Duramax MPG's
 

With the price of gas and all, I am considering a move from my 8.1L gas V8 to a similar truck with the 6.6 Duramax diesel. Right now just trying to get all the facts straight. For you Duramax owners - What's a realistic MPG estimate and under what load/driving conditions? I know it will pull as well or better than my big block gas engine, just wondering how much better the mileage will be compared to what I'm doing now - 10 MPG loaded truck, 8 MPG highway with full trailer.

Thanks,

Jaybee

Duramax MPG's
 

I get about 15-18MPG in my '02 duramax with 33" tires. The diesel debate has been beet to death. Mainly that yes it does get better gas mileage but the diesel engine options cost more to buy. Resale value for diesels trucks is usually higher then gas trucks so that offsets the initial cost of buying a diesel truck. Also diesel fuel is usually $0.20 cheaper then 87 gas (although last month it wasn't!). The price debate of diesel engines vs. gas engines probably end up costing the same in the long run, I think it comes down to what would you rather drive? I love to be towing up a steep grade doing 70mph in 5 gear just lugging along.

Duramax MPG's
 

Sandaholic pretty much summed it up. You would have to probably put over 100K miles on the D-max before you could re-coop the up front cost through fuel savings. Also a diesel will cost more to perform service and oil changes on. It will outperform a gasser in stock form and can really outperform a gasser with simple <$500 computer updates (i.e Edge Attitude, Bulldog, Banks, etc)

My cousins stock D-max averaged about 10MPG towing his loaded 28ft Desert Fox ~9500lbs from Sacramento to Pismo.

Duramax MPG's
 

We pull a 22' Thor Pak Rat (about 11' tall-catches some wind) loaded at about 6,500 lbs. With no wind and fairly flat, 13-15 mpg. Worst mileage was 8-9 mpg with a 30-40 mph cross wind and empty trailer, but still could drive 70 in overdrive. Have about 11,000 miles, about 10% pulling the trailer, and its averaged just under 15 mpg since we bought it. Calm day, no trailer at 70 will get 16-18. Drive 65 and get close to 20. Since my 1/2 GMC Z-71 avg'd around 11, mileage is 33% better with the Duramax including pulling a bigger trailer. 1/2 ton pulled a 16 ft stock trailer and got 9 mph and couldn't run 70. This diesel may pay for itself in fuel savings. Know several others that drive them and love 'em.

Duramax MPG's
 

How much does a oil change cost for a diesel compared to a gas engine when you do it your self or if you get the oil changed at a quick lube place or something like that?
Just wandering. I know it cost $20 to get it done and about $10 for oil filter, air filter, and oil for my gas burner.

Duramax MPG's
 

I'm sure Duramax is similar to my Powerstroke; 14 litres of oil and $10-20 for filter, depending where you get it. According to my mechanic buddy, they need that much oil because diesel creates ash. Any less, and you'd be changing it all the time. I do all my changes myself. Same as a car, except the filter holds about 2 quarts of oil so you need to fill it before putting it on.

I don't think there's any comparison to make between diesel and gas. Yes, you pay $5,000 more up front, but then you save on fuel, higher re-sale, AND, the engine lasts easily twice as long. Not as hard to sell a high miler diesel. Look at resale difference between gas and diesel in a marine application.HUGE!

good to see no BS, honest feedback on the mileage guys. my uncle has a Cummins 3/4 ton and he drives 50-55, NEVER faster. It's a 4 or 5-speed standard, single cab, single axle. Empty, he gets 28 mpg.

my Ford is dually, 1 ton, real crewcab, not one of these quad cabs,4x4, 7.3L diesel. I've put a 60HP chip in, which made it run way better, smoother. I have a 30' travel trailer and I also carry a 9'8"x8' snowmobile deck converted to carry quads. We carry 2 adult quads and 2 kids sizes plus the trailer. I have 4:10 gears. I drive with a lead foot, 70MPH, probably too fast. the steepest highway hills i still do 50-55mph. I get 10-12 loaded, 12-14 empty. Actually, thats to the imperial gallon, so probably a little less than that. I find so many people BS their mileage, OR, they're like my uncle and don't go over 50-55MPH, and drive on straight flat roads. I want to know the REAL mileage, the way i drive.

I've been considering a Duramax, hearing good things. How do the owners like them? WHat was the first year they came out? Any glitches to watch for in used?, cuz that's all I can afford. Anyone own a Ford Powerstroke before and how would you compare them? Remember, be HONEST. If you just want to trash one brand or the other, or beat your chest, don't bother replying. IMHO, they're both very nice trucks. Just like some IMPARTIAL, honest feedback.

Thanks.

Duramax MPG's
 

The duramax takes just under 3 gallons of oil, filters are about $9. I believe the duramax came out in either 00 or 01, from then till 03 its code is LB7 in 04 they made some changes to the engine and its code is LLY. Some of the changes were in the injector design and fuel filtering. I don't know of any first year glitches in the motor. There were alot of rumors about it having a iron block and aluminum heads that the head gaskets would never last. No head gasket problems. The only problem you hear about are fuel injectors, GM sent a letter to all its owners stated it will cover the injectors up 200,000 miles! Not bad, I thought my 100,000 mile warranty was pretty good.

You can talk about engines all you want, but I think the best feature of the truck is the Allison automatic 5 speed. Super smooth shifts, and great tow haul speed management.

Duramax MPG's
 

Actually, it was the first year where i heard GM "did something" they weren't supposed to do, to the Allison tranny
and then there were some problems. (pretty vague, which is why I ask the owners..... probably a rumor started by Ford and Dodge guys). I heard the same wispers about the cast block and aluminum head heating and cooling at different rates, had to equal recipe for disaster. But then they said Isuzu had used this design for years, and it was very successful. This is an engine made for GM by Isuzu, correct?

So this must have equal or better power than the Ford, with better mileage?

Duramax MPG's
 

The Duramax is made by Isuzu and the transmission is made by Allison.

As far as Ford vs. GM in diesel power, they keep swapping titles in power leaders. Horsepower is meaningless in a diesel, it is all about the torque and at what rpm the max torque is at.

If you are confused on which one to buy, all I can say is test drive both and see what fits you better. You will find the interior, the ride and handling, and engine noise all to be different.

Duramax MPG's
 

ya, $$ will play a part. I already have a '99 Ford, and it's good, but if the GM is more bullet-proof.... MAYBE..... I've always heard the GM trucks ride smoother. It doesn't cost anything to test drive!!