New Duramax

Rweb · 06-17-2014, 02:25 PM

Hey everyone, new to the forum here. Have a keystone Cougar that weights 10,000 pounds. Just purchase a 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6 duramax. Upgraded from a 2007 GMC 2500HD gas. I've only had it for a couple weeks. I really like the power it has. I am really nervous about owning a diesel for some reason.
Maybe because I've never owned one or the fact some people I've talked to say they would never buy one. ( they aren't pulling trailers either though) I've also heard bad stories.

The manual states not to pull the trailer before having 500 miles or 800 Kms on it. Then after to tow the trailer not above 80 Kms for 800 kms. Has anyone followed this ? If anyone has any recommendations, advice, dos, don'ts etc that you want to pass along, please do. It might also help put my mind at ease somewhat. I really like the truck, and it will be my last truck that I plan to buy. This is my retirement gift. I am going to be retiring In December, then planing to winter in the southern US.

Thanks in advance.

Jim & DJ · 06-17-2014, 02:42 PM

Don't be too nervous, just enjoy. My first diesel is or was new at the time, a 2007 Ford F-350 and it just turned 80,000 miles without any problems.

Enjoy your new ride....

A bit of our history:
DW from Florida
DH from So. Cal.
Michelin LT XPS
68 Harley FLH in a basket so to speak
2004 R-Vision Trail-lite (gone)
2007 Mountaineer TT 1st new one(gone)
2009 Montana F3465SA (The Best ever)
2007 F-350 4 X 4 6.0 D
2012 Shih Tzu (The boss)

GMcKenzie · 06-17-2014, 02:50 PM

I'd follow the manual for break in, would change the oil after the break in is done and then just enjoy the truck and your retirement. These trucks are really not that much trouble to deal with, so I would not worry much.

Congrats on both the truck and the upcoming retirement.

Festus2 · 06-17-2014, 03:00 PM

rweb_
If I were you, I'd forget about the "bad stories" and the negative things you have heard from others about diesels. You've just purchased a diesel that has an excellent, all-round reputation and with proper care and maintenance, will last you for many years.

I'd also suggest that you adhere to the break-in period and carry out any oil change or other factory recommended servicing during this time.

So stop worrying, relax and enjoy both your retirement gift and your retirement.

And welcome to the forum too!

Hansel · 06-17-2014, 03:56 PM

Congrat's on the new diesel truck

If you stick with the break in period, and then keep all the fluids and filter's changed regularly your truck should last a long time. I had a 2000 F-250 7.3L powerstroke that had 258K until some chick blew a red light and totaled it, and I kept all the fluids changed, oil every 5K fuel filter every 10K,etc....

Buy your diesel at a station that sell's a lot of diesel

bsmith0404 · 06-17-2014, 04:48 PM

I'm on my second Dmax, my dad is on his 4th, neither of us have had a single problem with either....wait, I did have a Nox sensor go bad on my first one at 40k miles, still covered under the 100k mile warranty. Follow the break in and fluid change recommendations (there is a early spin on filter change for the Allison after break in as well). These trucks are bullet proof, you will love towing with them and if your like 95% of other owners, you'll never own a gas truck again. There's a reason you pay an extra $7k for that motor and tranny, it's worth every penny.

mguay · 06-17-2014, 05:50 PM

My 2nd DMax as well. Enjoy the ride...and the power!

Welcome to the club!

KanTC · 06-17-2014, 07:25 PM

Ditto - follow the manufacturer's recommendations! Bought our's new in 2006... still love it!!

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot

rhagfo · 06-17-2014, 08:05 PM

Well just wait until you hook up that 10,000# 5er!!

I tow a 11,000# 5er with an 01 Cummins and like the power (about 270hp, and about 550 lb. ft. of torque). so you will likely have no issues.

bsmith0404 · 06-18-2014, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Well just wait until you hook up that 10,000# 5er!!

I tow a 11,000# 5er with an 01 Cummins and like the power (about 270hp, and about 550 lb. ft. of torque). so you will likely have no issues.

Remember when those numbers seemed high/amazing. They haven't change HP much over the years, but the torque numbers have sure jumped. Of course, I think we have reached the tipping point on the diesels,. Seems like the 04-06 years got the best fuel mileage. Now we pay for all that extra torque at the pump.

Rweb · 06-18-2014, 07:07 AM

Thanks everyone for the replies and giving me move confidence. I do really like the truck. So I should change oil and filters after the break in period ? I am going to Kelowna BC, in July and am actually excited to see how it pulls the trailer. Also, the DEF, has anyone had any issue with this ? Anything I need to know about it? I am sure I will have some more questions at some point. The wife last night was looking at new cougars.... I new getting a diesel truck could also be bad, bigger trailer...

thanks again.

Lawdogs · 06-18-2014, 07:21 AM

Funny you said that...as soon as i got my 2014 Ram 2500, we upgrade to a Cougar 5th wheel a couple of weeks later (DW's orders). As far as the DEF, it should not cause you any problems. I believe your truck will tell you that you need to add DEF so many miles before the tank is empty. Should get around 3000 miles on a full DEF tank. You will use more DEF while towing or under load. Most truck stops will have DEF pumps, cheaper than buying 2.5 gals. at a time. DEF will freeze, but your tank has a heater. For the fluids and filters, best to follow what the manufacture suggest, but would not hurt to do preventive maintenance after break-in period. Enjoy the new truck!!!

Lawdogs · 06-18-2014, 07:23 AM

One more point...DEF is nothing but Urea. If you spill some, make sure you wipe it up.

Festus2 · 06-18-2014, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rweb

Thanks everyone for the replies and giving me move confidence. I do really like the truck. So I should change oil and filters after the break in period ? )

You should check the owner's manual for information and directions about the break-in period and when you need to change oil and filters. If you can't find the answers there, contact the dealership's service department or GMC/Chev by phone or email.

chris199 · 06-18-2014, 09:17 AM

Cant hurt to chg oil and filter. I did not...I follow the engine oil % life remaining and chg oil/filter in advance of a long trip. I also chg the Allison filter every other oil chg. Rotate tires every oil chg.

10 qts of oil and a filter arent too expensive...unless you havr the dealer do it.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

GMcKenzie · 06-18-2014, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rweb

Thanks everyone for the replies and giving me move confidence. I do really like the truck. So I should change oil and filters after the break in period ? I am going to Kelowna BC, in July and am actually excited to see how it pulls the trailer. Also, the DEF, has anyone had any issue with this ? Anything I need to know about it? I am sure I will have some more questions at some point. The wife last night was looking at new cougars.... I new getting a diesel truck could also be bad, bigger trailer...

thanks again.

Where are you headed and which route are you taking? Coming here is going to show you how well your truck pulls in the mountains.

One thing I might suggest, and something I think every diesel owner should have, is to get an EGT guage added to your truck. I know I have to back off on the Coquihalla (snowshed hill) as my truck will go past 1350 F when pulling up that hill. Outside of the gauge, I would have had no idea the turbo was getting that hot. But there are no hills as bad between Kelowna and AB.

bsmith0404 · 06-18-2014, 05:22 PM

The owners manual will tell you the break in maintenance requirements including which filters and fluids need to be changed. It's been a while and I haven't looked at it again to verify, but I d remember the spin on tranny filter needing a change early. One other piece of advice given to me by a very good tranny guy.....for the Allison, NEVER use a spin on filter that came here on a boat. If it says made in China (Fram and other bargain brands) leave it on the shelf. His shop has seen many transmission problems caused by these cheap $10 filters. The Allison, AC Delco, NAPA, filters are all good made in the USA filters and will run you about $30-$40 each. You get what you pay for in this case.

Pentagon · 06-18-2014, 06:20 PM

We just bought a Dodge Ram diesel 350 Mega cab Laramie long horn
we should get it on the 08 of July , I have a 2010 Laramie 250 diesel now
would not do without a diesel when pulling

bobbecky · 06-18-2014, 07:15 PM

Besides doing the break-in, which will go quickly, like has been said, do all the maintenance but don't need to get too neurotic about it, we do oil change and filter along with tire rotation every 7500 miles, and have been doing the air filter and Allison spin-on filter every 30,000 miles, which is sooner than is required, just because we are full time and tow the trailer a lot. One thing that sounds crazy, with these trucks, drive them like you stole it, don't baby them, or you will have trouble. They are made to work. We get great fuel mileage with ours, towing the over 15,000 lb trailer, we get between 9 and 14 mpg, and running without trailer, we get 22 mpg running 65-75 mph on the interstate. The good mileage is a direct result of the addition of the DEF in these newer rigs, allows the engine to run leaner with improved emissions. You will also enjoy passing everything while towing your trailer up hills. Oh, one more thing. When towing up hill, don't have a heart attack when the fan kicks in, it will sound like the engine is about to blow up, this is perfectly normal and won't hurt a thing. Just enjoy the new toy.

Rweb · 06-18-2014, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMcKenzie

Where are you headed and which route are you taking? Coming here is going to show you how well your truck pulls in the mountains.

One thing I might suggest, and something I think every diesel owner should have, is to get an EGT guage added to your truck. I know I have to back off on the Coquihalla (snowshed hill) as my truck will go past 1350 F when pulling up that hill. Outside of the gauge, I would have had no idea the turbo was getting that hot. But there are no hills as bad between Kelowna and AB.

We will go highway one from Calgary then after it's highway 97A I think. It's been years since I've been to Kelowna or into BC for that matter. Looking forward to it, except for the price of diesel and the HST. But oh we we'll I guess. Have a family gathering out there. I will definitely consider the EGT gauge.

Thanks everyone for all the information! Sure does help out a lot.

One thing I am concerned about, I notice a burning smell tonight, multiple times after stoping and getting out. Also notice a faint smoke coming from the hood. Now I looked under there, and it appears that it's near or around where you fill DEF. But I wouldn't/couldn't say for sure. I will be taking the truck in tomorrow and having the dealership take a look at it as I don't think that is normal at all. Any advice?

Thanks again everyone.

You may also like: