Well depending exactly what year of truck your looking at will changes things slightly, and the prices are sky high on all of them currently.

But I assume no matter which year it would be a k2xx correct?

So the 2015-16 trucks will be the LML motor still. The 2017-2019 will be the L5P motor. They will all have the 6 speed Allison trans in them.

Both are the same chassis, but the motors are different. The LML is still close to the original duramax design way back in the LB7 days. The main potential problem area that is unique to the LML over the L5P is the cp4 injection pump. They can fail, and if they do, they can wipe out the entire fuel system. Both Ford and Ram have the same issue since they use, or used the same pump design. But use quality fuel, a good additive, and a lift pump, and you'll likely be just fine.

The L5P is also free from flaws like anything else. Fuel system issues exist on that platform as well. Injector issues are fairly "common". And common isn't really the right word, but it does happen. Same thing with the fuel pumps. Now that the L5P motors have been out there for a while, I'm seeing reports of fuel pump failures, not all too dissimilar to the LML.

Another thing to think about is any modifications you may want to do. The L5P has a locked ECM, so any tuning you may want to do, will need a new unlocked ecm, which isn't cheap (prices have been dropping slowly), and that means it needs its own proprietary data link adapter and software.

The LML on the other hand, you can tune all you want just like the previous generations. Parts pricing as far as aftermarket stuff goes, is still cheaper for the LML than it is for the L5P, and LML parts are much easier to find than L5P parts as well. This should continue to get better though as time goes on, and more and more companies make more and more parts for them.

 

I was hoping you'd jump in ....thanks....it'll be at least a '15 and probably newer depending on price and you're correct prices seem to be elevated. I'm not thinking I'll be interested in "improving" motor performance but that hasn't always been the case with previous vehicles. I'm really looking forward to all that torque to pull a camper. I've found numerous vehicles in the $50K range with 80-100K miles on em.

I'm in no rush because I'm also in the process of upgrading to a larger camper platform....it'll probably happen at the same time next year.

Thanks again.

 

I dont know how long it will take to go to normal but you SHOULD be able to buy a 2015-16 with around 50k miles for under $50k. I wish like hell I would have bought the one I found before all this chip shortage drove up pricing.

 

Yeah if you don't need to get the truck right away, I'd definitely hold off until all the new trucks that have been waiting to get out to the dealerships start to flood the market. Between that, and fuel prices that keep rising, I think the truck market will start to drop again.

I got mine just in time haha. If I'd have waited a few months, the market would have been like it is now.

Really the biggest issue with any of the modern, emissions diesels, no mater the brand, is the emissions systems themselves. They are the biggest killer of reliability. The more highway driving and towing you do the better off they are though. It's the short trips and infrequent use that really loads the systems up.

 

thanks again for the info....am I correct in my thinking that with a diesel mileage really isn't a concern if well maintained? I'm not talking over 200K or anything but in the 120-140K range...I'll shoot for as low mileage as I can of course.

 

Milage is always a concern. However, in general, diesels tend to last longer. The issue is with the EGR systems, the more miles it has, the more soot is accumulated in the intake.

But as long as its been maintained I wouldn't worry about 140k much at all. Once you get above the 200-250k mark is the point where I'd really start wanting a steep price decrease.

 

Whats considered a short trip? 5-10 mile drives to work every day?

 

Not sure how old you are considering for the tow vehicle.

GM made significant chassis changes for the 2011 model year. This is also when the LML motor was introduced.
The body did not change for 2011.

As posted above
the 2015/16 body changes, did not have chassis/drivetrain changes.
the L5P version of the dmax came in '17

2020 brought new body, new frame, 10 speed allison.
The L5P was continued, but with some external changes.

This link is to an old review but gives info about the changes for teh 2011 MY
http://www.maxxtorque.com/2010/12/2011- ... o-tow.html

 

it'll be in the 2015-2018 range probably unless I find a really good deal on something newer than that.....I've got a 2014 Sierra SLE right now I'm pulling a 4000lb travel trailer with....I'm going up in size for campers (6000 range) an I want the 700-900 lb ft of torque that Dmax provides.

 

Yeah short trips are (in my opinion) 5-20 miles. My drive to work is 12 miles one way each day.

If your keeping the engine stock, or don't mind paying a little more, definitely look at the L5P trucks more. They have more power, and will serve you better for sort of similar money. If you want to dive into the engine then an LML will definitely be cheaper. You can do a turbo, cp3 conversion and tuning on an LML for the same approximate cost just to tune an L5P.

 

I'm really not interested in tuning this once it's bought....2017 up it is....thanks Eric.

 

To this day, I still miss my '05 Duramax, traded it with 280K miles, had no issues with it, it loved to pull my TT.

 

Yeah L5P is the way to go then. You won't be disappointed. You'll also never be able to go back to a gasser lol.

 

I just did this dance about a year ago. Had a nicely equipped 2011 Sierra 5.3, purchased without any kind of consideration of how it was equipped for towing. Towing just wasn't on the radar back then.

Long story short, fast forward to January 2020 and we're trading in our used 2017 TT and ordering a new 2020 TT. Sierra is in 'spec' for the new TT, but just barely. 2 trips with it in Spring of 2020 and it's time for a new truck.

Waffled back and forth for a long time on 3/4 gasser vs diesel, pretty much for all the reasons that have already been commented on. Ultimately went diesel (2018 Silverado Duramax) also for some of the reasons already mentioned. Plus (and take this with a big grain of salt) - within my circle of friends, the ones who had major issues with their diesel trucks seemed to also be the ones who 'over tuned' their rigs. Those who stayed stock seemed to be having fewer major issues. Again, total circumstantial evidence there.

Anyhow, I've been silly happy with the stock power levels on this truck, and have no plans to mod it. The towing experience is also far less 'white knuckle' too.

As others have said, challenge right now is finding one. If you do find one that fits what you're looking for, you may have to move quickly to make sure you get it.

 

I appreciate the info and the story....I also was considering the gas option but once I saw the 910 lbs ft of torque of the Duramax the debate was over. lol

 

Not sure if you are on facebook but there is also a group called "duramax lml and l5p for sale" There are a lot of overpriced trucks in it but you may get lucky at some point.

maybe this link will work: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1848787935226382/

 

Thanks my wife is on FB....I'll look em up.....I've set up CarGurus to send me listings...there's been a few reasonable ones IMO but I'm not doing anything for awhile.

 

In that range of years, the '17 and '18 have the higher power/torque of the L5P

https://poweredsolutions.gm.com/product ... ations.pdf

 

If it were me I would shoot for a 2019 L5P. Injector issues seemed to be a lot more prevalent in the early years of the L5P.

 

so if I'm reading correctly the L5P engine trucks have a lift pump installed already?

now I have to learn crap like DEF fluids. :lol:

 

Correct. They have a small pump yo help supply positive pressure and flow to the high pressure fuel pump.

It is not a lift pump in the traditional sense like you get aftermarket, but it's better than nothing for sure.

 

OP, I have a 2019 L5P. I love it! the DEF thing is a pain, but its not bad once you get used to it. I just pulled a 11K cargo trailer (24ft) 2600 miles and it was a pleasure to pull with. the truck never felt like it needed power, some of these passes I went through were 4-6k elevation change (north from Cali to WA State). it does drink the DEF more when towing, but just carry a couple extra boxes and top off when you get fuel. Eric is correct on everything he stated, he's the one I go to for info... for what you want, the L5P will make you smile every time you get in it! I have had mine almost 2 years and I still do when I start her up. Good luck in your search.

 

Thanks I read your thread....appreciate the info

 

hope it helps, and I use mine for a daily driver as well. great trucks!

 

Been doin some investigating and I ran across a Banks Power video on YouTube that showed someone's truck with one of their Derringer tuners with Idash gauge on a L5P truck....didn't say anything about changing ECM's...that correct?

Secondly looks like I can buy a brand new truck for about 10G's more than they want for used....doesn't seem like much of a decision there.