Trucks & Trailers - Which Dually to get?

I am considering getting a Dually to replace my 2003 Avalanche 2500 8.1 liter with only 36,000 miles. I am preparing for a bigger boat possibly with triple outboards.

I do not know what to get for a tow vehicle.

The 2011 F350 with 6.7 I have ruled out because of failure of the DEF pumps which are starting to strand folks with new trucks. Yes there are replacement pumps in the works for March, but I predict this is the first of many problems with this complicated new engine. I really like the interior and exterior of this truck but cannot deal with the problems which I fear are just beginning (remember the 6.0 fiasco).

The 2011 Chevrolet/GMC Duramax also has DEF fill and pump and worries me. The government really knows how to mess up our lives with these emission controls and E10 fuel which has made for worsening gas mileage not to mention outboard problems.

I considered getting a 2000 to 2002 Ford F350 7.3 because of the bulletproof engine. But the folks with these vehicles with low mileage want $22 to $25K which is an awful lot to pay for an old and used vehicle which may need ball joint replacements and transmission work.

The 2011 Dodge 3500 has a great engine (Cummins) but is nearly as pricey as the Fords and GMs with less creature comforts, chassis, amenities, and reputation. I guess I need to look at a used Dodge 3500.

I will not punish myself with a used Ford with a 6.0 Diesel at any price.

I am considering low mileage Chevrolet/GMC 2007-2010 3500s with the proven Duramax/Allison combo, but these things are pretty daggone pricey. I do not understand how the prices on these vehicles remain so high in this economy.

Knowledgeable and IMPARTIAL advice would be appreciated!

The older Ford 7.3's are great and unfortunately people are getting $22K-$25K for them (for a reason). I'm not that familiar with the 2011 models so I can't comment. The Dodge/cummins is a great engine.....but the rest of the entire truck is a POS. The Ford 6.0's were problems in 03-04 but by 05 they had them pretty well figured out......as long as they are kept stock or have the EGR delete and head bolts replaced. I have a low mileage 07 6.0 and love it. A buddy has a 2500 duramax/allison and thinks it's the cat's meow.
These things are keeping the prices up so well because the new trucks are even higher!!!!

I was able to pick up a used 2007.5 dodge ram 3500 dually a couple months ago for great price. The 6.7 cummins is an animal and will pull anything. When I looked at vehicle I loved the ford for it's luxary items, but the 6.0 and newer engine scared me. I am not a chevy fan no offense to anyone just not for some reason really can't explain. Test drove a 2007 5.9 and the dodge I bought. Loved both but for the price the 6.7 was a better drive. Figured the truck was just to tow the boat and hual stuff so did not need the luxary items the ford offered. I get 17 mpg high way 13 mpg in down town DC, and 11 mpg towing my 10,000lb rig. So far no problem and the cummins 6.7 has been made for 3.5 years now so most the kinks have been worked out. Hope this helps and good luck. Chad

Just picked up a 08' F450 with a 6.4 twin turbo.... all I can say is the truck is the absolute nicest vehicle I have ever owned. I am in the same position as you looking for a large CC. The engine is super smooth, interior is really nice, and the towing capabilities are unbelievalble. I cant say enough good things about it, so far, hopefully the same after putting some miles on her.
If you have any questions let me know.

Here is a pic of the beast next to my old 99' suburban(now my sons).

Good luck!

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/Teasertoo/0301011638.jpg

for what its worth I have over 53k on our 11 F250...16k on the 11 F350....and 14k on my partners 11 GMC2500...no problems to date...and they are all worked pulling 8-15k loads almost daily. Best trucks Ive ever owned....Jeff

i just bought a 03 dodge dually with 116k for 14k.i was looking for either a 7.3 or cummins ive owned 2 6.0,1 7.3 and 3 cummins.all were good motors and i would buy anyone of them based on price and condition.but nothing compares to a cummins the torque and quiet motor is awesome.you should be able to find a 7.3 for 16-17k pretty easy.
scott

4400 miles on my 2011 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax and no issues what so ever to date and I haven't had to fill my DEF yet. I think the DEF was way over hyped, not to say there weren't some problems, but I haven't seen them.

4400 miles on my 2011 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax and no issues what so ever to date and I haven't had to fill my DEF yet. I think the DEF was way over hyped, not to say there weren't some problems, but I haven't seen them.


right around 6500-6800 miles you will be ready..depending on the type of driving you do. Thats what we have noticed on both brands.. Really like the no smell, no smoke set up...you can start your truck in the garage for a warm up with remote start and dont have to worry about the exhaust vs previous generations..and fuel economy and pulling power is up..saves me money..:thumbsup::thumbsup:

IMO the Dodge trucks are no more of a POS than the other two. They ALL have their problems.

The lack of DEF on the Cummins would be the main selling point for me if I had to buy a new truck. If I was buying used I would look at 2005-2006 Cummins or 2006 LBZ Duramax.

Look into an 06-07 2500HD with the LBZ Duramax. You get all the HP of the newer (07.5-10) trucks without all the DPF clean diesel garbage. Granted it's the "classic" body style but then again I'm biased I've got an '07 myself.

Cummins

Chevy vs. Ford in Heavy-Duty Rumble in the Rockies

Google that and read. I happen to be a chevy guy, witht hta said, their only as good as the people that take care of em. I have an 04 LB7 2500, love it, 25mpg at 75, 17-18 around town with stock size tires. 120K on it, no injector issues, yet anyway.