New Ride (to me)

tvandevelde · March 5, 2005

Hello,

I'm new to the board and to GM trucks.

I just took delivery on my 2001 3500 LS dually 8.1 6-speed 2wd. I've never owned a Chevy before.

I had an '01 Dodge 2500 Cummins. I loved it and it was my daily driver. My mom bougt a new ride and offered me her '02 Explorer for $5k. I sold the Dodge, bought the Explorer for my daily driver and started shopping for a tow vehicle. I wasn't even considering a Chev or a gas engine. Since I'll only be using it tow the boat every once in a while, I figured gas mileage isn't an issue so I was looking fo v10s. I then read about the 8.1 and it's torque and thought I give it a try. I haven't pulled the boat yet, but so far I'm impressed with the truck in general and love the immediate power of the 8.1!

Sold the Dodge for $22k and bought the Chev for $11,950. Lowered my debt and added a third vehicle!

Thje real test will be when I hook up my Baja 302 to the back. I think I'm around 10,000# with the trailer, fuel and beer.

I've read the horror stories of piston slapping, but luckily mine doesn't seem to have the problem.

Sorry to be so winded, just wanted to share about my new toy.

Tim

HDCrew4x4 · March 5, 2005

Congrats on the new truck! I bought mine used recently as well and I'm really pleased with the quality so far. I got rid of a Dodge to get it too!

Lots of guys here swear by the 8.1 - it's a great engine.

When you get it hooked up to the Baja be sure to take some pics and post 'em!

Oh and welcome by the way!

99silveradoz71 · March 6, 2005

One freighter to pull another. Nice score

Daubs · March 7, 2005

Welcome. Glad to have you aboard.

You are going to like that 8.1! Lots of power. (not many 6 speed 2WD's out there)

Truckman031 · March 7, 2005

Congrats on the new rig.

tvandevelde · March 8, 2005

Welcome. Glad to have you aboard.

You are going to like that 8.1! Lots of power. (not many 6 speed 2WD's out there)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. There aren't too many 2wds. It made the cost cheaper though. I have two Explorer 4x4s and figured I didn't need another 4wd vehicle. I'll let you know if I regret that decision on the first slick boat ramp I come across. I never needed 4wd in my Dodge 2500 SRW. Tow mostly to Lake Cumberland in KY. Steep ramps.