Attention: TDR Forum Junkies Last week I got to take my 2 week old 06 out on its maiden tow. I traded off an 03 2500 QC LB on the 06 3500 QC LB. The 03 had a full 4" Banks exhaust, AFE PG7 intake, and Quadzilla Xzillaraider (normally off when towing or on 30hp setting). Both have the same hitch installed (albeit, installed differently), and the only other upgrades were a Brakesmart trailer brake controller, and the Jake Brake.
The trailer is a Keystone Laredo 29RL (about 31' long, 9700 lbs loaded, 1400lb hitch weight).
RIDE QUALITY:
Empty: The 3500 rides just like the 03 2500. Really no difference at all.
Loaded
I really didnt expect it to be as different as it was. In the 03, I never felt the bumps, or the expansion joints, and trips in it were very enjoyable. The 06 really took the enjoyment out of the drive across the mountains. When I hooked up the trailer, the suspension settled 2" (the 2500 settled about 2. 5"). I'm seriously going to look at some aftermarket items to help with this. Either that, or I need to let the wife load more in the trailer!
I have to add that the 3500 did feel more stable going around corners.
And mileage this trip was 10. 2. The 03 nailed 11. 9 every trip. (thats hand calculated).
POWER:
Empty: The power running around town feels a little more responsive than the 03 did (stock vs stock)
Loaded: The 06 feels like it comes from a standstill much easier than the 03. Cruising on the interstate I would have to give the nod to the 06, biggest improvement is the addition of the tow/haul mode. Pulling the mountains, I give the 03 a definitive edge. While the shifting is vastly improved (the 06 actually sifts down when you expect it to!!!! Oo. ), I was 10+ mph slower pulling the pass than I did with the 03. I actually had to pull over and let cars go by this trip - something I havent had to do since my introduction to the dark side! I know the 06 has higher claimed torque, but the curves must be different enough that with my particular load and driving style, that I was able to better use the torque of the 305/555. Even the DW mentioned that I seemed to be working it a lot harder than I did the old truck. (sounds to me like she gave her blessing for bombs, right!?!?!)
TRANSMISSION:
Whatever changes they made to the 48RE are very good. It shifts reliably, and when expected.
OTHER:
The Jake Brake is simply put, AWESOME. Easy to use, not too loud.
I definitly have to get a little louder exhaust put on. It was at times hard to hear what exactly the motor was doing. Granted, I did enjoy the quieter ride, but I felt like I was towing blind (I dont have guages installed yet either).
The new RAK stereo sucks. Very flat sound. Wont achieve the same volume that my 03 would - and I wouldnt want it to based on how crummy it sounds.
The Brakesmart brake control is also very well worth the investment. Truck and trailer seemed to brake in unison. I did not once feel that 2 second delay, and after coming to a complete stop, the trailer brakes released when I took my foot off the pedal, not a second or two later.
Windnoise is decreased, as was the upper door buffet from cross winds. Cudos to the quieter ride.
Overhead Temp guage takes a LONG time to generate an accurate reading after starting off. On the 03, I got instantanious accurate readings. I'd guess that it takes a good five minutes of drive time to get one out of the 06.
The trailer is a Keystone Laredo 29RL (about 31' long, 9700 lbs loaded, 1400lb hitch weight).
RIDE QUALITY:
Empty: The 3500 rides just like the 03 2500. Really no difference at all.
Loaded
I really didnt expect it to be as different as it was. In the 03, I never felt the bumps, or the expansion joints, and trips in it were very enjoyable. The 06 really took the enjoyment out of the drive across the mountains. When I hooked up the trailer, the suspension settled 2" (the 2500 settled about 2. 5"). I'm seriously going to look at some aftermarket items to help with this. Either that, or I need to let the wife load more in the trailer!I have to add that the 3500 did feel more stable going around corners.
And mileage this trip was 10. 2. The 03 nailed 11. 9 every trip. (thats hand calculated).
POWER:
Empty: The power running around town feels a little more responsive than the 03 did (stock vs stock)
Loaded: The 06 feels like it comes from a standstill much easier than the 03. Cruising on the interstate I would have to give the nod to the 06, biggest improvement is the addition of the tow/haul mode. Pulling the mountains, I give the 03 a definitive edge. While the shifting is vastly improved (the 06 actually sifts down when you expect it to!!!! Oo. ), I was 10+ mph slower pulling the pass than I did with the 03. I actually had to pull over and let cars go by this trip - something I havent had to do since my introduction to the dark side! I know the 06 has higher claimed torque, but the curves must be different enough that with my particular load and driving style, that I was able to better use the torque of the 305/555. Even the DW mentioned that I seemed to be working it a lot harder than I did the old truck. (sounds to me like she gave her blessing for bombs, right!?!?!)
TRANSMISSION:
Whatever changes they made to the 48RE are very good. It shifts reliably, and when expected.
OTHER:
The Jake Brake is simply put, AWESOME. Easy to use, not too loud.
I definitly have to get a little louder exhaust put on. It was at times hard to hear what exactly the motor was doing. Granted, I did enjoy the quieter ride, but I felt like I was towing blind (I dont have guages installed yet either).
The new RAK stereo sucks. Very flat sound. Wont achieve the same volume that my 03 would - and I wouldnt want it to based on how crummy it sounds.
The Brakesmart brake control is also very well worth the investment. Truck and trailer seemed to brake in unison. I did not once feel that 2 second delay, and after coming to a complete stop, the trailer brakes released when I took my foot off the pedal, not a second or two later.
Windnoise is decreased, as was the upper door buffet from cross winds. Cudos to the quieter ride.
Overhead Temp guage takes a LONG time to generate an accurate reading after starting off. On the 03, I got instantanious accurate readings. I'd guess that it takes a good five minutes of drive time to get one out of the 06.
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