Hi--I'd like to hear from both sides, so I'm posting the opposite of this question on a Duramax site.

Thanks, Eileen

 

I managed a fleet of GM's, both vans and PU's, they were constantly plagued with problems in the rear axle and the tranny, switched to Dodge and the problems went away-never looked back!!

 

Duramax = aluminum heads, cast iron block not a good mix + there having all sorts of problems with injectors (fuel psi 20,000 +), I've heard stories of headgasket problems also.
Cummins = tried and true, proven reliability, most for your money.

 

Cumins is a proven motor. It has been around forever and from all the reading I've done it seems to have stood up to its "Bulletproof" reputation. An inline 6 cylinder motor whether it's a diesel or not is one of the most reliable configurations. It has less moving parts than the V-8. To me less parts means a simpler motor therefore less problems.

The Duramax has had a reputation of having injector problems. A friend of mine has a 2002 Duramax with 60,000 kms. and has had new injectors already.

From what I can tell from my own experiences and reading about the Max. the Cumins will deliver better fuel economy, especially the 2003's and older.

Dodge transmissions (automatics) take alot of critisism, but if you do enough reading on this forum you will form your own opinions. My opinion is that the manual six speed mated to the Cumins is the best combination. If you look at my signature below you'll see I have the automatic and I have had no problems.

I really like the rack and pinion steering on the 2 wd. 2003's and up. Take one for a drive on the highway and see what you think.

The other reason I like the Dodge (especially the duallies) is I just think they look the best.

Good luck.

 

We had good luck pulling 5th wheels with our previous V-10/47RE 1996 3500. When we went to a larger 5th wheel, our experience with the Dodge plus the known quantity of the Cummins made it a no-brainer for us. Since taking delivery on August 15, 2001, my truck has never been back for any warranty work.

Rusty

 

I have no brand loyalty and I did what you're doing. Looking close at all the options. Personally I think they're all good trucks. My reason for not pursuing the Chevy did not involve the engines. I didn't like the overall ground clearance. I do a lot of camping way off paved roads. For my needs, ground clearance is important. Also I've heard that Cummins uses 60% of the parts the Powerstroke does. I don't know how that compares but that weighed in w/ my decision against the Ford.
You might want to check out some forums where brand loyalty isn't so apparent for a more unbiased view (although these forums aren't so bad). Check out the Open Roads forums for instance:
http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.cfm

 

To be honest, it was just as much the higher price of the chevy as it was the Cummins that made me choose Dodge.

 

I chose a Dodge because of 3 reasons.

(1) The Cummins engine
(2) I have a dually and I do not like the idea of a one piece plastic bedside VS. a "real" quarter panel and a bolted on rear fender. If my fender gets damaged I can replace just the fender and not the entire bedside.
(3) Not that there is a problem with it, but IMO I do not like the independent c/v axle 4x4 set up for the front end, I prefer a "solid" front axle for my 1 ton truck.

Now if Chevy still built them like my 78 C30 dually I would probably own one.

 

1. Cummins engine with proven reliability
2. Solid front axle
3. Bigger tires (315's) fit without lift kit
4. Lower Price
5. Nicer interior
6. Change of pace (previous two trucks: V10 Superduty Crewcab, Z71 5.3 liter
regular cab)

 

I tow horses and campers. I have owned all brands and have towed with the all. My horse trailer is 38 ft long total length and weighs in at around 16,500 to 17,000 lbs when loaded. I tow in mountanous areas with grades as steep as 13%. I have noticed that not too many go through these areas if there is a way around them. Most of the people that I meet talk about these issues and the ones with the GM'S and the Fords do not like to go through the steep grades and will drive a long way to get out of it. The Fords really don't like steep grade pulls and the Duramax ix better that the Powerstroke on this but niether one will do it like the Cummins. The 6 cylinder configuration is better suited to Torque and Power for towing issues and is the only one that is rated as a medium duty diesel engine. My fuel milage with the load is very good and the engine is very reliable. I have used the Cummins to tow with since 1997 with one automatc, one 5 speed, and one 6 speed. Very few problems on reliability issues on both the truck and the engine with the Dodge. I find that the Dodge is as good as a truck compared to the competetion and the Cummins is a step above the rest. Price is good too. I am not a Brand loyal person but I have stayed with the Dodge, Cummins because it has serviced me well and never has left me stranded with my trailer at any time.

 

If you open the hood on the Ford or the Chevy all you can see are hoses, wires, plastic, etc. On the Dodge you can see all of the major components and identify them. Also it is so uncluttered in the engine bay you can actually see the ground. The CTD is a more simple, basic, proven design. And yes 30% fewer parts. I have never cared to purchase the PSD or the Chevy Isuzu because of these very reasons.

 

Along with the problems Chev has had with their engines, and the tranny at first, they also seem to have a lot of front end problems. My shop says they repair a lot of Chev tie rods and they don't hold their alignment. I really love their seats - - wish I could put two in my Dodge. Did not like the layout of the interior of the Chev.

 

What is the web address of the Duramax site, I would like to here what they have to say.

 

The Duramax site is dieselplace.com I can't remember where I posted the question (they just send me emails when someone responds and I click on it and go there). Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences. It helps to hear it all.

Eileen

 

I found it. http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22035