Diesel Tow vehicle options

[prototype]

I'm looking for a new tow rig and have been a Suburban guy forever but I really want a diesel.

The Ford Excursion has got me interested and have heard that the 6.0 (available since mid 03 I think) is supposed to be better than the 7.3, any opinions?

Thanks in advance!!!

[Chevy454]

I've heard a *lot* of folks are having troubles with the F@rd 6.0...however, our gravedigger has had one for a few months and has had ZERO problems.

My wife drives a sub with the 8.1L...the thing is a MONSTER. It's rated for a 12k pound trailer I believe, and will absolutely FLY with our loaded 24ft trailer. If you're dead set on a diesel in a Sub, though, I believe GM is supposed to coming out with a Duramax/Sub combo...believe it's gonna be a V6 version of the Dmax, but it's still supposed to be up around 300hp/500+ ft-lbs...

[kwhizz]

I was a Suburban guy also, but it just didn't have the economy nor power when pulling the trailer.......traded it in on a Sierra Crew Cab w/ the Duramax -Allison combo....Best thing I have ever done (Almost).......This thing pulls the trailer without any effort and basically.....you don't even know the trailer is back there...........the Torque these Diesels make is pretty wild...............I'll never go back to a gas rig for pulling.......Hope this helps.....The only thing with more Torque than this truck is Charley's 55......LOL

Ken

[Xplantdad]

Or his twin Turbo Camaro...or his SD455...or his

[YenkoYS-199Stinger]

I believe Rob is correct about the diesel Suburban coming out.

I had a 2001 2500HD crew/short with the 8.1 that was slightly pumped up. It would run like a raped ape except past the gas station. 10.5 most of the time and 7 with the trailer.

My 2005 2500HD is a Duramax and I love it. U.S. Diesel has the best prices on the upgrades. I put a full Banks kit on mine when it was new. The 6 gun, Speed Loader and Exhaust. It now is about 400hp and close to 800#'s on the torque. It is a rubber roaster!!! 0-60 @6 sec. 97 in the 1/4. I will never go back to gas. All of the Banks goodies was about $1500.00 delivered and it took me about 6 hours to install.

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Chris
1967 Yenko Stinger YS-199
Southeast of Disorder

[wheelhop]

I tow with a '99 Super Duty F-250.
Pulls a 26 foot trailer, no problems.
Average about 11 mpg with trailer/chevelle inside.
I've heard the new 6.0 litre motor is not as good as the old 7.3 which I've got.
Only plus I've heard is it's a lot quiter.

[71-LS6]

I pull with an 05' Dodge diesel, it pulls good, but after 90K miles I'm beginning to wish I had bought a GM with the Duramax / Allison combo. I've heard nothing but good news about them.

[prototype]

Thanks for the insight guys. I've just purchased an 07 Avalanche and absolutely love it so the news about the Suburban sounds great!

My old tow rig is a 96 1500 Suburban and the new Avalanche drives sooooo much nicer. This is the third Suburban that I've used and they all seem to last about 250K before they give up when used for towing. My trips are almost always 5K plus and are usually done in the shortest time frame possible so having the diesel guys pass me going 75+ fully loaded on the uphills is really getting to me. A diesel is going to take at least a few hours less per trip (more sleep time ).

This may sound petty but the smell of diesel fuel is the biggest reason that I've stayed away, you just can't seem to get rid of it. I guess I'll keep a box of disposable gloves in the truck. Any other ingeniuos ideas?

Do the diesels typically average 10mpg loaded with a trailer and does running 75-80mph really affect the mileage, it sure does on a gas Suburban.

I know the older Dodge and Ford trucks were really loud, after just spending the weekend in a friends Chev Duramax I noticed the fan is quite loud from the interior and seemed to kick in and out alot.

[Donnie]

[ QUOTE ]
Do the diesels typically average 10mpg loaded with a trailer and does running 75-80mph really affect the mileage, it sure does on a gas Suburban.
I get 12.2mpg with my Duramax loaded running 65 to 68 hope to be up around 13mpg this year with my air box mod. yes going 75-80 will affect your mileage. on a side note I get 19mpg running 68 empty.

I know the older Dodge and Ford trucks were really loud, after just spending the weekend in a friends Chev Duramax I noticed the fan is quite loud from the interior and seemed to kick in and out alot. there is a fix for the fan running all the time. (the fan will kill your mileage) he must have an LLY motor.

[/ QUOTE ]

[CamarosRus]

Where I can read,hear find out about which years,models,engines of USED Dodge Cummins are good and which to avoid.....
I would prefer a 2 wheel drive, but understand there are few out there (????)