratio. I have 73K miles on it and have only had a few minor problems. The camper weighs around 13700# My fuel milege varies from 9.5 when I'm in a hurry and up to 14 mpg on flat land at 58 mph in O.D. When I'm planning a trip I usually figure my fuel milege at 11.5 mpg. I am very happy with the power of the truck and have never been disappointed with the acceleration on an on ramp or with it's speed holding on long grades.

I do wish it had an exhaust brake. Going down a steep grade I have to pay attention and tap the brakes to help hold down the speed or it will down shift and the engine will scream. I have read that the Allison transmission will not allow the engine to over rev but it sure sounds like it.

Without the camper my MPG has been 17 to 18 mpg. Not as good as my 2004 Dodge diesel which got as high as 21 in the summer.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by rpfan »

My Ford has the same option built into the trans and I don't always like it. I will only buy a dually, just my thing. I towed mine with a single wheel once and did not like the feel. Just too used to my duallies I guess. Lots of help here tho guys, Thanks.

I figure I could go either way. I just have to fix mine :ymsick: first and see what I can get for it.

Rich
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by bigbunkhouse »

Rich, there is only one solution to diesel issues no matter which brand.


Get a BIG gas motor that 8.1 Allison combo is nice, and many of us love the v-10;s

no regen, no high dollar injector pumps, no anti gel, no smell, 4000 to 6000 bucks less. 7 qt oil changes, no cold start issues, no DEF, no DPF, no water in fuel light, no VGT, no sooty EGR, no egr cooler, no glow plugs.

Find a nice early 03 F series that still had the 7.3

or best of all, buy an f650, cummins power, allison tranny and ford cab. put the pickup nose on it, some air bags in it and run it low.

Goodluck buddy

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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by WVcampers »

Olbird wrote:Like Mike said no truck wars here, [-( =)) =))
George:
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by Mike Clay »

I think this thread has gone well Randy. Rich was not asking about Fords and wanted info on Dodges and GM products.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by WVcampers »

OK, I give, when it comes to trucks I always have a comment :)) So here it is. If I were buying used I would buy Dodge. The problem you may have is the cabin room in the 08 and older Dodge. I don't think they had a real crew cab then. The Mega Cabs have a pretty low GCVW. In your case you may be limited to looking at Chevy/GMC. Good luck. There, I did it without using the 4 letter word.

I forgot, you may want to consider a Toyota. We all know that it can tow the shuttle :)) :))
Last edited by WVcampers on Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by WVcampers »

Mike Clay wrote:I think this thread has gone well Randy. Rich was not asking about Fords and wanted info on Dodges and GM products.
:thumbrt:
Last edited by WVcampers on Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by kyle3450rl »

The 2011 GM Duramax DRW works well for me. With my Cardinal and ATV trailer in tow I am 27,400 lbs total weight, around 9 mpg loaded and 18 mpg empty. Not flat towing, the exhaust brake works great and the truck rides really nice when empty. The power when towing is awsome! You won't be sorry if you try the Duramax dually.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by BMullins46 »

The only thing that would bother me about the GM products is the room in the cab, from what I've seen they have the least room of the "Big 3" crew cabs. My experience with Company GM trucks was they were the smoothest riding and were more comfortable. If you need cab room you can't beat the Dodge Megacab, but they only come with a short bed which may be an issue for you. I realize you have had a bunch of problems with you F450, but, you also have the 6.0 which seems to have had a bad history from day one. Either way, hope you find a ride that suits you and hope to see you at a rally soon.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by Travelers »

BMullins46 wrote:, from what I've seen they have the least room of the "Big 3" crew cabs. My experience with Company GM trucks was they were the smoothest riding and were more comfortable. Bill
Coming from Ford products, we noticed this immediately. The cab is smaller and the truck has a better ride and more comfortable seats. Ford has more places to hold things. The GVWR is still the same as the Ford. Our GMC is not as tall as a Ford. I only need 1 milk crate instead of 2. :d
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by Samsbird »

Sorry guys I was just referring to the Twin I beam reference, Ford has a solid front axle (SFA). Gotta appreciate all 3 brands, competition makes all of us winners.
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by rpfan »

WOW a lot of good info here. My thoughts are; 2010 Dodge or newer. I like the looks and the tow rating along with the Cummins motor. Th GM trucks are good as well but dealers are asking 45000 and up for 09 with 75K miles...Really??
No Mega cab or shortbeds or single wheel trucks for me. I will NEVER trade my air ride hitch for a slider. Maybe I am spoiled with my 450. Other than these injector issues I really like my truck and I don't really mind the solid ride. I did find a diesel tech that knows these trucks and he thinks my problem is poor fuel pressure. So I will let him have the truck and fix it. His truck has 394000 miles on it and he is the original owner. I think I'll let him work on it and It will give me some more time to search for something else.

Thanks to all who gave me insight

Rich

Oh yeah no gassers either LOL
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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by Samsbird »

Rich, did you ever have the "blue spring" kit installed in the fuel pressure regulator? That will increase fuel pressure and help with injector failure.

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Re: GM/Dodge trucks

Post by rpfan »

Oh yeah, blue spring, coolant filter, EGR del, head gaskets, stud kit, glow plugs, injector wiring harneses, FICM update, oil cooler, water pump, radiator, EGR valve, aprox 23 injectors over 187000 miles and I'm sure I'm forgeting something.

Rich
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2009 3802 BH LX Edition, 5 slide
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