This should be fun...I am loking for the opinions and info from the guys that drive the trucks. Before long our road district will be looking for a new truck and I wanted to know the ups and downs of all of the new trucks. I am going to ask this from Ford, Dodge, and GM. Tell me anything you might think would be helpful in our search to find the right truck for the money. We would order a regular cab, DRW, 4x4, Auto or Manual (I like the 2011 Fords with the auto/manual, but I don't know much about Dodge or GM either). The truck pull probably 10-12K everyday, plow snow during the winter, and sometimes idle all day and during the winter all night too. There have been times that they have ran for two days without being turned off. So they do get pushed a little but, but are taken very good care of mechanically and cosmetically. Which brings me to another point, maintenance on the trucks...how hard is it to work on the newer ones. Guys thanks in advance for all of what you have to offer, and I really don't want it to turn into something like don't buy dodge because I drive a Ford, I myself am a ford guy, but the 6.7 dodge's at the shop are laying the beat down to the 6.0 Fords. Not saying that I would like to see the fords take back over or anything like that I am just saying I would like to hear everyones views.
Gm guys, we don't own any gm trucks for the simple fact that we want a 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 ton, and that meant getting a whole different body style (more like a single axle dump truck body and we already have those with actual dump beds on them). I haven't looked into the gm's here lately so I wouldn't know of any changes. The boss really doesn't want to get one if it means getting the different body style so please inform me of how your side of the story is.

the 2011 GM's get a brand new fully boxed frame(stronger, stiffer), heavier front suspension(6000lbs) and you can get with with a snowplow prep package, they use larger brakes all around, new front wheel hubs... there is a ton more info in the threads here... they havn't been released to public yet, but they should be here very shortly

the new LML engine is rated for 397hp, 765tq, and has been beefed up all around with new rods, pistons, etc (a 60% parts change from the previous LMM).... as well as piezio-electric injectors, an all new Bosch CP4.2 High pressure injection pump, and a 9th injector which allows for fuel to be injected post turbo on the exhaust to aid in DPF regeneration cycles, they also are using UREA injection, which has to use proper DEF(diesel exhaust fluid) other wise the vehicle will go into limp mode until the DEF tank as been refilled.

thats just a small list of all the new things on the 2011, its looking to be a pretty beefy truck, capable of doing most anything the other two can do

I think BriteWhiteRam just said it all. I have an 08 duramax and I love the truck and I will drive it till 200,000 miles and then some. I think tm0231009 needs to just go and test drive one for himself. It will do everything you need to do except maybe idle all night. I don't think any of the new diesels will let you do that?

Its not the greatest for them to idle constantly because they never get a chance to regenerate, and you can end up with a plugged up DPF, they need to be run hard and they will never let you down

Why may I ask would you leave it idle? is there a reason you can not just plug it in and shut it off. No diesel engine is made to IDLE. You might want to look at a Gas Motor. Just a thought!

A lot of guys run hot shot around here and have sleepers. When they pull over in the middle of winter to catch some sleep, they may want to stay warm and let the truck run so the heat keeps blowing while they do so, just like commercial 18 wheeler drivers do. But that's about the only reason I can think.

It depends on the state. California and some other states that adopted Cali rules mandate an idle shutdown timer where the truck shuts off after about 15 minutes of idling.

It's still not a great idea on DPF-equipped trucks, even if they do let you do it.

I agree with not idling a newer diesel truck b/c of the DPF, but thats the only reason... Why would you recommend a gas motor if your going ot let it idle? They burn more fuel at idle and spark plugs don't like it. You will not hurt a diesel by letting it idle. (save for the DPF and regeneration)

First off, no diesel engine is made to idle period. I have been in the engine business for a long time and when you open it up you can tell how the engine has been used. A diesel is made to work, down to the rings being Coned to flatten out and seal under preasure to the cylinder not producing enough heat to burn the fuel completely, at an idle. Look at any engine that sits idling at any RPM, and it will have fuel slobber. "CAT" makes a packing for the exhaust manifold to block it and has since the 70's. Ever see a truck leave the parking lot and blow out a bunch of white smoke that is unburnt fuel, and it is a coating inside the exhaust that is a large restriction. Nothing to do with the Particulate filter. The reason I would suggest a gas motor is it is cheaper to abuse a cheaper motor than an expensive one. I have no idea what GM's policy is on idle time but I am sure it will be looked into when it comes to certain conditions, and Warranty situations. Just a thought!

As a trucker myself I would say that being at a truck stop when it is cold you have about 60 to 70% would be idling over night. I myself do know what it does to motors and I do not do it. I have a APU that keeps me warm or cold at night. My motor has about 800000 on it and has yet to be opened and I think alot of it has to do with being not idled.