The deals for 2008 and above Chevy 1-ton dually diesels are great right now...we have a 2005 Chevy 1-ton dually diesel presently...
Would love to hear from those that have got a 2007 - 2009 Chevy 1-ton dually diesel and how they have performed for you compared to your old tow vehicle...any problems so far with them?
* This post was
edited 06/26/08 06:11am by M GO BLUE *
We traded a 2004 GMC 3500 DRW DA 5spd Allison for our 2008 Chevrolet 3500 DRW DA 6spd Allison a few months back. In MHO there is no comparison. The 2008 is far and above the TV that the 2004 was mainly, MHO again, because of the 6spd Ally. Sixty-five mph with FW intow @ 1600-1700 rpms vs 2000+ with the 2004. We took a chance that this would be an improvement and, for once, we were right.
Only caution is that bed rails on 2008 are higher than 2004. We had to "raise" Moryde hitch to bottom holes for safe clearance.
just curious but on some of the commercial haulers webs their saying GM downrated the RAWR to only 8250 lbs on the new 3500 DRW trucks. Not sure what earlier 3500 DRW RAWR was but something to think about if you haul with GAWRs. If you haul with just GVWR then it may not be a problem.
Jim
'03 2500 Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs
'97 Park Avanue 28' with two slides
We have owned several Chevy/GMC 3500's DRW 4x4, 2006, 2007 (Classic) and now the 2008. The 2008 Chevy is a class in its on comparied to the others. The interior is awesome and the many upgrades is excellent. We actually looked at the Ford Super duties (F-450) however we got a 2007 Chevy Classic, Ford just isn't there yet. Then sold the Truck and 5th wheel as a package, then went the next day and got our 2008 Chevy. Have pulled some heavy loads on the Gooseneck equipment trailer and we also pull a heavy 5th wheel. The 2008 performs flawless and does an excellent job.
The only thing I dislike is the DPF system, it just makes the Truck burn and waste more fuel. However I haven't got less than 10 mpg towing and have got between 16 to 18 when not towing. I tow at no more than 60 mpg and don't hot rod aroung. I run no gadgets, programers or tuners etc, its just a waste of money. The Duramax has plenty of HP and torq. As usual if the EPA would stop forcesing GM to put this garbage on our Trucks they would get awesome fuel mileage. Good Luck with you choice and yes if your going to buy a Diesel now is the time. GBY...
I worried about Jim's possible issue, it may be as simple as my 05 has a max PSI of 65 lbs, vs the new models at 55-60 lbs in the rear tires. As I do not believe the tire size as change. I suppose the other issue is putting lower ability springs. But I doubt that too, then again...........
The only real advantage I see with the new trucks, is the DOD tranny, but for me, traveling all the time at 60 or less, no advantage unless I can get a lower GR in the axels. HP is higher, some advantage there, but again, for my use, where I drive, 1700 at 60 mph is just fine in OD. 4.33's vs the 3.73, for a lower overall 1st, getting me fro 25% gradibility in first gear at 20K lbs to over 30% grade in first, that would be worth it, with the same top end final ratio! Then again, we all have different needs etc for our trucks, low end take on on steep grades here locally pulling my bobcat is more of an issue than RPMs at 65 for me! I think I have put all of 3 maybe 4 tanks in 65K mile where I spent the whole time on the freeway!
Marty
05 Chev CC D/A LS Dooley
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
00 Chev C2500, V5700, 4L80E, 4.10, base truck, no options!
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer
3 Single axle utility trailers
To answer Jim's question about the rear axle rating - it really isn't any different than it was before. It's just based on the tire ratings and not the axle itself (which is still 11k lbs+). This is much the same as the 2500HDs.
On my truck at least, the cargo capacity is something like 4000 lbs and I don't think my pin weight is ever going to get quite that much.
Carriage Cameo 33CKQ | 08 GMC 3500HD CC LB Duramax Dually | Sam the Cat and the Labs | Best wife going
We traded our F-250(7.3)for a 2007 GMC 3500 SRW (not a dually) in November 07. We have since towed our 5th wheel and horse trailer from the Nashville area to South Florida several times and never looked back. Good mileage, 12 plus towing on highway, 18 plus w/o trailer and the 6 speed Allison transmission is the cat's meow. Now, if we could just do something about the price of diesel.
M & M On the road again! 2007 GMC 3500-SRW-Duramax-longbed-4X4 2005 COUGAR 5th wheel 2002 SUNDOWNER gooseneck horse trailer
luvlabs wrote: To answer Jim's question about the rear axle rating - it really isn't any different than it was before. It's just based on the tire ratings and not the axle itself (which is still 11k lbs+). This is much the same as the 2500HDs.
(snip)
11k for RAWR on a 3500 DRW ?? WOW, thats up in the 4500 size trucks RAWR range. Last time I looked the 2500 had a 6064 RAWR. When did GM change RAWR numbers.
My question was GMs rating not the axle manufactor. So what is the new GM 3500 DRW RAWR numbers.
I owned an 05' K3500DRW/CC/LB/D/A for a little over two years, towed my 37' Coachmen great. I did see temps. go up on it several times when towing some long steep grades in the heat of the day, but never got an "over temp" message or light. Also towed sig. 5er with it a couple of times. Got a great deal on sig. TV and have had it for 10 months now towing sig. 5er. Has the LMM engine and the DPF. I love it. It has more towing power then my 05', I know this from experience. The EGT doesn't climb as quickly with this one as it did with the 05', and when the fan on the 05' kicked in on the side of a mountain, I lost a lot more power with it and could tell it, then with this new one. It's a completely different animal to me then the 05 was...again, that's from my experience towing in the mountains of WV,TN,NC,SC & VA with both trucks towing the same 5er. If I had it all to do over again, I'd STILL trade the 05 in for the new engine/body style Chevy in a heartbeat. Completely stock and zero issues at 9,500 miles.
Jim & Kathy
2007.5 Chevrolet K3500DRW/CC/LB/LMM/D/A LTZ, Prodigy,Reese 20K hitch.
2006 HR Presidential Suite 37RLQ (4 slides).
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 4X4
Boxers: Sheba, 13...Buddy..1 yr.
USAF 71-75 Nam Vet
The 2500HD's spring pack is good to 6400, IIRC the SW3500 about 7000-7200, the spring pack on my dually is in the 8500 range. The axel itself, yes is good to 11K, but that does not include the brakes, tries, rims, springs etc.
The only thing I could recomend Jim, is look at a GM site and see if the GRAWR is listed.
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