Silverado / Sierra 2500HD Duramax ... any thoughts?

chasm22

I just bought a 2500hd 4x4 Silverado with the duramax/allison combo and am averaging over 17mpg in combined city/hwy driving. I've only had it a month, but I'm loving it so far.

I also own a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with the 3.4 engine and manual tranny and can honestly say the Duramax has equaled it in fuel economy driving the exact same routes. An impressive feat for a much larger truck.

Furthermore, the handling of the Silverado is, in my opinion, better than the smaller truck. The handling of the Silverado is actually the most impressive thing about the truck. It handles like a car. I live in the country and drive alot of narrow, winding roads and this thing handles them effortlessly.

This is the first Chevy I've owned since I bought a (new)1970 Z28. Wish I still had that car.
If it continues to perform like it has so far I will be a very satisfied buyer.

dmax

'04 Chevy 4x4, Extended Cab, Long Bed, LB7 with Allison trans.

I usually drive 5-8 mph over the posted speed - thats 70-73 around here. Steady driving is about 22 mpg, 15 miles to town and around town I get 18.5

paisan

I'm impressed with that. I usually do 70-75 with my mid-size SUV and get about 16mpg on the highway and 12-13 in the city. I can't wait to buy a diesel!

-mike

afretired

I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax. The passenger side Day Running Light will not stay on. I have replaced the bulb and cleaned the contacts and it works for awhile, then goes out again. Anyone else have this problem?

slrams

I am currently towing my 7k (lbs.) 5th wheel with my 2001 GMC 1500 5.3 Ext. Cab short bed truck. I'm considering going to the Sierra 2500 HD Duramax Crew Cab Short Bed as my next truck. Does anyone have any information on the 2004 Crew Cab short bed size? Is it long enough to accomodate the 5th Wheel and hitch? What is the towing capacity of this engine with the Allison automatic transmission?

catam

To answer a few ?'s.
The bed length of the CC SB is 6.5 ft, the same as your current SB, so if yours works for towing so will the new one.
Overall vehicle length is about 239 inches.
When equipped with the HD towing package, the Duramax/ Allison combo has trailer towing capacity of 12K lbs for hitch mounts, 5th wheel ratings vary depending on application, but figure around 15K.