Report on 2008 Chevrolet - Montana Owners Club

padredw · 09-05-2008, 04:24 AM

Our 2008 Duramax/Allison has less than 4000 miles and this is our first trip in the mountains. We came over Wolf Creek Pass on Tuesday and I was powerfully impressed, especially with the tow/haul mode coming down the pass. I only tapped my brakes a few times, otherwise the tow/haul kept the speed in the safety and comfort zone at all times. My practice is to use the tow/haul ONLY in the mountains or terrain of similar grade. I cannot say enough good about this 2500 Chevrolet diesel.

In case you might wish to see some of our photos, you can click on the following links:

Durango Photos

Creede Photos

barbwaines · 09-05-2008, 05:48 AM

We have the 2008 Chev3500HD Silverado LTZ and are very happy with the power we have. Had an 04 Chev 3500 and traded up this March. Pulls the 3400RL amazingly well. Do most of our travelling in the B,C, mountains.

mail2us · 09-05-2008, 05:49 AM

Good luck on your Duramx. We tow with a 2007.5 Chev diesel and really enjoy it and its ability to tow the 3400 we have. Great photos too! Dennis

Ramblin Roadrunners · 09-05-2008, 06:00 AM

You have to watch yourself in Creede. There might be some of Alfred Packer's relatives still around. LOL
Jay D

Ramblin Roadrunners · 09-05-2008, 06:08 AM

I guess I should explain-- Alfred Packer was a cannabal trapper from the 1800's that tasted his fellow trappers one terrible winter.
Jay D.

padredw · 09-05-2008, 06:10 AM

Thanks, Jay, yep I know about Alferd Packer, but his territory was over in Lake City where we drove yesterday.

Ramblin Roadrunners · 09-05-2008, 06:26 AM

You are right. He was buried at Creede.

Ramblin Roadrunners · 09-05-2008, 06:29 AM

He was dug up about 5 years ago and DNA tested to see if he really did eat human flesh. The answer was "YES"

Delaine and Lindy · 09-05-2008, 10:18 AM

I agree the 2008 Chevy Silverado is a awesome Truck. We are in West Memphis Ark. at Tom Sawer RV park. The Chevy has no problem pulling the 5er and no problem stopping (Disk Brakes) actually had good fuel mileage today 12.1 mpg at 60 mpg. We are heavy, but not as heavy as the Cambridge which was a surprise.

I only use the Tow Haul mode in hilly country or in heavy traffic. I don't use it on the open roads. And the fuel mileage is better, the Chevy stays in 6th gear longer and less RPMs. In the 4 other Duramax/Allison we have owned I always towed in Tow Haul mode. But now have found the more you can keep it in 6th gear the better mileage. And the other 6 speeds we owned and was getting a little less fuel mileage. So will do more testing. Oh yes we have a little over 11,000 miles. GBY.....

mail2us · 09-05-2008, 11:40 AM

We're pulling a Montana 3400 and our 2500HD diesel 4x4 CC averages about 13.5-14 mpg at 60-65 tops. We are not loaded down. W/O the 5ver we get 18-20 mpg depending on other factors of speed, A/C, etc.
A really great truck and tv. It's fun to drive and horsey when needed! Dennis

**Rondo** · 09-05-2008, 05:18 PM

I own a 2007.5 2500 with the Duramax/6 speed Allison and love it. Don't want to throw a monkey wrench into this thread but I was told if I'm towing the fiver or pulling anything else with some weight and have tranny problems they may not honor the warranty if I was not using the tow/haul pulling -flat on hills or mouontains! This came from one of the guys and not the dealer but I'll check with them and see next time I'm in! From what I understand they can tell if you are or were towing without the tow/haul on since there is suppose to be a little "black box" similar to those in jets that they can refer to. I'm going to check on that to when I'm in next!

cucalene · 09-05-2008, 05:49 PM

Rondo, GM designed the truck to be a tow vehicle. This is why it has a Diesel and Allison combo. If any dealer tells you different, show them advertising in all the travel magazines. Plus expalin to them it has a hitch installed at factory.

padredw · 09-06-2008, 03:27 AM

I have no desire to push this too far. Feelings seem very strong on both sides of this question. I think either using tow/haul all the time on only in steep terrain will work to the satisfaction of the "driver who has made the decision to go one way or the other== I really men that it WILL WORK, and will work according to the design of GM.

Here is one relevant quote from the owner manual:

"DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving."

This quotation should surely settle the question of any "requirement" of using the tow/haul when towing a trailer.

I'm sure there are many other factors to be considered. But this is clearly a base line.

richfaa · 09-06-2008, 03:51 AM

These big trucks are designed to work hard and pull heavy loads. As long as you stay within the manufacturers ratings and specifications the warranty should not be a issue.. My guess is that if they could show that you were far in excess of the trucks ratings and spec's there could be a problem.

Delaine and Lindy · 09-06-2008, 06:13 AM

Well I would really follow up on that statement about the warranty. Yes the black box is there. And you wouldn't believe how much imformation it can store. Next time your in for service have the tech show you what it does. Techs love to do the show and tell. Yes the tow haul does work and really will keep your speed down going down the hills. I only use the tow haul mode in certain situations hills and heavy traffic. I really think keeping the Allison in 6th gear will save money. We pull heavy and when we had the Cambridge the weight (GVW) was 25,600 and towed it over 25,000 miles with several different Duramax/Allsions 3500's and 4500. Never had a problem and pulled it thru the Colorado rockies. But again its a choice for the operator and I haven't found a place in the owners manual that you had to pull in tow haul when towing, its just a option. As said before the Heavy duty Trucks are made for heavy towing and the Duramax/Allison is a proven combo. The Black box will tell on you if your running a Programer or tuner or other gadgets. Your takening a big chance if your running gadgets for little or no benefits (IMO). To replace a Duramax will cost many hundred dollars. But again its choice. Good Luck. GBY...

TLightning · 09-08-2008, 10:41 AM

The T/H is designed to be used when towing and your GCW is 75% or more than your GCWR. In addition to adjusting the shift points, it also provides increased vehicle control, increased performance and transmission cooling. It is most useful when pulling a heavy trailer through rolling terrain, stop and go traffic, or in busy areas where improved low speed control of the vehicle is desired.

The above is NOT my opinion...it's what GM says in the owner's manual.

billhoover · 09-08-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by TLightning

The above is NOT my opinion...it's what GM says in the owner's manual.

Read the owner's manual...there's a novel thought!

I'm sure GM pays big bucks to the engineers that research and design these trucks...there is lots of good information in there.

Devildog · 09-08-2008, 01:49 PM

the 2001 LB7 engine cost $11700 installed! I still have the invoice!

dsprik · 09-08-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by TLightning

The T/H is designed to be used when towing and your GCW is 75% or more than your GCWR.

The above is NOT my opinion...it's what GM says in the owner's manual.

Tom, can you please clarify if the manual specifies if this "75%" is a suggestion, recommendation, or requirement? I don't believe they specified this 75% whether or not you are towing up or down a grade vs level towing, or all the time.

I run 100% of the time TH w/ my 2002 LB7 5 sp Allison when my Montana is on back.

Clyde n Deb · 09-09-2008, 05:25 AM

Tow/Haul mode whenever pulling the Monty. I added a deep Allison pan and use synthetic fluid too. I did these things with the help and advice of the Allison people.

You may also like: