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Random Quote: I wish I was born rich instead of good looking.
I'm sure this topic has been covered. I am, however, absolutely on the fence here. I know there needs to be some facts to setup this question properly - so here I go:
1. I have a 33 footer that weighs about 13,000 loaded - which I trailer;
2. I travel about 400 miles roundtrip about four times a year (fishing trip) and fish twice a month regularly;
3. I only need to drive about 30 miles a day for work (Without the boat);
4. Diesel noise does not bother me;
5. I can finance about $36,000;
______________________________________
Ques: Should I get a GMC 2500 HD GAS or GMC 2500 HD Diesel (both 4x4) ?
*Not looking to make this a dialogue about why I am buying GMC - this is more about Diesel vs. Gas.
I would go with a diesel pulling that much weight. Diesel will outlast, and definitley outpull the gas motor, espically if you get the 6.0L gas and not the 8.1. A diesel will get better fuel mileage than a gas 2500 and will have a better resale value later on.
Diesel-you will tow better and farther with the duramax. I love my 04 LB7 duramax and have had 75000 trouble free miles. You will get better mileage towing with the diesel then the 8.1 bortec will get solo.
If you do any off pavement with a diesel you have gotta have 4x4. The extra weight of that diesel will drive the front wheels down into the ground and your stuck especially on soft ground.
Go with the 4x4 and locking rear differential it will slip less in tough spots off road and on the ramp. I prefer to use
4x4 low when parking on inclines with heavy loads, in park and rear brakes set gives me a chance to block the
wheels. One axle with wheels locked is not a good prospect with atleast three other axles free to roll.
This is a benefit of 4x4 that is often overlooked. All of my trucks are diesel, autos, 4x4 and I am well satisfied
and will stay this course.
I agree diesel all the way. That said, I just bought the Dodge 2500 quad 2wd auto 5.9L over the GMC. I get GM true employee pricing and tit for tat the GMC was 5k more, didn't ride as well (IMHO), lower quality tires, etc. Towing 13k is the upper limit for the trucks unless you gooseneck/5th wheel.
As ALL have stated, get the Diesel. I will add, Get the 4WD. I don't know about the ramps where you boat but ours are covered with slime. 2WD's can't get enough traction to get a heavy boat out....on many occassions. I have an old 97 Dodge 4X4 2500 5.9 Cummins with 245,000 miles on it without any major issues. Only minor stuff...water pumps, thermostats, hoses, etc.
400 miles round trip!....Get the bottom painted and leave it in a marina where you boat! Then you can get a Tahoe if you want!
We have pulled a 34' Fountain and 5th wheel with the 03' 6.0 gasser many times and it pulls it just fine, the truck has over 150k without one hickup, (zero) I have hooked a duramax to the boat and it felt exactly the same its just that the 6.0 had to turn a few more rpms., if you can afford it then get the diesel, but its 8-9 k more, and with the new 6 speed and 4.10 gears the tow rating is 12500, and 13000 with the diesel, not much difference in my opinion, you could harness a lot more power out of that 6.0 for under 9k.
As far as gas mileage goes, from what I hear the new 6.0's are getting 15 mpg with the 6 speed tranny, and the diesels getting about 17 with the new emissions,
diesel its cheaper in the summer, but more in the winter as far as supply and demand goes.
It is just my opinion that the 6.0 is very sufficient for the job.
I just went through the same thing when ordering my new truck and I chose the gas, and am saving 8-9k, or about $150+ a month in my case
__________________ 2012 Fountain 38' Open with quad 350 verados
38' Fountain TE with triple verados
233 Formula CC w/6.2 MPI Horizon
Get the Diesel!! The re-sale on the 8.1 will kill you if the gas mileage get you first. You'll love the new D-max, I've had 3 and they keep getting better and better.
Keith
Team Sherwin Williams
Diesel GMC 2500 vs. Gas GMC 2500??OLD THREAD 
