Diesel Tow vehicle options

[SmallHurst]

Plus, take another 1-2 off for duallies. Plus the 1-tons typically had the 4.1's. It all adds up, plus I don't think Rob has a level piece of ground around until he hits the interstate!!!

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
A couple of things re: mileage
-Rear end ratios - there are basically 2 available on 2500 & 3500 GMs - 3.73 and 4.10. Most Duramax's have the 3.73, most 8.1s have (err...had) the 4.10. Check dieselplace.com - they've got a list of all the axle codes and their ratios.
-4WD - the 4x4 versions get 1-2 mpg less, even when running in 2WD mode. That front differential still has to turn, even when it's in neutral. Plus, 4x4s have more stuff to break. Unless you need 4x4 (planning on going off road, live in a blizzard zone, etc.), get a 2WD. 2WDs generally have less resale value, so if you're looking used that's a plus

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From GM, you can *only* get a 3.73 in a Duramax...no choice...on the 8.1L, 3.73 or 4.10 (both of ours are 3.73).

As for the 4x4, if you *never* get off of concrete/asphalt or never see ice/snow, you'll be fine with a 2wd...but I'm here to tell ya, you can get in a pinch EASILY with a trailer in tow...been there, done that. A certain snow covered parking lot in Nebraska comes to mind...

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
As for the 4x4, if you *never* get off of concrete/asphalt or never see ice/snow, you'll be fine with a 2wd...but I'm here to tell ya, you can get in a pinch EASILY with a trailer in tow...been there, done that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Gas, Diesel, propane, steam powered............ doesn't matter. If you're pulling a trailer and think you might EVER get off pavement,....get the 4WD.
I would gladly drive a 2WD truck as my daily driver, but I do tow my trailer a few times a year and HAVE used the 4WD more times than I care to remember. So,.... since I don't have the option of multiple trucks,... 4WD it is.

[Canuck]

I agree that a Diesel is the way to go for ultimate towing. When I bought My Yukon XL2500 in 03, there were no diesel options for the Suburban style Chev/GMC. I considered a Ford Excursion,because they offered a diesel. I chose the Yukon because it offered 4 wheel steering and beacause 90% of my driving is non towing and having tp park in conventional spots. My wife did not want to wrestle a 3/4 ton P/U around as well.
I just returned from a 6000 mile trip towing a 24 ft Well Cargo. After over 60 hous behind the wheel there was probably only 2 hours cumulative driving where I wished I had the grunt of a diesel. These were generally crossing mountain passes. For those instances I was down to 45-50 MPH and keeping the revs at 3000 -3300.
On the flat and modest grades the truck with 6.0 gas engine and the 480LE trans cruises nicely without a hint of 8000 Lbs out behind. I got 11 MPG on average for the trip.
If I had towing requirements more that 1 week a year I would switch to a diesel, for now the 4 wheel steering is the option that makes me want to keep the 03 for a while.

[Chevy454]

Canuck: my wife has a 496 powered Sub as her daily driver...thing pulls like a mule & will FLY! She absolutely loves the thing...can't get her out of it for another rig (unless it's my truck!), 'cause I've been trying for a couple years. Also, it actually gets better fuel mileage than my 496 2500HD...both have 3.73s, but I'm guessing her 4L85E trans is more efficient than my Allison and her Sub is a bit more aerodynamic...if we can ever get to good road, she can knock down mid-teens...

[CamarosRus]

1999 Ford F250 2WD SuperCab Super Duty 7.3L V8 Diesel

111,000 Engine: V8 7.3L Turbo Diesel Transmission: 6 Speed Manual Drivetrain: 2WD

used car dealer asking $11,000

Thanks for your insight, opinions

Anybody have knowledge/expereince on this above type of vechicle............

[CamarosRus]

Any interesting truck talk at SCR XI ......... milage, complaints, towing pros cons ????????