2011 Duramax

[etex211]

I've never owned a diesel pickup before...

 

As far as the duramax goes, how was the 2011 model year?  Pros, cons, etc.  I assume they used DEF that year?

If there is anything else I need to know about a 2011 dually, please let me know.

(My hauler for the past 19 years has been a '96 Chevy dually with a vortec 454.)

Thanks.

[dsr611]

The 11s have the DEF...might want to think about a delete and tune (especially if it's out of warranty anyway).  I inherited my dad's this past March.  DEF heater and NOx sensor went out.  Dealer told me the NOx sensors were on backorder and didn't know when they would be back in stock (could not find them online either).  Got the "Speed Limited to 55 mph" warning on my way home from work one day.  Headed to a local diesel shop and as I was pulling in, I got the "Speed Limited to 5 mph".  Talked with the guy that runs the shop and wound up with a delete and tune.

[j98]

I would certainly agree with what dsr611 said, however, if the truck runs fine now, it might not be worth it right off the bat unless your concerned about long term reliability. The 2011 trucks commonly had issues with the DEF and NOx sensors and DEF pump failures, GM was aware of the issues and made changes to the '12 trucks. The def tank will be under the hood by the passenger side windshield wiper. The Duramax is a great platform, you will definitely enjoy the mileage bump and additional torque compared to the old 454. 

 

[dsr611]

I will also add, this was my first time really driving a newer, non-ragged out diesel (drove several while working construction, but they were older fleet trucks that were nearly dead).  My dad bought this truck new in '11 and mainly used it to tow our 5000# Kubota tractor.  I had driven it a couple of times around town not too long after he got it, but never really felt the real power of it.  First time I towed the tractor, on our 25' gooseneck trailer with a 6' disk, bush hog, and seed spreader, the power of these trucks really showed out....I looked at the speedometer, accelerator pedal barely pressed, and was doing 70 mph going uphill.  And the truck felt like it never even knew that it was towing right at 10000#.

[etex211]

After doing a little reading about all the DEF headaches, I think the best thing for me to do is to just keep driving the old gas hog.  In the past couple of years, we've replaced the A/C compressor and fixed all the A/C leaks, replaced the intake gaskets, and replaced the fuel pump.  It also has new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc.  This is the first real money we've spent on this truck in 19 years of ownership.  It has about 170,000 miles now.  We use it only to pull our fifth wheel, about 12,000 pounds.  Because of work, we don't get to take all that many trips, and those trips are never more than 125 miles from home.  I haven't put more than a thousand miles on the truck in each of the past couple of years, so the gas mileage thing isn't a big deal.  It spends most of it's time sitting in the shop on the battery tender.  The truck is kind of ugly (faded paint, etc.), but it is mechanically sound.  The only real problem I'm aware of right now is a power steering leak.  I add a pint of PS oil before each trip.

My wife works for a car dealer with several new car dealerships.  I spotted that 2011 on one of their websites, and it looked like a pretty nice truck.  That's why I made the inquiry here.  Thanks for the input.  I believe I'll keep my money in pocket.