Duramax 2500 too much vehicle

[daveswenson]

In aviation, as in tow vehicles:
"In Thrust We Trust"

[Gene]

Patrick, in the latest JD Power Survey, GMC topped everyone. Quite a turn around.

Gene

[moosetags]

There can be a slight downside to GMC vs. Chevrolet. We have a 2005 GMC Yukon XL 2500 that we bought new. Back in 2006 while it was still under bumper to bumper warranty warranty, we had a slight problem and brought it into a Chevrolet dealer in a small town in upstate New York. They told us that they would be glad to fix the problem, but that we would have to pay for it because they were not a GMC dealer. Fortunately, it was something that could wait until we found a GMC dealer.

We travel extensively to out of the way places where Chevrolet and Ford dealer are about it. Accordingly, when we bought a new tow vehicle in 2011, we bought the Chevrolet version. Since the Chevrolet and GMC are virtually identical vehicles, we wanted the one with the larger dealer network.

Brian

[drunkensloth]

Originally Posted by moosetags

There can be a slight downside to GMC vs. Chevrolet. We have a 2005 GMC Yukon XL 2500 that we bought new. Back in 2006 while it was still under bumper to bumper warranty warranty, we had a slight problem and brought it into a Chevrolet dealer in a small town in upstate New York. They told us that they would be glad to fix the problem, but that we would have to pay for it because they were not a GMC dealer. Fortunately, it was something that could wait until we found a GMC dealer.

We travel extensively to out of the way places where Chevrolet and Ford dealer are about it. Accordingly, when we bought a new tow vehicle in 2011, we bought the Chevrolet version. Since the Chevrolet and GMC are virtually identical vehicles, we wanted the one with the larger dealer network.

Brian

That was the case back then and a huge pain for dealers and a big inconvenience for customers. Unless it was a special case and the district rep had to approve it prior. But it's No longer an issue since gm filed bankruptcy and dumped Saturn and Pontiac. Any gm dealer should be able to do warranty work. As far as I know the only exception is when you get into the medium duty topkicks anything 4500 and bigger

[switz]

However, not every dealership has a truly qualified diesel mechanic on staff. There is a lot of concern associated with having your vehicle be the learning test bed.

Been there and done that with both aircraft and vehicles. The damage done by incompetence can be worse than the problem they were supposed to fix.

[patrick p]

Thanks to everyone for their input. What I have found thru my search is that whatever a person is driving at the time is the best on the market...as it should be. I know that Ford has had enormous problems with the 6.0 but have found very little on the web for the new 6.7 in owner reviews. Just wondering if Ford did get it right finally. Thanks again. Must make decision soon.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by patrick p

What I have found thru my search is that whatever a person is driving at the time is the best on the market...as it should be.

You figured it out.

Gene

[JFScheck]

Originally Posted by switz

Been there and done that with both aircraft and vehicles. The damage done by incompetence can be worse than the problem they were supposed to fix.

Yes, especially on new mechanics or old mechanics on new machinery.

[Moflash]

My 2012 F350 6.7 has 20,000 miles on it currently with no issues.Nothing

[Jared129]

Originally Posted by drunkensloth

That was the case back then and a huge pain for dealers and a big inconvenience for customers. Unless it was a special case and the district rep had to approve it prior. But it's No longer an issue since gm filed bankruptcy and dumped Saturn and Pontiac. Any gm dealer should be able to do warranty work. As far as I know the only exception is when you get into the medium duty topkicks anything 4500 and bigger

Hopefully that has changed by now. As late as last year, my father needed warranty work on his 2008 GMC and the local Chevy dealer refused to touch it unless he paid for it out of pocket. They referred him to the closest GMC dealer 45 minutes away.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Jared129

Hopefully that has changed by now. As late as last year, my father needed warranty work on his 2008 GMC and the local Chevy dealer refused to touch it unless he paid for it out of pocket. They referred him to the closest GMC dealer 45 minutes away.

Ummm, that's a franchise issue, carefully guarded by state franchise laws.

[switz]

Took my Acura in to the Santa Fe Honda dealer for an oil change. They told me to go to Albuquerque to the Acura dealer. Acura is the upscale Honda. They also have the VW dealership and do the same thing with Audi owners and the Audi dealer is also in Albuquerque.

This is not a policy that would cause me to ever purchase a vehicle from that dealership. I was talking about an oil change, not warranty work.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by switz

Took my Acura in to the Santa Fe Honda dealer for an oil change. They told me to go to Albuquerque to the Acura dealer. Acura is the upscale Honda. They also have the VW dealership and do the same thing with Audi owners and the Audi dealer is also in Albuquerque.

This is not a policy that would cause me to ever purchase a vehicle from that dealership. I was talking about an oil change, not warranty work.

Now, that is odd.....for customer pay maintenance work...I'd understand if it was CP repair work on say an engine that doesn't cross divisions. Like you wouldn't expect a Cadillac dealer to be trained to repair a Corvette engine or transmission....but an oil change?????

[ZoominC6]

The Duramax 2500 is never too much vehicle, especially when crossing over the Great Divide. We've towed with several and believe them to be the ultimate towing machine for the heavier Airstreams. The torque makes all the difference in the world and if you're comfy with the expense, go for it. You won't be dissapointed.

[dkottum]

My concern is not heavy duty towing power. Calif Andy and Canada Andrew on this forum, who have years of experience fixing broken Airstreams, repeatedly suggest the suspension is too stiff for the Airstream. My Airstream owner's manual also cautions about selecting a tow vehicle with too stiff suspension.

doug

[patrick p]

Well, again thanks for the input from everyone. We made a decision and it was not what I expected to happen. I purchased a 2013 Ford F250 Lariat and am pretty satisfied (and yes I did purchase the extended warranty just in case :-). It check off many of the boxes we were looking for and after 30 years of GM products we wanted to look at something different for the next 10 years. As for as concerns about too much suspension, possibly that might be an issue with a 1 ton but I would think that the 3/4 ton is compatible with the 30 foot Classic Limited. I have seen many 3/4 ton Ford, GMC, and a few Dodge trucks pulling these trailers. Only time will tell how it goes. Thanks again to everyone.

[Tater]

Congrats Patrick on your new TV.

[patrick p]

One more question if I may. To all those Ford F250 6.7 owners, how long before you start seeing better gas mileage. To date, it's not much different than my 6.0 GMC Sierra. 13 mpg in town and 15 mpg on the highway. I realize I only have 600 miles on it but was wondering when things might pick up. Thanks again for all your input and help.

[JFScheck]

5,000 seemed to be the magic spot on my 2011....

[switz]

If a diesel is put under load from the beginning, it breaks in faster. If you use it as a daily driver for a short drive commute, it won't brake is as fast or as well. They need to be under a load, like towing the Airstream!