The great Debate Gas VS Diesel.

[Shlbyntro]

Yup!

Can even do a Saturn. Old reliable. . . .

View attachment 1311990

I got to dive into the world of Forscan recently. I permanently disabled/deleted the TPMS system on my truck The price was right and it's very similar to Diacom although not quite as refined

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I got to dive into the world of Forscan recently. I permanently disabled/deleted the TPMS system on my truck The price was right and it's very similar to Diacom although not quite as refined

Forscan is great!

 

[lbhsbz]

It would be hard to go back to a gasser after having a diesel. The power delivery in general is so much better, and towing there is no comparison. Listening to a gasser scream at 5-6k up every hill and hearing it shift at those rev’s is not a good feeling….But I haven’t driven a gasser with a 10 speed either.

I can probably put 2 or 3 transmissions in my truck for the price of a set of injectors in a modern diesel....

 

[pronstar]

I can probably put 2 or 3 transmissions in my truck for the price of a set of injectors in a modern diesel....

For sure…older stuff is so much simpler. I don’t want giant screens and whatnot. Just more shit to break.

A mild rebuild of a 4L60 in the ‘99 Suburban I never should have sold, cost me the same as a torque converter on my 6L80

 

[pronstar]

It would be hard to go back to a gasser after having a diesel. The power delivery in general is so much better, and towing there is no comparison. Listening to a gasser scream at 5-6k up every hill and hearing it shift at those rev’s is not a good feeling….But I haven’t driven a gasser with a 10 speed either.

Yeah, I totally get it.

I was driving my neighbor’s Ram 1500 with the little diesel in it over the weekend. I miss the low-end grunt…it ran out of steam pretty quickly, but for around town driving it was nice to ride the torque curve and let the turbos do the work.

I’d be happier if my 5.3 has shorter gears than the 3.42 it came with.

And our suburban, with tow package, came with 3.08 gears…it’s for CAFE but still makes no sense from a “I use my truck” perspective

 

[CLdrinker]

Forscan is great!

I need to figure it out but I’m no tech geek. So I’m scared to screw it up.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Yeah, I totally get it.

I was driving my neighbor’s Ram 1500 with the little diesel in it over the weekend. I miss the low-end grunt…it ran out of steam pretty quickly, but for around town driving it was nice to ride the torque curve and let the turbos do the work.

I’d be happier if my 5.3 has shorter gears than the 3.42 it came with.

And our suburban, with tow package, came with 3.08 gears…it’s for CAFE but still makes no sense from a “I use my truck” perspective

Having nothing modern, I don't know the answer. I would think the 1st gear in the 8 and 10spd tranny is really deep to counter the taller rear set?

 

[Chili Palmer]

I need to figure it out but I’m no tech geek. So I’m scared to screw it up.

It seem pretty intimidating and you hope you don't brick your computer, but it's a piece of cake. Just get the connector and watch a few videos and you'll be forscannin' in no time at all.

The major things you need to do is the stupid double honk when you get out of your truck when it's running. There's a list you can download from any of the Ford F150 or Raptor forums.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VQVD3F?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I need to figure it out but I’m no tech geek. So I’m scared to screw it up.

I'll do it for you. But be advised, you have no idea how much it costs stock my service truck.

Its pretty easy. Just take notes of what you change, and save your stock files before you star messing with them.

 

[Hammer]

Bumping this thread....

I test drove a 2020 GMC 2500HD DMAX Denali the other day. The 10 speed trans was really nice. Was really tempting until I opened this thread. I also don't want to deal with DEF or a new car payment...

I am going to need a new DD to replace my 1500 Chevy in the next 6 months. I want to downsize my fleet to one truck. At least I think I do? I love running around town in a 1/2 ton. I don't necessarily WANT to drive a 3/4 ton everyday but I need a 3/4 ton for family trips when we take the 300 to places other than Havasu. The 1500 Baby DMAX seems nice but I dunno if I want to tow a 8k+ pound boat 300 miles. In my head it seems unsafe...

I currently have an '05 DMax with 150k on 37's. It is primarily just a tow pig when we take the 300 somewhere far. It just sits in the driveway. I'd prefer the new creature comforts of a newer truck to drive every day. However, I am having a tough time with the price tag of a new or used truck. Just seems stupid to buy a new to me 1/2 ton and have my DMAX aging away in the driveway.

I feel the smart move is to consolidate to a newer 3/4 ton truck and look into a gasser as diesel fuel/cost of a diesel truck compared to a 3/4 ton gasser don't seem to pencil out. its probably a 15-20k swing price wise between the two. I'd prefer not to spend more than 50-60k, but I don't think that is realistic.....

Or I downsize the current boat and it solves all my problems... Middle class problems

What are your thoughts?

 

[ChrisV]

Ain’t nothing wrong buying a nice daily driver. You’re in it everyday.

 

[Hammer]

Ain’t nothing wrong buying a nice daily driver. You’re in it everyday.

I agree. However, I prefer no car payments and putting the savings towards go fast parts and boating trips..... LOL

With that being said. It seems a 3/4 gasser might be the smarter buy.

 

[rivermobster]

Bumping this thread....

I test drove a 2020 GMC 2500HD DMAX Denali the other day. The 10 speed trans was really nice. Was really tempting until I opened this thread. I also don't want to deal with DEF or a new car payment...

I am going to need a new DD to replace my 1500 Chevy in the next 6 months. I want to downsize my fleet to one truck. At least I think I do? I love running around town in a 1/2 ton. I don't necessarily WANT to drive a 3/4 ton everyday but I need a 3/4 ton for family trips when we take the 300 to places other than Havasu. The 1500 Baby DMAX seems nice but I dunno if I want to tow a 8k+ pound boat 300 miles. In my head it seems unsafe...

I currently have an '05 DMax with 150k on 37's. It is primarily just a tow pig when we take the 300 somewhere far. It just sits in the driveway. I'd prefer the new creature comforts of a newer truck to drive every day. However, I am having a tough time with the price tag of a new or used truck. Just seems stupid to buy a new to me 1/2 ton and have my DMAX aging away in the driveway.

I feel the smart move is to consolidate to a newer 3/4 ton truck and look into a gasser as diesel fuel/cost of a diesel truck compared to a 3/4 ton gasser don't seem to pencil out. its probably a 15-20k swing price wise between the two. I'd prefer not to spend more than 50-60k, but I don't think that is realistic.....

Or I downsize the current boat and it solves all my problems... Middle class problems

What are your thoughts?

Question...

Do you NEED to drive a truck Every day?

 

[Cooter01]

If you are towing 12k lbs or so, a newer 3/4 ton gasser will do the job just fine. Less weight the better it will do, if it was me I would invest some green backs into the '05 duramax you have.

 

[ChrisV]

I wouldn’t be able to drive a new diesel unless it’s deleted and tuned. Stock diesel trucks sucks on fuel. I daily drive my dmax only cause it’s good on mpg.

 

[boatpi]

IF you tow now and then, and no huge mountains with that 8K load, the half ton will do. Having owned 1/2 and 3/4 tons in the past 3 years, my King Ranch 3/4 ton diesel is much more difficult to get around town in than the 1/2 ton RAM diesel. they are tow different animals. And I do not know the big issue with DEF. Cheap at Walmart. Been around since 2006. The 3/4 ton uses twice as much, but it has 1,025 LB of torque, never any issues for power. I strongly urge u to test drive a Ford SD too. The 10 speed trans really changed this truck, and 22 MPG unloaded at 70 MPH.

I gave up on most GM products, their parts life span is all controlled, alternators, water pumps, thin sheet metal. Look into it, and the AC compressors that last 100K miles, been down that road with every GM product in the past 10 years. I am not a one brand guy, but the Fords, and we have 4 now, are all doing nearly perfect, not 1 warranty claim since new on any of them.

 

[Hammer]

Question...

Do you NEED to drive a truck Every day?

No I don't. BUT, I have a family of 5 so a 4 door car isn't exactly practical every day. I'm also in construction, It would be nice to have a bed when I need it....

 

[Hammer]

If you are towing 12k lbs or so, a newer 3/4 ton gasser will do the job just fine. Less weight the better it will do, if it was me I would invest some green backs into the '05 duramax you have.

I have thought about putting money into the '05. I'd want to go back to stock ride height or maybe 33's and coil overs and ditch the torsion bar set up.... I just don't have the stock suspension. My Wrenching days are over. I'd have to drop it off and have it reconfigured...

I'm not opposed to that... It's just a 25 year old truck, but its paid for and has all the "accessories" I've wanted. 40 gallon tank, new Allison transmission a few years ago, on board air compressor etc...

 

[Bowtiepower00]

I would keep the 05 for towing, and pick up something else for a DD- Probably a SUV like a Tahoe or Sub.

If I was buying a single vehicle to do it all, I’d buy a 2500/3500 Diesel from the make of your choice, with an extended warranty- if it’s a lemon, get rid of it. I think the diesel horror stories are overblown, I know lots of guys running late model diesels of every make and model, and none of them have had any issues. The newer stuff seems to be great, or a complete lemon. If I’m buying a new truck, I want a HD with a Diesel.

I keep my ‘17 CTD in the garage and only use it when I’m towing something. At this point I’m planning on keeping it indefinitely- I’m not spending 80k+ on a new truck plus the $1500/ year registration and insurance that goes with it. DD is an older SUV.

 

[Cooter01]

I have thought about putting money into the '05. I'd want to go back to stock ride height or maybe 33's and coil overs and ditch the torsion bar set up.... I just don't have the stock suspension. My Wrenching days are over. I'd have to drop it off and have it reconfigured...

I'm not opposed to that... It's just a 25 year old truck, but its paid for and has all the "accessories" I've wanted. 40 gallon tank, new Allison transmission a few years ago, on board air compressor etc...

You may be able to find some kid or someone with a stock truck and trade stock parts for your lift and work out a deal on swapping parts at a shop.

 

[CLdrinker]

Coming from a 3/4 gas owner.

If I was you I would find someone with a new Tundra and a New F150 and tow your 300 with it and see how it does.

They will have plenty of power, more of concern is how they control it.

If you only tow long distance on occasion I think you will be ok. That’s a lot of boat behind a 1/2ton. Lots of leverage back there.

 

[Hammer]

IF you two now and then, and no huge mountains with that 8K load, the half ton will do. Having owned 1/2 and 3/4 tons in the past 3 years, my King Ranch 3/4 ton diesel is much more difficult to get around town in than the 1/2 ton RAM diesel. they are tow different animals. And I do not know the big issue with DEF. Cheap at Walmart. Been around since 2006. The 3/4 ton uses twice as much, but it has 1,025 LB of torque, never any issues for power. I strongly urge u to test drive a Ford SD too. The 10 speed trans really changed this truck, and 22 MPG unloaded at 70 MPH.

I gave up on most GM products, their parts life span is all controlled, alternators, water pumps, thin sheet metal. Look into it, and the AC compressors that last 100K miles, been down that road with every GM product in the past 10 years. I am not a one brand guy, but the Fords, and we have 4 now, are all doing nearly perfect, not 1 warranty claim since new on any of them.

I have always owned Fords until the current truck and the wifes Yukon SL. I looked at a Ford SD yesterday, but walked when I saw a Lariat starting at 80k lol... They did have a gasser for like 60 ish? But it didn't have the extras I'd want in a new truck.

My wifes expedition spit out a transmission at 30k mikes, it was a 2020 I think? At the same time my 1/2 ton lost a transmission at 70k. Seems to be the norm on the 1/2 tons around 2015-2018 or so....

I am not brand loyal either when it comes to trucks. They just need to do the job and be reliable.

 

[Hammer]

I would keep the 05 for towing, and pick up something else for a DD- Probably a SUV like a Tahoe or Sub.

If I was buying a single vehicle to do it all, I’d buy a 2500/3500 Diesel from the make of your choice, with an extended warranty- if it’s a lemon, get rid of it. I think the diesel horror stories are overblown, I know lots of guys running late model diesels of every make and model, and none of them have had any issues. The newer stuff seems to be great, or a complete lemon. If I’m buying a new truck, I want a HD with a Diesel.

I keep my ‘17 CTD in the garage and only use it when I’m towing something. At this point I’m planning on keeping it indefinitely- I’m not spending 80k+ on a new truck plus the $1500/ year registration and insurance that goes with it. DD is an older SUV.

Wife has a Yukon XL for around town, we don't really need two SUV's.

I'm with you on the price tag/insurance/registration on a new truck. Plus the interest rates are up there...

The DD just needs to be reliable....

Coming from a 3/4 gas owner.

If I was you I would find someone with a new Tundra and a New F150 and tow your 300 with it and see how it does.

They will have plenty of power, more of concern is how they control it.

If you only tow long distance on occasion I think you will be ok. That’s a lot of boat behind a 1/2ton. Lots of leverage back there.

I tow the 300 with the Wifes 2023 Yukon XL from storage to the ramp. Just from that experience I'd never attempt to tow it out of town.

 

[CLdrinker]

Wife has a Yukon XL for around town, we don't really need two SUV's.

I'm with you on the price tag/insurance/registration on a new truck. Plus the interest rates are up there...

The DD just needs to be reliable....




I tow the 300 with the Wifes 2023 Yukon XL from storage to the ramp. Just from that experience I'd never attempt to tow it out of town.

Massive difference between your Yukon and a well equipped 1/2ton pickup. But if that makes you uncomfortable for just that short trip.
Forget about a 1/2ton for pulling.

Here is a loaded lariat I spec’s just now.

 

[Hammer]

Massive difference between your Yukon and a well equipped 1/2ton pickup. But if that makes you uncomfortable for just that short trip.
Forget about a 1/2ton for pulling.

Here is a loaded lariat I spec’s just now.

View attachment 1373290

I wouldn't say its THAT uncomfortable..... I just don't know if that little 5.3 has enough balls to pull it far distances. The wife is the biggest wuss when it comes to driving/towng.... has her eyes closed 90% of the time . Makes for the perfect designated driver though. LOL

A well equipped 1/2 ton would be my 1st choice. Especially if it could take the 300 to Powell. That would probably be the furthest I'd have to tow it, It's not like I'm going to Powell every season either...

 

[rivermobster]

I would keep the 05 for towing, and pick up something else for a DD- Probably a SUV like a Tahoe or Sub.

If I was buying a single vehicle to do it all, I’d buy a 2500/3500 Diesel from the make of your choice, with an extended warranty- if it’s a lemon, get rid of it. I think the diesel horror stories are overblown, I know lots of guys running late model diesels of every make and model, and none of them have had any issues. The newer stuff seems to be great, or a complete lemon. If I’m buying a new truck, I want a HD with a Diesel.

I keep my ‘17 CTD in the garage and only use it when I’m towing something. At this point I’m planning on keeping it indefinitely- I’m not spending 80k+ on a new truck plus the $1500/ year registration and insurance that goes with it. DD is an older SUV.

Although...

I'd look into Leasing a plug in hybrid for your DD.

You could pay a few bucks up front and buy down the lease, and dump it before it starts giving you headaches.

All the "nanny" features on new vehicles are pathetic. Keep the old bullet proof stuff as long as you can.

There would be no way id own Anything new. Fuck that nonsense.

 

[Tank]

Wife drives our 05 2500 Duramax as a daily driver. She loves trucks. Now is talking about a new GMC or Chevy. Boats probably 15k loaded so I presumed gotta go diesel. But all of you are saying gas with 10 speed trans is just as affective. Our 05 is chipped and has an intake and exhaust. Thing runs like a raped ape and gets over 20 mpg. No def. Turn key. Tows pretty good. Hard to beat. Maybe a little struggle up some steep grades with the boat but nothing too bad.

I’m on the fence about what to get. But wife like the front ends of the 2024 Chevy and gmc when the grille is blacked out. lol.

 

[rivermobster]

Plug in hybrids are Awesome. My daughters Volt was the perfect road trip car.

Anyone that owns a Volt will tell you they love that car.

https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-suvs/plug-in-hybrid

 

[CLdrinker]

Wife drives our 05 2500 Duramax as a daily driver. She loves trucks. Now is talking about a new GMC or Chevy. Boats probably 15k loaded so I presumed gotta go diesel. But all of you are saying gas with 10 speed trans is just as affective. Our 05 is chipped and has an intake and exhaust. Thing runs like a raped ape and gets over 20 mpg. No def. Turn key. Tows pretty good. Hard to beat. Maybe a little struggle up some steep grades with the boat but nothing too bad.

I’m on the fence about what to get. But wife like the front ends of the 2024 Chevy and gmc when the grille is blacked out. lol.

If you think your diesel is struggling in your opinion. No way you want to go gas lol. Gas would pull your boat with ease though lol

 

[Hammer]

Wife drives our 05 2500 Duramax as a daily driver. She loves trucks. Now is talking about a new GMC or Chevy. Boats probably 15k loaded so I presumed gotta go diesel. But all of you are saying gas with 10 speed trans is just as affective. Our 05 is chipped and has an intake and exhaust. Thing runs like a raped ape and gets over 20 mpg. No def. Turn key. Tows pretty good. Hard to beat. Maybe a little struggle up some steep grades with the boat but nothing too bad.

I’m on the fence about what to get. But wife like the front ends of the 2024 Chevy and gmc when the grille is blacked out. lol.

We are in the same boat. The wife loves GMC. Another concern is if i go 1/2 ton I can't get a bigger boat LOL.

 

[Hammer]

Wife drives our 05 2500 Duramax as a daily driver. She loves trucks. Now is talking about a new GMC or Chevy. Boats probably 15k loaded so I presumed gotta go diesel. But all of you are saying gas with 10 speed trans is just as affective. Our 05 is chipped and has an intake and exhaust. Thing runs like a raped ape and gets over 20 mpg. No def. Turn key. Tows pretty good. Hard to beat. Maybe a little struggle up some steep grades with the boat but nothing too bad.

I’m on the fence about what to get. But wife like the front ends of the 2024 Chevy and gmc when the grille is blacked out. lol.

The wife thinks I should Lease an Elevation with a Baby DMax for 3 years. Going over mileage makes me nervous.

If that were the case. I’d possibly just keep the 05.

 

[NicPaus]

If I needed a diesel I would buy this one. My 6.6 gasser was a lot less. But I would not be towing to the river with it over 8k lbs. Not with Chiriaco summit.

 

[JDub24]

Bumping this thread....

I test drove a 2020 GMC 2500HD DMAX Denali the other day. The 10 speed trans was really nice. Was really tempting until I opened this thread. I also don't want to deal with DEF or a new car payment...

I am going to need a new DD to replace my 1500 Chevy in the next 6 months. I want to downsize my fleet to one truck. At least I think I do? I love running around town in a 1/2 ton. I don't necessarily WANT to drive a 3/4 ton everyday but I need a 3/4 ton for family trips when we take the 300 to places other than Havasu. The 1500 Baby DMAX seems nice but I dunno if I want to tow a 8k+ pound boat 300 miles. In my head it seems unsafe...

I currently have an '05 DMax with 150k on 37's. It is primarily just a tow pig when we take the 300 somewhere far. It just sits in the driveway. I'd prefer the new creature comforts of a newer truck to drive every day. However, I am having a tough time with the price tag of a new or used truck. Just seems stupid to buy a new to me 1/2 ton and have my DMAX aging away in the driveway.

I feel the smart move is to consolidate to a newer 3/4 ton truck and look into a gasser as diesel fuel/cost of a diesel truck compared to a 3/4 ton gasser don't seem to pencil out. its probably a 15-20k swing price wise between the two. I'd prefer not to spend more than 50-60k, but I don't think that is realistic.....

Or I downsize the current boat and it solves all my problems... Middle class problems

What are your thoughts?

A 3/4 ton is a 3/4 ton as far as daily comfort goes but you know that. Unless you modify the suspension they all ride like lumber wagons. I’m in the same boat as you. I have a 16 Ram 2500 with 90k that just sits. Wife has a brand new car and I have a 1/2 work truck so the only time I use it is to tow occasionally. I am prepared to sell it but no way could I replace it with todays prices so I’m hesitant to sell.

I’ll I have to say about truck prices is #FJB…

 

[CLdrinker]

View attachment 1373314

If I needed a diesel I would buy this one. My 6.6 gasser was a lot less. But I would not be towing to the river with it over 8k lbs. Not with Chiriaco summit. View attachment 1373314

Am I reading this right that you wouldn’t take your gasser 3/4to to the river because 8k is to much?

 

[hallett21]

I’d get a half ton if you’re only towing the 300 long range here and there. If you were really worried you can rent an enterprise 3/4 ton truck for those trips.

The wheel base of a 6’6” bed 1/2 ton is the same as a 3/4-1ton. If the 300 weighs 8k you’re within the limits of the truck. If you were towing long range more than 5 times a year I’d say get the 3/4+ truck.

I know I know 3/4 ton plus or get the hell out of here.

 

[NicPaus]

Am I reading this right that you wouldn’t take your gasser 3/4to to the river because 8k is to much?

If I was towing every river trip I would get the diesel for sure. If it was flat all the way there no big deal. But I hate going 45mph uphill and potentially slowing down others.

I only really use it for River trips. Otherwise it sits majority of the time. My boat stays at the river so I rarely tow back and forth.

 

[CLdrinker]

If I was towing every river trip I would get the diesel for sure. If it was flat all the way there no big deal. But I hate going 45mph uphill and potentially slowing down others.

I only really use it for River trips. Otherwise it sits majority of the time. My boat stays at the river so I rarely tow back and forth.

I’m surprised to hear you can only do 45 towing your boat. That’s with your 6.6 gas?

I’m interested to see how I do pulling the fifths wheel to Flagstaff and back in a few weeks. They hill out of needles heading west is no joke.

 

[Hammer]

I’d get a half ton if you’re only towing the 300 long range here and there. If you were really worried you can rent an enterprise 3/4 ton truck for those trips.

The wheel base of a 6’6” bed 1/2 ton is the same as a 3/4-1ton. If the 300 weighs 8k you’re within the limits of the truck. If you were towing long range more than 5 times a year I’d say get the 3/4+ truck.

I know I know 3/4 ton plus or get the hell out of here.

Would you sell the ‘05? It just takes up space but is paid for. Insurance/Registration/Maintanence is the my hang up.

 

[PlanB]

I have been bullet proofing our 04 DMax 2500. I have 146K on it and the truck is mint (lives in the garage). I am never selling it. The only way I would buy a new diesel is if I could delete the DEF. The wife has a 22 Suburban that we only use to tow around Havasu and it does great, but I did tow my 20' enclosed trailer back to San Diego with it and the gas mileage was ridiculous. No comparison to towing with a diesel. I would bullet proof your 05 and keep it.

 

[Hammer]

If I was towing every river trip I would get the diesel for sure. If it was flat all the way there no big deal. But I hate going 45mph uphill and potentially slowing down others.

I only really use it for River trips. Otherwise it sits majority of the time. My boat stays at the river so I rarely tow back and forth.

Same- boat is stays In Havasu. No real reasOn to tow it back.

 

[hallett21]

Would you sell the ‘05? It just takes up space but is paid for. Insurance/Registration/Maintanence is the o my hang up.

Personally I would. I’d say this 19 half ton I bought has about the same guts (maybe more) than my 04 GMC 2500 had.

Now my 2016 Cummins 3500 could pull down a house if I wanted.

 

[Hammer]

Personally I would. I’d say this 19 half ton I bought has about the same guts (maybe more) than my 04 GMC 2500 had.

Now my 2016 Cummins 3500 could pull down a house if I wanted.

That’s kind of my thought. It’s only aging and a new 1/2 ton would probably tow and have as much guts as the ‘05. I just need a DD that I can take to job sites, load up the kids baseball, bikes etc… when we have weekend family stuff going on and tow the vector whenever.

Now that I think about it. I could probably flat tow a 1/2 ton behind the motorhome when we go camping..

 

[Hammer]

I have been bullet proofing our 04 DMax 2500. I have 146K on it and the truck is mint (lives in the garage). I am never selling it. The only way I would buy a new diesel is if I could delete the DEF. The wife has a 22 Suburban that we only use to tow around Havasu and it does great, but I did tow my 20' enclosed trailer back to San Diego with it and the gas mileage was ridiculous. No comparison to towing with a diesel. I would bullet proof your 05 and keep it.

We basically have the same set up. Wife’s ‘22-23 suburban and my 05 DMax 2500. Can I bulletproof it and still get away with the smog BS?

I’d don’t want to deal with DEF. But the price tag of a newer truck is a bigger deal breaker to me. I don’t hate my ‘05 . I’d just like to have something nicer to drive every day.

I just want to make the right financial decision. I don’t “NEED” another truck.

 

[BHC Vic]

I would keep the 05 for towing, and pick up something else for a DD- Probably a SUV like a Tahoe or Sub.

If I was buying a single vehicle to do it all, I’d buy a 2500/3500 Diesel from the make of your choice, with an extended warranty- if it’s a lemon, get rid of it. I think the diesel horror stories are overblown, I know lots of guys running late model diesels of every make and model, and none of them have had any issues. The newer stuff seems to be great, or a complete lemon. If I’m buying a new truck, I want a HD with a Diesel.

I keep my ‘17 CTD in the garage and only use it when I’m towing something. At this point I’m planning on keeping it indefinitely- I’m not spending 80k+ on a new truck plus the $1500/ year registration and insurance that goes with it. DD is an older SUV.

I’ve been using my wife’s suburban as a DD when I’m home. I honestly love it. It’s not cheap to fill up but I don’t drive far when I’m home. I Tahoe would be nice but I do use the back for baseball gear so might be too small.

 

[Hammer]

I’ve been using my wife’s suburban as a DD when I’m home. I honestly love it. It’s. It cheap to fill up but I don’t drive far when I’m home. I Tahoe would be nice but I do use the back for baseball gear so might be too small.

Same for me Vic. I love my 1/2 ton for all the baseball gear.

 

[NicPaus]

I’m surprised to hear you can only do 45 towing your boat. That’s with your 6.6 gas?

I’m interested to see how I do pulling the fifths wheel to Flagstaff and back in a few weeks. They hill out of needles heading west is no joke.

I am not sure how fast it would tow 8k up chiriaco. Have not done it. I don't think I have towed my boat with the 6.6 gas any distance other than to Parker 11 miles to fill it up. I have towed a friend's travel trailer that weighed 8k. If I did that regularly I would of bought a diesel. But it towed it good just not winning any races.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I am not sure how fast it would tow 8k up chiriaco. Have not done it. I don't think I have towed my boat with the 6.6 gas any distance other than to Parker 11 miles to fill it up. I have towed a friend's travel trailer that weighed 8k. If I did that regularly I would have bought a diesel. But it towed it good just not winning any races.

So I have a ‘16 Yukon XL with the 6.2L and 8 speed and the full blown tow package. I tow my boat (26 Eagle, with a tower) back from and to Havasu each year.

I either have to go up the 18 to Arrowhead towing or I have to go up the Indio grade towing.

The Yuk does it fine though both make the engine and trans go above their normals on the gauges.

We also have a 30 Eagle that I tow back to Havasu once a year. That thing is probably over the tow limit for my vehicle and it struggles up the Indio grade a lot more, though I put the trans into manual, and run the ac on heater on high to help get heat out of the engine. It gets warm but never worse and this car has its own limits it will definitely tell you if you reach them. It is this situation that I wish I had a 2500 or 3500 truck instead.

Of both of them, the other big deal was stopping. I felt the Yukon just doesn’t have enough brakes (or at least I am not into going through brakes once a year). So for both trailers we switched to EoH, and I feel that made things safer.

But yeah, I would go at least 2500 even though I don’t do it often. I just don’t like “hoping” to get there.

 

[PlanB]

We basically have the same set up. Wife’s ‘22-23 suburban and my 05 DMax 2500. Can I bulletproof it and still get away with the smog BS?

I’d don’t want to deal with DEF. But the price tag of a newer truck is a bigger deal breaker to me. I don’t hate my ‘05 . I’d just like to have something nicer to drive every day.

I just want to make the right financial decision. I don’t “NEED” another truck.

My truck still has all the smog compliant stuff on it. Just getting rid of weak links. The last thing I did was an Air Dog fuel separation system. My truck is not a daily driver though. If I was going with a newer truck I would go gas unless you are going to delete the DEF.

 

[boatpi]

My ram 1500 diesel would tow 8k up I-15 at 60 without pushing it. As much as I don’t like GM vehicles because of the life expectancy that halftime with a diesel is really a good vehicle. It’s the only game going for diesel. This might be the wise investment, but whatever you do not lease trucks have too high of a resale be smart about it.

 

[Hammer]

My truck still has all the smog compliant stuff on it. Just getting rid of weak links. The last thing I did was an Air Dog fuel separation system. My truck is not a daily driver though. If I was going with a newer truck I would go gas unless you are going to delete the DEF.

I got a fuel separator and in tank fuel pump.