Duramax Tow

[RJC]

I recently had the chance to drive a new GMC 2500HD Extcab LWB 4x4 Duramax/Allison 3. 73 off a dealers lot. With there permission I took it to a friend of mine at a local RV lot and asked to borrow a trailer. My plan was to pull an RV with it, then pull the same RV with my Cummins to compare. He agreed but decided to pull two identical trailers, each weighing 6000lb according to him, side by side against his 00 PSD AT CC. We pulled onto the interstate and with no one in site for miles, briefly stopped side by side and let the hammer down. Level terrain we were side by side until about 40mph, when the PSD pulled away and by 70 was 4-5 truck lenghts ahead. We then again stopped side by side at the beginning of a 4 mile long 6-7% grade. The PSD was about 200-300 yards ahead when he crested the top. I hit the top at 60mph. I was not able to get him to let me try with my truck but have pulled this grade with my 6500lb fifth wheel recently at 74mph in 5th (5sp). My overall impression was that it was decent empty, but not impressive loaded. Just thought you might like to here about it.

RJC

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01 Patriot Blue 5sp QC LWB K&N,PE 3 Level,Guages

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

VERY interesting info - thanks!

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http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[Matt S]

Is the Ford modified?

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90 W250, 5-speed, isspro gauges, 16 cm2, K&N, Borgeson shaft, JRE 3" exhaust, Banks Intercooler, Lucas injectors

 

[Okie-Go]

Good reading!Myself I am not worried about the duramax out-pulling me at all.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[RJC]

I found out that the dealerships PSD has a 40hp chip. No other mods.

RJC

 

[John_P]

RJC:

Thanks for the good report!

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John_P

 

[ramman]

I guess your buddy was reluctant to admit about the chip,not compareing apples to apples will change the out come every time. A 40hp chip in the Chevy would have probably been a draw.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Too bad they wasted your time. Wasn't your
original intention to compare the Duramax
to your Cummins? Then they break out their
secret weapon and spank the Dmax with their
bombed Ford, and then not let you compare
your Dodge? I'd be ****** at someone!

Plus the fact the Dmax was not broken-in.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Plus the fact the Dmax was not broken-in. "

This "break in" myth has to be one of the biggest urban legends of all time!

I'm nearly 65 years old, and can tell you for a FACT that *I* have noticed negligable, if ANY, performance or fuel mileage changes on ANY of the new vehicles I have bought over the years! Sure, the way you first drive a new vehicle as compared to the more normal driving you settle down to as you get familiar with it may make you THINK changes are taking place - but if any here REALLY expect to see dramatic changes in engine performance over a "break in" period, they are pretty much just kidding themselves!

It's not likely to turn a turtle into a jackrabbit, either! #ad


About the ONLY evidence *I* have ever noted, was that SOMETIMES, oil consumption would be slightly higher over the first thousand miles or so, then settle down - but NO observable performance or fuel mileage improvements...

But SOME folks will SWEAR that a new wax job will deliver great performance improvements as well... #ad
#ad



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http://community. webshots.com/user/davison71 Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... Tweaked pump, upgraded radiator... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

"Dura" WHAT? NOW I know where all those recycled beer cans go...

 

[Matt S]

I would have to disagree about the break in. The C-12 CAT I used to drive wouldn't pull for nothing until around 70,000 miles when it improved along with a little better fuel mileage. It would definitely hold a gear longer than before. The was on the same out and back with the same hills, weights, etc.

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90 W250, 5-speed, isspro gauges, 16 cm2, K&N, Borgeson shaft, JRE 3" exhaust, Banks Intercooler, Lucas injectors