Big 3 1/2 Ton vs 3/4 Ton Trucks

[chaimemet]

I am always interested in this type of post even more as I get closer to the end of my lease. I am now paying .20@mi after our extended summer trip with the new 08 31 Classic being over 36k in the 05. The Suburban 3/4 6l 4.1 axle performed well till we reached the mountains and manual downshifting made me a convert to going diesel. I would say a clear majority of the western folk I ran into pulling large fifth wheelers no heavier than my AS were in diesels. I have decided to get into a crew cabin duramax with allison drive. I have not decided whether to go with a single axle 3500 or a 2500 HD. Belief it or not in Oregon I saw quite a few 1 ton single axle trucks pulling trailers. Those folks are heavy duty campers and seem to have alot more experience than floridians. I leased the Suburban before I even knew that I might buy an RV, it came about because I almost lost my Volvo XC AWD when trying to pull my BWhaler out of a wet ramp at low tide. It was over kill but providence was looking out for me, it met the ticket for the AS. When we were in Perry the Burb met many of its brothers, same configuration. I plan on buying and want longevity and the possibility to run biodiesel. I have been monitoring the biodiesel forums on the coops and many are now occupied with its production especially in the more rural areas of central florida. If fuel stays up near $3 there will be the incentives for more individuals to look into the processing. I drove the Superduty Ford, more refined than its earlier incarnation but still too much like a truck for us. I plan on getting a topper with carpet and connector for AC from the cab. There is also a full bed tray that allows one to get easier access to cargo. The GMc/Chevy model is more like the suburban is in the LTZ line.The new burbs with the plastic bumpers really turned me off, I think the 05-06 burbs have a nicer exterior.

[Brad Hunt]

Dear RBolton: Your right the 3/4 ton is close in cost until you add in the 6K or so for diesel. I always reasoned I would get all or most of that back at resale or in longer useful life.

I hate engine lug and downshifting and thats why I was asking whether the guy in the colorado mountains was driving 40-50 mph because his engine was straining or if thats all you can do on mountain switchbacks.

I have been happy with diesels but the big Dodge 10 cylinder is the smoothest engine I have ever driven. When they were new they were pretty spendy and thirsty. Now you could probably catch a real good deal on a used one and the money saved together with gas at 40 cents a gallon cheaper than diesel may make them a bargain.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by chaimemet

I am always interested in this type of post even more as I get closer to the end of my lease. I am now paying .20@mi after our extended summer trip with the new 08 31 Classic being over 36k in the 05. The Suburban 3/4 6l 4.1 axle performed well till we reached the mountains and manual downshifting made me a convert to going diesel. I would say a clear majority of the western folk I ran into pulling large fifth wheelers no heavier than my AS were in diesels. I have decided to get into a crew cabin duramax with allison drive. I have not decided whether to go with a single axle 3500 or a 2500 HD. Belief it or not in Oregon I saw quite a few 1 ton single axle trucks pulling trailers. Those folks are heavy duty campers and seem to have alot more experience than floridians. I leased the Suburban before I even knew that I might buy an RV, it came about because I almost lost my Volvo XC AWD when trying to pull my BWhaler out of a wet ramp at low tide. It was over kill but providence was looking out for me, it met the ticket for the AS. When we were in Perry the Burb met many of its brothers, same configuration. I plan on buying and want longevity and the possibility to run biodiesel. I have been monitoring the biodiesel forums on the coops and many are now occupied with its production especially in the more rural areas of central florida. If fuel stays up near $3 there will be the incentives for more individuals to look into the processing. I drove the Superduty Ford, more refined than its earlier incarnation but still too much like a truck for us. I plan on getting a topper with carpet and connector for AC from the cab. There is also a full bed tray that allows one to get easier access to cargo. The GMc/Chevy model is more like the suburban is in the LTZ line.The new burbs with the plastic bumpers really turned me off, I think the 05-06 burbs have a nicer exterior.

We had 2 Burbs before the BA CC. The Burbs are great family vehicles. You cannot beat the DA for tow duty though. Economy with the diesel is much better, as noted, the interior is just as refined as the Burb. The Allisson is unreal.
One thing to consider, and the reason we bought an 06, the previous gen diesels will burn anything, not so sure about the new (07) engines...
PM me if you want any more details on our Suby/DA CC experience.
Bill

[markdoane]

We had 2 Burbs before the ?? ??. . .
PM me if you want any more details on our ????/?? ?? experience.

We have no idea what you're talking about.

[catson4]

Bill,
My '07 Chev 2500HD Duramax EC SB can burn any of the Bio-diesels that are comercialy available now.
And it is a cleaner burning than the '06.
I have not towed my '91 34' Limited Edition yet as I am still working to rebuild the interior. However when towing a friends 10,000 lb trailer, I got 13 plus MPG, but I did not tow it far enough to have a real good log on it. Only went 430 miles. I'm getting right at 18.6 empty and it is increasing with every tank full. Only have 3700 miles on it so not completely broke in yet. Yes, my fuel cost is higher than a gasser but the end result is worth it.
I went with the Duramax because it is much QUIETER than the Dodge or Ford and IMHO a better ride.
Also the 2500HD has a towing rate well beyond the GCCC of the AS's rated 8,900 lbs.
But this is JMHO.

Claude

[TomR]

Originally Posted by markdoane

We had 2 Burbs before the ?? ??. . .
PM me if you want any more details on our ????/?? ?? experience.

We have no idea what you're talking about.

Hi Mark...I think he means DA CC...Duramax Allison Crew Cab and Surban (Suby)...the one reference to BA CC I think should have been a silmilar DA CC. Crew Cab is I believe the four door version as opposed to the EC or extended cab. Next poster talks of the EC SB...extended cab short bed.

It also drives me nuts when I don't recognize the "code"...you probably figured it out by now.

Thanks...Tom Rootness...currently IN Eden Prairie

[solitaire]

My 93 Silverado is an 8 cylinder 350. I don't know about the RPM's It is a strain going up the mountain. I would prefer a 3/4 ton but for the time being I have to live with what I have.

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by catson4

Bill,
I went with the Duramax because it is much QUIETER than the Dodge or Ford and IMHO a better ride.

Claude

Have you heard or not heard the 08 Ford? Very quiet, much quiter than my 06. Any the tow capacity. I can tow your AS and your TV with my F-250.

[pmclemore]

Michelle-

can not.

Pat

[RBolton]

Brad,

You're absolutely right about the Dodge V-10. It's a terrific alternative to the diesels. Sadly Dodge has left a terrible gap between the 5.7 Hemi and their diesel. The V-10 was a low cost way to get the towing capability that rivaled the diesels. With the money saved one could buy a couple thousand gallons of gas.

As for its smoothness. If you haven't picked up from some of my previous posts, I am a Dodge Dealer. When I got my first V-10 truck in everybody gathered round to hear that big honking V-10 rumble to life. What a let down. It purred like a kitten. I even had an old school mechanic set a nickle on edge to show just how smooth it ran.

Strangely this post has drifted, I think, from Steamer1's intial post where he made the observation that a 3/4 ton truck was starting out with a power disadvantage to the 1/2 ton when engines were the same. He's right - and this V-10 in a 3/4 ton truck would correct that situation.

[thecatsandi]

Can too!

[catson4]

Wanna hook up hitch to hitch and see who pulls whom? That is if you have not added super chips and such stuff??
Could be a good fun outing.
And yes, I have HEARD the 2008 FORD DIESELS. AND THEY , oops, sorry the neighbor just turned his off. Sorrry I was shouting. Anyway, they are louder than the new Duramax. IMHO.

And back to the 1/2 ton - 3/4 ton issue, if you plan on towing anything over 5,000 lbs GCCC then you should look at the 3/4 ton if for no other reason than as stated here before---- the brakes....
And do not believe all you see in the comercials about who has the best brakes as the new kid on the block claims.

Another "IMHO" remark.

Claude

[thecatsandi]

No Chips, No funny business.
I will be using 4 wheel drive, low range though.
Yes my truck has big brakes. 4 whell disc with ABS.
The 08 Ford is a lot quiter than mine.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by catson4

Anyway, they are louder than the new Duramax. IMHO....

good thing it's only an opinion...

check the reported db for each...

and the interior dbs for each...

then report back.

2air'

[Goin camping]

The short answer is gears.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Streamer1

...By the way (Here I go Again!), is that Powerstroke in the F450 and F550 the same as the one in the F250 and F350? Again...

here is your guide to the 2008 ford...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...now-30023.html

the 6.4liter is the same engine from 250 up....

in the 450 it is geared differently and detuned (lower hp) slightly...

but the towing capacity of 24,500 lbs is adequate...

ok guys (and michelle)

since we are bragging...

how's this

cheers
2air'

and IF ya click the pic it is even BIGGER!

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by RBolton

Brad,

You're absolutely right about the Dodge V-10. It's a terrific alternative to the diesels. Sadly Dodge has left a terrible gap between the 5.7 Hemi and their diesel. The V-10 was a low cost way to get the towing capability that rivaled the diesels. With the money saved one could buy a couple thousand gallons of gas.

As for its smoothness. If you haven't picked up from some of my previous posts, I am a Dodge Dealer. When I got my first V-10 truck in everybody gathered round to hear that big honking V-10 rumble to life. What a let down. It purred like a kitten. I even had an old school mechanic set a nickle on edge to show just how smooth it ran.

Strangely this post has drifted, I think, from Steamer1's intial post where he made the observation that a 3/4 ton truck was starting out with a power disadvantage to the 1/2 ton when engines were the same. He's right - and this V-10 in a 3/4 ton truck would correct that situation.

I noticed that also, but oh well!

[Streamer1]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

here is your guide to the 2008 ford...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...now-30023.html

the 6.4liter is the same engine from 250 up....

in the 450 it is geared differently and detuned (lower hp) slightly...

but the towing capacity of 24,500 lbs is adequate...

ok guys (and michelle)

since we are bragging...

how's this

cheers
2air'

and IF ya click the pic it is even BIGGER!

Hey 2air, THAT's a BIG ONE!

[pmclemore]

looks like it's glad to be there, too

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by markdoane

We had 2 Burbs before the ?? ??. . .
PM me if you want any more details on our ????/?? ?? experience.

We have no idea what you're talking about.

oops! Typo, should have been DA=DuraMax Allison
CC=crew cab (4 door)

sorry for the confusion...

Bill