Looking at HD trucks, any advice?

When in doubt, grab a magnet.

 

Synonym for dodge is avoid. So I call them avoid. Dodge = avoid

I’ve owned GMC Chevy Dodge and Ford. My best experiences have been with Ford. The trucks are for work. Haul trailers or materials daily.

 

I get it now, I'm a little slow...
I've got concerns about GM from previous experience, but nothing bad enough to make the avoid list. I do agree about Dodge

 

I end up in some mild off road situations and don't think a TOAD would work out very well. Thanks for the suggestion, but I much prefer to just get a truck that is capable of doing what I want.

 

That’s a ford owners way of life. You give them shit and it really is just a part of their lifestyle haha. I love the tremor too.
Also all other forums suck when you compare to this one. This is by far the best forum I’ve seen. I’ve cruised lots of other HD ones too.

OP in my opinion since you are buying new I would straight up go for the truck that you like best. If you were buying used I would say do your research on everything mechanical 1000 times over. At least that’s what I would do if I was buying brand new

I would buy a GM. And I will most likely be buying a used GM HD in the next year.

 

The problem is that they all have issues. Basically have to decide which issues you're more comfortable with and then pay more for it then it's worth. I've owned vehicles from each of these brands. I'd actually get excited when it was time for a new one, like a kid in a candy store. Would shop all brands and buy the one that "felt" the best. I can't seem to muster up the enthusiasm this time, greed is way out of control, way too many components are sourced from China, quality control doesn't seem to exist, and my tolerance for the vultures at the stealerships has gotten very low.

After rereading what I just wrote I almost felt like apologizing, but it's not directed at anyone on this forum and it felt kind of good to vent, so I won't. Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a better day than I just did. Now I've got to decide which vulture to go visit tomorrow.

 

Dude I hear that. Even if I had the cash shit sounds exhausting. Expensive as hell, total crapshoot, and salesman. And the beat goes on.

 

I’ve also been eyeing the HD market and had a similar post about 9 months ago specifically asking about the GM/Chevy 25/3500 6.6 Gas. Everything I researched about them seemed solid whether it had the 6 or new 10 speed trans didn’t seem to matter. Multiple forum members here have the 6.6 gas who previously came from Tundras and seem to recommend it without hesitation which is a pretty high compliment considering the reliability they’re used to with the 2nd gen Tundra.

I will without a doubt pick up a 6.6 gas 3500 GM/Chevy in a couple years. My wife got into a nursing program so I ended up buying a second gen sequoia with cash to haul the kids and pull little stuff while I wait for her to finish school.

I will find a used one probably with higher miles and in around 3 years I’m betting deals will be there sub 20k. I’ve already seen quite a few on used car sites near or >200k miles so quite a few out there are racking up the miles without catastrophic failure.

Good luck in your search. Hope my .02 can help your decision.

 

Always nice to hear positive thoughts, the forums are so full of complaints it can get a bit depressing.

I've driven 3 different 2024 Chev 3500s and really like the engine/trans. The 10 speed really works great. Other than a less then ideal seating position I really like driving them.

After driving 2 different F350s I came away liking the seating position better in the Ford but was not as impressed with the Ford 10 speed. I hate that Ford now leaves the passenger side front hub locked while the driver side is still selectable. Don't like the plastic pan on the trans or the convoluted procedure for checking the trans fluid. Ford does not have a weight capacity rating for the bed side rails so I'm not sure if the aluminum can handle racks. The engine oil drain location causes oil to drain on to front of trans (I know, nit picking, but makes me wonder about their engineers). The A/C died during one of the test drives.

If I can find a GM with the equipment I want I'm ready to take the plunge. If I can't find one on a lot, I'll place an order for a 2025. I'm starting to see light at the end of the tunnel

 

The Super Duty doesn't have an aluminum bed, does it?

 

God I hope not, because I want one, but there are always the older 6.7L models. If you go further back, 7.3L is my 2nd pick.

Been contemplating Duramax/Allison combo - those transmissions are bulletproof.

 

Yes it does, all aluminum

 

That's how I feel. No rust would be nice, but strength concerns me...

 

There's a plethora of videos out there showing how easily aluminum beds take damage

 

I believe 2019 was the last year of the 6.0 in the Chevy/GM 3500. We only buy 2011-2019 Chevys for that reason among others for work.

 

From 2020 on they've been using the new 6.6 (gas). Do you know of any reasons to avoid the 6.6?

 

There are always two camps on these topics, same with all the new Toyota models vs the old. I’ve found the 6.0 to be more reliable compared to the contractors we work with with the newer trucks. More proven and less complex argument. Others will say it’s not a good one but we’ve found the 6.0 to be solid and prefer it is all. Same way I prefer to keep buying 2016-2017 Tundras for our 1/2 ton needs instead of newer ones or other models. Reliable and simple work trucks.

 

Ok, I get that. I thought maybe you knew of a specific problem with the 6.6
A reliable and simple work truck is what I'm after and as far as new trucks go I think the base trim GM HD comes the closest.

 

He's scared to go fast uphill.

 

No hands on experience with the 6.6 but I would go 6.6 over 6.0 for serious towing. Don’t get me wrong, the 6.0 is solid and reliable, but from others in real life the 6.6 is a legit truck that is replacing diesels at heavy duty construction, age, and hauling companies. I will be taking a very serious look soon.

 

You can do your own research on the DI and other new features but even though it tows a hair better from what we’ve been told by others we’re happy with the slow and steady old reliable.

The GM certainly rides better than the Ford 1 tons for sure. I’ve had too many TBIs and concussions to own one haha. As far as gasser 1 tons go we like the GM options best.

 

One issue with 6.6 gas is oil consumption, there was one so bad that GM Canada actually swapped the truck, which they usually never do because we do not have lemon law.

Supposedly it's "normal" to consume 1 quart every 2000km, the ones I've driven all consumed oil one way or another.

I still dig a ZR2 HD Bison, would have it in red, and if they let me have front bench I may really think about it.

 

I know this is an older post, but what company are you referring to? Tried to find something on google but didn’t have any luck.

 

Here you go, when I talked to the up front office she told me they more than likely will not reach the specific number of each vehicle. Each HP had a set numbered only quota.


https://specialtyvehicleengineering.com/2024-700hp-800hp-sport-edition-sierra-lowered/

 

Thanks.

 

mine still has all that on the app. Maverick though.

 

*Deleted*

My reply had nothing to do with OP's opening comment.