Boudicca908

I’m curious about the axle on your truck. I’m looking at the ‘22 Silverado 2500 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8, with the 10-spd. On one part of the description, it says the axle ratio is 3.42. On another post in this thread someone mentioned that the smaller axle ratio would not have as much power — boy do I have a lot to learn!

Wow -- I had no idea. This appears to show up on the windshield, but it's hard to really say. I could see the speed limit, my current speed, and there were warnings as I approached a school zone. The downside of all of this new technology (imo) is that it's all requiring those pesky little chips that are stuck somewhere 'in transit' or not yet available. I miss the days when I helped my Dad gap the plugs and change the timing belt, when it felt possible to do some of the maintenance on an engine.

Unfortunately I had a similar experience today, traveling an hour each way on a friend's recommendation, to look at another dealership. What I found was 1) slim pickings, 2) extreme prices, PLUS 3) dealer "fees" that were not mentioned on their website price quotes that added up to $10,000 per used vehicle for a "protective coat" they added to the paint jobs (done deal on every car in the lot) PLUS a second dealer fee that varied from $3,900 down to $1,900. They had 2 used 3/4 ton 2500 trucks (one Chevy, one GMC) and the salesman wouldn't even retrieve the keys to let me look at the Chevy (!) but it didn't matter because the extra $9,999 + $2,989 drove the price to $62,000 (plus tax title license) for a 4yo vehicle with 100k miles. The new one I'm considering is $69k (plus tax, title, license) and has a much nicer trim, plus modern accoutrements. Did I mention the Heads-Up display in the Chevy? It's the first I've seen in a vehicle.

Bill -- Thanks for heads up on the new Tundra; I was trying to decipher all that chatter and not getting it. Also, thanks for the reference to RV Magazine, I will look for it this week. I do feel that I need to read some more reviews about vehicles and study about TV and RV in general (suggestions appreciated). The Chevy I am considering is a diesel engine, so hopefully the defects you mentioned are not involved with those models.

Firestorms -- I have a question about Chevys. Yesterday I felt *lucky* to find the opportunity to test drive a 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 High Country (19k miles, advertised for $83,000). It's far beyond the trim level I want, but allowed me to experience the feel of the engine, sound, cabin comfort -- all of which would be the same on the lower trim I might consider. This opportunity ONLY came because someone had traded it in that day; dealers don't have anything on the lot, so I can't see the vehicles I want to see in person. It was a nice drive, quiet, comfortable, very easy to handle (mind you, it was raining and afternoon traffic, so I didn't get to test the highway.) Why have I always heard bad things about Chevys? Is is just my Granddaddy's prejudice or something? What's the deal? Is there a solid reason (or a laundry list of reasons) that I need to know about before considering a Chevy truck? So far, I've tried the following local dealerships: Nissan, Toyota, Ram, Ford and Chevy. I've only been afforded 2 test drives (both used vehicles -- one Ford F250 dually, one Chevy 2500 diesel). I really want to know more about the new Toyota, because I hear a lot of chatter, but haven't found one yet. Ram dealer had 2 vehicles to see, but I might go back to test drive the 2500 diesel (it was still being checked out, had just arrived); I sat in it and it wasn't near the comfort level of the Chevy. The TV that has bubbled to the top of the list, for now, is this: Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax diesel V8 Turbo with 10-spd Automatic (Allison) transmission. Torque 445, HP 910, max tow capacity 18,500, GVWR 11,150, mileage (3rd party reports) 14 - 19 mpg (dealership owner tows 15,000# trailer with 2500 High Country model and reports 9-10mpg). I'm still learning what some of this means. Talk to me about Chevys, please! And also if anyone has had opportunity to test the new Toyota Tundra.

My salesman told me this week, while it's listed as 4900# dry wt, it "averages" 6000# loaded and that the tow vehicle should be rated for "not less than 7000#" which I translate to read (for my personal comfort level expecting long haul trips and mountains) to be min 10,000#. I'm a NOVICE. I don't know but that's where I am in what I'm hearing and reading.

I have to say -- after visiting the dealer to the south of me -- there were SLIM pickings on their lot, and they were claiming they had no control over what they would have in the future. "buy the one model we are pushing or goodbye"

This comment may be late for your post, but I thought I'd chip in -- my husband had a Nissan Titan XD when we first met; he had towed a larger TT from Florida to the far north end of Alaska and back with that truck. We took a few shorter camping trips with it (and other trips without towing) -- it was hands-down one of the most comfortable rides I've ever experienced. Better than any of the automobiles I've owned or friend's trucks or vans I've traveled in. It was easy to drive, and easy to ride. He gave it to his son-in-law a few years back. Anyway, he had great experience with it through the Rockies.

Mini-Rally!?? Did I miss this already? I appreciate the 'seat comfort' discussion. Some seats seem to not work for some people, others do. Need to spend more time test-driving!

Greatly appreciated and very useful for this novice -- thank you for sharing the file.

I don’t own a truck yet — looking around and there are a few used and fewer new available. One thing I don’t like about the Elite I is the single axle — I’d prefer the double. I’ve seen the Elite II and have requested to see the smaller model, if they can find one for me. Thanks for the great tips!

Hi John -- Excellent point about the sites and maneuvering! I've noticed on many camping trips that sites can be rare and difficult to approach for trailers. I'm by myself, used to do solo self-supported bike camping (though at that time I over-packed food and tools and had 100# of stuff on the bicycle, I could barely pump my legs up the Oregon Coastal road!) My guess is the biggest weight issue will be food for me, if I'm trying to boondock. Love cooking from scratch. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Greetings from the Swamp, where we seek to escape summer by meandering north! I'm a life-long camper but I am a novice for trailer life and everything associated with towing and setup. I was very lucky to see an Oliver in person last year, and I'm in line for production of a '22 model -- not quite decided but leaning toward the Elite II because I prefer long trips (I've been tent camping for months at a time, traveling both by bicycle and by automobile in the past.) I think Boondocking might be fun. I love being in remote places, with dark skies and quiet. However, the smaller model might be more appropriate for me, due to easier towing, easier storage (I will have to pay to store, due to homeowner association rules) and also to lighten the load and hopefully result in a less expensive and more manageable truck. (I'm feeling somewhat doubtful about people telling me an F150 can easily handle a loaded Elite II -- but maybe I'll be surprised!) I'm very glad that Oliver has this Forum -- I'll be working to educate myself, beginning with the truck I need -- I have plenty to learn and this looks like the place to be! Cheers all --