Hello, my name is Jordan. I do lawn care and snow removal. Right now I have a 2003 Chevy 2500hd ext cab long box with the 6.0 gas motor. Iv been having more and more trouble with it. I believe it is time to get a new to me truck. I get 8 MPG. No matter what, towing, plowing, driving like a old man. Its is also getting up there in miles,140000, 35000 put on in the last two years i have owned it. i just had the trans rebuilt, I'm still having trouble with it going in two reduced engine power mode. My friend had a 05 Dodge 3500 SRW with the HO 5.9 I really liked the truck. I do not think that the extra 5000 or so to get the 03-05 is worth it. Maybe just get a 00-02 24v. I will be looking for MPG long as it is 18 and over that's fine.... I have a 12k dump trailer i tow. Along with my mini back hoe, and my 1944 John Deere B to shows and pulls. What generation trucks would be best for my needs... What should i look for in these trucks..... also looking at a 5 0r 6 speed for towing. Lots of hills around here... plus a just like shifting through the gears. I do know that it will be hard plowing with one but i think the trade of will be ok...
thanks for any help...

 

Welcome to the forum.

Stepping up to any Cummins will be a big jump up in power and MPG from what you have now.

The 2nd gens can have problems with the VP44, especially if run with a lift pump not putting out at least 6 psi. Installing a fuel pressure gauge, or at least a warning light would be a good idea.

The 3rd gens are much more refined and quieter, and start well in cold temps. Less than clean fuel, or neglect of fuel filter will cause injector problems.

In both cases, IMHO the 4 speed auto hampers hauling and towing performance as opposed to the 6 speed stick (or the 6 speed auto in the 6.7's).

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

I have had a 01 6spd, 03 Auto, 06 Auto, and a 06 6spd....... Get a 6spd for your towing needs..... The 01 and last 06 were both beast pulling my 12k Dump Trailer, skidder, JD Tractors, and other heavy junk.... The 01 got better mileage but had less power and less refinement. A 06 G56 6spd manual will be your best bet....... You will never regret that purchase!!!! Mileage will be around 18-19 HWY at 65 MPH and my 12k dump loaded down I got 11.5 to 13 depending on hills and city/highway driving!

 

I don't think i could swing the price on a 06... but thats good to hear about the 6 speeds. Would a 5 speed be good for towing also

 

For an '06 you would be in one around $27k with low miles. I found an '05 with 35k miles for around $25k, so they're out there but you need to look.

 

I would not mind 80-90k, Im looking to spend under $15000 if i can. Thats why i was looking at a 00-02. The 03 would of been my first choice but those seam to being 17-18... I just really want to i know id the 00-02 will be up to the work i need from it.....

 

dont limit your self to just those years, all cummins trucks can tow anything you have and get excellent milage. If you dont want to mess with all that computer stuff look for a 91.5 to 98 12 valve. Extremely reliable and simple to work on and very easy to upgrade for more power. there are earlier cummins but they are not Inner cooled. Plus those years will be alot cheaper & as long as they been decently maintained these trucks can see 700k miles easy. BTW if your looking for the best MPG make sure you go with a 2wd and 3.54 axles of course 2wd probably wont work for plowing

 

yeah 2wd will do me now good. Have to tow in the mud snow, and plow..... i'll keep that in mind about the older trucks..... so what every one is saying no matter what i buy long as it has a cummins i will be ok.....

 

Yep, I agree. A Cummins is as reliable as they get, even the VP44 versions!

Personally I wouldn't trade my 12 valve for a 24 valve, not even a new one (except to sell it, and use the cash to buy another 12 valve ).