fiddleman-1955
MO
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This is my first post on this forum, I am hoping to get some opinions on a getting a new tow vehicle. The brand specific forums I have visited are so biased that I don’t think their info will help me.
I will start by saying that I have owned mostly GM vehicles for the past 30 years. My dad was a GM worker and we always got good deals on them.
The only GM that I had problems with was a 1999 GMC with a 6.5 diesel. This was the worse truck I owned, with multiple engine/transmission issues and a bad dealer to top it all off with. This went on for over 3 years until I couldn’t put up with it any more.
In 2003, I had enough and bought a Dodge 3500 with a Cummins and a 6 speed. It has been a good truck and I have put a lot of miles on it so far. (275,000+ miles). Many of these been towing our camper and a gooseneck.
My wife and I are wanting to travel more together and we are considering a new truck. Noting that the Duramax is the currently the best truck (in my opinion)I would prefer to buy a GM, I would probably get one of these. My wife doesn’t like driving the dually, so I would probably be looking a ¾ ton. GMC or Chevy.
Assuming that my current truck will likely last to 500,000 miles with normal maintenance and minor repairs. I figure that is 4 or 5 years, I will have to buy a truck.
If I buy a new GM truck , drive it for 5 years and put 250,000 miles of heavy towing on it, will it be worn out at this point? If so, I will still have to buy a new truck. If this is the case, I have spent $40,000 and I have not gained any years of use. The only benefit is not having to worry about any repair costs for 2 years or so.
Also, I am also curious about all the negative comments I have always read on Dodge transmissions. Other than oil changes, I have not done anything to the unit. The truck still has the stock clutch in it.
Thanks again.
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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I've had 4 Dodges : 1992, 1996,2001,2008. The first three had a 4 speed automatic. The 2008 has the 6 speed 68rfe transmission. I towed and carried TCs with all of them. On the 1996 I twice lost transmission fluid while towing. A plastic line coupler distorted from heat causing the fluid to drain. The coupling was replaced with a metal one and there was no more fluid loss. There was never any damage from the loss. I still see that truck from time to time. It's on its third owner and appears to be going strong. Looks kind of rough now. From reading a lot I'd inclined to think that any problems were caused by extreme hiking up the engine power. I never knew anybody with Dodge transmission problems nor have I ever actually heard of any. The Turbo Diesel Register mag has reported on Dodges with over a million miles on them. Check their website and contact them for straight talk about transmissions instead of relying on hearsay.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
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wayne_tw
South Dakota/Georgia
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It seems to me that if you had such great service out of your Dodge, you would consider it again. The very early Dodges had significant auto transmission problems with the diesels, but I think you will find that problem solved. The new diesels are equipped with a lot of emmission controls, so they are much more complicated. It is hard to beat the Cummins, and GM and Ford have tried with outsourcing engine suppliers, but the Cummins reigns king.
No manufacturer builds a bad product. They all have good points and not so good points. And no one can tell you which truck to buy. You will have to satisfy yourself. Just like the brand specific forums, you will find people who are just as biased here as well.
My advice, drive all three manufacturers products with an open mind. See which one feels the best to you. Do this with your check book home, and the salesman knowing you are exploring options. Research the three offerings regarding towing capabilities, and known issues that have no fix. (As an example, the early Ford diesels were put on a hold-dealers could not sell- until they fixed the flaming exhaust.)
You are leaning towards the GM product, they are a powerful combination and a good choice. The Allison transmission is bullet proff, but the Duramax often needs injectors around 100000 miles. The Duramax rarely goes into multiple 100000 miles. The Dodge has the bullet proof Cummins, a 600000 mile engine, a true exhaust brake, but the new 6 speed transmission, will initially appears bullet proof, is a long term unknown. The Ford has a brand new engine from a manufacturer with a checkered past.
Good luck.
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mpfireman
Cook County Il
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Planning what to buy in 4 to 5 years? A lot of things will change, even in the truck industry. AND dodge does offer 3500 series trucks without the dually setup.
1998.5 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Cummins
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~DJ~
Boise, Idaho
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Save that 40 grand for diesel and travel like crazy!! 
My Dodge is going to my grave with me but if I was interested in a new truck in the near future I would wait a couple three years. They have to knock off this senseless horsepower war and go to something with less power and better fuel mileage. You could still pull the grades at the speed limit with much better mileage. JMHO 
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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The problem with waiting is that 2010 and then 2013 are looming on the horizon and the big three are scrambling trying to come up with something that will be compliant. So far, despite problems, Dodge is still the only manufacturer that is 2010 diesel emission compliant. Waiting will likely only give you another set of problems and more complicated emission equipment. As far as which truck? Buy what you like to drive, are comfortable in and can get the best deal on.
Donn
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Capt Skup
Southern Maryland/Nantucket
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Yup, I agree with Donn. Now is a great time to go truck shopping, if.... you really need a "truck". Those that don't really need are giving us a bad name, dumping them for Prius's, whining about fuel mileage. When else will you see brand new, fantastic diesel powered trucks for $15-$25k off of sticker??? Dodge dealer down the road is advetising half off of sticker, Ford dealer $20k off of sticker. All three, Dodge, Ford, and GMC/Chevy, current diesel trucks are powerful, reliable, pretty comfortable, loaded with nice-to-have features. Try out all three and buy the one that gives you what you like most plus the best price. I seriously doubt 2010+ trucks will be offered with so much off of sticker. As far as lasting the longest, the powertrain of any truck is not the limiting factor, it is everything bolted up to the frame. Squeaks, rattles, failing finishes, rust, interior that is just not comfortable, those are the things that make our relationship with our trucks short lived. How many honestly will keep a private vehicle(pickup truck) for 10+ years/200,000 miles? I know for myself, new-truck-itis will set in long before that. My next truck may indeed be a Toyota Tacoma crewcab, and divest myself of rving for a bigger trawler style boat.
Capt Skup
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fiddleman-1955
MO
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thanks for the great feedback. I guess I am asking if the GM typically last 300K or 400K without problems.
In 4 or 5 years, if both trucks were worn out, I would plan to buy something to replace it.
Another item of question, some of the guys on the message boards are claiming fuel mileage in the low 20's on the 08 Duramax. I get about 19 empty, if I take it easy. WOuld havin a double overdrive get you mileage up i nthe low 20's?
Thx
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fiddleman-1955
MO
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Thanks again for the comments. You guys are correct in saying the the truck will rust out, have wiring troubles before you ever get to 500,000 miles, if you are driving it 15,000 miles a year. However, if you drive 50-60K miles per year, problems you mentione should be too much of a concern in 8 - 10 years.
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Heck, if I drove 60K+ a year, I'd wear out long before the truck would.....
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