The End of an Era

Today was the day.

Yes, I took it off-road with less than 50 miles on the truck. Don't judge me. Lol

 

To be honest bud, I forgot what it was like.

You know what a DMax feels like with the Allison, but with todays trucks with a exhaust brake is insane. I can see my brakes lasting a very long time. The Allison 1000 does a damn fine job with grade braking, but when the exhaust brake is selected, you actually have to add fuel going down steep grades. I normally keep it off anyway, and it doesn't engage anyway unless the truck is in Tow/Haul mode (from what I seen). Towing in the snow might be interesting, I think the exhaust brake will be left off unless we have the 26' gooseneck hooked up.

Today I tried to break the in (500 miles, various speeds, nothing over 55 mph) but came up short with 405 miles. It was interesting finding my way down from Denver to Colorado Springs and not getting on roads that were higher speeds. I even found out it does pretty good off-road as well. Taking traction control off is one button, and with a limited slip out back, no issues there.

Fuel economy while breaking in was a little surprising. The on board computer said the best average was 23.4 mpg and the average tank was 18 mpg. I filled up, and did the math, 17.86 mpg in the mountains and city driving. Not bad.

So I went with the GMC Sierra 3500 SLT, SRW, 3.73 gears, black leather, bed liner, power folding mirrors, power rear slider, etc.

 

Diesel fuel is 30% more efficient, and right now, .25 cheaper per gallon. I haven't figured out the DEF fluid cost per gallon yet.

 

Right now in the diesel market, they are offering 5k off, 2k cash back and some of the lower models are getting another 2k back. Pretty good incentives.

I was quoted 62,500 minus whatever rebates are going on at the time for a 2017 Chevy/GMC diesel trucks. From a Tundras.com member, I took his advice on not getting the first year redesign motors. He is a 22 year GM tech. I also backed up what he was saying from another GM tech that just retired.

 

So here are some more pics and some of the things I like/dislike.

This is a dislike. How in the hell would this last on the long term? This is the wheel speed sensor. I will fix that crap somehow.


Engine bay. Me likey. Everything is pretty economical for future maintenance. Alt up top, air filter easy to get out, transmission dip stick. Love that I can service my transmission yearly now. The Allison also has a exterior spin on filter. This will be changed yearly.





Here is another like. LED side marker, bed work lights.




LED marker lights.

Good stuff



Exterior shot



Interior.












Wireless charging deck

 

Shell, 87 octane (which is mid grade at this elevation) is 2.45. Diesel is 2.29. Colorado has always had pretty good fuel prices.

Loves is shit gas BTW...FYI. Loves is quite a bit cheaper here as well. I only purchase Top Tier fuel.

 

It has wiring loom on it. That is good thinking. I may double up on it. That just looks just stupid and could have been engineered out for a way better design. I would have dropped it down the centerline of the axle to each tone ring. Problem solved.

 

Some more options that are likes:

-WIFI. This truck has it installed (4G) and works up to 50' away and run seven devices on it. This will be nice for my devil spawn on longer tow trips. Since I have AT&T, I can add my truck for 10.00 per month if needed for up to 2 or 3G

-On Star is nice, but I will not subscribe to it.

-Tailgate locks with the truck. Awesome!!

Dislikes:

-The Rancho Shocks. Not a huge fan. The truck rides very nice, but the trucks without the off-road Z-71 package have a better ride. A set of Bilsteins should do the trick.
-No mud flaps. Kind of sad this expensive of a truck doesn't have these factory. Hell, I was running into trucks that dealership were approaching on 60K without step bars. That is another sore topic.

 

I would still have my Tundra in a heartbeat if I didn't tow 3 different trailers that really push the limits of the 1/2 tons....at least here in CO.

 

Shit...I knew I forgot something.

Highly doubt it will happen anytime soon. Clock starts today.

Tundra had a major failure at 78K miles. So far this has been my best mileage without failure.
My last Chevy truck was 75K with no issues other than a starter, and I sold it. So the Tundra beats it out since I can't assume it would have.

 

Looks like you got the better end of that deal with the Tundra. Ha ha. Winner winner chicken dinner right?!!!

 

No kidding. I just did a search for a 17' Platinum F250 and they are 60-68 depending on options.

 

Supply and demand. I would assume diesels are used more in TX for business purposes (oil & gas, ranch/farming, travel) and that would cause the diesel to be higher. Where I am originally from (Montana) fuel prices are just ridiculous. When I would drive up there from CO, I would never leave WY without filling up.