Hi, all! I was wondering what your opinion is on this vehicle as a tow rig.(2004 Chevy 2500HD crewcab long box duramax LWB)

I will be using it to bumper pull a 27-30 ft. 6500-7000 lbs travel trailer. I was wondering what the specs of this engine and what my troubles would be when towing a load like this from OK to WI. Also what would MPG be? And what are the actual tow specs?

Thanks!!
Braden

 

well it depends on if it is an LB7 or LLY for the specs of the engine

your mileage will depend greatly on you, and a few other factors

 

It is an LLY Duramax

 

Years offered: 2004.5-2005/ 2006 LLY is basically a de-tuned LBZ
Engine Code: LLY
8th Digit VIN Identifier: 2
Specifications:
Engine type: 6,599 cc (6.599 L; 402.7 cu in) V8 turbo
Bore x Stroke: 4.06 in (103.1 mm) x 3.90 in (99.1 mm)
Block / Head: Cast gray iron / Cast aluminum
Aspiration: Turbocharged & Intercooled
Valvetrain: OHV 4-V
Compression: 17.5:1 / 16.8:1 (2006)
Injection: Bosch High Pressure Common-rail
Power / Torque: 04.5-06; 310 HP @3000rpm / 605 LB-FT @1600 rpm.

Engine Changes from previous model:
Garrett Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
EGR Valve added
PCV now routed back through Turbo Air Intake (mouthpiece)
Redesigned Valve Covers, eliminating removal to R&R injectors and prevent fuel from pouring into crank-case
Grid Heater removed
High Idle Feature added
Early 2006 LLY model has LBZ updates including Bosch ECM and internals.

Transmission Model & Gears: Automatic: 2004.5-05; Allison 1000 5-Speed 1st-3.10 2nd-1.81 3rd-1.41 4th-1.00 5th-0.71 Rev.-4.49. 2006; Allison 1000 6-Speed 1st-3.10 2nd-1.81 3rd-1.41 4th-1.00 5th-0.71 6th-0.61 Rev.-4.49. Manual: ZF-6 ZF S6-650 6-Speed; 1st-5.79 2nd-3.31 3rd-2.10 4th-1.31 5th-1.00 6th-0.72 Rev.-5.23

Transmission Changes from previous model: None

Transfer Case: NP263XHD Electric Shift; NP261 XHD Manual



Transfer Case Changes from previous model: None

Known Motor/Transmission/Transfer Case issues:
Over-heating issues commonly reported
Restrictive mouthpiece
Injector Harness issues caused by wires rubbing against mount
Transmission overheating in cold temperatures, resolved with a TCM reflash (2006 Allison)
Transmission lines leaking at crimped couplers
Transfer Case pump rub issue due to faulty/poorly designed wear indicator retaining clip. The clip rubs a hole in the magnesium case, 246/261/263-series.

Changes to Vehicle from previous model: Higher Hood-line signifying Model Year 2005+

Known Major Vehicle Issues:
Tie-rod failure due to 4WD boosted launches or off-roading

Popular Mods:
Aftermarket intake
Programmer/Tuner/Custom Tuning
Cat-Back exhaust
Turbo-Back exhaust
LBZ/LMM/Kodiak or aftermarket mouthpiece upgrade
Resonator removal and block
PCV Re-Route
EGR Blocker Plate & Finger Stick
Race Fuel Valve
Lift Pump
Transmission Upgrades
HD Tie-rods/Sleeves

 

Oh my gosh!!! This is everytthing I needed to know! Thank you x20

 

No problem

 

Hi this is bradenreed00 again. it was a few months ago that you helped me out with some LLY specs. That wound up as a no go. I unfortunatly can't afford a duramax but I found a 1999 tahoe with the vortec 5.7L 350 I was wondering if you know how that would perform and what I would need to pull a 6000 lb. Camper i am considering now. I thought that contacting you again would be easier than searching the forum forever and not finding anything. (Already been there!)

Any help is appreciated!!
I still have high hopes!

 

Obviously a Duramax is gonna tow a lot better. But i've driven/towed with a 5.7L Vortec and they have plenty of power!

 

Ok I went to look at it everything seems good. I know the KBB. It is in absolute perfect shape. Really amazing. Now I have another question. In perfect shape in your opinion what would you pay for it with 137K. 100% all options. They want 6995. How much do you think would be a good deal. (It is @ a dealer)

Thanks!!