2018 GMC DMax to 2025 Custom Gas

Icutmetl · December 27, 2024

Traded in my 2018 2500HD All-Terrain HD SLT diesel with 176k on a 2025 2500HD Custom gas with 1 mile. I bought the GMC new and it was good to me for the most part but I did have a few issues with it over the years and although I took very good care of it and it still looked awesome with no rust, it was starting to develop some quirks and I ultimately made the call to replace it vs. flying closer and closer to the sun. My wife cried because she really loved our GMC and I was a little upset to my stomach too (giving up memories and cost of replacement), but it was time.

I chose gas over diesel this time mainly because of initial cost (purchased off grid camp on 10ac last year and that eats into our finances), I really don’t NEED the diesel, and although I may miss the grunt, I’m not sure the juice will be worth the squeeze for how I’m using it most of the time.

I landed on the Custom package because of overall value. I really liked my SLT All-Terrain’s interior and features but again, it really came down to cost and being honest with myself about needs vs. wants. I liked the leather and buckets/console but never used the heated seats & wheel and forgot I had a sunroof most days. I feel we got an average deal (not great, but reasonable), and the transaction at our dealer was easy which counts for something with me.

I considered a half ton this time but by the time I optioned a 1/2t truck for real work, I kept ending up at around the same price for an equal trim package…and a truck that lacks capability vs an HD. I’m really only towing snowmobile trailers a few times per year, but in gnarly conditions and getting pushed around by wind on snow packed roads in a lighter truck is no fun. I’ll also have my bed full (like Beverly Hillbilly full) driving 8hrs+ to our cabin and refuse to do that with the rear end sagging. So those things and also being able to tow a heavier piece of rental equipment every now and then kept me in an HD.

My first impressions of the 6.6 gas engine during my test drive and on the way home from our dealership is that it’ll be better for my day to day use than the Duramax was for how I drive. It’s much more responsive and doesn’t feel heavy or sluggish. I don’t expect any disappointment until I really pour the beef to it with a load…which isn’t that often in reality. I get a vehicle allowance thru work and they pay for my fuel & basic maintenance, so while I don’t take that for granted or abuse it, the fuel mileage disparity is less of an issue.

Edited December 27, 2024 by Icutmetl

CRApex · December 27, 2024

Nice looking truck! Sounds like you made a good decision, that 6.6 gas will handle anything you throw at it.

BuckWallace · December 28, 2024

Very nice, congrats! I think you made the right choice going gas. Unless you're towing heavy often, it really doesn't make sense to go diesel (unless money is no object). I've been very happy with my gasser over the last 18 months—enjoy!

NaturallyAspirated · December 29, 2024

Beautiful truck. Wife wishes I got that color instead of mine.

I switched from a diesel 3/4 Ram. You’ll love the gasser. No more def is a big deal. And it’s probably much more reliable. Love my truck as much as when I first bought it.

My L8T is at 57k mi and has never run smoother. And it pulls so much stronger than previous model yr gassers. The Custom is really a dressed up work truck. Not like the 1/2 ton truck-cars. Rides a little more rough but it’s smooth when loaded up. I personally like the ride and the wife finds it barely acceptable, which is better than the Ford and good enough for me.

Someone else one this site was wondering about using a 2500 as a daily driver and I think this truck is great all around, even for that! …as long as long as you ain’t in the city…

HD trucks are just so practical and this one should turn out to be very reliable.

Dunn · December 29, 2024

Yeah she looks really bummed, lol

Icutmetl · December 29, 2024

7 hours ago, Dunn said:

Yeah she looks really bummed, lol

Haha…my wife had a really hard time getting rid of our last truck because of all the memories attached to it and got pretty emotional a couple of times. It was my daily driver for the last 3-1/2 years, too. I Fluid-Filmed it 1-2x per year and was pretty ****** about keeping up to date on cleaning & maintenance. She’s really liking our new truck so far, though and do am I. I’m looking more and more forward to “making it mine.”

Ry Guy · December 29, 2024

Wish my ‘24 custom had those wheels. Time to start keeping an eye on marketplace for takeoffs.

buelldude · December 30, 2024

I have to ask, I think I may do the same, diesel to gas that is. How do you like it for towing, power wise and fuel use? We pulled the camper around more in the past, this year we only used it 3 times.

So here is my big issue with it, towing specs. It almost cuts the numbers in half for towing???? I have a gooseneck that is a bit on the heavy side but still falls into the specs of like trucks. I can't find any gas trucks with the pin weight over 2600. Can anyone post a pic of your door jam sticker????

bruceb58 · December 30, 2024

21 hours ago, buelldude said:

I have to ask, I think I may do the same, diesel to gas that is. How do you like it for towing, power wise and fuel use? We pulled the camper around more in the past, this year we only used it 3 times.

So here is my big issue with it, towing specs. It almost cuts the numbers in half for towing???? I have a gooseneck that is a bit on the heavy side but still falls into the specs of like trucks. I can't find any gas trucks with the pin weight over 2600. Can anyone post a pic of your door jam sticker????

You typically get larger payload numbers with gas. My 2024 GMC Denali 3/4T has 3346# of payload.

My max gooseneck tongue weight is 2760#

Edited December 30, 2024 by bruceb58

Icutmetl · December 30, 2024

6 hours ago, bruceb58 said:

You typically get larger payload numbers with gas. My 2024 GMC Denali 3/4T has 3346# of payload

Mine is similar…3,4XXlbs of payload. You’ve got to go 3500 to get that extra leaf for max payload in an SRA.

i have not towed with it yet…just got it the day after Christmas. For my needs, I think it will suit me fine…but I have realistic expectations. That 10spd is magic but don’t expect it to grunt it out like my D.Max.

That black 2018 Duramax for example had just under 2k payload.