Re: [A/S] Yet Another Tow Vehicle Question - Chevy Duramax

[Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I chose the lesser-expensive option of the Vortec 8.1L (496cid) gas V8.  You
don't even want to KNOW how much gas it GUZZLES!

I was fully informed prior to purchase so its fuel consumption was what I
expected.  (OK, OK.  I get about 8.7 MPG towing my aprox. 6000-lb, loaded,
trailer at 65mph.)  Since I am still driving to work every day, albeit less
than 5 miles, I chose the gas engine since a diesel wouldn't even get WARM
in such a short haul.  The $4500 diesel option (probably more than $5k now)
was another factor.

That said, a co-worker has the same truck, but a 2004 with the short box and
the Duramax diesel.  I recall him reporting about 12 mpg towing a big
fifthwheel.

> Just wondering, since they don't rate this on the sticker.
> Doing our ongoing research - we also noticed the high towing
> capacity - 10,000 with the 3.73 and 12,000 with the 4.10.  Any
> comments on this vehicle that could help?

When I was shopping for my truck, the 4.10 axle was NOT available for the
diesel.  I'm not sure it would be necessary.

I suspect you may have confused the two, different tow ratings that apply to
the gas engine - which DOES offer both rear end ratios.  The 2005 Trailer
Life towing guide indicates 12k-lbs for the turbodiesel (Duramax) across the
board (all configurations of "ball hitch" trailering).

> Also, we are waiting for the GM rebates to increase!!!!!  Every
> little bit helps.

Agreed, but don't hold your breath.  The Silverado/Sierra pickups are
probably GM's biggest CA$H cow and don't need incentives to sell.  The
following is from last Thursday's on-line news:

[begin quote]

BLOOMBERG NEWS 

General Motors Corp. plans to de-emphasize incentives in 2005, Vice Chairman
Robert Lutz said Wednesday.

 "We did a lot of things in '04 to help boost sales," Lutz said at the New
York auto show. "We're now in the payback period. It's like you're getting
off what was a bad habit. You're going through withdrawal."

 Lutz cited programs that encouraged customers who lease their cars to
return them early.

 Lutz said GM expects its March sales to improve from this year's first two
months after the company boosted rebates to help clear dealer lots of unsold
cars and trucks.

 "March is going very well for us," Lutz said. "Without making any share
projections, it's substantially better than January or February were."

[end quote]

> This ongoing "research" makes my head hurt - but we are very safety
> conscious and spending this kind of $$$$ - we want the most for our
> money.

Doing your "homework" will pay big rewards in the long run.  You're on the
right track.  I wish these big haulers were cheaper but they prove what we
were taught in high school economics:  Supply and demand drives the price.

In October, 2001, the sticker on my 2002 pickup was $2k more than my first
HOUSE!  ARGH!!!

Good luck!
               :)
JR