Looking at HD trucks, any advice?

Of course the guys here are the best. They definitely helped me out a ton.

 

I have zero experience with diesels, have never owned anything that ran on diesel, and would love to get your opinion on whether I should even consider one. My main concern is winter (live in MN) and how reliably it would start when it's around zero to -20 F. Is a block heater (or some type of heater) a requirement? I frequently overnight in remote areas without power. I do normally have a generator along so that is an option if 1800 watts is enough.

The truck would not be a daily driver, it would be used for towing and hauling. There will always be a minimum of 600 lbs (usually more) in the truck and over 90% of the time will be towing a trailer. The two trailers I use the most are an enclosed cargo trailer and a travel trailer. I don't currently tow very heavy, usually 5k - 7k, and although not heavy the trailers do push a lot of air (like towing a brick pulling a parachute). There are times the truck will sit unused for 2 - 3 weeks but 3 -5 days is most common. When in use it would be rare to drive for less than a half hour. Most common use is 55 - 65 mph rural highways and 70 -75 mph freeways.

I know a gas engine will handle what I'm doing just fine (that's what I have) but when I read about the low rpm torque and exhaust brakes on the diesels I can't help but want to try one.

I welcome any and all view points, hoping someone can convince which way to go....

 

We have the 2022 RAM 4x4 diesel 3500 dually crew cab to mostly tow the horse palace. The truck is loaded. It tows the trailer with ease. It has been in the shop for recalls but everything has been fixed. It is also used in the winter to tow a trailer load of hay usually weekly. It has a block heater. There are times when the heater doesn’t get plugged in & it always starts. I think it drives nice & it’s been a work horse. I also know when my granddaughters haul their horses to rodeos they are safe. My advice is to drive your choices & go with the one you keep thinking about.

 

I believe every modern diesel truck on the market has an optional block heater that you can plug in when the weather is extreme. My truck also came with a mat to place behind the grill in cold temperatures. As mentioned before, I went from an F350 gasser to a GMC Sierra 2500 L5P. The GMC is the first diesel I have ever owned and I'm glad I spent the extra coin on it. Yes, I realize it costs more up front and requires more maintenance, but the truck is an absolute pleasure to drive and pull with through Utah's mountainous terrain. The exhaust brake coming down steep grades is a game changer. 10/10 would recommend, and glad I'm not wondering "what if I had gone with the diesel?" all of the time.

ETA: I'm going to bet that any new diesel truck you find on a lot in Minnesota was configured with the block heater. I lived in Hastings/South St. Paul for a few years in the early 2000's - I remember those years fondly EXCEPT for the winters and those icy pebbles you maniacs refer to as "snow."

 

So a block heater should be all that is needed? I'll have to see how much current they draw, wouldn't think it would be more than 15 amps.

I love winter, always have, don't think I could be happy anyplace that didn't get snow. I spend as much time in North central MN and along the North shore of Lake Superior as I can.

 

I do think a block heater is all that is needed and I'm doubtful it draws any more current as even a small space heater.

I'm with you - I couldn't live somewhere that didn't have winters. I'm in Northern Utah where we get plenty of snow but it's the soft, powdery kind. I really do miss the cities and the people in Minnesota though - still have some very good friends there and my step dad lives outside of Redwing. It may not be common but my memory of Minnesota snow was that it felt like frozen sand - really hard little ice chunks. To be fair, I could be thinking of just a single storm and extrapolating it across my entire MN winter experience.

 

The icy snow is typically from the Twin Cities area and South. Northern half of the state gets "real" snow.

 

Being a yota fan boy and an absolute hater of any mopar trash, the worst thing you could do is buy a dodge. I had a 2015 f250 6.7 before buying my first yota, Great truck. I’ve owned 3 p.o.s. Mopars and will never buy another one (you couldn’t give me one). The new 7.3 does look nice spec wise but I don’t think a 3/4+ truck should have spark plugs.

 

Can't say much about Ford or GM since I've never owned them but my Ram has been solid. It currently has just over 28k miles and has never been to the shop. It does need to go in here real soon to have two recalls taken care of. The interior has held up really nice, the leather in the seats have some small creases but other then that they have been solid. The exterior does show a lot of rock chips which does bug me. Seems like either the clear coat or paint is too thin so even the smallest rocks will chip the paint. I know people compalin about the mirrors but I think they provide just enough visibility when in "moose mode" but I like how they don't create a blind spot when folded down. Fuel efficiency could be better but hey its a Hemi! as far as cylinder deactivation goes only time will tell how it will affect the engine over time. I guess I'll have to provide you with an update when it hits 100k miles.

Good luck on the purchase

 

I will be the first to admit that I don’t “need” a diesel. However, once you have one there is no going back to gas. I live in western New York and have never had any problems with cold and have never plugged it in. For what you are doing, I think you would be very happy with a diesel.I have no complaints with the Cummins ,
was rock solid for me and the Cummins got much better fuel mileage than the duramax and the engine brake worked much better. Best thing for you would be to drive both, not just around the block either take it up to speed on back roads and I’m sure you will appreciate the GM much better. I have 3k miles on my duramax and the ONLY complaint I have is that the engine brake button is hidden behind the shifting lever so it’s impossible to see….. that’s my only complaint which is pretty lame! Love this truck. I hear people say maintenance is so much more but I don’t think so. Fuel filter every 10k miles which is simple to change and a few more quarts of oil is all. Speaking of oil, the duramax is sooo much easier to change the oil on!!!! Cummins was a PITA!


I have to dit this post…. All of a sudden, my fuel mileage has been much better!! I have been racking up the miles on it to get it broke in good before I start towing a lot. Just recently my mileage has gone from 15.5-16 mpg up to 19-20 mpg! Never bought this truck for good economy but it is much appreciated! Not sure if is because it is broke in or possibly warmer weather but I like it!

 

Great to hear! I hope you'll keep us updated with how you like towing with it. I've got to free up some time and go do some tire kicking...

 

For the first time in my life I'm actually considering an extended warranty.
I know Toyota and Ford allow their warranty to be purchased separately from the truck, any idea if GM does also? I'm aware of a couple places to get a discounted Toyota warranty (from this forum) and several dealers that sell Ford extended warranties online for a considerable discount, but I haven't been able to find any options for a GM warranty (GMC or Chevrolet). I haven't even been able to find any pricing. Does anyone have any insight or recommendations? My local dealer is pushing a non GM warranty but I don't like the fine print associated with it or the price.

 

I’m going to be taking this route as well after my tundra. Pretty dead set on a 2500 custom with a Duramax.

 

I recently got a 2024 Yukon XL with the 6.2 and also heavily considering my first extended warranty purchase.
I searched the GM forums and found the guy who sells the GM protection plans. Here is his contact info:

Dennis Fichtner
Internet Warranty Specialist
406-698-6355 Cell
dfichtner@laurelchevy.com

 

Thank you, much appreciated.

Laurel Chevrolet also has a website you can go through; https://www.laurelchevyprotectionplans.com/
Give them your email and then wait (I just did about 10 minutes ago)

I also just found a website that gives prices instantly; https://www.knappvehicleservicecontracts.com/
I tried it and the prices are higher than Ford prices I've gotten, but it's the first GM warranty I got a price for, so I don't know how it compares to other GM dealers yet... Compared to the non GM warranty my local dealer is pushing, it's better coverage for less money, so a step in the right direction

 

The GMC dealer I bought from was only selling a third party warranty for like $8000. I just told him to stop talking at that point.

 

Buy a Ram and you can join this elite crew

 

I agree that the Ram needs to drop to the bottom of the list. In both Gas and diesel versions.

That leaves GM and Ford. Both use the shared 10 Speed box they jointly developed. I know several people prefer the GM as its better riding vehicle. I'm biased to Ford as I have more experience. Ford seats are better in my experience. I'm happily done 960 miles in a day in one. Can't do that with the GM. GM's in vehicle towing set up has lots to admire. Especially since Ford just destroyed the Fordpass app deleting things like trailer lighting check via app.

What are you towing?

 

That junk shouldn’t be on anyone’s list.

 

I thought the trans in the 1/2 tons was the joint project? Isn't the new 10 speed in the HD trucks (gas engine) a GM design that they put the Allison name on?

The two trailers I use the most are an enclosed cargo trailer and a travel trailer. They are not very heavy, usually 5k - 7k, and although not heavy the trailers do push a lot of air (like towing a brick pulling a parachute).

I started out wanting to try a Toyota, but the 3rd gen is too much car, not enough truck. Ruled out GM 1/2 tons because a 24 gallon gas tank doesn't cut it for towing. Ruled out F150 (and basically all 1/2 tons) because of max 500 lb tongue weight (I run 600 - 800). Ruled out Ram (any size) because of past experience and zero faith that Fiat is correcting the problems.

Briefly considered diesel but decided to stick with gas.
I've narrowed it down to GM (Chevy or GMC) 3500 or F350. There are things I like about both and don't like about both. I was leaning hard toward GM but finally got a chance to test drive both and now I'm less sure. I must admit I liked driving the Ford. Liked the seating position and view out the windshield better. Liked the transmission in the GM better but being new they are still learning and that could change...
I like the GM box better. Straighter sides, more usable space, more (and better) tie downs. GM lists weight capacities right in the owners manual. The rating I most appreciate is for the bed side rails so I know how much weight I can carry on racks mounted in stake pockets. Ford doesn't list a bed side rating anywhere. Maybe they aren't rated for racks? Maybe the aluminum can't handle racks?
I do prefer the IFS GM uses, especially now that Ford only uses one selectable hub. Thinking about the passenger side hub being locked while the driver side is unlocked really messes with my head.
They both make checking the trans fluid a pain, but I guess I prefer the GM method. I don't like the plastic pan on the Ford.
Draining the engine oil and changing oil filter is easy on both, the Ford would be a little messy, the GM mess free. They both look like they'll require a step ladder and funnel to add oil.
Prefer the engine (7.3) in the Ford. It's bigger, has more power, and I'm not fond of the direct injection on the GM.
I like that Ford offers axle ratio options (3.73, 4.30), GM is 3.73, no option. I prefer the eaton locking rear differential GM uses.
I don't like reading reports of the GM 6.6 (gas) using oil. Don't like GM saying 1 quart of oil per 100 gallons of gas is normal. Don't like reading reports of cam failures in the Ford 7.3.

If I didn't drive them first I would buy GM. Trouble is I already drove them. If I stayed off the forums and didn't look too close I would get the Ford just for the driving position. Trouble is I've already read forums and already looked close and Ford makes me nervous. Their short sighted greed is getting out of hand. If they would invest some of the billions that warranty repairs and recalls are costing them into quality improvements they could make more money in the long term.

The highest hurdle to get over is the price. They ask a lot for a vehicle full of cheap, China sourced components. On the F150 (didn't see a tag on the F350) the US/Canadian parts content is 32% The Tundra is 55%

Well that got quite lengthy, sorry to ramble on. I'm really struggling with this expensive decision...

 

I think you're right about the transmission.

If it was a choice between adding oil between changes and cam failures, I can tell you which one I'd go with...

 

I totally get where you’re at. I am in the same boat. If my truck didn’t handle everything I threw at it like an absolute champ, I would be trading into an HD rig right now. I still feel undecided at times.

My thought right now is, 5-7k is not necessarily you-need-a-new-truck territory. Now if your travel trailer is 30’ long, then that’s going to come with some wind issues that may make you feel less than comfortable.

Quoting myself from another thread below because I think how this guy got his Tundra and 7k trailer set up is great. With a WDH, he is within axle ratings, tow rating, combined gross ratings, but I would be 280 lb over my 7200 lb GVWR with this setup with a full tank of fuel.

 

My current rig (1 ton van) has no problems with the weight. My main reason for wanting a truck is due to my use and loads changing, especially now with a travel trailer, I would like a truck bed for items like gas cans and generator.

Two of my trailers have aluminum frames and do not allow using a WDH, but even with a WDH the 1/2 tons just don't have enough payload capacity. My empty van is over 8,000 lbs, by empty I mean the gear that is always with me is in it, but before any load is added. I also prefer the larger brakes and rear leaf springs in the HD trucks for towing.

The last time I weighed my van "empty" it was 8,060 lbs. That was a couple years ago and I've added some "have to have it with me" gear since then so would be a bit heavier now.

 

I wonder how many people with aluminum frame travel trailers are using a WDH anyway.

 

I know some do, I've seen them on the road, but maybe some are designed to be used with WDH? I really don't know, just know that mine specifically say not to. It's a non issue for me though cause I'd still be over payload capacity even with a WDH

 

I have a 2021 tundra and a 2020 f350. I used to get a new work truck every two years. I have had all of them. GMC, Chevy, Avoid and Ford. So far this ford has held up the best. Knock wood.

 

Yeah what just happened to ford pass. All the useful stuff gone…like fuel level. Def level. Oil change interval.

 

Any interest in sharing your reasons for avoiding GM? I'm genuinely interested since I'm currently shopping HD trucks. I've owned something from most of the brands over the years, seems like they all have strengths and weaknesses. I'm not brand loyal, I shop them all when it's time for something new.

 

Any idea which travel trailers might have aluminium frames? Mine definitely looks like steel to me.

 

You could consider lightening your non trailer load and using a trailer dolly like a TOAD to pull your trailers without giving up very much payload at all and get away with a 2.5 gen Tundra with aftermarket leaf packs and Alcan brakes if you want springs and brakes.