2022 Duramax Chevy 2500 LT with leather and bucket seats vs GMC AT4 with 6.6 GAS and more options????????

CRApex · August 17, 2021

On 8/13/2021 at 9:58 AM, kylant said:

Despite what CRApex says about emission issues, they are not few and far between. They are actually quite common.

Actually theyre not. What someone reads on the interent is a very small number of the overall owners with issues. People generally don't go to the internet to post they have no problems.

My personal experience with the Duramax is one of reliability. We've actually had more issues with our gas trucks (2020 6.6 work trucks with tranny issues) than I have had with my last 3 Duramax trucks. If you want more options, buy the gas truck, if you want a much better driving experience IMO, buy the Duramax. Again, its not just the motor, its the 10spd tranny that has been phenominal so far. You also get a 100k powertrain warranty with the Duramax to cover all of the endless issues you're going to have..

That all said, IF they ever offer a 10spd in the gas version I would at least consider it.

nards444 · August 17, 2021

3 hours ago, kylant said:

the only thing the diesel has over the gas in the longevity department is the engine itself. everything else bolted to it is does not live longer than gas components. In fact, most components attached to the diesel engine will fail long before the gas parts. IE,... injectors, emissions related components, fuel filters, etc... the 10 speed tranny is unproven, the 6 speed is....

at resale, yes the Duramax will bring more value. but you also pay nearly $10K up front for it. I just did a quick KBB comparison of trade values for my truck with Duramax, vs gas 6.6. The trade and retail price difference was $7k. so in reality, diesel does not even bring the initial cost back to trade or sell.

I love the diesel, but will be going gas next truck. with all the issues they have, and my needs, it just doesn't make sense anymore

Very true and good points. But if all I lose is 3k at trade on my 10k engine investment I am thrilled with with that. 3k spread over 3-5 years of my typical ownership is well worth the experience. To top it off IM getting 18mpg vs 10-12 with the gas, so I would assume my 3k gap isnt quite 3k

BowtieOwner · August 19, 2021

On 8/17/2021 at 2:06 PM, nards444 said:

Very true and good points. But if all I lose is 3k at trade on my 10k engine investment I am thrilled with with that. 3k spread over 3-5 years of my typical ownership is well worth the experience. To top it off IM getting 18mpg vs 10-12 with the gas, so I would assume my 3k gap isnt quite 3k

Where are people getting the idea that the 6.6 gas is only averaging 10-12 mpg? I have a little over 6,100 miles so far with city and hwy driving, and some of the time towing my 23' pontoon and 35' travel trailer, and I am averaging 14.3 mpg lifetime.

Also, the 3k trade/selling difference that the previous post mentioned wouldn't be after 3-5 years of ownership, that is current value, which has to be 0-2 years.

nards444 · August 20, 2021

16 hours ago, BowtieOwner said:

Where are people getting the idea that the 6.6 gas is only averaging 10-12 mpg? I have a little over 6,100 miles so far with city and hwy driving, and some of the time towing my 23' pontoon and 35' travel trailer, and I am averaging 14.3 mpg lifetime.

Also, the 3k trade/selling difference that the previous post mentioned wouldn't be after 3-5 years of ownership, that is current value, which has to be 0-2 years.

Yeah Im getting 18mpg with a diesel, which on 15k miles a year is $700 in savings a year on fuel. Combined with higher resale that 10k difference isnt that big. And yes after 5 years I would say that diesel truck same trim vs the gasser would sell for at least 5k more, so while i didnt mention the 3k number, I believe it.

Even so after 5 years I saved myself 3500 in fuel got 5 grand back for the motor. So the diesel cost me an extra 1500 because of purchase price spread out over 5 years, thats 300 bucks a year for a better motor. Worth it.

Random · August 20, 2021

Everyone is going to have their own opinion and defend the choices they made, as you can see with the back and forth going on. Like anything in life, you need to weigh the pro's and con's of which truck meets your needs. I was in a similar situation when I ended up choosing my LT Duramax. Yes a 6.6 gas with all the bells and whistles would have probably been fine, but after looking at what I needed/wanted my truck for I ended on the Duramax as the most desirable trait. Long trips through mountains are effortless, the distance I can travel between fuel stops, and the ability to use the commercial lanes for fueling make my traveling about as easy as driving a car.

Now if I was in your same shoes and given the information you provided, I would have probably went with the AT4 gas. I really like the styling of the AT4 and the 6.6 gas is no slouch. Given you're not towing a lot of weight and for short distances, you would probably be just as happy with the gas for towing.

Njmurvin · August 21, 2021

To be honest, the "other" truck I considered before purchasing my LT Duramax was a Ford equipped with the Godzilla gas engine and 10 speed trans. While it has more HP than my previous truck (04.5 Ram 3500), the torque was lower and it has to really rev to get to its max specs. My trailer (@12K lbs) is borderline for "needing" a diesel. What put me over the edge to get the Duramax was (1) lack of inventory of the Ford at the time and (2) the employee discount plus factory incentives I got on the Chevy. I put very few miles on my truck. So, the 100K warranty is pretty much worthless. I will get the 5 year benefit and any extra emissions equipment coverage provided to California owners.

BowtieOwner · August 21, 2021

On 8/20/2021 at 7:54 AM, nards444 said:

Yeah Im getting 18mpg with a diesel, which on 15k miles a year is $700 in savings a year on fuel. Combined with higher resale that 10k difference isnt that big. And yes after 5 years I would say that diesel truck same trim vs the gasser would sell for at least 5k more, so while i didnt mention the 3k number, I believe it.

Even so after 5 years I saved myself 3500 in fuel got 5 grand back for the motor. So the diesel cost me an extra 1500 because of purchase price spread out over 5 years, thats 300 bucks a year for a better motor. Worth it.

I wasn’t looking to offend or argue, I was just asking why I see a lot of guys on here that don’t own the gasser stating the mpg numbers.

I like both engines, and went back and forth before I purchased the gas, because I felt more comfortable with it in the end. But I also don’t think people should be giving misinformation about something that they don’t have firsthand knowledge of.

Most people aren’t buying HD trucks because they’re worried about fuel mileage, but I agree it does hurt sometimes when I see the pump hit triple digits for fuel cost.

CRApex · August 22, 2021

17 hours ago, BowtieOwner said:

I wasn’t looking to offend or argue, I was just asking why I see a lot of guys on here that don’t own the gasser stating the mpg numbers.

I like both engines, and went back and forth before I purchased the gas, because I felt more comfortable with it in the end. But I also don’t think people should be giving misinformation about something that they don’t have firsthand knowledge of.

Most people aren’t buying HD trucks because they’re worried about fuel mileage, but I agree it does hurt sometimes when I see the pump hit triple digits for fuel cost.

I own both, 2020 3500 HC Duramax CC and two 2020 2500 HD CC gas trucks. I can tell you firsthand, Nards commets are pretty close to accurate. What is actually misinformation is the statement that most people buying HD trucks aren't concerned about mileage. Just spend a little time looking at the forum and you'll find endless discussions about it.

Both trucks have their purpose and choices are great, can't go wrong with either if you decide it fits your needs/wants.

BowtieOwner · August 23, 2021

11 hours ago, CRApex said:

I own both, 2020 3500 HC Duramax CC and two 2020 2500 HD CC gas trucks. I can tell you firsthand, Nards commets are pretty close to accurate. What is actually misinformation is the statement that most people buying HD trucks aren't concerned about mileage. Just spend a little time looking at the forum and you'll find endless discussions about it.

Both trucks have their purpose and choices are great, can't go wrong with either if you decide it fits your needs/wants.

You’re right, my bad, everyone buying HD trucks is buying them for their fuel economy…

Also, I gave specific information about what my real world mileage is, so maybe don’t come at me like I’m giving misinformation, thanks.

nards444 · August 23, 2021

21 hours ago, CRApex said:

I own both, 2020 3500 HC Duramax CC and two 2020 2500 HD CC gas trucks. I can tell you firsthand, Nards commets are pretty close to accurate. What is actually misinformation is the statement that most people buying HD trucks aren't concerned about mileage. Just spend a little time looking at the forum and you'll find endless discussions about it.

Both trucks have their purpose and choices are great, can't go wrong with either if you decide it fits your needs/wants.

Yeah I wasnt trying to be argumentative with anybody either. But like you said I am pretty close. Those are spit ball numbers but I could get alot more accurate If needed to. But all those close to facts are based of multiple ownership experiences, research etc.

I just towed 7k lbs for 12 hours this weekend. Nothing a gasser couldnt haven done or even a half ton for that fact. But based off owning them all, this truck did it effortlessly.

nards444 · August 23, 2021

16 hours ago, BowtieOwner said:

You’re right, my bad, everyone buying HD trucks is buying them for their fuel economy…

Also, I gave specific information about what my real world mileage is, so maybe don’t come at me like I’m giving misinformation, thanks.

Yes and no I think. Some guys go to the dealer of their favorite brand and buy away. Some know it comes with the territory. There are guys like me that do take a look and arent going to cry over peanuts but I do take the whole picture in in mind.

Even 5 miles to the gallon better over a 1000 miles extends my range by 180 miles and saves me $50 over that trip.

Its all relative though and unique to each person

BowtieOwner · August 23, 2021

12 minutes ago, nards444 said:

Yes and no I think. Some guys go to the dealer of their favorite brand and buy away. Some know it comes with the territory. There are guys like me that do take a look and arent going to cry over peanuts but I do take the whole picture in in mind.

Even 5 miles to the gallon better over a 1000 miles extends my range by 180 miles and saves me $50 over that trip.

Its all relative though and unique to each person

I get that, there is a trade off for sure between the diesel and gas, better mpg vs lower up front cost. My point was that no one is buying an HD truck and expecting hybrid car fuel economy, or at least no one should be.

I was detailing what I am seeing currently, with a similar use case to the OP, and that has resulted in 14.3 mpg over 6500+ miles so far with the gas engine.

@CRApex might have experience with both the gas and diesel in these trucks, but are you using the truck in a similar fashion to the OP? Or since you have 3 of the new HDs, maybe you use them for work more than play, and that changes the expected mpg if you are always hauling things and/or towing a work trailer?

CRApex · August 24, 2021

19 hours ago, BowtieOwner said:

I get that, there is a trade off for sure between the diesel and gas, better mpg vs lower up front cost. My point was that no one is buying an HD truck and expecting hybrid car fuel economy, or at least no one should be.

I was detailing what I am seeing currently, with a similar use case to the OP, and that has resulted in 14.3 mpg over 6500+ miles so far with the gas engine.

@CRApex might have experience with both the gas and diesel in these trucks, but are you using the truck in a similar fashion to the OP? Or since you have 3 of the new HDs, maybe you use them for work more than play, and that changes the expected mpg if you are always hauling things and/or towing a work trailer?

Yes and no. The gas trucks are for my business and the diesel is my personal truck. I drive almost every weekend (220 miles) to our cabin. I have used the gas truck twice to tow the same trailer I'm usually pulling with the diesel. The biggest thing I notice is the engine revs and fuel consumption of the gas truck. Like others have said, the gas truck gets it done just fine but there are certainly trade offs. The diesel is simply a much nicer drive, quieter and much better on fuel. Not having to make the extra stops for fuel in the diesel is important to me, not necessarily the actual MPG numbers. They should probably offer a larger tank for the gas version.

In fairness, the gas trucks are work packages and the diesel is a HC so I haven't compared the drivability of the gas HC to the diesel HC but the powertrains are the same for fuel/power comparisons. As others have said, the 6.6 gas is more powerful than the old 6.0 and tows the trailer fine, if they paired that motor to a 10spd auto I might consider giving it a try for my next truck. The 10spd in the diesel is incredible..love it!

nards444 · August 24, 2021

1 hour ago, CRApex said:

Yes and no. The gas trucks are for my business and the diesel is my personal truck. I drive almost every weekend (220 miles) to our cabin. I have used the gas truck twice to tow the same trailer I'm usually pulling with the diesel. The biggest thing I notice is the engine revs and fuel consumption of the gas truck. Like others have said, the gas truck gets it done just fine but there are certainly trade offs. The diesel is simply a much nicer drive, quieter and much better on fuel. Not having to make the extra stops for fuel in the diesel is important to me, not necessarily the actual MPG numbers. They should probably offer a larger tank for the gas version.

In fairness, the gas trucks are work packages and the diesel is a HC so I haven't compared the drivability of the gas HC to the diesel HC but the powertrains are the same for fuel/power comparisons. As others have said, the 6.6 gas is more powerful than the old 6.0 and tows the trailer fine, if they paired that motor to a 10spd auto I might consider giving it a try for my next truck. The 10spd in the diesel is incredible..love it!

Drivers experience will always vary as well. me personally I am driving 10 over wherever I go, i dont drive it like a race car but Im not taking 30 seconds to get to 60mph either. With that said my diesel is getting average over 7k miles in the 17+ range and with cruise set at 60 i can see 21-22mpg. However you cut it your not getting close to that with a gas engine. Now with the 10 spd tranny, that could change the game possibly.

BowtieOwner · August 24, 2021

6 hours ago, nards444 said:

Drivers experience will always vary as well. me personally I am driving 10 over wherever I go, i dont drive it like a race car but Im not taking 30 seconds to get to 60mph either. With that said my diesel is getting average over 7k miles in the 17+ range and with cruise set at 60 i can see 21-22mpg. However you cut it your not getting close to that with a gas engine. Now with the 10 spd tranny, that could change the game possibly.

I am also not light on the throttle, and most trips up north and back I set cruise to 82 in the 75 mph speed limit zones and 76 in the 70 mph zones, just as I did this past weekend. On my current tank with ~180 miles each way, and some in town driving of about 80 miles total, I averaged 15.9 mpg (pic for proof). I wasn’t towing anything and I wasn’t hauling much, but I did stop and start the truck probably at least 20 times over the weekend.

So it does depend on how you use the truck, but I’ll take that mpg since I was barely getting better than that with my 2020 Ram 1500 CC with the hemi, 8 speed, and 3.92 gears on the same trips last year.

Again, I decided I would rather have some of the creature comforts (cooled seats, etc.) than the diesel, but both are sweet setups.