Experience with the GM 6.6 gasser?

3,353 Views | 39 Replies | Last: 2 mo ago by GottaRide
Blanco Jimenez
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Looking at a 2026 2500 HD but really don't need/can't make it make sense financially, the Duramax. I'm only pulling show calves around a few times a year. Does anyone have experience with these? Any thoughts? I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on one but would like a little insight from the TexAgs folks.
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
I am looking at the same thing, but also considering the Ram 2500 6.4L (engine seems time tested and 10yr/100k warranty), so I will be following this one closely. I never haul anything above 1,000 lbs really, I'm just a tall guy and wanting a bigger truck for comfort and aesthetics
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Blanco Jimenez said:

Looking at a 2026 2500 HD but really don't need/can't make it make sense financially, the Duramax. I'm only pulling show calves around a few times a year. Does anyone have experience with these? Any thoughts? I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on one but would like a little insight from the TexAgs folks.


Lots of threads on here praising them. I was between it and the Godzilla Ford. Had heard the 6.6 can be a dog when pulling things in elevation.

Went with the 7.3 and love it. Gas mileage is laughable but it towed my 9k camper up and down Colorado passes with ease this summer.

You've gotta burn ALOT of fuel to make up for 12k in costs.
TSW2012
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I put 200k on my 2020 it was great. Only thing I did to it was oil changes, tires and I had an exhaust manifold bolt break and had to swap one($600 at a shop).

Lifetime average 14.7mpg
Towed great, not a diesel but perfectly fine. Routinely towed 14k with a skid steer on a dump trailer. Towed a 36' gooseneck with my dozer a couple times.
I never took it in elevation so can't speak to that.
shm5088
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I've got a '25 that I've put about 30k miles on in a year. No problems with it. Get about 14-15mpg in combined driving. Went to the 6.6 3/4 ton from a 6.2 AT4 and no regrets.
Teslag
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

I am looking at the same thing, but also considering the Ram 2500 6.4L (engine seems time tested and 10yr/100k warranty), so I will be following this one closely. I never haul anything above 1,000 lbs really, I'm just a tall guy and wanting a bigger truck for comfort and aesthetics


If comfort is your goal then avoid a 3/4 or 1 ton. Had several and they are hell on my back.
TSW2012
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Teslag said:

El Gallo Blanco said:

I am looking at the same thing, but also considering the Ram 2500 6.4L (engine seems time tested and 10yr/100k warranty), so I will be following this one closely. I never haul anything above 1,000 lbs really, I'm just a tall guy and wanting a bigger truck for comfort and aesthetics


If comfort is your goal then avoid a 3/4 or 1 ton. Had several and they are hell on my back.


The Chevy is gonna be best because of IFS but the Ram with air suspension rides well too. But all HD trucks will be rougher than a 1500. But the reliability may be a valid tradeoff.
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Also, the inside of the cab is no different on an HD or 1/2 ton… at least in a ford. So "comfort" for being a big guy should not differ.

Aesthetics? Elaborate. Do you sort of just want a big, bad ass truck? If so, get what you want. But a newer 1/2 ton with a level kit and bigger tires will make your peepee go 6 to midnight.

I needed both, something more capable for towing, and a peepee stimulator, so I went with the ford super duty tremor. It rides much rougher than my f150 did.
Blanco Jimenez
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Well I pulled the trigger last night after driving it so I'll keep y'all updated. I needed something I could pull a gooseneck cattle trailer hauling 6-7 show steers/heifers with and I don't have room in my bumper pull for that and I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that in a half ton.
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Blanco Jimenez said:

Well I pulled the trigger last night after driving it so I'll keep y'all updated. I needed something I could pull a gooseneck cattle trailer hauling 6-7 show steers/heifers with and I don't have room in my bumper pull for that and I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that in a half ton.


Rule 1. Must post pics.

The AT4HDs are some of the best looking trucks on the road.
Blanco Jimenez
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
This one is just a work truck so once I have it in my possession, I will oblige.
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
ChoppinDs40 said:

Also, the inside of the cab is no different on an HD or 1/2 ton… at least in a ford. So "comfort" for being a big guy should not differ.

Aesthetics? Elaborate. Do you sort of just want a big, bad ass truck? If so, get what you want. But a newer 1/2 ton with a level kit and bigger tires will make your peepee go 6 to midnight.

I needed both, something more capable for towing, and a peepee stimulator, so I went with the ford super duty tremor. It rides much rougher than my f150 did.

I don't know, I guess I just want a bigger truck...do you criticize or interrogate people for wanting a half ton V8 over a Tacoma or Ranger if they don't absolutely need the half ton? To me they look better but I am a tad bummed to find out they are not any more spacious inside.

I would honestly estimate that 75% of the F250's etc you see on the road are people who could totally get buy with a half ton and either never or rarely tow anything above 7k lbs...people just like these trucks...they're sweet. And in the Chevy and Dodge, you can get a nice gasser with great features for under $60k....the price of a little 4Runner

I just don't see why the controvesy. But apologies for not knowing the 2500 was no more spacious inside than the 1500. My buddies F250 feels significantly "bigger" inside than my F150, but maybe it's placebo effect or something?

EDIT: Google disagrees with your claim that cab sizes are the same between 1500 and 2500.
kyledr04
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
HD gas is the last plain v8 with no turbo or afm/dfm so a lot of people like them for that reason. Gm was having occasional issues with the 10 speed transmission that was not present in the 6 speed. Supposedly that's been resolved with an updated valve body.

If I were buying a new GM truck today it would be a 2500 6.6 gas or 1500 3.0 duramax.

Next year the 27 1500s will have all new engines that may change that but no one knows much about them yet.
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Quote:

1500 3.0 duramax.

Sorry if a stupid question but do the half ton diesels come with the DEF and all of the maintenance and restrictive emmissions crap the big trucks do?
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

ChoppinDs40 said:

Also, the inside of the cab is no different on an HD or 1/2 ton… at least in a ford. So "comfort" for being a big guy should not differ.

Aesthetics? Elaborate. Do you sort of just want a big, bad ass truck? If so, get what you want. But a newer 1/2 ton with a level kit and bigger tires will make your peepee go 6 to midnight.

I needed both, something more capable for towing, and a peepee stimulator, so I went with the ford super duty tremor. It rides much rougher than my f150 did.

I don't know, I guess I just want a bigger truck...do you criticize or interrogate people for wanting a half ton V8 over a Tacoma or Ranger if they don't absolutely need the half ton? To me they look better but I am a tad bummed to find out they are not any more spacious inside.

I would honestly estimate that 75% of the F250's etc you see on the road are people who could totally get buy with a half ton and either never or rarely tow anything above 7k lbs...people just like these trucks...they're sweet. And in the Chevy and Dodge, you can get a nice gasser with great features for under $60k....the price of a little 4Runner

I just don't see why the controvesy. But apologies for not knowing the 2500 was no more spacious inside than the 1500. My buddies F250 feels significantly "bigger" inside than my F150, but maybe it's placebo effect or something?

EDIT: Google disagrees with your claim that cab sizes are the same between 1500 and 2500.

Google I just did shows the F250 (late model) and F150 have the exact same cabin (when configured the same). I can attest to this since well.. I've driven both of them in the last 9 months (my 21 F150 I sold and my 2024 F250, both super crews). Now, if you go back in time, different.

I don't criticize anyone on what they choose. See my self-deprecation over wanting a bigger truck. I see no controversy?

I'm merely saying, if you want a cool, lifted truck, a 1/2 ton will do. If you need to tow something, get the 2500. Both are good options but from a comfort perspective, as noted, they won't be different. In reality, the 1/2 ton is going to actually be much more comfortable (from a ride perspective).

There is a significant difference in a Ranger or Colorado vs. a 1/2 ton. Smaller cab size.


Quote from Motor Trend:

Size Does Matter
The 2024 Ford F-150 and F-250 Super Duty both share a common cab structure. Meaning, from the A-pillars to the rear of the cab, they are the same. Interior treatments vary to help differentiate between models; however, they are dimensionally the same. From the A-pillars forward, the two are different, as are their available pickup box lengths.

ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

Quote:

1500 3.0 duramax.

Sorry if a stupid question but do the half ton diesels come with the DEF and all of the maintenance and restrictive emmissions crap the big trucks do?

yes.

I've got family with the 3.0 duramax. DEF every 5k miles or so.

80k miles and no issues, thus far.
txyaloo
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
They've shared the same cab since around 2017 when SuperDuty moved to the aluminum body
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
txyaloo said:

They've shared the same cab since around 2017 when SuperDuty moved to the aluminum body

Silverado 1500 and 2500 seem to be different...hell, they just look roomier even from pictures. Same with Dosge half ton vs 3/4...maybe some of it is configuration to give that illusion?
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

txyaloo said:

They've shared the same cab since around 2017 when SuperDuty moved to the aluminum body

Silverado 1500 and 2500 seem to be different...hell, they just look roomier even from pictures. Same with Dosge half ton vs 3/4...maybe some of it is configuration to give that illusion?


Dodges can have the "mega cab" configuration that 1500 doesn't have.

I'm seeing Silverado has the same legroom, headroom, etc in both 1500 and 2500.
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
ChoppinDs40 said:

El Gallo Blanco said:

txyaloo said:

They've shared the same cab since around 2017 when SuperDuty moved to the aluminum body

Silverado 1500 and 2500 seem to be different...hell, they just look roomier even from pictures. Same with Dosge half ton vs 3/4...maybe some of it is configuration to give that illusion?


Dodges can have the "mega cab" configuration that 1500 doesn't have.

I'm seeing Silverado has the same legroom, headroom, etc in both 1500 and 2500.

My mind is blown lol, crazy to me that interior of a much bigger truck wouldn't be at least slightly larger, but I believe you. Guess I was basing most of this on my buddy's 2013 or 14 F250 vs my 2018 F150....along with all of the youtube videos of Chevy and Ram crew cab reviewers boasting about how much leg room you have, particularly in the back seat...not mentioning you get the exact same back seat leg room in the smaller trucks.

Appreciate the feedback. Eating crow, but still attracted to the 3/4 gassers
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

ChoppinDs40 said:

El Gallo Blanco said:

txyaloo said:

They've shared the same cab since around 2017 when SuperDuty moved to the aluminum body

Silverado 1500 and 2500 seem to be different...hell, they just look roomier even from pictures. Same with Dosge half ton vs 3/4...maybe some of it is configuration to give that illusion?


Dodges can have the "mega cab" configuration that 1500 doesn't have.

I'm seeing Silverado has the same legroom, headroom, etc in both 1500 and 2500.

My mind is blown lol, crazy to me that interior of a much bigger truck wouldn't be at least slightly larger, but I believe you. Guess I was basing most of this on my buddy's 2013 or 14 F250 vs my 2018 F150....along with all of the youtube videos of Chevy and Ram crew cab reviewers boasting about how much leg room you have, particularly in the back seat...not mentioning you get the exact same back seat leg room in the smaller trucks.

Appreciate the feedback. Eating crow, but still attracted to the 3/4 gassers


All good. I'm loving mine. While I love "big truck go vroom" the f250 tremor has proven to be somewhat difficult to get in many parking garages. The 4.3 gears have lots of grunt but I'm averaging about 13mpg.

The 3.73 owners of the 7.3gasser regularly claim 15+ and I believe it. I'm also on 35" duratracs which are heavy as **** and lower mpg along with the tremor front air dam.

If I could do it again, I'd just go FX4, change the front air dam to the tremor one (looks way better) and probably stick with a standard All terrain vs a aggressive tread like dura trac.

All that being said, not disappointed with my choice. I got over 10k off sticker on a brand new 2024 in February of this year.




txyaloo
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

txyaloo said:

They've shared the same cab since around 2017 when SuperDuty moved to the aluminum body

Silverado 1500 and 2500 seem to be different...hell, they just look roomier even from pictures. Same with Dosge half ton vs 3/4...maybe some of it is configuration to give that illusion?

I'm not sure on GM cabs though it wouldn't surprise me if they're the same. All manufacturers are using more common components to cut costs.

I get the desire for a "big" truck. I have two older diesel 3/4 tons - a Ford and GM. I wouldn't want to DD either of them. New ones ride better, but they're still rough due to the stiffer springs. Do some research on the GM designed 10 speed "Allison" transmission in the new trucks. They have had a lot more issues than the older 5/6 speed Allison.
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
yes good point. A reason I didn't go with the 6.6 GM. The old 6 speed is bullet proof.
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Buick, GMC New Vehicle Inventory Search in Collinsville | Buick, GMC dealership in Collinsville IL

Enjoy!
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
Beautiful truck…honestly 13 mpg doesn't seem that bad with those tires and that engine size to me
ChoppinDs40
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
Wow. This dealership is… dealing

https://www.mylegacychevroletgmc.com/inventory/1GT4UREY4SF346593/?store=gmps-legacy-waxahachie&viniq_id=2a97716fef00d77c21996c2bc8f2394ee3bbf9a2&eas_id=6780399e0313d6780399e03140669489-27fc933&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=viniq_vla_sierra2500&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22114934281&gbraid=0AAAAA9SP8W-Q76BYegBz0LYEW75trETzc&gclid=CjwKCAjwgeLHBhBuEiwAL5gNEWG0_el-xo7dTmZbJy4s-sqsQYcNRNP_UiQ0PRrRxO2yYuAc_oGYTBoC_hIQAvD_BwE
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
ChoppinDs40 said:

Wow. This dealership is… dealing

https://www.mylegacychevroletgmc.com/inventory/1GT4UREY4SF346593/?store=gmps-legacy-waxahachie&viniq_id=2a97716fef00d77c21996c2bc8f2394ee3bbf9a2&eas_id=6780399e0313d6780399e03140669489-27fc933&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=viniq_vla_sierra2500&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22114934281&gbraid=0AAAAA9SP8W-Q76BYegBz0LYEW75trETzc&gclid=CjwKCAjwgeLHBhBuEiwAL5gNEWG0_el-xo7dTmZbJy4s-sqsQYcNRNP_UiQ0PRrRxO2yYuAc_oGYTBoC_hIQAvD_BwE


That is a great deal and an awesome truck. I've had the half tons with all the latest bells and whistles and those are sick, but the trims like the Custom and the more gussied up Tradesmen have been more and more appealing to me lately. Throw some nice 33's or 35's on em and you're set. Obviously the price point is one factor (I personally refuse to spend over $70k on ANY car or truck), but there's something nostalgic about the simpler trucks…smaller screen, console/bench seat, and basic-almost-retro controls.

Plus I'd much rather rest my right arm around my little girl than on a big console sometimes. And I had a blast as a kid riding middle front in trucks.

1agswitchin4lanes
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
I have a few fleet customers that run them.

They seem to hold up pretty well and are reasonably easy to service.
sts7049
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
just a guess, but the basic ones are probably less desirable to thieves
kyledr04
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
The customs are intriguing and a lot of truck for the price. My local dealer sells a bunch and always has some. Interior is basically like my 2014. I would miss the center console and steering radio controls.
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
kyledr04 said:

The customs are intriguing and a lot of truck for the price. My local dealer sells a bunch and always has some. Interior is basically like my 2014. I would miss the center console and steering radio controls.

Yep, gives off early-aughts Chevy vibes to me. Look at how basic the gauges are...as well as the AC controls. Maybe it's my age, but that simplicity is starting to appeal more to me. The screen is about as large as the one in my 2018 F150, but looks tiny compared to the computer-monitor-sized screens in most trucks and SUV's nowadays.

You can get a custom in the low 50's, sometimes with things like telescoping mirrors I believe, and the fancy LTZ tailgate.

Pretty truck out the door, but pretty sure you can throw 35" tires on the stock (12.5in wide).

Teslag
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
For that price you could get yourself into a loaded GMC SLT halfton with the 3.0 duramax...
txyaloo
How long do you want to ignore this user?
AG
El Gallo Blanco said:

kyledr04 said:

The customs are intriguing and a lot of truck for the price. My local dealer sells a bunch and always has some. Interior is basically like my 2014. I would miss the center console and steering radio controls.

Yep, gives off early-aughts Chevy vibes to me. Look at how basic the gauges are...as well as the AC controls. Maybe it's my age, but that simplicity is starting to appeal more to me. The screen is about as large as the one in my 2018 F150, but looks tiny compared to the computer-monitor-sized screens in most trucks and SUV's nowadays.

That's because the current WT interior was introduced on the all new 2014 Silverado. It was designed in the early 2000s.
El Gallo Blanco
How long do you want to ignore this user?
txyaloo said:

El Gallo Blanco said:

kyledr04 said:

The customs are intriguing and a lot of truck for the price. My local dealer sells a bunch and always has some. Interior is basically like my 2014. I would miss the center console and steering radio controls.

Yep, gives off early-aughts Chevy vibes to me. Look at how basic the gauges are...as well as the AC controls. Maybe it's my age, but that simplicity is starting to appeal more to me. The screen is about as large as the one in my 2018 F150, but looks tiny compared to the computer-monitor-sized screens in most trucks and SUV's nowadays.

That's because the current WT interior was introduced on the all new 2014 Silverado. It was designed in the early 2000s.


GottaRide
How long do you want to ignore this user?
S
Here is the one I got last week. The first tank got 13.4 mpg. I had a 2016 with the 6.0 that got 12.5. I haven't pulled my gooseneck with it yet but it feels like it will do just fine. I got the custom package and love it.
Page 1 of 2
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.