Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Tow Vehicles & Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-22-2008, 03:18 PM   #1
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
New 3500

Well, I have had my Silverado 2500HD for almost four years. It has done a great job of towing the Monty, but next year we are hoping to upgrade to a Big Sky. So, we are upgrading the truck. Have a new 3500 SRW Crew Cab, 4x4, Duramax being switched over next Saturday. Lots of good memories in that truck, I hope we have the same good fortune in the new one.
 
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-22-2008, 03:46 PM   #2
Mudchief
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Paola
Posts: 5,739
M.O.C. #4961
Congratulations on your new truck. Hope you have many happy trouble free miles in it.
__________________
Dennis & Linda Ward
Paola, Kansas
Montana 3735MK Legacy Edition
1200 watts of Solar
Mudchief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-22-2008, 04:48 PM   #3
stiles watson
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
You will like the upgrade except for the mileage. Congratulations!! Enjoy.
stiles watson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-22-2008, 06:02 PM   #4
bsmeaton
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
Congratulations! Those are good looking trucks, both the GMC and Chev.
bsmeaton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 03:15 AM   #5
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
Stiles -
Are you finding a significant decrease in mileage in the new Duramax? I would think with the new 6 speed Allison, there might be an actual pickup. I experience around 20 on the highway without Monty and about 10-12 with Monty. One thing I do find is that it is extemely wind and speed sensitive. This year, with fuel prices, we may be driving another 5 mph slower.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 03:31 AM   #6
stiles watson
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
Ron, I don't drive a Duramax, rather a Ford F350. However, with the new emission standards I think all new trucks have lowered mileage. My old F250 got 20 mpg on the road and 10-11 mpg pulling, but I can't replicate that in a truck that is 1500 lbs heavier and with the new emissions system. Perhaps Chevy does better. I hope so for your sake.
stiles watson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 03:44 AM   #7
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
Stiles -

I think you also have the DRW, correct? I'm getting the SRW so I'll have a little less rolling resistance. Are you talking 10% less or more than that?
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 04:16 AM   #8
richfaa
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
These new emission standards do hurt MPG as compared with the earlier years. By new emission standards I mean the trucks now have the DPF and must use the ULSD fuel and go into regeneration to clean the emissions. There is no doubt in my mind that the Cummings does the best with the new standards..by far.. These guys know how to build a diesel. The new chevy/GMC and Ford are very close as evidenced by shinny new chevy durimax behind me. who's MPG is very close to mine. Keep in mind there is a big difference between these trucks particularly in weight and Motors. My 08 Ford has the smallest motor and is the heavest truck.Mine weighs in at 9212 LBS at last weigh in ready to hook up. IMO if the chevy and my ford, same truck weighed the same we would get@ the same MPG. Cummimgs..no contest..
richfaa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 06:05 AM   #9
Emmel
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Troy
Posts: 1,980
M.O.C. #808
My big question for Ron is, are you going to keep some of that hair from the back seat to transfer to the new truck. I'm speaking of Magnums, of course. I can't see getting in the back seat without some of his hair there!
Also, our new truck next summer will be a drw. Mine will be 7 years old this coming October. Time for a new one!
Emmel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 07:16 AM   #10
Delaine and Lindy
Montana Master
 
Delaine and Lindy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
I agree the fuel mileage is down, however our pull with the 2008 Chevy DRW, I got 10.5 running thru the country 130 miles total and 60 miles of that was interstate. I run at 68 mph but I am looking for the sweet spot, you have to run at different speeds to see were you Truck does the best. I got 18.4 one time while not towing, my Truck just turned 5,000 miles this was hand calculated. Our weight is 22,180 loaded for movement. I read a lot of forums and the Super Duties F-450 are getting 6 to 9 towing and just under 13 on the highway. Ford has stopped letting you order the 4.88 rear gear on the 450's, but you can get the 4.30 and tow the same weight? The Cummins seem to do a little better than GM and for sure better than the Fords F-450. On job 3 Ford Trucks you get a bigger air dam for the front. Some say the mileage increased 1 mpg. The EPA has wacked again. I doubt if any of the so smart people at EPA has ever ever driven a Diesel. If I can get 10 towing and 14 to 16 just running around. I will be still keep a Diesel. Good Luck... GBY...
Delaine and Lindy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 07:31 AM   #11
c5racer
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Hurricane
Posts: 503
M.O.C. #444
GM and Ford are planning to go to Urea injection to meet the emissions standards for for 2010. Dodge is already 2010 compliant, might want to check before getting a new one next summer. Europe has been using Urea injection since 2001, and no you won't have to pee in the tank.
c5racer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2008, 09:12 AM   #12
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
Steve -

Terrie says the hair must go. I tried to get her to knit me a new dog, but she refused. She also refused to let me knit, buy or obtain any new dogs for the foreseeable future. To me, that sounds like three years. To her, it sounds like forever. Time will tell.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2008, 02:11 AM   #13
EJH
Established Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Campton
Posts: 25
M.O.C. #7737
2007 crew cab 3500 SRW, unloaded traveling on highway at 60mph, computer reads 21-22 mpg. Towing 2007 Montana 3295RK unloaded from the dealers, 11-12mpg. Average unloaded non towing around New Hampshire hi-way and mud season roads, 14-15mpg. This is my third Duramax/Allison package, great trucks. Told the factory rep that GM should put a smaller version Duramax into their cars.

ejh
EJH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2008, 03:47 PM   #14
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
EJH -

I agree, the Duramax is a great engine. Nothing wrong with my '04, just like to stay under 100k miles. It sounds like you are getting about the same as I get with my '04, which is just fine. I wasn't expecting 30 mpg. It's a truck. I really like the Allison transmission. That is the selling point for me.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2008, 03:59 PM   #15
exav8tr
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Casa Grande
Posts: 5,369
M.O.C. #6333
Well I looked at the 08 3500 today. Have appointment on Wed morning to look again. This time it will be a white model with ebony interior in cloth, which we prefer, it is the LT1 pkg I believe. Still undecided but it doesn't hurt to look and possibly drive one.
exav8tr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2008, 01:36 AM   #16
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
Exav8tr -
I am glad Chevy finally upgraded their instrument panel. We are getting the LTZ trim package - DW likes her seat warm in the winter. And before Glenn gets in and says its always warm in Florida, we can't afford to retire yet. Still two boys in college. So, with the global warming we've had this winter in Wisconsin (what's that, we're up to 2nd highest snowfall ever?), I think the seat warmers and remote start will get a little use. Good luck with your browsing.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2008, 02:43 AM   #17
Delaine and Lindy
Montana Master
 
Delaine and Lindy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
rames14, thats a great choice, you will be happy with all the bells and whistles. The LTZ package is great, rear sliding window works great also and the heated seats is worth the difference in price and will make resale better. Your right the instrument panel is a big improvement. As I said before GM hit a home run again. Good Luck and congrat on the new Truck. GBY....
Delaine and Lindy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2008, 07:36 AM   #18
HughM
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Weeki Wachee
Posts: 814
M.O.C. #7219
rames14, It is a great choice. The bells and whistles are nice. I also have the LTZ package and am glad I have it. Even here in Fla. I've used the heated seats several times this year.. Yeah I know it doesn't get that cold here but cold leather is still cold.
The brake controller is very good. I had a Prodigy and its better that that.
The Navigation I could do without but I love the Nav and radio screen.
Towing mirrors are nice addition.
Hugh
HughM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2008, 03:33 PM   #19
rames14
Montana Master
 
rames14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,135
M.O.C. #1920
I agree that the new camper mirrors are a lot nicer. I'm looking forward to trying the new brake controller. Lots of new features on the Silverado.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
rames14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2008, 06:44 PM   #20
sreigle
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
Congratulations on the new truck, Ron and Terrie, and the new Big Sky next year. Many years of enjoyment to you both.
sreigle is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
F350; Ram 3500 or GMC 3500 ? Joe in Texas Tow Vehicles & Towing 31 02-01-2014 01:49 PM
I like my new RAM 3500 H. John Kohl Tow Vehicles & Towing 22 07-26-2012 06:25 AM
8.1 gas 3500 GMC gbsb Tow Vehicles & Towing 4 12-05-2010 01:15 AM
350/3500--buy new or used? what MY? David and Jo-Anna Tow Vehicles & Towing 26 07-28-2006 12:45 PM
New 3500?? Montana Sky General Discussions about our Montanas 3 10-16-2004 09:24 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:03 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.