When my GMT400 isn't enough...

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Kelcey

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How many miles were on your Duramax trucks when purchased? Everything I find that I consider reasonably priced (for a 10-15yo truck) is in the 100k-200k mileage range. Makes me a little nervous since I often have no idea what kind of maintenance they received for all those miles.

The Cab and Chassis 3500 was purchased new. The rest were purchased with over 150k on the clock.
 

Kelcey

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How many miles were on your Duramax trucks when purchased? Everything I find that I consider reasonably priced (for a 10-15yo truck) is in the 100k-200k mileage range. Makes me a little nervous since I often have no idea what kind of maintenance they received for all those miles.

The Cab and Chassis 3500 was purchased new. The rest were purchased with over 150k on the clock.
 

92_Bahama

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scottydl

The best way to combat a drop in BARO is with forced induction. A 572 or your 454TBI with cam + head work will be lots of fun until you start seeing mountains let alone climbing them. If your Suburban is clean and you like it I would recommend running either a screw or centrifugal style blower. You could have a kit installed for well under $5,000 and if you switch to E85 while you're getting it tuned you will save big on gas. I know Whipple used to make some kits.....

If you do not want to invest the money into your GMT400 Suburban I would definitely recommend a pre-2002 Ford Excursion. I absolutely loath Fords but the Dana 60 & 7.3 are a killer combo for the buck.

Best of luck!
 

scottydl

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Meanwhile, a year later... time for an update. It took me awhile, but I have reached the same conclusion that several of you mentioned below:

Pre-DEF Duramax, 2005--06. More tow-friendly engine, more tow-friendly transmission.

Personally I would look into getting a diesel. I own two 7.3 diesel fords. They have been impeccably reliable. A good pre DPF Duramax would be a good choice. I don’t endorse Dodge as I had a few for service vehicles and the trucks just don’t hold up from my experience. I’m not trying to start a truck argument just my experience.
By the time you add up all the mods the costs and everything involved...you’re going to be in a lot of money on a vehicle that simply will not keep its value long term or tow like a diesel would.

If you can swing the price, a crew cab duramax would be the best vehicle for the job. The power/torque and efficiency is lightyears better than any gas engine. You'll double your fuel mileage will more than double while towing and you can blast through the mountains at 80mph without breaking a sweat. 10k travel trailer is a light load for the newer duramax trucks.

I am now actively seeking a mid-2000s diesel crew cab pickup... likely a 1-ton dually because I'd like to have the option to upgrade our trailer to a fifth wheel within the next few years. Even if we DON'T do that, I've only heard good things about the towing stability and control of duallys -- even with a bumper pull. Yeah I know they're hard to parallel park and get through restaurant drive-thru's, but that doesn't bother me. I have nationwide searches set up on AutoTrader, CarGuru, TrueCar, Ebay Motors, and regional on Craigslist. I think I've been bitten by the diesel bug! I'm most comfortable with Duramax since I've owned almost all GM vehicles in my life, but Dodge/Cummins is an option too. All the Fords in the era I'm shopping have the 6.0L which I am avoiding like the plague, unless I happen to find one that's been fully bulletproofed.

At some point my Suburban will be for sale, which makes me a little sad but I'm satisfied with the eventual upgrade decision. Plus my mechanic recently said he was sure I'd have no problem selling, as he knew several guys who'd be interested in the rare 7.4L/4.10 Suburban combo.
 

scottydl

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How does it compare with its GMT800 diesel counterpart? Looks like I have the same powertrain in my Suburban as you have in your dually, so I'm pretty familiar with how it tows... although of course my Burb has a heavier body. I must admit, part of my motivation is readiness to have a tow rig that is 10-15 years newer. There are inevitable aspects of owning a 25yo vehicle (as something other than a classic occasional driver) that I'm ready to conclude.
 

Christian Steffen

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How does it compare with its GMT800 diesel counterpart? Looks like I have the same powertrain in my Suburban as you have in your dually, so I'm pretty familiar with how it tows... although of course my Burb has a heavier body. I must admit, part of my motivation is readiness to have a tow rig that is 10-15 years newer. There are inevitable aspects of owning a 25yo vehicle (as something other than a classic occasional driver) that I'm ready to conclude.

He has a whipple on his, so it probably tows like a lly duramax, better than a lb7 if i had to guess. At least in the power department, the 6 speed in the lly would be an advantage.
 

Supercharged111

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He has a whipple on his, so it probably tows like a lly duramax, better than a lb7 if i had to guess. At least in the power department, the 6 speed in the lly would be an advantage.

And after having just driven my stock flipper dually with 454, I can say there is absolutely no comparison to a stock 454 and mine. I was referring more to having 4 wheels out back in my other post though. The stability is incredible.
 

Supercharged111

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Ahhh ok. :waytogo: Good buddy of mine said the same thing, dually would be a huge advantage even with a bumper pull trailer.

You can drive like a straight ******* and perform evasive maneuvers effortlessly with a dually and a trailer. Bumper pulls don't pull as nice as a 5er or a goose, bumper pulls exacerbate a truck's bad tendencies.
 
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