2016 or 2017 Duramax?

bertschb · October 21, 2015

My wife and I are retiring next spring and want to buy a new truck and 5^th wheel to kick off our retirement. I plan to buy a Denali 3500 Duramax. The big dilemma for me is do we buy a 2016 or 2017? I’ve heard all the rumors about a new Duramax for the 2017 model year along with the possibility of a new 8 speed Allison. More power, more gears, etc.

But, I don’t know what the EPA is going to do for new emissions requirements for diesels and whether or not GM will add even more junk to the new Duramax and make emissions equipment even worse or if they will come up with an entirely new emissions system that is simpler and more reliable. As much as I’d like to just wait another year until the new 2017 HD models are shipping so I can make a good informed decision, I don’t want to waste our first year of retirement sitting around at home when we could be traveling around the country.

So my question- would you buy the last year in the LML series this winter or wait until next fall and buy the 2017 with what will likely be an all new powertrain? We will be retired and broke so we will more or less be stuck with whatever we buy for a very long time so buying a 2016 and selling it next fall for a 2017 isn’t really an option. So... Life is too short – get the 2016 or be patient and get the latest and greatest (theoretically) next fall? I know this is totally subjective. Just curious what you folks would do.

OmahaBen · October 21, 2015

I would buy the 2016 with the same drivetrain. It is proven and I have not heard of any issues with it.

I bought a 2014 GMC sierra 1500 and kind of wish I didn't because I have spent many trips to the dealer chasing a vibration issue that the 2014-2015 GMC and silverado truck have. However one reason why we pulled the trigger on the 2014 was because it had the 6 speed with the 6.2. I didn't want to gamble on a new body style and a new 8 speed transmission.

Going forward my rule of thumb is going to be: Don't buy the first two years of a new body style or engine/drivetrain redesign.

Good luck.

Also I would highly recommend buying an SLT vs the Denali. You can get almost every option with the SLT and do it for much less. Also I don't care for the Denali grill. Too much chrome for me.

99-ls1-ss · October 21, 2015

I agree with OmahaBen for the same reasons he noted.

AceMI · October 21, 2015

Being the first to the party isn't always the best thing - especially as it pertains to vehicles.

For what it's worth, we had a 45' motorhome. We just downsized to a 42' fifth wheel. I'm very, very pleased with the performance and capacity of my '15 3500HD Crew Cab SRW LTZ Z71. Still within the weight limit of 17,100 - the trailer tops out loaded at 16,000 and I did want a dually, they're obnoxious for regular non-towing use. I wouldn't say I don't even realize it's back there... but it's very comfortable and I average ~10mpg (my motorcoach with a Cummins ISX 600HP got 5-6mpg, so this is an upgrade in terms of economy. ) I did put it on the hoist and installed firestone air bags when I was installing the Pullrite Superglide hitch. It wasn't required, but it's nice to level things out a bit both when towing and when not.

The only thing that would interest me on a 2017, if they even do it, is the DEF tank not being hacked into an impractical location. You have to fill the DEF from under the hood - while I understand why, I still hate it with every fiber of my being. Otherwise, it's been one of my favorite vehicles. Rides just enough like a truck to not feel like the 1/2 ton, but not nearly as harsh as the Dodge 1 ton. They got the perfect combination, as I see it. Interior is super comfortable, road noise is virtually non-existent, smooth as glass, plenty capable and it's just plain sharp.

galliher_nc · October 21, 2015

I'd buy a '15 and get a deal on it.

SMiller · October 22, 2015

I would at least wait for GM to release the info on the '17's and go from there, if they raise your eye brow then consider it otherwise order/buy the '16 and never look back.

Ken Rutyna · October 23, 2015

I wanted the 2016 because the last year of this duramax and allison combo... 2017 is all new... and i didn't want to have ALL NEW...

but i gain a ton of new items over the 2015 so if your looking the 2016 would be the one to get... i bought a DENALI I only had one shot at buying a mega nice truck so i went for everything.