Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire New Truck Recommendation (3/4 ton)?

So the time has come that I need to start looking at a new truck. I have a 2006 2500 Crew Cab LT3 Duramax (LBZ) I bought new then. The engine has been fantastic, not one issue. It's all the other items around the engine that's nickel and diming me. I'm on the fence as to whether I want another diesel due to all of the smog BS. On that same thought, I DO NOT want a gas motor with active fuel management and all of it's issues with engine damage. The most I'm hauling is a 10K tractor and as much firewood as I can get in the bed.

I mainly concerned with longevity and durability as I don't swap vehicles often. I'm planning on buying new even with the stupid expensive vehicle costs these days.

What says the 'fire?

Easy. Ford with the 7.3L gasoline engine.

Well damn!
I just knew that you'd recommend a Tundra!!

This for sure. Long bed

Toyota!!

That is the direction I would go. I'd go 1-ton though .. combination of options I want doesn't seem to be available on a 3/4 ton.

If I didn't need .. or I could say if I decide I don't need .. at least a 3/4 ton, then I'd probably snag a Jeep Gladiator since they seem to be the biggest truck still available with a stick shift.

Ram 3500

I’ve got the new GM 6.6l gas (2021) paired with the 6 speed auto. It has done everything I want it to do without a problem, and it doesn’t have any of the AFM stuff the 1/2 tons so. I tow a 20’ bay boat and a 25’ bumper pull camper. Been through the Rockies and over high passes with nary an issue or lack of power. I’m sure if I was pulling a dozer everywhere it may be different.

It has noticeably more power than the 6.0 gas GM that I have, and it should be even better now that it is paired with the same Allison (branded) 10 speed they use with the diesels. FWIW, I came from an LML in the truck before and so not miss having all the diesel emission BS, nor the fuel that is $1.70 a gallon more than gas. Plus the truck is quick to accelerate and warms up the cab really fast in cold weather.

Duramax

10k tractor on occasion locally, Ford or GM gas engines would work with the new 10 speed auto's. It will tow like a gas engine, slow while spinning high RPM's and getting 5 MPG. Nothing tows like a diesel.

Does it have the start/stop nonsense?

All 8 cylinders all the time?

I’ll be in the market in a year or 2. Buddy that just spent the last year hemming and hawing and finally dropped cash on a F350 with the diesel said you couldn’t get any gasser that was all 8 all the time and without the start/stop.

No start/stop BS. All 8 all the time.

Cool, thanks

I have the same vehicle. What items are nickel and diming you. How many miles are on you pickup. I really like the engine and have had very little issues, with the pickup. Curious as to things to look for, in the future!

Is that unique to the 6.6?

I know the 5.3 and the 6.2 have the DMF. I have it in my 2021 GMC 5.3. But, I have the Pulsar in mine to turn off the DMF and that automatically turns off the start/stop. Don’t know if it will prevent the lifter issue, but at least they are not shutting down anymore. Time will tell I guess.


Clyde

You are welcome. To clarify, mines a 2021. I have not heard of any changes up though the current year model. I kind of doubt there will be on the HD’s, since they don’t do the EPA mileage ratings for them. Also, they *should* be able to fit up to a 35” tire with no rubbing or mods. I can’t confirm that, but that’s what my research leads me to believe as I am close to new tire time. They come with 34’s stock.

Go find you a low milage old one Skip that spend dee ass exhaust fluid.

My 2004 and a half is fine... 2500hd d max..lol ...looks small wit my bigazz river boat in tow, and the Cabela's six man tent !

My 2022 gmc 1/2 with 5.3 doesn’t has DFM. It came from the factory that way. Chip shortage so GMC shipped them without it. I know this a 3/4 ton thread but if you all are looking for a 1/2 ton the early 2022 models like mine do not have DFM.

It is, because the 6.6 gas is a 3/4 ton and up HD motor. The 5.3 and 6.2 are for light duty 1/2 vehicles.

Your 2022 still has AFM, is just doesn’t have the chip that makes it ‘work’. This is better than having one that is active, but the problematic valve train components are still in the truck and can still cause issues. It’s better than having the system active, but not the same as the system not being there at all.