2500 HD Duramax fuel mileage

timk49 · April 13, 2004

I'm putting 200 miles a day on my truck and was thinking about trading my 2500HD 6.0 for a 2500HD Dmax. What kind of fuel mileage are you guys getting on the highway unloaded and loaded. I wanted the Dmax when I bought this truck a year and a half ago but I wasn't driving this far then and the extra cost of the Dmax package wasn't worth it. Im commuteing to the desert everyday about 200 miles a day. Useing 550 gallons of gas a month. At $2.20 a gallon I'm looking for an option that may save me some money. Now with the 0% financing and cash back I may be able to get into one for just a little more than Im paying now.

Come on you math wizards make a case for me.

QUIKAG · April 13, 2004

You're spending over $1200/month for gasoline.

Buy a DMAX. That 6.0L will be worn out at 200k miles or so with regular maintenance.

Chevyfreek · April 13, 2004

Well it will take you some time to start actually saving money after buying a new diesel truck. Check out this thread, there is some good info on the costs of going to a diesel.

Is a Diesel better for lots of Driving

MCourson · April 13, 2004

18 city 20 highway when we first got it at 12k miles. It is at 34k now and is constantly getting better. Now it is 20,23. 13 mpg pulling 10k ~75-80 mph.

BlackSilver · April 13, 2004

My road miles unloaded, mostly around 65MPH, are around 23MPG in the summer time. Drops a little in the winter due to blended fuel here in MN. The truck has about 36,000 miles on the clock.

Machine · April 13, 2004

18-19 highway and about 15 city with my lift and tires. i frequently pull a 7500# boat and it gets about 12. I can usually get about 430 miles out of a tank (combined city and highway) and almost 500, all highway.

I was getting around 21 and 17 on the Dmax when it was stock.

In comparison, my 6.0 Escalade can only go about 325 miles all highway w/ 26 gallons (12.5 mpg) , when compared to the Dmax

timk49 · April 13, 2004

Thanks for the info guys .

I don't know if I can pull off a deal but I'm going to try. I've only had this truck the 2500 Hd 6.0 for 18 months. The trade in vs. the new payment is going to be the factor.

steiny93 · April 13, 2004

Are the guys getting 20 mpg plus on the highway unloaded getting that mileage off of the computer or at the pump?

Thanks

MCourson · April 13, 2004

Im getting the numbers from my own calculations. My DIC isn't smart enough to tell me that stuff.

Machine · April 13, 2004

The pump. My computer is mentally challenged. Even though my Quad programmer has adjusted the speedo for the new tire size, the computer still gives me whack readings.

steiny93 · April 13, 2004

You guys are getting some amazing mileage.

I have a buddy with an 03 2500HD DA crew and he isn't getting anywhere near those numbers. 15 mpg on the highway is more his style and 9 mpg when towing a 8500lb toy hauler. (Both numbers better then what I get with my 2500HD crew 6.0 however)

But then again, "mileage may vary"

Redapple · April 13, 2004

At 200 miles a day, and 550 gals a month that gives you an aprox fuel mileage of 10.9. I can garantee that the DA/Alli combo will do better. I get 13 around town, and between 17-19 on the freeway. Even if you only averaged 15 vs 10.9 that would be a savings of aprox 150 gals of fuel per month, which would equate to $330 per month, an annual savings of $3960 per year. You just need to weigh that against the cost of the new truck. I would go for it just because I love new trucks. LOL If you can deal with the numbers, go for it.

Bill

KyleBst264 · April 14, 2004

With my previous truck. (1998 Chevy 1500 Ext. Cab, 4x4, with Vortec 5.7.) I was towing a 7,000 lb trailer 200 miles each week during the summer. I was getting 8 MPG on the highway. I tow the trailer aout say 4,000-5,000 mile per year. My Duramax is getting 13-15 mpg with the trailer and diesel fuel is cheaper than gasoline over here right now. Also unloaded my OLD truck was getting 15-17 MPG in the city and 18-20 mpg on the highway. Unloaded my duramax is getting 18-20 mpg in the city and 20-23 mpg on the highway. So, I think I am now saving money fuel-wise.

apache sierra · April 14, 2004

Well it will take you some time to start actually saving money after buying a new diesel truck. Check out this thread, there is some good info on the costs of going to a diesel.

Is a Diesel better for lots of Driving

I couldn't get that web site to come up. But i always thought that for long distance the dmax would be the choice. The reason i didn't buy the dmax was because i dont't drive many miles anymore and everyone said that the worst thing for a diesel is short trips and town driving.

422 SS · April 14, 2004

I get 14-15 in town and 18-19 on long road trips empty.I could get better but I run 80 mph.The original poster is the perfect candidate for a Dmax.The fuel savings would be thousands of dollars for someone that drives as much as he does.