Just thought I'd jump in here on the Duramax comment. Been on thedieselplace.com site and it appears that the new LLY diesels are having some issues. Not sure the Duramax is quite the beast we all think it is. MPG is similar to what the 6.0L will get towing right now (10-12mpg). Power is better with the Duramax though. Word on the street is that the H1 will be getting the Duramax for 2005.
On a side note, the 4L60e trans is a great little trans, however towing over 5000lbs over time can really cook it out before it's time (I have one). THe 4L80e is more robust, and that is what I thought they were putting in the H2s, but if you say otherwise, I am shocked.
Just thought I'd jump in here on the Duramax comment. Been on thedieselplace.com site and it appears that the new LLY diesels are having some issues. Not sure the Duramax is quite the beast we all think it is. MPG is similar to what the 6.0L will get towing right now (10-12mpg).
I have the new LLY 2500HD 4X4 crew cab. I'm getting 14 mpg towing backroads here in the hilly Ozarks. It appears I get closer to 15 on Interstates.
When not towing it gets over 20 mpg (highway) now that the engine has a few miles on it.
Note - any mpg figures for a diesel have to be checked multiple times. The fuel foams so that it is difficult to get an accurate reading on any one tank.
Thanks for the info. I found it hard to believe that the Duramax folks were claiming those numbers. One or two, you kind of write it off as as right foot issue. But when more and more are saying the same thing, it's nice to hear an LLY that is doin it right.
Not to hijack the thread, but do you see any heat issues with the A/C running towing in the hills? Also how cool does your A/C stay when it's really hot out (towing or not). Those were the other two issues that were most commonly found on the LLYs on the forums.
............
Note - any mpg figures for a diesel have to be checked multiple times. The fuel foams so that it is difficult to get an accurate reading on any one tank.
So true.......
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Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
Eric, I've been reading those threads for more than three years now, and there is nothing there that would indicated any more problems now with the LLY than in the past with the LL7. Probably less, actually. In fact, it is amazing to me how many posts there are to the effect that "everything's fine." People generally don't take the trouble to post their lack of problems! There does seem to be an ongoing problem with injectors that is cropping up from time to time with all the diesels since they have gone to common rail systems. My seat-of-the-pants feeling is that Ford has had the most problems there.
Gas milage is very dependent upon speed. I would not be surprised if I could get 21 mpg at a steady 60 mph. The compter clearly shows milage dropping off at 65 mph, and the bottom drops out over 75 mph.
In answer to your question, I've had no heat issues either with coolant or transmission fluids, towing or not. Of course, my 25' Sovereign is only about 5,500 lbs, loaded for travel. The a/c is excellent and much appreciated here in south Missouri.
I put on a lot of miles, 3,000 to 4,000 per month. I am VERY hard to please, and this truck has done everything I want and more. I run it box stock - no chips, extra filters, larger tires, nothing.
Mark...much apprc. That is the info that I really wanted to hear. I am wondering what will be new in the 2005s. I read the GM info and it sounded to me as if GM was making a few internal changes in the cooling department. I also caught the pics of the new 2500/3500HDs. I like the styling on the 05's better, then again, I'm not sure the cost difference (due to a possible lack of rebate in the future) might justify buying an '05.
At any rate, thanks. The info you posted really put some doubts I had to rest.
I have the older engine, but there have been no problems in about 8500 miles of towing (12,000 miles total).
The AC can get uncomfortably cold on my hands and keeps the cab quite comfortable, aklthough it seems to take a while to get cold. My wife tends to add a little heat on her side with the dual heater controls while I am quite comfortable.
The transmission temp never rises in the uphill and downhill terrain of the Texas Hill Country pulling the Classic at close to 7000#.
The temperature gage never budges either. The fan does howl after stopping at traffic lights when towing for the first couple of hundred yards, then stops. It never comes on otherwise, although I have not driven in really heavy stop and go traffic this summer.
I still average about 15 mpg towing the Classic at 65. When leading a caravan at a steady 60 over gently rolling terrain with a few towns, I got 15.8 mpg over about 240 miles.
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John W. Irwin
2005 Classic 28 "Sabre-Dog III"
2007 Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison LTZ
WBCCI Region 9 Webmaster, #9632
Eric,
I am "on the fence" so to speak over an 04 lly as well. The GM loyalty rebate is tempting (expires today), and there's one at a local dealer. I have been equally concerned about what I read on the other site, although it's probably nothing out of the ordinary. The injector thing is my biggest issue. I have had no major issues with my 2000 gas silverado, so I am very hesitant to trade a good truck in...although it cant handle the trailers that I would like it to pull. luke
John,
It's reassuring to hear from satisfied owners!
Hey Luke. Saw you on the other forum. What Airstream do you have?
I'm gonna pass on the 04 I think and go straight with an '05. The rumor mill has that the dual alts will come back and the possible addition of a sunroof. I feel that any future rebate that are out there when the time comes might not be as good as they are on the '04s, but call me shallow, but I need to have something I like to look at. The '05s look tough and I can get the options I want along with color. Also there is a strong rumor (from 2 seperate dealers) that the rebates are going to be extended. Keep in mind that the extention is only a rumor.
I have 2002 Duramax/Allison. It is a beast pulling my 31' Excella weighing about 7000#.
I have to set the cruise or I will look down and be up to 75 or 80...with the trailer in tow! The truck doesn't know it is back there.
I get 20 mpg solo, and 11 to 12 mpg towing at 65 to 70 mph.
Very satisfied. No way will I go back to a gasser. Diesel has a higher cost initially at purchase, but it is well worth it in performance, less expensive fuel, and better fuel mileage.
Eric,
I don't have a trailer yet either. Last year,wife and I were smitten by a 28 so safari, but it was too much for my truck so we decided to wait. We go back and forth on sizes and models so I guess I'm a fence sitter here as well. Recently, I find myself more interested in the 05 31 classic (here in nj at colonial). With an active 2 year old, interior space and the separate bedroom and closet are appealing...but dmax + trailer = $, and I guess I'm not too quick to part with it. I hope you are right about 05 rebates. Luke
luke warm, it is my initials (DS) + the acronym of my professional credietials (CLU, ChFC)....those are insurance and financial consultant designations.
I have the LL7 with about 66,000 miles on it. No problems thus far. I run it bone stock and have the stock sized tires on mine. I got something in the mail from GM mentioning that the injectors were under warranty until 2008...mine is a 2001 or 200,000 miles. I pull a 31' excella 500 and average about 14.50 in the summer running the a/c and a little better in the fall not running a/c. I keep cruise on 60- 65. If I don't set the cruise, the thing just keeps pulling and before you know it you are doing 75 or 80. I will have had my truck 3 years this October and have been completely satisfied. I will never go back to a gasser. I love the power and the fuel mileage, the sound, everything about it...especially the tranny! If you are pondering a 2500 gasser....i would reconsider and get the diesel. It is more $ up front, but the maintenance, fuel mileage, cheaper fuel and resale value will come back to you in the end. Just my $.02.
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