2011 gmc 3500hd

[JDHDKID]

I did a post about a week ago but I don't see it now.
I'm looking to buy a new truck, more then likely it will be a new GMC 3500HD (Dually), to replace my 2005 F350 6.0 DRW.
What I would like is to get input good or bad about the new GMC. This is hard for me to be forced into buying another truck but the F350 has been in the shop many times and I fell that I cannot depend on it.
We have a 31ft 5th wheel (Alumascape) trailer that we love, and I just Retired as of July 1,2011. Now it is time to enjoy life.
Thanks, JDHDKID

[shortlance]

I have an '06 GM dually with a 6.6L Douromax and allison 6 speed trans and couldn't be more satified with it. My 5er is around 15000 lbs loaded and have pulled some monster hills and it just kept on giving--plenty of power to do the job. Just remember that whatever truck each person has is going to be the best on the market in their opinion. I think any of the big 3 trucks would be fine but I got the GMC for the allison transmission and have no regrets.

[lynn boyd]

the 6.0 is famous for trouble.. thats unfortunate for ford. I would'nt hesitate buying either the dodge or gmc. id consider the new powerstroke once its been on the road a couple more years.
I drove a friends loaded new dodge laramie yesterday and fell in love! very nice truck. bet hey, for over 50k it had better be, right?!
congrats on your retirement! enjoy

[glennwest]

Personally I think Ford should have done something for all the 6.0 owners. Ever noticed how low the resale values are on these trucks. They are nice trucks but I would be very hesitant to buy a Ford Diesel truck. I try to live by "burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, same on me".

[REWahoo]

Originally Posted by JDHDKID

I did a post about a week ago but I don't see it now.
I'm looking to buy a new truck, more then likely it will be a new GMC 3500HD (Dually), to replace my 2005 F350 6.0 DRW.
What I would like is to get input good or bad about the new GMC.

I bought a 2011 Chevy 2500HD SRW Duramax in March. It now has 6,000 miles on it, about 4,000 of that was towing our 11,000 Lb 5th wheel.

I'll start out with the bad, since it is a very short list:
- Problems with the Diesel Emissions Fluid (DEF) system. I had repeated "check engine" lights and had to take it to the dealer three times before solving the problem. Turns out the DEF injector was bad and once that was replaced (3,000 miles) I've had no other problems. Note the problem did not interfere with how the engine performed, only the engine light came on.

The good:
- Tows amazingly well. The engine is very strong.
- Quiet, at least as far as diesels go
- I love the exhaust brake, makes going down a steep grade a lot less adventurous
- I'm getting 19 to 20 mpg on the road empty, 10 to 12 mpg towing.
- Did I mention how well it towed?

[jwomack]

Just returned from a 4700 mi trip through TX, NM, UT AZ, & NV in our 2011 3500HD GMC DRW 4x4. We tow a Montana 3150 RL and averaged 11.8 for the trip (this did include non-towing miles also). Only 8800 total mi on truck so we may get a little better after we get it broken in good. It is a very stable towing platform with ample power to pull any reasonable grade at hwy speed (for me that is 67 mph @ 1600-1700 rpm). DEF is a minor pain - the fill tube could be located in a more accessable place. Almost impossible to check and air inside dual with the stock valve stem. Engine brake is great - very little braking required unless >6% grade.

[dunrovin1955]

If you buy a Dodge Cummins there is no DEF tank unless you buy a cab and chasis model. If you buy a GM or a Ford you will be buying diesel exhaust fluid. I have a 2011 Dodge Cummins and pull a 36 ft. Praire Schooner. Have never been a Dodge man but I'm impressed with this truck. Just my nickles worth

[rfhtlh]

we just purchased a new 2009 kodiak and we do not have a def tank. the system injects additional fuel and closes the exhaust brake to raise the temps during the cleaning cycle.

[RustyJC]

Originally Posted by rfhtlh

we just purchased a new 2009 kodiak and we do not have a def tank.

You wouldn't on a 2009. The tighter emissions standards took effect on January 1, 2010.

Rusty

[swamphog]

I was informed by two different sales rep at two different dealers, Dodge is the only diesel truck out in the market where you don't need to purchase the fluid for the DEF tank, as the Dodge engneers design the diesel to perform with out this tank, as for Ford and Chevy/Gmc you need to purchase the extra fluid.

[RedRocket]

Not sure of why the negativity about DEF.

Industry spy's expect Dodge to be moving in the DEF direction very soon for 2500/3500 trucks too: PickupTrucks.com - Spied: Diesel Exhaust Fluid Coming Soon to Ram Heavy Duty Pickups?

Still, if you hate the thought of DEF, please explain why? A lot of negativity about DEF has been based upon 'fear' or mis-information.

[rfhtlh]

our 09 kodiak had a DPF just doesn't use the DEF technology for cleaning. must have been preparing for the 10 standards

[mhs4771]

We're getting confused and off the track here, DPF is Diesel Particle Filter, which I believe all newer models have, new GM's inject fuel into the exhaust vs flooding the engine with extra fuel to do a Re-gen of the DPF, DEF is Diesel Exhaust Fluid, which is injected into the exhaust in a special converter to change the exhaust, amount injected is based on amount of fuel being burned.
Now to the OP's question: I have a 2011 Chevy 3500HD Extended Cab Dually, hauling a Montana. Have 18000 on the TV with about 14000 towing the Montana. No problems, yea you've got to add the DEF once in a while, and yea it's a PITA, but even the Big Rigs are using it. Love the Exhaust Brake, the Grade Braking feature, and the Cruise Braking features. You can go up and down some pretty steep grades and never have to touch the brakes.

[glennwest]

Dodge has a lot going for it, namely Cummins. The truck just don't compare to GM or Ford. I know you Dodge fans are going to get me for this. They just plainly look and feel cheaply made to me. Now I would love to have a Cummins in my GM. Sweet.