I purchased a 2003 Duramax, automatic, 4x4, extended cab, short bed, standard rear wheels 3:73, with only 40,000 miles from my uncle and I few months later my wife and I were 5th wheel shopping and the gentleman offered me a killer deal on his 2006 Powerstroke, automatic, 4x4, crew cab, long bed, dully 4:11, with only 52,000 miles. My wife and I have tested both trucks pulling our 15,000 lb 5th wheel. We currently live in Eastern North Carolina where there are not many hills or much wind but will be moving to Colorado Springs Colorado in the near future where there are plenty of hills and some wind. I recently had to dump $3,000 into the Powerstroke for an oil leak.

From our test we discovered the Chevy has more power but the Ford is more stable. Chevy Concern; If I kept the Chevy I would need to add a set of airbags but I'm concerned that with the single rear wheels that it won't be stable enough while traveling in the Colorado or Wyoming wind. Ford Concern; I just dumped $3,000 into the 6.0 and I'm concerned what could be next.

Right now I'm on the fence on what truck I should keep. I wanted to keep both trucks but my wife has put her foot down and I need to sell one. Does anyone have any insight that will help me make up my mind? Thank You!

 

The 6.0 Ford can be built into a dependable truck, but you are looking at a big chunk of change to get it there. A bulletproof kit or similar situation. Guys that know the 6.0 are few and far between, most just want to take your $ and wait until you return so they can take more...however, I believe Spartan Diesel is in N.C. and they are one I would trust. You don't know me from a hot rock but I came from the Ford diesel world to the Dodge. The dually has some serious advantages when pulling a 15k 5er, but know there is some $$ in your future to make it right. 52k is about where things start to happen...EGR, head gaskets, etc.
Were it me I would find the 6.0 guy and build it right, or sell them both and buy a dually you can trust out of the gate. The 6.0 can be made into a runner, but resign yourself to spending $$$ to do it. The 03 D-max isn't the best of that breed either...so..

You pays your money and you takes your chances...

 

Thank you for the heads up. I will look into Spartan and see what they have to offer.

 

The 6.0 after bullet proffing is a great truck. I live in the Carolina mountians and my service truck is an 06 with a 6.0 over 220,000 miles with plenty of power. There are plenty of guys who fix 6.0 in north Carolina and it only cost 2500 to built prof my service truck. the only down side is there not very diy friendly.

Duramax is also good but not without its share of problems. One thing to look out for is most service shops don't know that it has a 2 stage fuel filter and only one gets changed leading to tow bills and injector issues.

Bottom line is a well maintained truck will be dependable.

Givin your travel plans I would go with comfort and control.
Good luck in Colorado

 

Also if you need some one in your area to bullet prof a 6.0 the best way to find one is through a local diesel club or from some of the older guys at auto part stores. That's how I found some one to do mine. A hole lot cheaper that going to a dealership or Spartan.