Test Drove 2011 HO, then a Dmax...

[rrl989]

Test drove a new 3500 DRW Laramie HO today Very nice truck, great style and interior. At $58K it was loaded. I had driven the 650 a couple a weeks ago and left unimpressed with what I thought should have been light years ahead of my stock 12V in power. I do notice the HO has more umph now, can't really quantify but it would more than handle my needs, as would the 650.



I'm also interested in the new GMC 3500 DRW, so my next stop was a dealer just down the road. Sticker was mid $57K, loaded as well but it became very clear, very fast that Ram includes much more amenities for the nearly same price. The GMC interior was OK, but looks dated. As far a the Dmax, I'll tell you don't let anyone BS you, the Dmax has much better acceleration, very noticable. Awesome "feel" of power that I did not feel with the Ram HO. That V8 with the Allison was impressive. Almost had me convinced the GMC was for me. But as I look at the truck, they still have that stupid low hung frame and the plastic DEF tank just hangs below with about half exposed.

Also, GM offers no side impact air bag protection on the 3500.



Looks like i'm going to order a 2012 Ram. Nice package even with its faults

 

[CUMMINZ]

Great post but what was the rear gear in each truck. ? That could be the difference.

 

[BGlidewell]

As far a the Dmax, I'll tell you don't let anyone BS you, the Dmax has much better acceleration, very noticable. Awesome "feel" of power that I did not feel with the Ram HO.

The GM I drove a few weeks back made me glad he had his and I had mine. It was the doggiest truck I've ever been in. It reminded me of the first Dmax test drive I did years ago when they first came out. Very disconnected and boaty feel. No BS.

 

[rrl989]

Both were 3. 73's. I think a big factor in "feel" may have a lot to do with the transmission and it's controls. The Dmax does tend to dominate, even over Ford with higher HP and TQ, and it may be because of the Allison ?

 

[rrl989]

The GM I drove a few weeks back made me glad he had his and I had mine. It was the doggiest truck I've ever been in. It reminded me of the first Dmax test drive I did years ago when they first came out. Very disconnected and boaty feel. No BS.

OK , but I'm commenting on factory 2011's ?

 

[BGlidewell]

OK , but I'm commenting on factory 2011's ?

point taken but I can't imagine a 2011 Dodge being that bad?

 

[Nyoest]

The newer dmaxs are bad hombres. I'm a cummins man through and through but I have to tip my hat to izuzu on that engine. Gun to head if I had to choose a new truck it would have the dmax in it. That and chevy has a dash that can go 70000 miles without falling plum apart. Before the flames kick up the wife and I have both drove the new dodge and neither us cared much for the lack of bottom end on truck thatcost as much as some houses.

 

[Simplysmn]

Well I have Never driven a Duratrash nor do I ever plan on it but I will say this With my 08 and now with my 11 I have not found a hill or a load that I can't pull at any speed I want yes Calif is 55 with a trailer but I don't drive 55 yeah chevy makes a good truck but what good are they the duramax won't live as long as the Cummin's ?

 

[Nyoest]

Well I have Never driven a Duratrash nor do I ever plan on it but I will say this With my 08 and now with my 11 I have not found a hill or a load that I can't pull at any speed I want yes Calif is 55 with a trailer but I don't drive 55 yeah chevy makes a good truck but what good are they the duramax won't live as long as the Cummin's ?

Well the duramax doesnt have egr and injector problems. :-laf



Must be true the dealer told me so.

 

[HBarlow]

V8 diesels accelerate fast. So what? No thanks, not interested.

 

[JMetzger]

Talked to a happy Duramax owner at Big O this morning & he is on his third set of injectors in 62,000 miles, he was very unhappy with the truck. I don't know what year it was but he told the wife & I we had the best diesel truck on the road, made me feel good.

 

[Kry226]

I do notice the HO has more umph now, can't really quantify but it would more than handle my needs, as would the 650.

I have read that Dodge has programmed the HO ECM to not release full power until 1,000 miles. Might make a difference in the test drive. Can anyone confirm?

 

[Mhannink]

personally im looking for an older truck. i dont like any of the new ones because of emmissions. i have the truck in my sig and love it i never plan on selling it. however when the time comes for a wife and family i would like to get a gmc 06 dmax. im really starting to like their trucks and as a grocery getter family ride i think it would serve very well i dont plan on ever towing with it. thats why i have a cummins.

 

[rrl989]

point taken but I can't imagine a 2011 Dodge being that bad?

I don't think Dodge is bad at all, just noticably different in feel with the go pedal.

 

[Schumacher]

I have read that Dodge has programmed the HO ECM to not release full power until 1,000 miles. Might make a difference in the test drive. Can anyone confirm?

I have 957mi on mine, I should know by tomorrow.

 

[CUMMINZ]

I have read that Dodge has programmed the HO ECM to not release full power until 1,000 miles. Might make a difference in the test drive. Can anyone confirm?

That sounds right. I heard DuraMax programmed their ECM to show bunches of power on the dealer lot. When the tag is installed on the bumper that shorts out this little wire and the truck goes to ?ell. :-laf

 

[BGlidewell]

I don't think Dodge is bad at all, just noticably different in feel with the go pedal.

this IS the bad.







... . Along with the feel while driving the duratrash that you are at the helm of a dirigible.

 

[domehead]

this IS the bad.







... . Along with the feel while driving the duratrash that you are at the helm of a dirigible.

What is wrong with you. My new 2010 had more dang parts falling off it than you could count. It seems you are not open to the fact each truck has it stong and weak points.



Have you order your new Ram yet?

 

[RustyJC]

What is wrong with you. My new 2010 had more dang parts falling off it than you could count. It seems you are not open to the fact each truck has it stong and weak points.

QC must have really improved in 1 year. My 2011 has not been back to the dealer for anything other than routine service (including minor recalls for power steering cap and door locks) since we've owned it.



Rusty

 

[gtoli]

I have 957mi on mine, I should know by tomorrow.

Anything yet? Oo.