1500 Sierra and 2500 duramax

chrislcrews · July 13, 2016

So I have an awesome truck. I've sank about 7k$ in modifications into it I tow a boat sometimes. Do not currently own a trailer or anything large to pull. However I have a question for you guys so my truck has 18k miles and is an SLT 5.3l 4x4.

I've always heard that diesel is better and reliable. I've also heard duramax partnered with Isuzu so the engine is pretty damn. Good.

So basically I'm looking to ask anyone who's owned or came from a 2500 is it worth it? What's the downsides and plus sides to the 1500?

I want my truck to last me for a long time. I have never traded in a vehicle and this truck is my first purchase of a new vehicle. I really would like some input here...

Thank you all.

f8l vnm · July 13, 2016

Love the dirty max even though it's severely under powered compared to the competition. I think you will be happy though. Either way stay away from the anemic pathetic 6.0 GM calls hd

J rod · July 13, 2016

Had 07 awesome truck had couple glow plugs and trans cooler lines very reliable truck but the new emission motors are sluggish have lots of problems with emissions parts not the motor I would stick with gas burner that is why I did not by a diesel again but it is your money so get what you want

chrislcrews · July 13, 2016

Great opinions so far, looking for more feed back and info before I pull the gun!!

All info welcome guys!

SouthpawHD · July 13, 2016

Love the dirty max even though it's severely under powered compared to the competition. I think you will be happy though. Either way stay away from the anemic pathetic 6.0 GM calls hd

The 6.0L is far from pathetic or anemic. On paper, yes, it appears that way. In real world driving, especially towing, it beats the 6.4L Hemi.

newdude · July 13, 2016

The 6.0L is far from pathetic or anemic. On paper, yes, it appears that way. In real world driving, especially towing, it beats the 6.4L Hemi.

Yessir. Hell the Duramax is underpowered on paper yet beats the Cummins and Powerstroke in real world testing.

redwngr · July 13, 2016

The (LML) Duramax may be under powered on paper, but for some reason it isn't under powered in side by side testing.

Last one I owned was a 2011, which is the same chassis and powertrain as the 2016. New version (L5P) coming for 2017.

The current Dmax (LML) has about double the torque of the 5.3. The difference is most noticeable when merging into traffic while pulling a trailer or when climbing long grades.

The TFL website is one place for a bunch of comparative towing info (including older test info that is still available).

Enjoy some reading and watch some of the videos.

http://www.tfltruck.com/2016-ike-gauntlet-highway-mpg/

'01LS1 · July 13, 2016

If I had to have diesel, it would be a Dmax. Had an '04 LLY & a 07 LBZ. Great motors & Allison transmission.

But with all diesels there are some extra costs from in maintenance & obvious concerns with DEF & DPF systems(thank the EPA).

A friend had a 2014 & just sold it at 75,000 miles with zero issues.

If you do not need a diesel & are looking at a new truck, why not consider the 6.2L 8 spd? That said, the $7k in mods will be lost on a trade in & may not even recoup selling privately.

Newell33 · July 13, 2016

I had an '07.5 2500HD Duramax and it was one of my favorite trucks. I also had a 2014 5.3, which I recently traded for a 2013 2500HD with the 6.0. The 6.0 is a very solid engine. It feels more powerful and drives much better than the '14 5.3. The 5.3 made a lot of noise, but it didn't feel powerful to me. The 6.0's only downfall is mileage, but It's definitely worth it to be able to drive a properly shifting, non-AFM truck.

chrislcrews · July 13, 2016

What's the fuel economy on the diesel?

If I knew how to post pictures id post some of my truck and you guys might shun me for wanting to trade it haha.

This is good info so far; is the 2500 more reliable?

If I'm not pulling anything large currently would it be a waste to ditch the 5.3? I'm steady getting 15.6 or higher gas mileage unless I press the gas to make the CAI and exhaust system roar.

I'm basically wanting a dmax to just have one. But I'm relying on you guys info to make me stray away from the idea if it'll be too costly in the long run. I owe 35k on my 15 Sierra slt and the NADA is 40k clean and 44k clean retail. So I got 5 - 10k if the dealership would work with me.... Even though I wish they would consider all the mods I placed into the truck. Because I know they will flip it for a huge profit.

jamin87ss · July 13, 2016

Unless your towing alot I wouldn't, ya they ride good, but not near as good as a 1500, with all the diesel issues these day I would literally have to have a trailer 5 days a week, or else it will never cover the cost and maintenance cost, if money isnt a issue go 6.2 1500, like mentioned above the 6.0 is a dated powerplant but it's a workhorse, only way they come now is 4.10 which kills the mileage,

smrr1 · July 13, 2016

Similar situation for me. I have always wanted a 3/4 ton diesel but never could afford the initial cost and i like to park im the garage, too long. I am in a great position to afford one now and i am 50/50 on parking outside. They get great mpg when used up and down the highway unloaded. Love the size and height. My 15 ccsb Z71 is paid for and has 24k miles. I found one i like and went to drive it and see how i liked it, highly suggest doing this. I was not the biggest fan of the much stiffer suspension as i would very rarely load it down. The 1500 suspension was much more enjoyable to me. I imagine the new diesel emission issues you see on the forums are a small percentage of trucks built, same as the issues we read about here, but i am scared to fall in to limp mode on a cross country trip. Over all it came down to a paid for loaded 15 ccsb Z71 Lt with 24k miles vs a ccsb Z71 duramax Ltz and the price difference would be $24k out the door. I have roughly $5k in mods to mine so that factors in too. To me a taller stance, duramax, leather, and rough ride were not worth $24k. No other differences in my opinion. Also not being able to park the most expensive vehicle i have ever purchased outside.

15silver · July 13, 2016

If you tow, the diesel is worth every cent .... well tow something 7000 lbs or more. Even 5000lbs is nicer with the diesel.

Then how often - couple times a year? Lotta $ for that. Work truck - just get the diesel. 5th wheel or camper - 3500 and diesel,

though there are lighter 5th wheels and campers too - minimum 2500.

Just depends what you tow and how often. Personal vehicle ... well its nice if your pockets are deep enough, but $10k diff in Canada - I'd need a reason. Not hard to find diesel, but its more expensive than gas these days, and gas is easier to find, and you need DEF fluid too. If you drive short runs each day it'll kill it. Stick with gas.

Really comes down to how you plan to use it, and how much you wanna pay.

You will gain a good portion of the cost when you trade - diesels command a premium in a HD model.

jamin87ss · July 14, 2016

I am in the diesel business, cost are skyrocketing, GM took away warranty this year, keep all this in mind as mentioned above if u mostly short run u definitely do not want a diesel. Look up the cost on the dpf filters, def pumps and associated sensors, then use ur imagination for diagnostic cost

jhplak325 · July 14, 2016

I am in the diesel business, cost are skyrocketing, GM took away warranty this year, keep all this in mind as mentioned above if u mostly short run u definitely do not want a diesel. Look up the cost on the dpf filters, def pumps and associated sensors, then use ur imagination for diagnostic cost

GM had taken away the warranty on gas engines, Duramax still has the 5 year/100,000 mile warranty.