Chevy&diesel Newbie

[rmx1]

Newbie here. I just bought a new toyhauler and I knew the old F150 7700 wouldn't be up to the task. I bought a 04(code2) Chev Silverado 2500HD 4X4 XCAB with 50000km (30000 miles) on it. The truck is mint. I've never had a GM or a diesel before so I need to be educated. I want to keep it stock for now, but I'm looking for any reliability issues that should be addressed. I am also looking for any cold weather advice, especially in regards to cold weather starting with and without plug ins available. Thanks in advance.

[stadt11]

Welcome John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MODS - can you fix the multi-posts?

[pwall]

Welcome to GM-Trucks.com.

 

enjoy the duramax!

[BuckFeverZ]

Welcome to the site

[DofD]

Hey there and welcome to GM Trucks!

 

I don't have any info on your questions, but there are a few cold weather folks here that could chime in.

[Roofer]

Welcome!

 

I live in the cold and drive diesels. Plug it in under zero, and you should be good to go. It's best to plug it in for at least 4 hours (6-8 is better) before starting in below zero temps. As for sitting at work, they are usually just fine for 8-10 hours, but I wouldn't let it set for 20+ hours in below zero temps and expect it to start. It is just easier on everything, including the batteries. The winter cover helps quite a bit to heat the truck up. Don't use it above 30 degrees or when towing heavy.

 

Congrats on the truck. They are great performers, and I hope yours treats you as well as mine has.

[GARB55]

Welcome!

[L29er]

Welcome to GM-trucks! which part of canada you from? a block heater and winter front are your friends up here for a diesel!

[rmx1]

Welcome to GM-trucks! which part of canada you from? a block heater and winter front are your friends up here for a diesel!

 

I'm from Edmonton. I found the block heater cord still bundled in it's factory position. I'm aware of the winter front. How do these Duramax start when you don't have access to a plug in? I'll have to try my 1000watt generator and see if that will run the block heater.

[pwall]

My truck isn't a daily driver, so I can't offer to much of an opinion on how well or not it starts during the extreme cold.

However....I'm involved in Scouting and often time when we are at camp, there are no electrical plugs handy to plug a truck in. So, to see how well or not my truck would start this past winter, I cold started it one afternoon when it was -32c. The glow-plug light came on (of course), stayed on for about 3 seconds and then I started it. It was a little slow of course, but started right up. I was impressed.

Not to say that I would recommend cold starting in those temperatures without it being plugged in, but I had to know that it would start if I was at a camp.

[rmx1]

My truck isn't a daily driver, so I can't offer to much of an opinion on how well or not it starts during the extreme cold.

However....I'm involved in Scouting and often time when we are at camp, there are no electrical plugs handy to plug a truck in. So, to see how well or not my truck would start this past winter, I cold started it one afternoon when it was -32c. The glow-plug light came on (of course), stayed on for about 3 seconds and then I started it. It was a little slow of course, but started right up. I was impressed.

Not to say that I would recommend cold starting in those temperatures without it being plugged in, but I had to know that it would start if I was at a camp.

 

That's what I wanted to hear. I don't plan on cold starting without pluging in on a regular basis, but I need to know that it can start. Normally my truck is kept in a heated garage.

[L29er]

I would say she WILL start up to -35 for sure, then after that she may not sound well but It should start at almost any temp, granted you batteries are strong, not that it compares fairly, but my f*rd starts -35c all the time... sounds like a tractor but it starts every time...

[rvsahs]

Welcome to GMT!

[BlackSilver]

I live in Minnesota, temps down in -20/-30(F) territory regularly.

 

I've been driving DuraMax trucks for 7 years. Mine is parked outside all year long, never been plugged in, and never failed to start.

 

The winter front sure helps the cabin heater work better though!

[Roofer]

I park outside also all winter, but I don't use the truck every day in the winter because we don't work in bad weather. The part I like about plugging it in, is that you have heat almost right away. My Duramax doesn't have the high idle though either for warm-ups.