Now that experience has been established, cost of ownership as far as maintenance issues has NOT been a factor I ever worried about. Clarify that to say any cost over and above what to me would have been costs associated with a gasoline engine in the same vehicle.
Oil filters, air filters and fuel filters were the only things I ever purchased. Fuel filters maybe more than someone geographically located in more temperate climates. To explain, living on northern plains, with brutally cold winter temperatures, I changed fuel filters every November, regardless of mileage. I did not want a fuel gelling problem along with a filter not as clean as a new one to make the problem worse.
Temperatures forces one up here to be careful with filters, and the type of diesel fuel one runs in winter use. Which also goes back to my November fuel filter changes.
Other than those maintenance issues, diesel was actually cheaper (at the time) to run for fuel mileage and power to pull my 35 foot fifth wheel.
I can only wish that diesel price would be based on the old supply/demand curve, instead of the speculation driven price it is at now.
The Mad Norsky, Doll, Logan, Korey & Rocky
2011 Ford F350 Power Stroke dually
RV'ing since 1991
We never know where we're going till we get there!
Back on topic here.
I have a 2007 Duramax LBZ with 80k mi with no issues what-so-ever. Plenty of power and is known to be the most reliable Dmax.
The only option I "wish" it had is a turbo or exhaust brake, and again that's more of a mod than option in that year.
Use the link below to see the differences between different Dmax models.
Fordlover wrote: I've driven my 4.6 liter gas engine 67K miles. Care to estimate how many fuel filters I've gone thru in that time? My oil/filter is usually around 20 bucks every 5K miles. I finally did put in a new air filer, can't believe the original lasted to the 60K oil change!
I could have bought a diesel to tow with, but my Explorer pulls what I need it too, and it would cost more to buy/maintain/feed a diesel than my explorer. I of course realize that my vehicle doesn't have the capability to pull what many on here do, but I'm simply a case that proves that a diesel isn't the answer for everyone, all the time.
My original comment stands, if you want or need a diesel, buy one! No need to legitimize the purchase to internet friends or foes.
You mean like your need to legitimize your decision to buy a 4.6l gasser ? The op was asking for real experience and opinions from duramax owners. You and a select others have done nothing but take his request for info off topic into a gas/diesel and gm/ford/dodge discussion. Nice job
To the op head over to the dieselplace forum, you'll find much more valuable and usefull information there on the question you actually asked.
2006 Silverado 2500hd duramax 4x4 - with a few mods
..as several have stated, thedieselplace forums on the different generation Duramax engines really would be the best place to pick up any and all pertinent information one would need. A very good forum, used it for years when I owned my Chevy D/A's.....
Jim & Kathy
2013 Dodge 3500DRW Longhorn 4X4/CC/LB/Aisin tranny/4:10/Cummins: 385HP/850TQ
06 HR Presidential Suite 37RLQ/ 4 slide/ dual pane windows/Winegard SK3005 Satellite/Splendide XC2100 W/D
Boxers;Buddy& Sheba II
USAF 71-75 Nam Vet
I drive an 08 2500HD Duramax for work. It has 61K on it. It pulls a 28' Desert Fox (business not pleasure trailer), combined weight of truck and trailer is 24K. The truck has been flawless so far. Warranty issues were two door lock actuators. Unloaded it gets 17 mpg and 13 around town. I track every tank, these are pretty solid numbers. Loaded its around 9 with said trailer but it largely depends on how many passes we go over. Plenty of power, its able to cool itself on these high passes. I find the truck comfortable, not a lot bling in the interior (its an LT) the seats are nice, and I spend a lot of time in them. I bought the same truck for myself only gas so I guess I put my money where my thoughts were.
There is no drama with these trucks. You dont see any asking how to make them dependable like you do with the 6.0 or 6.4 I personally own an 06 LBZ and its really as good as its reputation is said to be, however after running an 08 with the DPF, its no different. The regen is not noticeable. The mileage is worse but other than that it runs much the same. Every bit as dependable in my experience.
2006 GMC 3500 CC 4X4 D/A
2013 Fuzion 342
2011 RZR Desert Tan
2012 Sea Doo GTX 155
2005 GMC 5500 CC 4X4 D/A
2012 Chevy 2500HD 4X4 6.0 3.73
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My oil/filter is usually around 20 bucks every 5K miles. I finally did put in a new air filer, can't believe the original lasted to the 60K oil change! 
