2004 Duramax long trip

[DWest]

My cousins husband and I went on a hunt in CO this past week pulling his 4 horse trailor from WI with 2 horses and our gear. Nice truck that drives straight and true down the road, trailor is 5ver, first time for me pulling one. The Allison is the big draw to me on this package, it drives the rig for you and manages it in the hills. His did not have an overdrive lockout feature and was missed on a long climb, shouldn't even be offered witout one. Cab was very comfortable and quiet. Motor does not have low end torque of the Dodge but it moved the load with ease. He was disappointed in his true milage as he had been going by the truck's milage meter in the dash as gospel. Around 10 mpg at 75 to 80 on interstate pulling this setup. Not bad but not as good as advertised. Only issues for me being only 5' 6" tall are the sight lines compared to my Dodge. Overall a very good truck and would consider if I were in the market. DW

 

[CTD 600]

Can't beat a strait 6. Period. It's a naturally balanced engine that is high in torque. Sounds like you need to test drive the 2006 with the 610lbs torque. There is a difference like you said.

 

[DWest]

Trany doesn't measure up

I agree about the motor but the million mile cummins has an inferior transmission behind it compared to the Allison, even your 48re. No grade brake etc. Not everyone here has to bash other products, fair and honest reports help others deside what to buy. Still hold grudge against DC for putting this settup behind my Cummins. I am not in the market for a new truck but this would weighin on my choice. Also I have not driven a third generation truck but a few miles and was impressed with it the little I seen of it. The Cummins needs another gear and a grade brake. DW

 

[TFucili]

My '04 Chebby 8. 1/Ally had the OD lockout. Quick tap for tow/haul, and press and hold for OD on/off. Too bad it had the secret buck and lurch feature. :{

It also required more attention to keep it between the lines going down the road, always needing small corrections. While not perfect, my Dodge tracks much better.