Newbie needs advice.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Newbie needs advice.
I live in a British Columbia ski town at the top of a steep 11 km hill. My mini excavator and trailer weigh 15000lbs. I own a Chevy 6.5L diesel, automatic, one ton dump that does not have any pull or hold back. All advise is steering me toward a F450 7.3L Turbo 4x4 manual. Everything I read about the 6.0L diesel is not favorable. I would love to hear about any experience towing with either of these engines. Taking all advice - bring it on gentlemen.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
I traded my 95 6.5 auto for a 99 F350 stick and there is a world of difference in pulling 15,000# between those 2 trucks. I've since switched most of the work fleet over to Fords and have also discovered they don't break down as much. I never had any major problems with the Chevy's (except for transmissions in the late 90's), but once they got around 175,000 it seemed like little stuff broke every month.
The early 6.0's did have issues which were resolved in later years. I've got some 06 & 07 trucks in the fleet that haven't had any issues, but they don't have enough miles on them for me to comment on longevity. I've still got a few 7.3's running strong at or above the 200,000 mile mark.
Whichever you choose, hang around here so you can learn about whatever quirks the motor may have just in case something goes wrong.
The early 6.0's did have issues which were resolved in later years. I've got some 06 & 07 trucks in the fleet that haven't had any issues, but they don't have enough miles on them for me to comment on longevity. I've still got a few 7.3's running strong at or above the 200,000 mile mark.
Whichever you choose, hang around here so you can learn about whatever quirks the motor may have just in case something goes wrong.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,281
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Yeah it was only the years of 03 04 that the 6.0l where somewhat problematic but even so many people on here say they have a 03 04 6.0l with so and so many miles and its been trouble free
I hear good things about the 7.3 all the time so i really i think you would be happy with one im sure it would tow that no problem but test a few out
I hear good things about the 7.3 all the time so i really i think you would be happy with one im sure it would tow that no problem but test a few out
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New User
Joined: Nov 2007
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Hey Guru
Thanks for sharing. I bought the chevy being fooled by a good body and solid dump box. I am very disappointed in the motor and its towing ability. From all appearances on the road the Fords seem to be the work truck of choice in the medium GVW range. (F350-550) Although I think the Duramax are gaining some ground.
As well, this is the first automatic vehicle I have ever owned. For some totally uneducated reason I have never trusted them. I would be curious to hear of your experience - Standard vs Auto.
As well, this is the first automatic vehicle I have ever owned. For some totally uneducated reason I have never trusted them. I would be curious to hear of your experience - Standard vs Auto.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by powderpig
As well, this is the first automatic vehicle I have ever owned. For some totally uneducated reason I have never trusted them. I would be curious to hear of your experience - Standard vs Auto.
The new autos are supposed to be much better, but then again they told me that back in 95 and I fell for it. The newer duramax will run circles around that 6.5 also. It was just a bad motor.
Good luck on your decision.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,863
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From: Airdrie Alberta
Lots of the continuous problems with the early 6.0's were caused by techs not knowing how to work on them and just repeatedly throwing parts at them without a proper diagnosis. Also guys who do not do regular maintenance have usually more problems, you need good oil in the 6.0's always or you'll start to thrash your injectors.
