Opinions On Truck Options

[pura vida]

So i am looking to get a new truck but having a hard time deciding what to get. thought i would ask everyone's opinion. it will be both a work truck and a daily driver. in the summer i tow a 26 foot boat 1-4 times a week and in the winter i tow a 24' enclosed weekly or more. anything i get will be a crew cab short bed 2500 4X4. i am looking at new but not apposed to used. new i am trying to decided between the 6.0 and the d-max but from what i have been hearing and reading i should probably get an 06 or older diesel due to the emmisions and mpg. i also found a really nice 05 8.1 that i was considering but was concerned about mpg. right now i have a 99 6.0 that only gets about 12. opinions?

 

if i could find a used 06 d-max would the extra mgp be worth the price?? (this keeps coming up as my main consideraton?)

-more than likely would get a programmer for increased mpg and power. are they worth it?

the 6.0 i have now tows ok but sucks the gas doing so. are the new ones any better? worse? same?

can i really get 11-12 mpg with the 8.1 empty?

-how much worse is it loaded?

did some searching but is there any programmers for the gassers, the 6.0 or 8.1, that will help with mpg?

-do new intake and exhaust help with milage? anything else?

-even if i could get just a couple better i think i would go for the 8.1. yes? no?

i know this is a chevy forum but anyone have any comparisons with the new v10 ford?

-buddy had one and i really liked it.

 

all opinions are welcome, even the ones biased to what you own.

 

thanks

pv

[83trekker]

I cant add much as i have only owned my 01 8.1 for a week, so cant comment on the mpg but man what a power horse of a truck. Funnest vehicle i have ever driven.Plus i Love the allsion tranny.

[pura vida]

anyone know if the 05 8.1 has the 5 or 6 speed allison? how important is it to have the 6 speed?

[wellinghurst]

Never buy a Diesel because of gas mileage. Buy one if you think you really need one to tow your stuff. They are designed to work.

 

The 8.1 will get close to the same mileage as the 6.0.

 

Sounds like you could maybe use the diesel-find a slightly used one or a steal on an 8.1-either way you'll love it. The 6.0 will do the job--I know mine will tow a 24 ft boat no problem, but again, if you can find a deal on a DMAX or 8.1 go for it.

[pura vida]

thanks for the info. well i guess the other part of the equation is the company is buying the truck and i only have to pay for gas. so the price difference doesn't effect me a whole lot, only on the profit sharing. but the 8.1 i found is way, way bad! but i wouldn't mind getting 17mpg over 11. we will see. boy, sure sucks to be me to have such a tough choice... life is good. thanks again.

 

pv