Note: This saga encompasses the past 8 months
Although not completely unexpected, this is difficult. We have had our Chevy Silverado 2500 Diesel for 12 years now, 208,000 miles with 2 trips each to Alaska and Mexico. We've had our share of problems and glitches throughout, although most were covered by warranty. However, in the past 2 years these issues have increased in severity. Nearly all are due to issues with the emission control/catalytic converter systems and sensors. This past spring our trip to Washington was seriously lengthened by nearly $10,000 in repairs. This included a complete replacement of the catalytic converter system including all plumbing from manifold to exhaust. This was accomplished by MIDAS, whose mechanic was highly recommended by our son and his wife.
Unfortunately, once we left heading east it was only about 110 miles till the same problem resurface and seriously hampered our travels. We would get "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" which we took about a mile or two each time till we could no longer maintain reasonable speed, especially when towing. We had to pull over, turn it off for a few minutes, then restart our journey for only a short while. Rinse and repeat. It took 2 days to limp into Spokane, 300 miles. We got a campsite, a rental car, and took the truck to a Chevy dealer. Upon investigation they discovered many more faulty codes whose cause was several unconnected sensors and an unconnected DEF pump, which burned out. None of this was inexpensive. After a week, we were once again on the road uneventfully with a well running truck. We would still experience the occasional 'CHECK ENGINE' light, but it would often reset. After 9 more days (and lots of conversation) we arrived home and decided it was time to upgrade. This is hard for me as I have always loved this truck. The towing capability and ride were top notch, but age and practicality have a way of changing your perspective. We filed a complaint against MIDAS and after nearly 6 weeks of negotiations all they offered was $400 in labor costs. CUSTOMER SERVICE MY ASS.
Recently this issue resurfaced and required another service call. The technician informed me that part of the problem is that the exhaust system (installed in Olympia) is not the proper one; it was jerry rigged to fit.
Now comes the research. We wanted to stay with Chevy or GM, but they no longer offered the Super Cab doors we wanted, among other packaging anomalies. Similar searches with Ford and Dodge offered better, but Dodge was easily 15% higher in price. After enough searching and recommendations from friends we decided on this truck, a 2025 Ford F250 Super Duty 3/4-ton diesel with a full 8-foot bed and the setup we wanted. No, prices have not gotten any better, but hopefully this is our last truck (I said this once before 12 years ago). At our age we weren't excited about another payment, but Barb did just pay off her Jeep so we're trading one vehicle payment for another.
After much negotiating between my bride and I as to features, we met with the dealer and ordered the truck the last week in May. They said to expect delivery about 4-6 months out. Not ideal, but we had no choice.
Argon Blue
Full 8 bed with tow package, HD Axle/Rear End,
and electric telescoping/retractable mirrors
Super Cab with Suicide Doors and Slate Interior
with 60/40 bench seats, the back seats are all for furbabies
Full instrumentation package, touch screen,
center console, towing break controls, and several USB ports
front and back
6.7L V-8 Hi Capacity Diesel Engine
Co-located DEF/Fuel Fill Caps....VERY COOL
Unfortunately, we were notified on September 8th that since the manufacturing lines were being retooled for the 2026 models 129 orders, including us, were balanced out (cancelled). The dealer checked our 4-state area and came up with nothing. I also did some online checking in Texas, finding a few, but not completely what we wanted. So, on September 15 we decided to order a new 2026 and over winter this year. Our wait time for this is 3-5 months. We still got the "Invoice Discount" and prices very nearly the 2025 models.
On 25 September we were notified the new truck would be built 27-29 October. On October 18th we got notice our truck had been 'pushed' till November 3rd. It was in production starting November 4th, built on November 7th, shipped Nov 11th. It was built in Louisville, KY and shipped via rail to Dearborn, MI and then trucked north to us. It arrived on November 16. I accepted delivery November 18. The dealer informed me the VIN # was the lowest they'd seen and subsequent investigation showed this truck was the FIRST ONE OFF THE LINE IN LOUISVILLE FOR THE NEW MODEL YEAR.
The engine on this rig is a BEAST. They obviously built the truck around the engine mounted truck frame. Been on a couple of drives (171 miles) breaking it in and mileage has varied from 17.8 to 24.8 mpg depending on terrain and break in varying speeds. The ride is more 'firm' than the Silverado; something I'm sure will settle down when towing. The new Leer truck cap is on order and due in 4-6 weeks. Engine oil capacity is 15 quarts, same as the Silverado, but the fuel tank is an astonishing 55 gallons. Twice the range and $$ to fill up. Push pull. There are 4WD locking hubs with the setting being AUTO or LOCKED. Learning as I go. Mileage once we tow will be another investigative adventure (next summer). This rig has a 10-year bumper to bumper warranty and as such I will use Motor craft oil and fluids at least for the near future. I believe in synthetic oils.
Unfortunately, due to timing on many things, mostly unexpected medical appointments and tests we will not be traveling south this winter. We'll survive. Many nights of fireplace cuddling with Barb, the furbabies, and I.
"Your master plan has holes big enough to drive a truck through"
Ilona Andrews
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