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04-27-2008, 04:34 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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2002 thru 2006 GM 2500s
OK, the old truck is getting up there in miles, and I hopefully won't have to replace her yet, but....
It never hurts to start looking.
Just wondering what peoples' experiences are with the GM 3/4 tons with the 6.0L gas motor. I drive few enough miles that I would never be able to justify the expense of diesel fuel (and the extra cost to purchase a diesel truck), and the 8.1L is just too much motor for my needs (gasp- did I just say that?). Don't need a one-ton, only really ever tow the Sunline.
Any thoughts on fuel mileage (or lack thereof)? I drive like a complete wuss- since I drive for a living, I'm not in too much of a hurry to get anywhere in my own truck- I always leave plenty of time- so think of me as the speed bump in the slow lane when thinking MPG
Maintenance issues/ repair stuff? My '98 has been great- 163K+ miles with VERY minimal repairs.
Thanks for any and all input!
Greg
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04-27-2008, 07:28 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 351
SUN #549
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Re: 2002 thru 2006 GM 2500s
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mooney
OK, the old truck is getting up there in miles, and I hopefully won't have to replace her yet, but....
It never hurts to start looking.
Just wondering what peoples' experiences are with the GM 3/4 tons with the 6.0L gas motor. I drive few enough miles that I would never be able to justify the expense of diesel fuel (and the extra cost to purchase a diesel truck), and the 8.1L is just too much motor for my needs (gasp- did I just say that?). Don't need a one-ton, only really ever tow the Sunline.
Any thoughts on fuel mileage (or lack thereof)? I drive like a complete wuss- since I drive for a living, I'm not in too much of a hurry to get anywhere in my own truck- I always leave plenty of time- so think of me as the speed bump in the slow lane when thinking MPG
Maintenance issues/ repair stuff? My '98 has been great- 163K+ miles with VERY minimal repairs.
Thanks for any and all input!
Greg
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Greg,
I have a 2006 GMC Sierra 2500 4x4, 6.0L with 4.10s. I've only pulled the 2363 once (home from where I bought it), a one way trip of about 45 miles. It just so happens that I bought it 5 minutes from where I work, so I'm fairly used to how much gas I use on that exact trip. With the trailer, the usage was up, but not by a whole lot.
For hard MPG numbers, I calculated my MPG in that truck pulling my car on a trailer (~4500 lbs car & trailer) and got 14 MPG on a 240 mile round trip. That was all highway, cruising along at the speed limit of 65.
Since the 2363 is heavier and has a bit more wind resistance, I'm guesstimating 10-12 when pulling that. We'll see for sure once I have it road worthy.
The 6.0 does good on the highway, but tooling around local sucks down the fuel big time. I've had no issues with the truck, but I only have a few thousand miles on it - I kept my 2000 Blazer for a daily driver. My dad has an '02 2500 with the 6.0 since new, no issues with that truck, however there was a little top end noise on cold starts. Upon complaining to the dealer, they dismissed as "normal" (which I have since confirmed with a few friends that wrench full time on GMs - it's a common occurance). Anyway, expressing that he was displeased with that noise got the powertrain warranty bumped to 100,000 miles no charge. He's gotta have 50 or 60k on it now.
Limited info I know, hopefully it helps some.
- Frank
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04-27-2008, 08:47 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 194
SUN #408
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I have an 07 classic with 6.0L and 4.10 rear end. I have not paid close attention to mpg, but it is around 11 when towing. I have less than 5k miles as I only drive the truck when pulling my sunny. I thought long and hard when purchasing a new TV to replace my 10 year old Dodge. It was down to a nice F150 or the the 2500HD work truck. I went with the 2500HD and have not regretted it. It pulls my 2553 nicely. If I were using it as a daily driver, I might have gone with the Ford, but I really like pulling with the truck I have.
I have read truck sales are way down. You should be able to get a good deal on a new truck if you are interested, but even used truck values are down. Check out http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyl...tm?chan=search or go to www.businessweek.com and search on truck sales.
I wish I had waited one year to purchase, but I am not sure I like the new body styles yet either.
Good Luck!
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04-27-2008, 10:45 PM
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
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I had the 6.0 with the 4.10 rear end in my 2003 Suburban.
On my 6800# loaded T2499, the truck did well. No strain or pain. I only tow at 60MPH and drop it in 3rd. It worked great.
Mileage. Around town empty, 13 highway 15
Towing, ranges from 7 to best ever was 10 MPG. Mist times was 8.5 to 9.5 but in the last year I had it would not get much above 8. Something in the gas changed I believe.
At about 50K miles I have what I belie is piston slap. She knock like a stuck valve lifter until it warm up then no issues. While noise, it never affected performance other then me getting ticked at it. I have a buddy with a 2500HD with one it it and he has the piston slap too.
The engine pulled well. No problems on the T2499. However on the Burb I did have issues coming home from PA the TT empty on the T310SR. I did not run out of engine, I ran out of tranny cooling. That higher TT and wind drag really is a pulling factor when you hit the back hills in PA.
Note, on the 4.10 rear end, nurse it until she shifts or else. You stomp on it and she will kick up her heals and go. And so will the gas gage right to empty. If you have a 3.73 it will take some learning to nurse the 4.10. It just wants to get up and go when not towing.
I would buy another one without hesitation.
Good luck
John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
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04-29-2008, 07:19 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 211
SUN #287
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I think 9 to about 11 MPG is about average for most gas engines when towing. My Dodge V10 get s 9.5 at 55mph, My Ford V6 get 10.5
It seems only the diesels do better but the maintance costs ,fuel and purchase price is higher. The gas engine just seems to be the best bang for the buck. I know alot of guys really crying about the diesel prices. The gas prices arent too special either.
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2006 T-1950
1999 Dodge 2500 8.0l V10
2005 F150
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04-29-2008, 02:40 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 545
SUN #67
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But once you go over to the dark side, you'll never want to tow with gas again.
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Mike & Roz
2018 Grand Design 315RLTS
2023 Ford F-350 Lariat PSD/CC/LB/FX4
Sunlines= '06-2075, '06-264SR
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04-30-2008, 06:58 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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Thanks for all the info gang!
I knew I would get good stuff here. It actually looks like my mileage and such would stay the same around town, and go UP while towing- I thought it would, but you all confirmed it- that with more motor, and a full-on HD setup (vs my 3/4 ton rear springs, and oil and tranny coolers that were added....)
"T310SR. I did not run out of engine, I ran out of tranny cooling. That higher TT and wind drag really is a pulling factor when you hit the back hills in PA."
The PA hills are why we're going to Ohio this September via Cooperstown and the NY thruway- once we get out of the Berkshires in Western MA, it's flatter thru NY than PA- the hills are pretty intimidating just getting out of MA with my little 305; but I'll make it (taking our sweet time because of the little motor (that should)) work- barring sudden death by repair bill between now and then. I r-e-a-l-l-y want a 2500 though
After the axle-flip, I did notice quite a bit more wind drag (5" higher than the photo below now- I posted before and after photos in the mods section a while back), but was lucky enough to have a family who likes to ask what is desired for holidays.... and got a wind deflector for Christmas.
I used it for a short trip down the highway a couple weekends back, and, while it looks a bit (very) goofy, the wind resistance is way, way, way down. I will post in this forum when I get better numbers. I like that the one I got collapses when not in use (around town during camping) or comes off EASILY (4 clips) when done.
As for diesel: "But once you go over to the dark side, you'll never want to tow with gas again."
believe me, I know- I drive big rigs for a living...BUT I like my job, and it would be too easy to develop a daily fuel leak....directly into a jug for me
Actually, with the little driving I actually do for myself, the diesel would never pay for itself- the coach is ONLY a 2380- not THAT big!
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05-01-2008, 03:46 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 211
SUN #287
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Mooney
What kind of wind deflector to you have. I have always wondered if they work and with gas prices where they are it may be a option for many of us.
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2006 T-1950
1999 Dodge 2500 8.0l V10
2005 F150
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05-01-2008, 07:28 PM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 473
SUN #395
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A good friend of mine just bought a 2004 3500 HD (single rears) with the 8.1 and the 5 speed Allison tranny with 3:73 gears. He's getting a consistant 12.8 mpg tooling around town. He was going to buy a 2500 HD with the 6.0 but you can only get the 4:10 rears in the 6.0. In his research he found that the 6.0 with the 4:10 rears and the Chevy automatic gets virtually the same mpg as the 8.1 with the 3:73 gears and the allison. Another buddy of mine has a 1996 3500 Chevy customized dually (37,000 miles on it) with the Vortec 454, and 4:10 gears. He gets a whopping 9 mpg constantly, towing or not. I guess it pays to do some research before you buy a truck.
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Lowell, Amanda, Marley, and Winnie
1996 T-2053 (First Sunline "Little One")
2001 T-295SR (Favorite Sunline)
2003 F-304SR (Last Sunline "The Big One")
1985 T-1650 (Current Sunline)
2004.5 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9 HO Cummins
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05-01-2008, 07:30 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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I got the "Fiber-Lite deflector" from JC Whitney, in the 17"x60" size, adjustable, with the mounting bracket kit (could be made from sheet metal, but I don't have the proper tools or time- the $14 for the brackets was cheap enough.
I would suspect minimal advantage, if any, on a vehicle without a cap or solid rear area (Suburban, Expedition, Tahoe, etc.)- as when setting it up, the deflector had to be REALLY close to the back of the cap, and adjusted to an angle to shoot the air (water to set adjustment) up to the top of the coach, about 4" down from the top...
when I get more time, I'll post photos and numbers (need to do somewhat more accurate tests than "seat of the pants feel".
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05-05-2008, 07:27 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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OK, got the deal after the LOF- and Old Blue will be leaving the building!
Just too old.
SO, following the advice of ya'll,
WEDNESDAY, I'll be picking up my new-to-us 2004 Silverado 2500HD extended cab 4x4.
6.0 gas
Tow Package
Snowplow prep (never been plowed though)
an honest-to-goodness LEVER ACTUATED transfer case (I always hated the magic button for 4wd on the '9
Cap on back
GM Certified (decent warranty for free on a used vehicle?? SURE!)
4:10 gears w/ rear locker...and so on....
Can't wait 'til Friday when we are going camping for the first time with her.
Nothing like trial be fire, huh?
THANKS FOR THE HELP! Photos posted ASAP!
(can you tell I'm excited?)
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05-06-2008, 06:14 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 91
SUN #492
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05-06-2008, 08:02 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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Thanks my technologically inclined little bruddah! I'm still going to put up some of my own later- I guess the sig. line will need an update, so I'd better go camping as planned this weekend!
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05-06-2008, 09:08 PM
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#14
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
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Greg
Congrats on your new ride. She is a good truck and will serve you well.
Happy Towing.
John
PS If you need help in setting up the WD on that torsion bar 3/4 ton front end, let me know. Glad to give you some pointers on what to look out for.
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC
Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
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05-07-2008, 07:31 AM
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#15
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Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 1,920
SUN #98
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Greg,
Nice looking truck - congrats.
Enjoy, as I'm sure you will
Hutch
__________________
Mary & Tom (aka Hutch)
2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS
2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4x4 CC D/A
Sunlines: 2005 Solaris T-280SR; 1999 Solaris T-2670; 1998 Saturn T-24A
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05-11-2008, 04:43 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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OK, NOW- I've got a serious case of the "beavis and Butthead" style giggles.
The new ride pulls our coach like it's a freakin' toy! SWEEEET. Up hill without passing gear? Without tow/ haul on? Yahoo!
First tank around town = 13.9 mpg (+.5 over the old truck)
First tank towing the 2380, = 10.4 mpg (+1.2 or so over the last tow on the old truck), at 62-69 mph
Second tank (100 miles of it) = 10.9 mpg (at 55mph).
So far, so good!!!!!
I also like the fact that the new body style has another 8" or so of length to it- the cab seems much bigger. It's a little hard to get used to, since I had the other so long- but well worth it.
By the way, in regards to my old truck, (now that the old one is out of my hands.....)
I had thought it had a little coolant leak- the coolant level was dropping a little per week, and I just kept filling it up, there was a bit of a wet spot underneath....
WELL, I had just had a water pump done- I thought the leak may have been a loose hose clamp- no big deal, right? Take it back to who did it- have them tighten the clamp, no more leak, right?
WRONG... it was USING coolant, the leakS were the oil pan gasket (apparently can't be fixed without dropping the front axle or yanking the motor), the rear main was starting to go, the tranny output shaft seal was leaking, the passenger front axle 4WD axle seal was leaking, and it had started all this in the past 3000 miles (4 months). That's why it went so fast....it was too much too quickly. I had already sunk a chunk or four of change into fixing it up- NO MO!
Thanks again for your input- it became a deciding factor VERY quickly!
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06-24-2008, 09:24 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 280
SUN #382
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Man do I love this truck....
I put in an AEM dry flow air filter, and now get 14.5-15.5 mpg combined (60 mph top speed 99% of the time).
The air deflector, now properly mounted, gives me about .5-1.0 mpg better while towing. I need to measure it again without a certain younger brother affecting my airflow, but it was VERY noticeable in the fuel department....
going up to Salem, MA this weekend so i should have a chance to get some more data.
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06-25-2008, 06:45 AM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 91
SUN #492
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mooney
I need to measure it again without a certain younger brother affecting my airflow,
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Who me??? I'm innocent.
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