Duramax vs. Cummins- Need some feedback

[Mike Pearson]

I would highly recommend the Duramax. I have a 2005 Chevrolet dually with the Duramax/Allison combination. I have 125,000 miles on it. This truck has not had any mechanical problems at all. The only repair I have had to do was a wheel bearing on the front passenger side. I tow a 40 ft gooseneck trailer, loaded. About 16,000 lbs. The truck pulls very good, lots of power, great breaks, excellent ride. The overall quality of the truck is excellent. The duramax engine is also very quiet. I get about 11 mpg towing the trailer if I keep the speed around 70 mph. The truck will run much faster but the fuel mileage will drop to about 9.5 mpg. I get 17 - 18 mpg as just a pick up truck depending on my driving habits. I have a friend with a Dodge with a Cummins. He has had some problems with the trans and the electrical. The two trucks dont compare in quality.
I have not added any power adders with the exception of a KN filter. The truck really does not need anything added.
The allison trans is far superior to anything else on the market in this size truck. It shifts perfectly and in the tow haul mode it gives you an engine braking feature that works real good when towing a heavy trailer.My truck has the 5 speed version. The new trucks have a 6 speed auto trans in them. Should be even better.