phenrichs
Sioux Falls, SD
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Joined: 05/05/2010
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I am looking at a newer truck. I am looking for a diesel. I found one I like and have spoken to them and found out it is clean.
I searched on the duramax forum for information but all they talk about is performance mods and such.
I would like someone to give me some real towing experience for a 2007+ duramax truck.
Likes and Dislikes. Things you wish it had from the factory (options not mods please). I intend for whatever I buy to be good enough the way the factory built it. I am not really into buying something only to drop a lot of money into it to make it do what it should. That money is saved for goodies for the TT 
Here is a link to the truck.
Thanks in advance.
clicky
2006 Ram 3500 Megacab Cummins
2012 Keystone Sprinter 311BHS
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downtheroad
Pacific Northwest
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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(my "experience only" answer)
Can't tell from the ad but if it is an 07 Classic (with the LBZ generation Duramax) then I would most definitely jump on it.
Tons of power, without emissions control junk, very reliable..few if any known problems, great, proven reputation.
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."
GMC Duramax LBZ
Komfort
Reese Dual Cam HP
Our Rig Picture...CLICK HERE
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45Ricochet
North Idaho
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Joined: 09/04/2009
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That is the new body style ( which I liked much more) but it is not the LBZ pre emission engine. It will have the DPF, EGR and CAT devices. Still a nice 365HP puller. The Duramax crew will be along shortly 
06 Ram 3500 CC LB Laramie 4x4 Dually 5.9 Cummins Smarty Jr 48RE Jacobs brake
GVWR 12,200 RAWR 9350
06 Grand Junction 34' High profile 15500 GVWR 3200 pin Mor/ryde 5500 Onan genny Dual A/C Wet bolts
27' Hallett 502, 500HP
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WellShooter2
West Texas
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Joined: 03/20/2009
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Ups - I have the '08 LTZ. which is an LMM. I deleted the DPF. Great pulling truck. Hauls my Challenger great, no problems other than AC leak fixed under warranty. Great truck 60,000+ miles!!
Downs - I hate the interior. No head room ( I wear a hat) no leg room. I'm 6' and can't stretch my legs out at break time. The console constantly rubs my knee. There is no storage space for pens pencils or change, thumb drives, billfolds etc. The dash is 1/2 acre on top with no trays or pockets. What were they thinking? The glove box was designed to hold the manual and not one thing more. The interior of the prior body style was much better.
If I could afford it I would look at the new FORD diesel. Much better interior design.
2008 2500HD D/A
2008 Keystone Challenger
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Bipeflier
Centralia, MO
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Joined: 05/06/2006
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I had an '01 DMax 6 speed manual and I never felt the need to enhance the horsepower. At that time I was towing an '03 Cruiser CF27RL at about 8000 lbs.
I traded for an '11 DMax this past year to tow my new Cruiser CF30SKP (11,000 lbs). You can't get a manual anymore in a diesel so this one has the auto. I am confident that if I would pay for the fuel, this thing would pull the 5er at 100 MPH!. This thing is a horse!!
Both trucks are 3/4 tons. I liked the seating position and controls in both trucks. Both were extended cabs with doors but the new ones fold full open which is a plus. Ride is much better in the new one and both were acceptably quiet. Reduced engine noise was the main reason I chose the DMax in the first place. I hate hearing those things slap.
2010 Cruiser CF30SK Patriot
2011 Duramax
1950 Right Hand Seat GPS (she tells me where to go)
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NewsW
US
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Joined: 02/06/2012
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phenrichs wrote:I am looking at a newer truck. I am looking for a diesel. I found one I like and have spoken to them and found out it is clean.
I searched on the duramax forum for information but all they talk about is performance mods and such.
I would like someone to give me some real towing experience for a 2007+ duramax truck.
Likes and Dislikes. Things you wish it had from the factory (options not mods please). I intend for whatever I buy to be good enough the way the factory built it. I am not really into buying something only to drop a lot of money into it to make it do what it should. That money is saved for goodies for the TT
Here is a link to the truck.
Thanks in advance.
clicky
Do you really need a diesel?
Why?
Without GM Dealer tools and a great tech, it is not easy to tell if it had a tuner etc. on it.
Nor is it possible to know if the warranty is voided -- or whether proper maintenance was done on it.
No matter what you do, diesels will be more expensive to operate and own than gas.
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goducks10
Keizer OR
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Joined: 02/22/2010
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His TT has a dry weight of 8000lbs and the dry tongue weight is 834lbs. Maybe not diesel but would definately make it easier to tow.
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LoneCowboy
Colorado
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Joined: 04/26/2012
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The duramax is great, the Allison is better.
the LBZ is the best motor of the whole run.
The post 07 diesels are worse, but the duramax and the dodge are ok.
I have had two LBZ's. 20+ highway MPG, 13-15MPG towing 12,000+ lbs
They are incredibly sensitive to fuel filters. Every 12,000 miles like clockwork (and it's 100 bucks).
the interiors are weak as someone mentioned.
It drives much nicer (more car like) than either the Ford or Dodge and it's much lower to the ground. (if your wife is shorter)
They all have their pluses and minuses.
but the place where I get all my vehicles worked on (they work on everything, from cars to pickups to big class 8 trucks, lot of diesel mechanics), every mechanic who owns a truck owns a duramax.
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BillandCarole
Vacaville, CA,, USA
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Joined: 07/26/2004
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We have driven our 08 duramax for 50k plus miles. We tow at about 7500 or so lbs. Mileage is about 12. Our short bed came with only a 26 gal tank. Too small so we added a 2nd for another 30. We love the truck. The power makes towing a pleasure. We ordered out size towing mirrors for which we are so thankful. Diesels are expensive, but we don't regret doing it.
Our 2 cents.
Bill and Carole
2K8 Chevy LTZ Turbo Diesel 4x4
Cats Vino, and Kitten "Stubby"
Transfer Flow Tank
2K7 Komfort 241fs
Reese 16K Slider
Honda EU2000 to power the toys
Garmin GPS's
"And were still wandering..."
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msjdbman
SW Michigan
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Joined: 04/22/2009
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As it has been a stated above, being able to know if it`s had a tuner or other mods is the biggest question or fear. I love my 08 with the LMM engine. It is a real horse. As to leg room...I guess it`s all in the eyes of the beholder. I`m 6 ft 4 inches tall, 250 lbs, and this truck has the most leg room of any truck I`ve ever had. I`m pushing 89K now, and the only issues were a trans cooler line and a fan clutch. That`s it. And if you can change your own fuel filter, try a cost of $29 for the Racor OEM.
2008 Duramax/Allison LT2 Crew cab Standard Box. Hellwig Air Assist.
2003 Coachmen Chaparral 295 IKS
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