2008 GMC 2500 6.6 duramax

[TheSweetLife]

Looking at trading in my Tundra for a 2008 GMC 2500 HD with 6.6 duramax. Anyone out there have one or know any major issues? Right now towing 32 foot trailer but looking to upgrade to 5er for a 4 week cross country trip next summer.

Truck is priced well and already has an auxiliary fuel tank.

Any helpful advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

[JRTJH]

Depending on the fifth wheels you're considering, you may want to reconsider whether a 2500 or a 3500 single rear wheel model may better suit your future needs. Payload on a "luxury equipped" diesel 3/4 ton isn't a lot greater than on a heavy duty half ton. Many fifth wheels can easily have a 2000-2500 lb pin weight and by the time you add the hitch, cargo to the truck and passengers, you can, in many situations, overload a 3/4 ton.

[Jim & DJ]

And the extra fuel in aux. tank..........:)

[bsmith0404]

Haven't had an 08. My dad has an 06, I have an 11. I have not heard of any major issues with the 08's, many people consider them the be in the best years group for the Dmax.

As for the size of truck vs size of trailer, if you stay in the lites and 35' or less, basically GVWRs around 12,500 the 2500 Dmax will serve you well. If you start jumping into the more luxury lines and bigger than 35' you start getting into GVWRs over 15k, at that point you will want a 3500 and I would recommend a DRW. I'm speaking from experience, had a 2500 with a lighter 5er, jumped to the bigger, heavier 5er and had to step up to the 3500 dually.

[Kristi]

We have a 09 GMC, it has been a great truck, plenty of power. The others are correct about payload though. I have noticed it varies a lot depending on other options on the trucks. Our cougar's pin is 1850 which puts it at the top of our payload after factoring in the usual passengers, cargo, etc. If you are looking at upgrading to a 5er eventually, you might want to check out the avg. pin weight for what type you like. It will save you another truck trade in the future. :)

[concours]

We have a new style 2007 GMC3500 SRW towing a 36 footer with no concern at all it eats up the miles but watch the towing capacity with the 2500

[Bobx2]

It's a great truck, and will pull your Springdale with ease. The aux fuel tank will be a nice addition. If the price and mileage is right, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.

[TheSweetLife]

Thank everyone for your advice and suggestions. Going today to take a second look and see how much we can get the price down. Its already a little lower that comparable trucks but part of the fun in going to a dealership is bartering right?:banghead:

Right now with our current trailer I think this truck will be great. The 5th wheel we love is actually a 35foot lightweight bunkhouse with a pin weight of 1350. So I was doing the math and even with a full tank I think we will be a little below the payload.

Thank again guys!

[bsmith0404]

The truck will pull that 5er with ease, just don't make the same mistake I did and buy a different "bigger/better" 5er in 2-3 years, I miss my 2500!

[mazboy123]

I have a 2006 2500HD. assuming your 2008 will be similar....A couple of things that I don't care for.
1. you have to press on the brakes quite hard ...dealer says this is normal.
2. the glow plugs seem to keep going out....generally easy to replace.
3. Fuel mileage: 10 pulling 14-15 around town 18-19 highway wish it was a couple of more mpg around town/highway

but, overall will run forever.

[bsmith0404]

My dad has an 06 as well, he has never had a glow plug go out (88k miles). Not sure what you are dealing with on the brake issue. I drove his truck just last week towing his 11k lb 5er, didn't notice anything with the brake pedal feeling out of ordinary. We both set our trailer brake so they are just slightly heavier than the truck brakes (feel a slight tug from the trailer when applying the brake), is it possible that you have the trailer brakes set too light forcing the truck brakes to do all of the work?

Fuel mileage is similar to what you posted, slightly better on the highway, but that could be due to speeds. The Dmax tends to get around 21-22 at 65, but drops down to 18-19 at 70-75. I have had similar results with both of my 2011s. They tend to drop off significantly at 80, mine drops to 14-16.

[kellydog98]

I've got a 2011 Z71 with the 6.6 and allison tranny. I carry a Fuzion 40ftr with ease. Been told that the Z71 off road has better capacity for suspension. Have towed this combination now for 3 years without incident. 10.5mpg towing, 16.5 city, and 20 long distance. Couldn't be happier. By the way, my Fuzion is a 3 axel 5er'. I use a Reese 16k slider in the bed. Never an issue.

[TheSweetLife]

Finalized the deal after visiting dealer 3 times and working the price down to what I was comfortable with. Here she is....

[bsmith0404]

Congrats, you will love the truck. Once I got my first one I realized immediately I'll never own anything else.

[TheSweetLife]

We have a trip in a few weeks. Can't wait.

[2014Fuzion300]

I have a 2008 2500 HD 6.6 Duramax. The ONLY complain is the tank size.... I had to buy an external tank for the long trips....Bouncy !!!

[kellydog98]

Welcome to Desiel-hood. You'll love it and never want to go back. Chug-a-lug-Chug-a lug.

[sw342]

I have a 2008 2500 HD 6.6 Duramax. The ONLY complain is the tank size.... I had to buy an external tank for the long trips....Bouncy !!!

Exactly....If you are towing heavy it sucks through the fuel. My 2008 3500 dually gets about 16 mpg empty on the highway around 65 mph. Towing between 55-60 mph gets me around 9-9.5 mpg. 2008 is the first year with the DPF. When it goes into regen you can literally see the fuel gauge drop and if you are watching the computers avg mpg it sinks like a lead weight in water. That's my only complaint about the truck so far, is the less than impressive mileage figures. Heck my last trip of 400 miles between SoCal and Sacramento I had to stop 3 times to fill the 34 gallon tank or I wasn't going to make it home. A strong headwind didn't help the matter.

Sounds like the newer trucks, from any brand, are getting better mileage empty and towing with the addition of DEF. It really helps to dial back on such heavy use of the EGR. I would be afraid to pop off my intake and see the accumulation in there and I have less than 40k miles.

[2014Fuzion300]

2007.5 was the first time with the DPF. I think it was the Lmm...?