New truck, Help me decide, Dmax, 6.0, HD or not??

[Black Sunshine]

I went to the dealer today, looked at some trucks. Initially I thought I wanted a Dmax. I test drove it, & it is one sweet truck. Not crazy about the sound (even though I am a truck driver). I prefer the gas engine rumble.

 

Anyway, it looks like my cost would be around $33,000 for the Dmax. This is after rebates, incentives, GMS, etc.

 

I asked about a 6.0 2500 HD & my cost on that would be around $23,000. Would there be any difference in price to get one with the big block? I assume I would also save if I did not get the HD package.

 

I wanted the Dmax because of fuel prices, milage, and towing capacity. But with a $10,000 difference, that will buy a whole lot of fuel. Is the difference justified?

 

I want the truck as an everyday driver, towing the hot rod to the track in the summer, plowing in the winter. I plan to put a 6" lift on the truck & some 35's. Obviously the Dmax would be cool with the lift, but the others would look the same, at a much lower cost.

 

What to do, what to do..

[Black Sunshine]

Just what am I getting with the HD package, & is it needed for what I want to do?

[Tucson_02Silverado]

Daily Driver....hauler....fuel economy......plowing.....35's/lift.....???

 

Sounds like you really need or want two trucks.

 

35's won't get you fuel economy. Whom else here is plowing with 35's and 6" lift?

 

 

If you want a daily driver that will still haul the racer, consider a 1500 5.3 with quadrasteer. If you're really hauling weight and your daily drive is longer than 20 miles each direction go for a DMax.

 

JMO...but you asked.

[Shaners]

The HD package will give you a larger frame, bigger brakes, higher towing capacity, more HP, stronger tranny, stronger rearend etc.....

 

The 2500HD is basically a SRW (single rear wheel) 1-ton truck...

 

The 6.0L is a decent all around motor and will tow your rig if you aren't afraid to put your foot in it. I occaiasionally tow an 8500 lb travel trailer with my 6.0L... I don't set any speed records, but it gets the job done.

 

The 8.1L is a strong motor but you have to cough up an extra couple grand for the Allison Tranny if you want to have an automatic.

[Black Sunshine]

My next move was to the plow shop & ask if I would even be able to plow with 35's (315 's) on the truck.

 

I know the FM is going to suck with that tire on any truck that I get. The Dmax will get the best FM, over the 2500, or 2500 HD ( 6.0 or 8.1), but I guess I'm asking is the difference so huge that I'd be better justified spending $10,000 more?

 

I dont want another 5.3. I just had one, & it wasn't too bad, but not quite enough balls. It had 315 BFG MT on it, and didn't seem like it would be too high to have a plow on it. 45" from ground to fender.

 

I appreciate your opinion.

[k1500chevy97]

I would get the duramax myself .

 

The extra money spent upfront will all come back to you in the form of better fuel mileage , less stress for heavy jobs (such as plowing) and better $$$$$ come trade in time .

Also diesel is cool

[builderpaul]

I would get the HD with the 6.0, and , of course the plow prep, and locking rear end. It will handle the jobs you have posted. ($10K is a lot of gas saved) If you are going to lift I would lift before I got the plow. I am pretty sure it will need the mounting altered. You want the bottom of the plow frame paralell with the ground so the blade will scape and not trip so easy.

 

Post some picks with the plow on.

[422 SS]

I wanted the Dmax because of fuel prices, milage, and towing capacity. But with a $10,000 difference, that will buy a whole lot of fuel. Is the difference justified

The trucks you described have to be alot different for a 10 k difference in price.I paid 4k for my Dmax and would'nt even consider a 8.1.The Dmax truck has to be better equipped for the gap your seeing.Remember that $2300.00 of that is for the Allison tranny that you have to pay for if you get the 8.1 or Dmax.If you want the cheapest truck and don't work it hard get the 6.0 ,it's a solid performer.If you work it or plan on keeping it for more than 30k miles get the Dmax.You will get 30-40% better fuel economy empty and close to double the mileage of a 8.1 when towing.The numbers tell the story that the Dmax is the most affordable optional engine when all costs are tallied.Not to mention its quicker than both gas engines too.

[BlackSilver]

You need two trucks. A 2500HD Duramax/Allison for pushing snow around and a smaller truck for a daily driver.

 

The DuraMax is a piss-poor choice for a daily driver.

 

The 6.0 is a piss-poor choice for plowing snow.

[LARSONEM]

The DMax is not a piss-poor choice for a daily driver. It is actually fun to drive. I enjoy driving the Crew Cab over my Tahoe, even though it rides a little rougher and makes a little more noise. But does it have power!

 

I'd think a 6 inch lift and a snowplow would require lots of modifications, but is do able. As stated before, just make sure the A-Frame of the plow is level horizontally with the ground to minimize plow tripping. If it not level, it's also harder on the lower part of your plow frame, especially in heavy duty plowing.

[jgriffin]

Buy the 6.0 and save the extra $10k. The way most people end up trading sooner rather than later you'll never recoup that in fuel savings.

 

A vehicle depreciates the minute you sign the contract so I'd spend the least amount possible to adequately do the job you need.

[brutis2001]

If your using the truck to plow then the 6.0 liter would be fine, if your gonna tow more than plow it depends on the weight of the trailer and how long you want to keep the truck.

The diesel option is costly so you have to weight out these issues. The diesel is also like others said good on daily driving even though some dont think so.

the 3/4 HD is not great on towing as it sqwats on its but with a bumper pull trailer, if its a gooseneck or 5th wheel its alot better.

the 6.0, 6.6 and 8.1 all tow anything you want it to so that is not an issue really.