brian41

I currently have a 2001 Chevy 3500 DRW crew 4x4 with the 8.1/Allison that I bought new and only have 45,000 miles on that has been all I needed until now. I just picked up a 41' toy hauler/rv that is 13 ' tall and weighs over 13,000 lbs the 8.1 pulls it fine but gas mileage is going to kill me. I am looking at a new 2015 3500 6.6 Denali 4x4 crew and love the new look but will not use it during the winter months and know that the piss (urea) only has a 6 month shelf life.I only use my truck for towing and plan on doing some traveling with my family for the next few years so I will be putting on a lot more miles than I have in the past. Is it worth the change from gas to diesel ?

brian41

If I make the change anybody need a nice truck ?

Knot 4 Me

You can buy a lot of extra 87 octane for what the difference in those two trucks will cost you. I would only upgrade if I wanted the nicer/quieter interior, better ride, and hopefully better reliability of a newer truck for those upcoming family trips. If it was a SRW I'd be all over that truck. 8.1L's/Allisons are gold in the used market so you will have no problem finding a new home for it if you decide to pull the trigger.

cougarman

Duramax is the way to go... You can get a urea delete kit too FYI...

brian41

Th only reasons I would make a change is MPG towing that much weight should be double with the 6.6 and the torque goes from 455 on the 8.1 to 785 on the new 6.6, thats a huge difference.

The dealer wants me to bring in my truck for trade but I already know the lowball he will shoot me and thats not going to happen, I know my truck has value and real don't want to get rid of it. Last week I installed a Pioneer DIN, DVD touch screen GPS, rear view camera with JL speakers. All it needs now is new tires because it still has the tires from new.

27daytona

Keep the 01. I am not a Duramax fan. You can buy a whole lot of regular fuel to offset the money spent on the new truck. That said, maybe you just want a new truck.

Knot 4 Me

If the cost associated with moving to the new truck is not a concern then to me it is a no-brainer. Dmax all the way. I've had both and still kick myself for selling my Dmax.

wannabe

I made this exact change from a 2500 Avalanche to a 15 Duramax. With only 45k miles on your 8.1 its barely broke in. The Duramax with 765 ft lbs of torque will pull the toy hauler so much better. It will only get about 11 mpg but I bet the 8.1 will get 7-8.

Drive the Duramax full time. You will love the interior and ride.

Wannabe

Sydwayz

Brian, if your truck was a SRW, I'd already have sent you the money. I've been shopping for an 8.1L 2500HD or 3500 SRW. Try selling it on eBay. The 8.1L are bringing in pretty good money.

I was watching this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231273110481...84.m1423.l2649
http://www.midwaypowersports.com/Veh...assic-SLT.aspx

I called the day after the auction, and he tried to sell me the truck. The guy was clearly shill bidding and not hiding such at all.

Diesel engines are not favorable on sitting/resting. If you get the new one, make sure you drive it at least every 2 weeks, and in the winter; start it up and run it in the driveway.

wannabe

Is your 8.1 tuned or stock? I put a hypertech tune on my 8.1 and it really helped. Added 500 rpm at the top end. I had to trade in my Avy- rusting from owner neglect... me.

The new interiors are incredible btw.

Wannabe