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RE: Just Thinking
I think I can give you a bit of insight about the trucks.
I had an 2002 2500HD that I picked up used and drove it for 11 years. Was a good truck never needed anything and got the job done. When I traded it in it had 58,000 miles on it.
In 2019 I picked up a 2017 1 Ton gasser, basically your current truck. On August 31st of this year someone pulled out in front of me and the truck was totaled with 47,000 miles on it. I had planned to keep the truck at least 10 more years, I retire in about 12. It was paid for and I am not a truck guy.
I paid 36500 for the 2017 back in 2019. Insurance paid out 46800 on it. I would look and see what kind of money you can make off the current truck. I ended up going with a new 2024 2500HD custom 6.6 gasser with the 10 speed. I ended up financing about $10,000 dollars. Worth every penny. It tows circles around the 17 1 ton I had. It is just a better truck and I loved the 2017.
It tows better than my kids LB7 Duramax.
I plan to keep it for as long as I can at least into retirement and see where I am at that point. Big thing for me is on a heavy year I might put 4000 miles on the truck, but that is rare.
I will say it is the only big bill I really have except for my mortgage. My other 4 vehicles are paid for.
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ls1mike
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11/16/23 07:28am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Prestone all-vehicle coolant
I know this is going to be fun. The forum is full of book regurgitators, curious (sometimes scientific) rule benders AND "hold me beer, we gonna try somethin' folks...."
I had a leak and realized I was low on coolant...so I went off to Wally World to dutifully buy GM-approved coolant...
I looked hard, and all I saw (not even empty shelves) was "Prestone all-vehicle" and Wally's brand. I didn't see anything that said GM approved or Ford approved.
I can't remember when I last saw green stuff in a car- so I assumed, this would be pink stuff (and I'm not referring to RV winterizing antifreeze).
I open it (it's green) and pour it in....I KNOW that the GM folks are cringing.
I read the now-worthless internet and see lots of strong pontification that this is bad and other’s say "OK"...BUT BETTER YET, I GO TO PRESTONES WEBSITE AND WATCH A VIDEO TELLING ME IT'S OK TO MIX THE ALL-VEHICLE STUFF!
Also, to keep this interesting, I actually mixed stuff LONG ago...drove it a long while with no issues.
Looking forward to anyone with experience commenting. Not looking forward to it, but there will be rule regurtitators. ALWAYS fill the black tank and NO towing with a half ton and be sure to only use N2 in the tires...right?
:-)
So unless your are running a 3800, Vortec 305, Vortec 350, Vortec 454, 3.1 or 3.4. You really have nothing to worry about. I have an 11 second 1/4 mile 2000 Trans Am WS6 (LS1 Dry intake) in the garage with Prestone all makes all models in it for at least 6 years mixed with DEX. Sees Maybe 2,000 miles a year. Clean as whistle no sludge.
The Caprice I daily drive has it mixed in there too. LS based 6.0 runs Mid 12 second 1/4 miles. Did the Cam swap oh 5 years ago now running all makes and all models in that mixed with DEX, I put 10,000 miles on it a year. Clean!
The formula for DEX has changed since the days of the wet intake and plastic gaskets that failed when you ran it low in the engines I mentioned. While the Trans Am isn't a pressurized overflow tank the Caprice is and it makes a difference. The Trans Am doesn't suffer as it has a dry intake. No coolant or oil touches it. The unpressurized system ran low which allowed for the air touch the intake gasket which caused the gasket to fail.
If you run straight up conventional green in there. It will sludge, things will fail. That is bad.
The stuff you used is "sort of green" If you were to compare it to conventional you see it is more yellow.
I have six cars at my house, all registered all drive, all GM...No cringing. :) 3 of the cars have a mix of All makes All models and Dex. The Trans Am, The Caprice and my kids 2005 Buick with the 3800.
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ls1mike
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10/24/23 05:22pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 6.6 Chevy gas engine
The good: It doesn't have displacement on demand
The bad: It's direct injected
Which is not an issue on this engine...The L8T is derived from the LT1 introduced in 2014. The 6.2/5.3 line of engines have the same DI with no issues due to carbon build up. It is was well know that it is not an issue on the GM V8. They also have a baffle in the valve cover to help prevent the problem, it reduces oil pull through in the PCV system.
In fact for some reason the GM vehicles don't typically suffer the carbon problems of certain other makes. See the GM 2.0 LTG turbo. I have one in the Malibu, borescope shows no carbon on the backside of the valves at 90,000 miles.
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ls1mike
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10/24/23 11:08am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Sharp looking truck, hope it works out well for you. The 6.0 was a great, dependable engine, I imagine the 6.6 will be even better!
Thanks! I have 500 miles on it now, so far no complaints. The 6.6 is really nice as compared to the 6.0. It has been out 5 model years now and I have not really heard much bad about it. I hope is it as rock solid at my last 2 6.0s gassers were.
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ls1mike
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10/03/23 09:13am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Congrats on the new truck. Is that a Custom Deluxe package?
Just a plain old custom, so just below an LT but about a W/T. What was weird was the this had more options that I wanted then the LT. Like two 120 volt outlets.
The thing the LT had that this didn't was the huge digital displays which I am not a huge fan of so this one worked out perfect for me.
As long as no one pulls out in front of me this one should last a good long time.
So it has the old style gauges(40 across the top?
I really like those, but not available on a 3500.
I guess that is what it is. Is is closer to my 17. They did have a 3500HD gasser on the lot, I drove it, but like I said I didn't need all the digital stuff.
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ls1mike
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10/02/23 02:27pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Nice looking truck! Congrats!
Thanks Grit
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ls1mike
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10/02/23 11:47am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Congrats on the new truck. Is that a Custom Deluxe package?
Just a plain old custom, so just below an LT but about a W/T. What was weird was the this had more options that I wanted then the LT. Like two 120 volt outlets.
The thing the LT had that this didn't was the huge digital displays which I am not a huge fan of so this one worked out perfect for me.
As long as no one pulls out in front of me this one should last a good long time.
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ls1mike
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10/02/23 11:47am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Thanks for showing the new truck! I hope it does everything you want it to do! I have enjoyed my 24.
This truck is going to be way better than 17. I have just at 500 miles on it now and I like it way more than I wanted to. I love the 10 speed, really nice addition to that engine.
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ls1mike
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10/02/23 10:39am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Sorry Mike, but I just can't say I like the looks of your new truck. The step slots are well placed, but not the best looking either. I put black step bars on my truck, that work really well, and look good IMO. I noticed your mention of nerf bars, that should be a great addition.
The good thing...that should be a great TV for you, and last many years!
Congrats on the new truck,
Jerry
The newer onces are an aquired taste. I like it for what it is and have found I enjoy driving this one more than trucks I have owned in the past.
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ls1mike
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10/02/23 10:38am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
I like the step on the front corner of the bed. That is needed with how tall today's trucks are!
No doubt. I am not tall. I just ordered nerf bars, because I need a ladder to get in this thing.
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ls1mike
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10/02/23 06:54am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Mike,
While neighbor and I have 1500's, I see some of the new 14 on stuff added, like the step on the bumper, yet I see the 21 or 22 next door, and some of the stuff on it. I hope you enjoy it!
Marty
Thanks Marty. I love it so far. It is a awesome vehicle.
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ls1mike
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10/01/23 07:13pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Post your tow vehicle pics here
New truck to replace the totaled 2017.
Hopefully no one runs into this one. :)
https://i.ibb.co/qp3s2P8/20230926-145500.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/dbxYDt1/20230926-145558.jpg
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ls1mike
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10/01/23 03:05pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Vintage,
MTN towing in my mind is subjective. For me it is over 6000' elevation. The 3-5K foot passes here in the NW US, a turbo or forced induction motor, while nice, not needed generally speaking. Over 6000', with an HP loss of 18-20% and higher above this elevation, this is where a turbo diesel, one of the turbo gas units, ie an Eco boost as an example help.
Newer gas rigs are better at keeping their HP/torque at elevation than a carb rig, or even TBI rigs, which are nothing more than an electric controlled carb.
Forced induction motors are nice options I admit. The trailer size etc Mike is pulling, he'll be fine with ANY of a gas rigs generally speaking. Along with a $6-10K hit for a diesel, it'll take awhile to pay off the difference in fuel mileage, yeah one gets a higher price on resale.....
Marty
Correct and the truck I just picked up is way more truck than my 17 and that did fine all over the place out here including the continental divide. None of my trailers are over 8000lbs I like having the 3/4 ton or better because of the length of the trailers I tow. My trailer is 35 feet 10 inches. The parade float I tow for the Submarine veterans has a heavy tongue weight and is over 30 feet. I also have a 22 foot boat.
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ls1mike
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10/01/23 03:03pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Why would you buy a brand new truck if you’re “not a truck guy” and only put half an oil change a year worth of miles on it?
Consider the “gift” you got when your truck got totaled and go buy another one, just like it. With low miles, for less money than your settlement.
Financially that is the best solution. Especially with a declining economy and very inflated truck prices still.
And yes I’m very well aware of prices then (2017) and now.
Heck for 3k miles a year, I’d throttle back to a much older, low miles grampa truck. Any gasser new enough to have a 6 speed (except a Ram with a 66rfe) or any pre tier IV diesel. (But those 2000s diesels bring too much money for what they’re worth).
Edit: My response above was predicated on the assumption that you have some sort of “normal” income. If the cost of a new truck is less than 20% of your annual income, what I said doesn’t apply I suppose.
Less than 20 percent of my annual income. You live out here you know what truck prices are. I did buy the truck I listed and financed under 20,000. Worth it to me, because even with the pay out everything had double the miles of my old truck and I for once I wanted a new one. Every truck I looked at that I could just write a check for was for was not great. Every truck I have owned since 1993 has been purchased used. 88 Chevy 3/4 ton, 89 GMC 1 ton, 2004 1/2 ton Silverado, 2002 Chevy 3/4 ton and my 2017 Chevy 1 ton which only had 28,000 miles on it when I got it. The payout on my old truck was 46,850. I don't want a diesel. Have no need for one. My kid has an 03 LB7. If no one pulls out in front of me I see no reason not to get 20 years out of this one. The 02 I had for 10 years. I was supposed to keep the 2017 until I retired which would have meant 17 years of ownership.
At any rate here it is. Much more truck than the 2017.
https://i.ibb.co/19Sgmkj/20230926-145500.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/dbxYDt1/20230926-145558.jpg
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ls1mike
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10/01/23 02:49pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Wow, hard to believe that the frame was bent from what otherwise looks like minor damage... Hope the at-fault driver's insurance makes you whole. Nothing worse than losing an adequate paid-for vehicle because of someone else's negligence...
I agree. It just shows us where the manufacturer's priorities lie -- certainly not in crush zones or other such features keyed to minimizing collision damage. It's a shame that such minor damage yields a total loss. Well, up goes everyone's insurance premiums because of it.
Thank you for the info!
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ls1mike
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09/22/23 07:20pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Mike
I have had a 2024 gas Silverado 3500 Crew Cab SWB LT 2WD since start of February. (It was a GM Captured Test Fleet - forbidden from discussing). I am now over 10k miles. I have absolutely enjoyed this gas vehicle. I have towed my trailer (9600lbs) several times. Just under 8 mpg towing. Mine does have the large screen, trailer package. I have not had any issues. My 2022 diesel has sat unused (except for hauling hay in our constantly wet fields this summer because of 4WD). If I was buying another truck, I would definitely purchase a gas truck. (My towing is Michigan and trips to Iowa/Nebraska.) It has pulled everything I have fine. I had a 2020 with the 6.6 gas that I towed 16k on gooseneck with no issue. Let me know if you have any further questions.
I really appreciate it. I drove a Gas 1 ton and 3/4 ton today. The big difference was the 1 ton had the big screen, it was ok so I don't need it, but I think this is the one.
2024 3/4 ton gasser
I have to say a lot more truck than my 17 was. SUPER quiet.
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ls1mike
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09/22/23 04:23pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Ram 2500 6.4 gas Towing 5th wheel.
The guy I frequently camp with has one. No issues, he loves it.
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ls1mike
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09/22/23 08:01am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
...and before you squawk about all those body panels being replaced rather than pounded out by the body shop, remember the body shop charges well in excess of $100 an hour for labor.
I am not sure I understand, why would someone not want new ones unless they were paying out of pocket and trying to save money? No way would I want repaired ones, the best decision was to total it. I wasn't thrilled when they mentioned complete frame swap. I was surprised at how pricey the headlights were!
That was the main complaint about the aluminum body Ford F150s: Can't body work the panels back into shape, only replace.
Of course you'd want new body panels! You ALWAYS want new body panels. Even these guys that complain about not being able to "fix" Ford body panels would DEMAND new panels for their F150 if theirs got wrecked.
Ah got it! Well I am going to look at a couple trucks today. It hurts my soul as the old one was paid off, but hey it will be my first brand new truck.
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ls1mike
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09/22/23 07:59am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Based on your username, you may not be interested in this comment, but take a look at the Ford 7.3. It is basically a copy of the LS. I had a 6.0 that I drove for 20 years, and it was incredibly reliable.
I bought a Ford 7.3 a year ago, and it is a beast. It seems like GM has a lot of torque management on the 6.6, and it seems to hold it back.
Sorry about the old truck.
I thought about it for a second... ;)
I'm going to stick with my GM stuff it has treated me well. I had an 02 6.0 before the 17. Was a solid truck. So was the 17, I will miss it
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ls1mike
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09/21/23 04:35pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Truck was totaled, looking at GM 6.6 Gasser
Aftermarket headlight assemblies are $300-500
OEM is like $900.
Body panels would come from copart or something.
But yeah as weird as it sounds that could be enough damage to total it. Besides, body shops are so backed up around here, it’s easier on them, and you, to total it. And the insurance company too. They’ll be less out of pocket totaling and auctioning off a clean, in-demand truck like that than if they sunk $25k into fixing it.
Heck, hood, bumper, intercooler, light bar and some odds and ends and a repaint of 4 panels was about $9k at the body shop last year on the brodozer. Woulda cost me about $3k in parts and paint materials alone to poor boy it with used parts and diy.
Just a good whiskey dent in my old 2020 Silverado front bumper (got the headlight too) was almost $4k and never got into any sheetmetal or brackets/structural.
Sounds dumb but it is what it is.
Good part is if you’re saavy, you’ll make out pretty good on the truck financially. As long as you’re not expecting to fund a brand new truck with the proceeds from an 8 year old one….like some people expect and then complain aboot.
My payout was 10,000 more than I paid for the truck. I am not taking the time to fix it with bent frame. It is 2 hours south of me and No one in Kitsap county wanted to fix it.
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ls1mike
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09/21/23 02:15pm |
Tow Vehicles
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