RE: New Duramax/Allison
Another mileage data point:
We just completed a 1900 mile round trip to Florida, up and down I-95 towing a 33' TT with an '08 Duramax and got 11.0 mpg overall (hand calculated). My spot calculations along the way seemed to show that the mileage varies strongly with cruise speed. At 55 mph, I think I was getting approximately 12.5 mpg, and at 70 mph approximately 10.0 mpg.
Also, averaged over the entire trip, the fuel usage reported by the truck's DIC differed from the fuel pump figure by only 3/4 of one percent (0.75%).
The truck tows like a dream, it was a very pleasant drive.
RE: First-time diesel fueling with trailer
Thanks for all the great info, I knew I came to the right place!
It sounds like we’ll be stopping at the truck stops on this trip, and yes, its I-95 almost all the way. I have several of the exit/fuel stop directories and agree that they’re packed with useful info. I’ve been scouting out the truck stops on Google Earth, some of them are enormous, even I should be able to maneuver around in there. By “filling and move out of the way”, I assume that you mean, bring CC inside store, go out and fill up, then send wife inside to settle bill while I clear away from the pump for the next customer, then wait in truck in case I have to move out of the way again. In other words, there is not a separate parking area to pull into after pumping while you go in and pay. Is that how the truckers do it?
The Chevy/Duramax has been a pleasure to tow with. It feels very powerful and stable, even when we drove it over the mountain ridges in the western parts of Maryland and Virginia on our trip to Luray/Jellystone. It is a Crew Cab long bed with the 34 gal tank; I must admit filling it up with diesel the first time was a shocker, something like $130!!. But it tows great, lots of fun!
Thanks for the oil info. I talked to the Service Manager when I bought the truck and he also cautioned me to be careful and make sure correct oil is used.
John
First-time diesel fueling with trailer
Greetings Fellow RV'ers!
We are new to the RV world and are cutting our teeth on a Rockwood 33' travel trailer and 2008 Silverado 2500 diesel. So far, we've had two short trips that have been GREAT fun, and are now planning a much longer two day trip (MD to DisneyWorld). This will be the first time buying diesel fuel with the trailer attached.
I've read a huge number of previous posts about fueling at various types of fuel stops, but am still not too clear on a few things.
First, it seems that the large truck stops are the most accessible and convenient from the major highways, with plenty of maneuvering room. But, can I fuel my Silverado 2500 from the large diesel nozzles intended for large trucks (will it fit in my filler tube, does it flow too fast)?
Also, I've read conflicting posts on using ordinary VISA-type credit cards at these pumps. Can you use them at the pump? Do you have to go inside?
Any reason not to use the large stops?
Any other advice?
Thanks in advance!
John
RE: Issues with new 2008 Rockwood 8317SS
Hi I just bought a 8313ss ... My sewer flush leaked the first time but an easy fix, just needed to tighten the connection.
Mine leaks also, can you tell where your leaking connection was, and how to fix it? Did you have to take anything major apart to get to it?
Thanks
John
RE: 2K8 Silverado Diesel Recall
We had it done at about 8500 miles. Has anyone noticed an improvement in fuel economy since the re-flash? We have picked up about 15% improvement.
Was the 15% change determined by hand calculation using actual gallons filled and miles driven?, or is that the number given by the readout on the dash? I've read on one of the truck forums that some people suspect that the reflash also fixes an error in the computations displayed by the readout. Others think it changes the way the DPF regenerates, to be more efficient (and therefore, use less fuel).
RE: Lithium Grease in Wheel Bearings???
I don't see how. The oil leaves a protective film on the bearings.
A good "comparison" would be the camshafts in your engine. They sit exposed for long periods of time with no rusting issues...
You may be right, I don't know about automobile camshafts, but rusting camshafts is actually a major headache in piston aircraft engines for exactly this reason. The camshaft sits up high, above the crankcase, and after long periods of no use, the oil film completely leaves the cam surfaces and they start rusting and pitting. Rusting cams from lack of use is one of the major reasons for premature aircraft engine failure.
Interestingly, the use of synthetic oil makes the problem worse, because, according to Lycoming, synthetic oil is so slippery that it doesn't "cling" to the metal for as long as ordinary oil, so the rusting starts sooner.
John
RE: Is rotating trailer tires required?
...there is a wealth of information that can be gained by studying tire ware patterns, and rotation only mask the problems...
That's a good point, I hadn't thought of it that way. If you don't rotate your tires, they may wear out faster, but it also gives you a nice diagnostic tool for alignment, axles, etc.
John
RE: Attaching bubble levels question?
... but the only thing that HAS to be level is the refrigerator.
bumpy
I'm curious (and I have a digital level), does anyone know "how" level the fridge has to be, for instance, within 0.1 deg, 1 deg, 5 deg, 10 deg, etc.? I search Dometic's website and couldn't find anything.
John
RE: Backing in somebody else's rig
If a person can't back up their rig, they should not be driving it. (period)
So, then how does one learn? Did you go to trailer-backing-up school before you drove a trailer for the first time?
RE: Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
We have the GMC 2500 HD 4x4 CrewCab Long Bed Z71. We lifted the vehicle, so the package became obsolete other than the skid plates when the springs and shocks were replaced. I cant remember if the Z71 gave me the rear auto locking diff or if it came with it anyway, but I would always make sure you get that option! Long bed is definetly the way to go for trailering! The longer wheelbase spreads the load a little better and feels more stable at speed.
Yes, the locking differential was included in the package. I love the way the truck drives, now I just have to figure out how to park it!
RE: GMC C5500 Crew Cab
Try http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/dmdindex.htm
It has a quite a lot of info, including a weight calculator that will tell you the actual vehicle weight as equipped with various options.
It is not very user-friendly, so you have to look carefully at each page to find all of the various menus and button selections.
RE: Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
Thanks to all of you for the opinions and info!
I picked up my new pickup tonight and we all love it! A Chevy 2500HD Silverado 4x4 long bed Diesel/Allison. It rides and sounds great!
Next step: buy the trailer!
RE: Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
FlyCherokee,
... The only differences between the 2500HD and the 3500HD SRW models are these weight carrying differences: the 3500HD SRW has an additional leaf in the rear springs, slightly larger shocks, and 265/75/16 "E" range tires with 3415 lbs capacity each at 80 PSI instead of the 245/75/16 "E" range tires with 3042 lbs capacity each at 80 PSI on the 2500HD. Everything else is identical ... Buying a GM 2500HD truck (which is much more than adequate for the RV unit you mentioned) and wanting to gain those 700 lbs of additional capacity down the road if you should you change RV units only requires you to replace the 245 tires with the 265 tires when new tires are needed, add airbags OR rubber type supports such as timbrens OR the additional spring leaf, and replace the OEM shocks with larger ones as required. ...
Thank you for all the detailed info. I did not realize that the differences between the 2500 and 3500 Chevy were so few; springs, shocks, and tires. But, I guess that's smart, GM can reuse the basic engineering, parts, and testing for almost all of the vehicle and then, by changing just a few key components, create a new product.
I'm glad to hear that the 2500 is more truck than I need, that's what I want, lots of margin for this new adventure. I researched all of the "half-ton" trucks. They seemed to have sufficient towing capability, but usually did not meet my payload requirements (family + stuff in bed + trailer tongue), or they were right at the edge. Also, I talked myself into needing/wanting the diesel.
The more I look at the Chevy/GM 2500HD Diesel, the more I like it, especially that nice growling sound that the diesel engine makes. It looks like a good product, in fact, I was pleased with all of the trucks I looked at, they have improved considerably since my last pickup truck adventure (a small 1984 Toyota pickup).
Thanks again to all for your opinions and input. I'll probably be going to the dealer tomorrow morning to buy.
RE: Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
...I would like to add this one, what I feel to be a most important change to your option list. Since you already have settled on the 8' pick-up box, do yourself a favor, and buy the 3500HD SRW truck. I am not sure for 2008, but in the 2006 model year, the 3500 SRW WAS LESS MONEY THAN THE 2500HD!?!? It may have changed, but if the price is even close, the 9900# GVWR 3500HD SRW will give you 700lbs more hauling capacity than the 9200# 2500HD, and other than the rear spring stack, and wheels they are the same truck. Just my $.02
Thanks for the suggestion. I think it is a good idea also, although, originally I had concern about the 3500 ride being even more stiff than the 2500. I haven't driven one because the dealer that I've been using doesn't have any 3500's in stock, so I don't know for sure. I probably should go find one to test drive.
RE: Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
You do realize that that truck is over 25 feet long don't you? ...
Actually, Chevy's website says it's about 21 1/2 ft long, compared to 20 ft for the standard box. I'd rather have the shorter truck for ease of parking and maneuvering, but as far as I can tell, the only way to get the larger fuel tank (34 gal) is to get the long bed. (The standard bed tank is 26 gal.)
Also, isn't it true that a longer wheelbase is more stable when towing a long (33 ft) trailer?
RE: Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
Thanks for all the quick responses.
"...Why would you pay extra for the 'off road' suspension if you will never 'off road'..."
"...Question? Why a 4X4?? ..."
Yes, good questions. I don't actually want the Z71 Off Road package, but it is already on many of the specific trucks that we are looking at. So, I just want to make sure that I'm not making a mistake if I get it. Regarding 4x4, we travel to snow country frequently and I think I want 4x4 for that. Anyway, in my simple mind, 4WD and pickups go together like peanut butter and jelly.
I drove a Z71-equipped truck again this morning and didn't think it was especially different than the standard suspension, but it's hard to develop a good opinion on a short test drive, so I thought I'd ask for some real-world input.
P.S. The truck will be a Chevy 2500 crew cab, long bed, diesel, 4x4.
Thanks to all, hope to see you out there someday!
Chevy 2500HD Ride Quality
Greetings! We're first timers getting very close to making a decision on a tow vehicle for a new 8000 lb GVWR, 33 ft travel trailer. We are settling on a Chevy 2500HD diesel 4x4 long box, but are unsure about the suspension packages.
The standard suspension seems to be the "Z85 Handling/Trailering" package, but there is an option for "Z71 Off-Road". We have no plans for off road use, and are more interested in a smooth on-road ride. Most of the vehicles in my area, that fit my other requirements, have the Z71 package.
So, we have two questions:
(1) Does the Z71 package in any way reduce the towing/payload capability of the truck? The Chevy website seems to indicate that it does not.
(2) Is the ride significantly more harsh with the Z71 package, compared to the Z85?
Thanks, from a couple of soon-to-be old folks not wanting to get bounced around too much!
