Thoughts on 2012 Chevy Duramax 2500HD

[granpafish jr.]

Not sure what dealer told you about the plow prep but on the 11 and up trucks you can hang a plow on the crew cab gm trucks. They have a new boxed frame , heavier brakes and 6k front end. We are looking at new landscape body trucks to replace a few others and not sure what we are going to buy this time as GM has nothing above the 3500 and our Fords are in the shop to much . International is off the list as they are the ones who made the 6.0 and 6.4 for Ford.

When I was buying you could not get the crew cab, diesel engine, and plow prep. They only offered the plow prep on the crew cab with a gas engine. Trust me I spoke to dealers in Vermont, North Carolina, and here locally. They all three would have loved to take my money but couldn't provide paperwork on the prep package. They even went as far as talking to the manufacturing plant. I could have got the extended cab with a prep package but with three kids that wasn't gonna do the trick.

[granpafish jr.]

We are looking at new landscape body trucks to replace a few others and not sure what we are going to buy this time as GM has nothing above the 3500 and our Fords are in the shop to much . International is off the list as they are the ones who made the 6.0 and 6.4 for Ford.

I am in the same boat as you with my 4500's. Thankfully the ones I have are still running good and haven't had to look for replacements yet. When it's time I'm thinking of going to isuzu's if GM's not back in the game. Have five NPR's for maintenance trucks and they are great.

[Marek]

Gas or diesel ? What type of mpg do you see with them ? Only thing that really bothers me with them is the lack of safety equipment they have.

[The Mitigator]

I have a 2004 DuraMax . Had problem with injectors after 118,000 miles. Dealer replaced them no charge.
2006 changed to external injectors. Great truck. Can pull trees down. I get 21mpg and 17. Only drawl back is cost of fuel. I have fords for work. There good just noisier.

[Sea Gator]

When I was buying you could not get the crew cab, diesel engine, and plow prep. They only offered the plow prep on the crew cab with a gas engine. Trust me I spoke to dealers in Vermont, North Carolina, and here locally. They all three would have loved to take my money but couldn't provide paperwork on the prep package. They even went as far as talking to the manufacturing plant. I could have got the extended cab with a prep package but with three kids that wasn't gonna do the trick.

I have a 2001 GMC Duramax and I like it just fine. I think I have 140k miles on it and I am the original owner. I did have to replace a wheel bearning in front and there was a transmission switch that went bad but happy with the truck. I pull my 26 Grady just fine. I have also been looking to get a 5th wheel but the best I can tell my truck is a little light if you try to stay within the limits. Do you homework about using a 2500 to pull a 5th wheel; you may try calling a RV dealer and asking them. I am thinking of getting a bigger truck for the camper. Even a dualy use the same engine and tranny as I have but the rear suspension is greater. I know some pull trailers with my size truck but the trailers I was looking at think they need a bigger truck. Something to consider and good luck. My truck gets 17MPG local and 20-22 if on highway. I get 10-11 when pulling my boat.

[27 sailfish]

The Allison tranny is a beast. I wish Ford would use it.

If you can handle the $$$$$ of a new truck - buy it. There is a fine line with used or abused - unless you know the owner.

You take care of a new truck - easily get 15 years from them. The new diesels are nice - only snag is the price of fuel they gulp down.

[EDGEWATER]

I have a 11 3500 hd crew cab Chevy. Great truck ! Has only seen the shop for oil changes , and when it picks me up from the Ford dealership when I drop off one of our many Fords. They are always in the shop It s the first Chevy work truck I have owned since the early 90s , we wanted to try them since our Fords are costing so much in repairs to keep them on the road. The new Ford 6.7 is only having a few problems right now , but only time will tell and after getting screwed by Ford on so many things why take a chance !!!!

My experience is similar. I have a 2008 GMC 3500 extended cab. 80,000 mile. The only thing I've changed is the oil & filter, fuel filter, trans fluid & filter and a set of tires. Still has plenty of meat on the original brakes.

I tow my loaded up Parker 23' Pilothouse from PA to Tilghman, MD 2-3 times a month from April - November - about a 280 mile round trip. Also have a heavy slide in camper. I added air bags to help with the body roll you get with a high CG from the camper. The truck handles the load well.

I removed the DPF and reprogrammed the computer. It upped my mileage a couple of MPGs. It gets about 20 mpg on the highway and 16-18 combined.

[Grady23]

Thanks guys for all the replies. The biggest problem I've heard is that the 2011 & 2012 trucks have a "New" ECM that remambers all the changes pushed thru themand records it all. The other issue is the "Cow PEE" (Urea) that the new trucks require. $12-$15 for 2.5 gals. Without it the engine goes in to "Limp" mode and the truck will only do 5MPH. The good side is that the "Juice" is also available in plenty of auto parts stores for less then GM sells it. My wife has already given me the "GO" on the 2012 and really likes it. My concern is the way GM/Isusu has designed the exhaust filter system. They ECM sends an "Overload" of fuel thru the exhaust to Heat-up" the filter and clean out the particulates. Thanks again for all the help. I just wish I had more info about these newer designed systems.

[Flybyknight]

I'm still running my 90 Suburban, big block 454, w/ 4:11 rear. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.

Dick

[Grady23]

Dick -- Is this the real nice lookin '90 I saw at Breezy Point a few years ago? The truck I saw had a nicely tricked out 454 in it and sound GOOD!