Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[GC_Super]

Well, I knew this subject would get touchy.  The big three are all good trucks. One important part of SEULTRAs post is that he is only using the truck for heavy towing about 10% of the time. That's my situation as well, and was my concern when I bought my 05 Chevy 2500 4/4 CrewCab diesel.  Overall I love it, but the ride is a little rough when not towing or hauling.  I'm seriously thinking and researching, and pricing some air shocks now.  When my kids are in the back seat, their voices are bouncing along with the truck.    My daughter says it gives her a headache.  On the other hand, when it towing a heavy load or hauling, it's in it's element and does a great job. Mileage when not towing is approx 16.  My two year warranty is up this summer and the chip is going in.

[Chief]

Well, I knew this subject would get touchy.  The big three are all good trucks. One important part of SEULTRAs post is that he is only using the truck for heavy towing about 10% of the time. That's my situation as well, and was my concern when I bought my 05 Chevy 2500 4/4 CrewCab diesel.  Overall I love it, but the ride is a little rough when not towing or hauling.  I'm seriously thinking and researching, and pricing some air shocks now.  When my kids are in the back seat, their voices are bouncing along with the truck.    My daughter says it gives her a headache.  On the other hand, when it towing a heavy load or hauling, it's in it's element and does a great job. Mileage when not towing is approx 16.  My two year warranty is up this summer and the chip is going in.

Ford, Chevy or Dodge, the argument will never be settled.

As long as its diesel, you'll be OK. Slap on a tuner and 4" exhaust and get ready to rock!

For me, '05 F-250 SD 2WD 6.0 Lariat, super cab, short bed. All that and still 4" of space between the bumper and the garage door. Deeper garage and the truck would have been longer.

Chief

[RedDevil]

Ford, Chevy or Dodge, the argument will never be settled.

As long as its diesel, you'll be OK. Slap on a tuner and 4" exhaust and get ready to rock!

For me, '05 F-250 SD 2WD 6.0 Lariat, super cab, short bed. All that and still 4" of space between the bumper and the garage door. Deeper garage and the truck would have been longer.

Chief

Agree with you Chief,
I have an '06 Dodge 2500 Laramie Mega Cab with the 5.9L Cummins.  I have it set up with Firestone air bags and pull a 12000 lb, 36 ft, Keystone Raptor toy hauler with it.  Went down to Asheville, NC this past summer, with the Ultra in the garage, and was going up the grade in the mountains at 60 mph with little or no problems.  When I'm towing I average 11-12 mpg and cruise at 70-75 mph. When unladen, I get between 19-20 mpg on the highway and between 14-15 mpg in the city.  Combined an average of 17-18 mpg.  I went with the 2500 because the 3500 had too stiff of a suspension for everyday driving.  When I hook up the fifth wheel, I pump the air bags up to about 60 psi and the truck drives and pulls like a dream.  When I unhook the trailer, I release the air out of the Firestones and go back to the standard 2500 suspension.  With the airbags I get the best of both world.  Everything on the 2500 is the same as the 3500 with the exception of the suspension.  I tow about 20% of the time.

I always liked the looks of the Fords, but hated their powerstroke diesel.  I don't care for the looks of the GMs, but want that Allison transmission.  The looks of the Dodge has grown on me now and talk about the room in that Mega Cab, and the Cummins can't be beat, now if it had the Allison transmission.....  But so far I have no complaints with the 48RE auto trans that Dodge put on my truck.  I am eventually going to put the Jake Brake on it, and what's nice is it came from the factory with a 4" exhaust.    I've owned trucks from all three of the big three and they all have their good and bad points, but so far, I'm very happy with the Dodge.

Cheers  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif],
Red

[Chief]

Agree with you Chief,
I have an '06 Dodge 2500 Laramie Mega Cab with the 5.9L Cummins.  I have it set up with Firestone air bags and pull a 12000 lb, 36 ft, Keystone Raptor toy hauler with it.  Went down to Asheville, NC this past summer, with the Ultra in the garage, and was going up the grade in the mountains at 60 mph with little or no problems.  When I'm towing I average 11-12 mpg and cruise at 70-75 mph. When unladen, I get between 19-20 mpg on the highway and between 14-15 mpg in the city.  Combined an average of 17-18 mpg.  I went with the 2500 because the 3500 had too stiff of a suspension for everyday driving.  When I hook up the fifth wheel, I pump the air bags up to about 60 psi and the truck drives and pulls like a dream.  When I unhook the trailer, I release the air out of the Firestones and go back to the standard 2500 suspension.  With the airbags I get the best of both world.  Everything on the 2500 is the same as the 3500 with the exception of the suspension.  I tow about 20% of the time.

I always liked the looks of the Fords, but hated their powerstroke diesel.  I don't care for the looks of the GMs, but want that Allison transmission.  The looks of the Dodge has grown on me now and talk about the room in that Mega Cab, and the Cummins can't be beat, now if it had the Allison transmission.....  But so far I have no complaints with the 48RE auto trans that Dodge put on my truck.  I am eventually going to put the Jake Brake on it, and what's nice is it came from the factory with a 4" exhaust.    I've owned trucks from all three of the big three and they all have their good and bad points, but so far, I'm very happy with the Dodge.

Cheers  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif],
Red

I want my F-250 SD Lariat with the Cummins 5.9 hooked up to the Allison tranny. Yeah I know, but I still want it. Oh yeah, with a full Banks package to boot, and a source of cheap diesel and rear tires, because, well you know.

Chief

[RedDevil]

I want my F-250 SD Lariat with the Cummins 5.9 hooked up to the Allison tranny. Yeah I know, but I still want it. Oh yeah, with a full Banks package to boot, and a source of cheap diesel and rear tires, because, well you know.

Chief

Ain't that the truth?  If we had our way (and very deep pockets), we'd have a FORDOGM 3000 with a 6.7 Cummins, Allison Tranny, with standard Banks package, and indestructable tires.   [smiley=stars.gif] and don't forget $ .35 per gal diesel fuel.

Cheers  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif],
Red

[Chief]

Ain't that the truth?  If we had our way (and very deep pockets), we'd have a FORDOGM 3000 with a 6.7 Cummins, Allison Tranny, with standard Banks package, and indestructable tires.   [smiley=stars.gif] and don't forget $ .35 per gal diesel fuel.

Cheers  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif],
Red

Bingo!

[SEULTRA]

Thanks for all the input everyone! Great advice. VaEagles post caught my attention and today I purchased a 2006 Chevy Avalanche. Color is Bermuda Blue and it changes in the sunshine from a deep teal green to a blue depending on what angle you are looking at it from. It's loaded to the max and the only thing it doesn't have (wouldn't you know it) is a built in GPS. The good thing is that there are plenty of tested & true recommendations from this great bunch to steer me in the right direction for that purchase!
 I saved $12,000 by buying a year old vehicle. Felt good to let someone else take the hit for a change.

[hard10]

Congratulations on the new ride! Looks real nice. I saw one yesterday & thought it was a real good looking truck.

[JR]

Good Choice and one sweet looking ride! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] May you enjoy many miles in your new truck! Congratulations buddy!

                                                        JR [smiley=banana.gif]

[Special_Ed]

Nice truck! They do ride nice. Best of luck with it!

Ed [smiley=pepper.gif]

[Fired00d]

SEULTRA,
Great looking truck, enjoy it. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[Bagger]

Thanks for all the input everyone! Great advice. VaEagles post caught my attention and today I purchased a 2006 Chevy Avalanche. Color is Bermuda Blue and it changes in the sunshine from a deep teal green to a blue depending on what angle you are looking at it from. It's loaded to the max and the only thing it doesn't have (wouldn't you know it) is a built in GPS. The good thing is that there are plenty of tested & true recommendations from this great bunch to steer me in the right direction for that purchase!
 I saved $12,000 by buying a year old vehicle. Felt good to let someone else take the hit for a change.

I'm not a GM fan at all............BUT, I just gotta say that is one pretty vehicle SEULTRA.  Congratulations on the purchase and for getting such a great deal.

[RJ749]

I love getting new rigs, it always reminds me of going with my dad to get a new car.  

Good luck with the Avalanche.

[VaEagle]

Great Choice SEULTRA!

I have seen that Bermuda Blue in person and it is hard to capture the beauty of the paint and the color changes in a photo. I'm glad I could help you with some info. I hope you and your family have many happy miles in the Avalanche.
(Don't forget to look around at the Avalanche owner's site too.)
http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/index.html

Here is a shot of my Avalanche.

[RedDevil]

Thanks for all the input everyone! Great advice. VaEagles post caught my attention and today I purchased a 2006 Chevy Avalanche. Color is Bermuda Blue and it changes in the sunshine from a deep teal green to a blue depending on what angle you are looking at it from. It's loaded to the max and the only thing it doesn't have (wouldn't you know it) is a built in GPS. The good thing is that there are plenty of tested & true recommendations from this great bunch to steer me in the right direction for that purchase!
 I saved $12,000 by buying a year old vehicle. Felt good to let someone else take the hit for a change.

Sweet Rig SEULTRA,
You're gonna love it.  I had a black 03 loaded to the gills.  Loved it.  Would never have gotten rid of it except for the fact that I couldn't tow a 5th wheel with it.  Gave it up for the 06 Dodge Mega Cab with a Cummins diesel in it.  I miss the Avalanche.  Sweetest looking truck that GM produces.  And rides like a dream...You can get a Nav unit for the truck...it's pricey, about $2100, but is a direct replacement for the factory stereo.  

Enjoy the ride.
Cheers [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif],
Red