Posted 2005-06-13 12:32 PM (#26457) Subject: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 2
Location: senatobia ms.
I am looking at a 2005 2500hd with 6.0 or 6.6 diesel. we pull local so more for everday use. so let me know how much you are towing and what you like and don't like. oh yea I am not sure if it will be a 2 wd or 4wd. thanks
Posted 2005-06-13 1:07 PM (#26460 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by walken on 2005-06-13 12:32 PM
I am looking at a 2005 2500hd with 6.0 or 6.6 diesel. we pull local so more for everday use. so let me know how much you are towing and what you like and don't like. oh yea I am not sure if it will be a 2 wd or 4wd. thanks
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I have a 3500 (duallie) 4x4 with 6.6L LB7 duramax and 5 speed Allison trans. This is NOT current production, the newer (2004.5 and on) ones are LLY engine and that is supposedly a bit more efficient.
See my recent post on (relative) fuel use, in which I express some surprise that pulling a lightweight 2 horse BP doesn't get me much better fuel mileage than a 4 horse head to head gooseneck. You can probably expect 13 or 14 if you drive with sensitivity for the horses, e.g. gentle acceleration and 'timing' to roll through lights so that you don't actually stop but roll through. This will probably drop to 11 or 12 if you're off highway, i.e. rural and semi suburban areas that don't have a lot of trafic stops, but where you can't get up into overdrive 5th gear either.
In other posts I've raved about the power extending mirrors, a "gotta have" item for me now. If they're not on the truck you buy I think you can add them aftermarket "PowerVision".
If you get 2WD be sure to get a limited slip ("locker") rear axle, or you're likely to get stuck on wet grass with what is in reality 1WD.
Posted 2005-06-13 1:43 PM (#26461 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
MPG is suppose to be improving. The Cummins 12 valve 89-98.5 is the king of diesel truck fuel mileage. The 24 valve lowered mpg. The Duramax LB7 is the king in the last few years. The Duramax LLY has dropped in mpg from the folks I talk too. Ford has improved MPG from the 7.3L to the 6.0L Power Stroke. But when loaded all bets are off, at full throttle, they all get very close MPG. I'm amazed at how much the same engines vary in mpg. Some folks can get 18 and others never get over 12 mpg with the same engines. Just have to get in good with your Chinese resturant and mix and heat 5% grease.
Posted 2005-06-13 2:03 PM (#26468 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
That 5% Chinese grease might make your truck run like a RICE-RRRRRRR. Bet you could get some mucho-grande BTU's out of some hog lard! May be a little time consuming keeping the filters changed, and would need to install an engine block heater in the fuel tank. We planted a bunch of soybeans this year, guess we could brew our own BIODIESEL. They keep upping the horsepower on these trucks, can't help but lower the mileage.
Posted 2005-06-13 2:10 PM (#26470 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
Bio diesel is getting big in Colorado. There's a diesel dragsteer here that runs on 100% bio diesel from Scott Benz. And www.Earthroamer.com runs on 20% bio diesel. Here the plant is canola, too cold/short for soybeans.
Posted 2005-06-13 2:39 PM (#26479 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Mr. Truck. Is that the litle dragster that's running the 5.9 cummins? I've seen some video of a dragster with a 5.9 setup, was kinda heavy compared to the gassers but was turning some pretty good times with limited engine modifications. Can't remember if he was running BIO or not.
Posted 2005-06-13 2:41 PM (#26481 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 2689
Only read this if you've havn't previously had a diesel.
The posts on alternate fuels (cooking grease, bio diesel, etc.) reminded me that the seasonal blend of diesel fuel seriously affects fuel (dis)economy.
Expect a couple of miles (or more) lower MPG when winter comes if you live in a cold climate. This isn't just the cold start and warmup effect you see in gas engines, it lasts through the whole 500+ mile trips. Sure, reinflating your tires back up to pressure helps, but winter blend fuels have lower energy. Just know this and try to not get TOO upset that you're paying even MORE money for a lower energy fuel, just because it is the oil heating season. If you didn't already know, fuel oil and diesel fuel are from the same base stock, hence price pressure in winter.
re early 12 valve cummins: Sure, but they were LOUD !
(-:
Posted 2005-06-13 2:45 PM (#26482 - in reply to #26479) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by retento on 2005-06-13 2:39 PM
Mr. Truck. Is that the litle dragster that's running the 5.9 cummins? I've seen some video of a dragster with a 5.9 setup, was kinda heavy compared to the gassers but was turning some pretty good times with limited engine modifications. Can't remember if he was running BIO or not.
Posted 2005-06-13 2:47 PM (#26484 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
It must really be cold somewhere right now as we speak cause the price didn't drop around here even when gas come down 20 cents. Of course the gas is going back up every day. Think they put something in the fuel in the winter just so you'll burn that much more just for meaness.
Posted 2005-06-13 4:26 PM (#26498 - in reply to #26484) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by retento on 2005-06-13 2:47 PM
It must really be cold somewhere right now as we speak cause the price didn't drop around here even when gas come down 20 cents. Of course the gas is going back up every day. Think they put something in the fuel in the winter just so you'll burn that much more just for meaness.
The latest politoco-speak I heard on it was that the economic recovery is creating an added demand for diesel fuel. Like we havn't ALWAYS had lotsa trucks on the road ? (rhetorical).
No, the winter blend has to not "wax" - that and have an acceptable "pour point". Unfortunately we don't buy "therms" or any other units of energy, we buy liquid gallons of whatever they mix and the winter mix is low on energy (so am I when it gets too cold).
Posted 2005-06-13 4:54 PM (#26499 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
My mother is getting around 14-16MPG now I think (her's is an 03 2500HD), I know a guy at work getting 18MPG. Appearently the milage getting better after "break in" 40,000km (or was that Miles?)
I've been pretty tickled with my 92 2500HD 350... 15-16MPG unloaded and never less than 13 with the loaded 3H CM
Posted 2005-06-13 6:39 PM (#26501 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 565 Location: Michigan
I have an '04 Dmax and love it. The Allison transmission is kick*** for hauling. I get 18-19 mpg in town/hwy driving. When pulling a 3H GN with 6' short walled trailer and one horse about 15mpg and with two horses 13-14mpg. I love this truck, have had no complaints thus far. This is my first diesel after having hauled with gassers, and what people told me about pulling with a diesel vs. a gasser they were absolutely right. My truck is 4wd and here in NE Michigan 2wd drive trucks are non-existent. 4wd is that peace of mind you will always have, you just never know. Wet grass, mud, sand, you'll have better luck getting out with 4wd vs 2wd.
Posted 2005-06-13 7:36 PM (#26510 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
Regular
Posts: 70 Location: Spanaway,Wa
I have a '03 2500HD Duramax and I love it. I wouldn't trade it for all the tea in china. The Allison trans. is a dream in tough pulling situations. My boss bought a '03 2500HD 6.0L and HATED it.He got bad milage during normal driving and really stunk when towing. He only kept it for 9mo. and took a big hit getting rid of it. He said there wasn't much resale value because you could get the 8.1L and get about the same milage.
I don't think you can beat the D-Max!!!!!! Good luck
Posted 2005-06-13 7:53 PM (#26518 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 109
I am getting about 15 mpg, this the milage towing or not. The truck is a 2500 HD and I do have to second the allison. Had to talk the wife into it and first time going down a hill in western Washington and drop down took hold it sold her on it. Normal haul around the area is two horse BP and for showing is the GN. When I got the truck I thought cheaper fuel prices, WELL NOT NOW. Just saw a item on CNN and the problem is there is not a enough refinery space. Seems that they are pumping as much as they can, crude. But with more trucks on the road using diesel they just do not have all the capacity they need. This maybe because at last report I saw was 40% of the cars in europe are now diesel.
Posted 2005-06-13 8:22 PM (#26519 - in reply to #26518) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Originally written by inWA on 2005-06-13 7:53 PM
I am getting about 15 mpg, this the milage towing or not. The truck is a 2500 HD and I do have to second the allison. Had to talk the wife into it and first time going down a hill in western Washington and drop down took hold it sold her on it. Normal haul around the area is two horse BP and for showing is the GN. When I got the truck I thought cheaper fuel prices, WELL NOT NOW. Just saw a item on CNN and the problem is there is not a enough refinery space. Seems that they are pumping as much as they can, crude. But with more trucks on the road using diesel they just do not have all the capacity they need. This maybe because at last report I saw was 40% of the cars in europe are now diesel.
Thats nothing new in Europe.
Diesel Mercedes taxi cabs are the norm in many major cities and have been for a very long time. One of the current US problems is in refining/providing enough low (and low enough) sulphur fuel.
Posted 2005-06-16 9:52 AM (#26661 - in reply to #26660) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Originally written by walken on 2005-06-16 9:31 AM
well thanks for the information but still undecided probley will be a mistake either way i go
It would probably be a mistake to buy a diesel JUST on the grounds of fuel mileage. If you have other questions FIRE AWAY ! (-:
I know the initial price is scary, some of the cold weather horror stories can also be a bit intimidating, living with a diesel IS different, but most of us who have had them for a while wouldn't go back. For hauling - they HAUL ! For daily commuting, especially short distance in COLD weather, maybe not the best choice.
Posted 2005-06-16 9:46 PM (#26721 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 70 Location: Spanaway,Wa
I can honestly say that buying my duramax new is the best vehicle purchace I've ever made. $33,000 is the most I've ever spent on a truck and have not suffered one moment of buyers remorse in 3 1/2 yrs.
Posted 2005-06-20 4:27 AM (#26787 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 189 Location: nashville, In.
I would get 4wd if you can afford it. Like someone else said, you never know what you'll get into. I've never had a truck without it.
I also have a 04 duramax. Love the tranny going downhill loaded. Really makes a difference. I get 18-20mph empty and haven't pulled enough with my new trailer to tell what I'll get. Don't think it's going to be that much less.My truck has less than 25,000 miles on it. Milage is getting better the more miles I put on.
I have a co-worker that bought a Dodge w/ a 04.5my Cummins that keeps asking what I'm getting. He gets mad when I tell him because he's just getting 13-15mpg. Of course he's the one that was giving me flack for buying the Chevy with the D-Max because we work at Cummins building the engines that go in the Dodge's! Oh well, I couldn't get the cummins in the Chevy. I like the engine but not the truck.
I had a '01 3/4ton Chevy with the 8.0lt in it and was getting 10mph on a good day going downhill with the wind at my back. I didn't let to many gas stations pass me by.
Posted 2005-06-20 7:54 AM (#26791 - in reply to #26787) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Posts: 23
Your subject line includes "mpg" so I assume you're concerned about cost of driving the truck which blows out into cost of ownership. Make sure you do a full (comparative) run of the numbers before you buy -- NPV or ROI or something like that. Include not only purchase price but also maintenance costs, and costs of repair if certain things break. Include how long you're going to keep the truck and include estimated resale value. Factor in "wear rate" where a big bastard of a motor/tranny might live an easy life hauling a specific load while a midrange one will be using itself up more per unit hauling time and possibly require a rebuild while you own it. Include insurance. Include miles traveled per year. Include gas-vs-diesel road-use taxes if applicable (my state used to collect it during registration but now it's built into diesel prices). Do NOT forget cost of capital--this is an extremely-important figure in the calculation, and everyone's cost of capital will be different, depending on several factors. It's a PITA but you should do the exercise. A truck that gets 15 mpg is not necessarily cheaper to own than one that gets 5 mpg. KS.
Posted 2005-06-20 9:12 AM (#26796 - in reply to #26791) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
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Originally written by KelanSasu on 2005-06-20 7:54 AM
Your subject line includes "mpg" so I assume you're concerned about cost of driving the truck which blows out into cost of ownership. Make sure you do a full (comparative) run of the numbers before you buy -- NPV or ROI or something like that. Include not only purchase price but also maintenance costs, and costs of repair if certain things break. Include how long you're going to keep the truck and include estimated resale value. Factor in "wear rate" where a big bastard of a motor/tranny might live an easy life hauling a specific load while a midrange one will be using itself up more per unit hauling time and possibly require a rebuild while you own it. Include insurance. Include miles traveled per year. Include gas-vs-diesel road-use taxes if applicable (my state used to collect it during registration but now it's built into diesel prices). Do NOT forget cost of capital--this is an extremely-important figure in the calculation, and everyone's cost of capital will be different, depending on several factors. It's a PITA but you should do the exercise. A truck that gets 15 mpg is not necessarily cheaper to own than one that gets 5 mpg. KS.
Theoretically possible, but impractical.
I doubt that many of us have access to the relative probabilities of failures for trans A vs trans B, or the 6.0 gas vs 6.6 diesel vs the 8.1 gas. Repair costs vary so widely anyway that you just wouldn't have credible numbers to put in a "weight it and rate it" spread sheet.
As to cost of capital... These are NOT the days of 10% CDs, for many folk it is about the cost of borrowing which is very low right now - btw I don't believe the 0% ads.
Similarly NPV, the discounted rate of return is very low.
What's money FOR, but to spend ?
You can save it and have it, but it doesn't realize value until you SPEND IT (-:
Beware "analysis paralysis". Running too many numbers too many times can inhibit you from ever investing in anything or ever realizing your gains and ENJOYING them by SPENDING IT !
Posted 2005-06-21 8:27 AM (#26848 - in reply to #26457) Subject: RE: mpg on the chevrolet
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Fredericksburg, VA
I did not buy the Chevy because it has the Duramax. I did not want an Izusu.
My Cummins gets 15.6 around town, 19.8 on the highway. 12.5 pulling my horse trailer loaded. 12.5 pulling my 5000 lb boat. I also have the 4:10 gears and 4WD.
I have several customers who have over 400,000 miles on these 5.9 Cummins. They pull loads upto 20,000 lbs. Being an inline 6 cyl adds to thier durability.
Today's diesel trucks do not expirence the fuel plugging problems of even 5 years ago. The fuel is much cleaner. Just buy at a high volume location. My truck started down to 10* F this winter without plugging inthe block heater. I do not use any fuel additives. I do use a 5W40 syn diesel oil year round.
Just my Opinnion based on my expirences and others who have owned these engines.
Buy the diesel, You will be pleased, even if it is a Duramax.
mpg on the chevrolet
I've been pretty tickled with my 92 2500HD 350... 15-16MPG unloaded and never less than 13 with the loaded 3H CM 
He got bad milage during normal driving and really stunk when towing. He only kept it for 9mo. and took a big hit getting rid of it. He said there wasn't much resale value because you could get the 8.1L and get about the same milage.