2024 GMC Sierra 1500 3.0l Duramax Diesel vs Ram Cummins Towing MPG comparison, driving review

I am shocked how well the little 3.0l LZ0 Duramax Diesel did towing this trailer!
Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro LZ0 3.0l diesel
0:28 Cummins vs 3.0 Duramax cold start
1:48 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 interior overview
2:08 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 payload vs 2500 ram
6:01 Ram 2500 Cummins snowmobile towing mpg
7:46 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 3.0l duramax LZ0 Engine sound
8:29 Ram 2500 Cummins diesel towing mpg highway
8:50 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 3.0l Duramax snowmobile trailer towing mpg

[@gabesolms]

Appreciate the comparison video. Thanks for uploading.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

thanks for watching and the kind comments!

[@T_B_C_L]

Great video, I ordered one of these in 2022 that never showed up so bought a 2023 colorado zr2. I still may Pick one up eventually. Keep up the great videos, subscribed!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Good choice! Thanks for watching!!

[@nlken7175]

I bought a 3.0L trail boss over a month ago. Very impressed with the power for a small diesel.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

That motor is awesome. I really like it. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffposter6832]

Yeah! That belt driven oil pump is awesome! Should last forever!

[@gearjonny369]

@@jeffposter6832LMAO

[@markman7]

@@jeffposter6832 There's a tear down video of an LM2 that was run low of oil which resulted in the cam chain tensioners failing and jumping time at about 150k. The best-looking part at disassembly was the oil pump belt which looked pretty much new.

[@RegDaProdigy]

This makes me want one more!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching!

[@keithwarstler9500]

I have had both. Currently own a 2023 Trailboss with LZ0. It’s my daily driver and mileage is awesome just driving. I have also had a RAM 3500 DRW Cummins that I towed my 5th wheel with. I’m a huge Cummins fan. However I sold the 5th wheel and bought a SUPER C RV with a Cummins so I didn’t need the big truck anymore. However I love my trucks so I bought the Trailboss! Great motor and they are inline 6s as well which is a great design!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for the comment. Thats awesome you have had both. Thats my feelings too. For towing trailers like this the LZ0 is the perfect setup.

[@markman7]

I have the 3.0 LM2 in my refreshed 2022 with the max tow package, and I love it. Pulls 11k on a receiver hitch nicer than my 2015 5.3 gasser.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Great to hear! those little engines do great! Thanks for watching!

[@1175drh]

I currently love my F150 ecoboost, but love diesels so this may be my next truck!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Both great options!

[@impala-wf2sd]

I have a 2021 crewcab Z71 RST 3.0 4x4 standard bed. I average around 30 mpg & get around 700 miles to a tank. 10spd shifts smooth & is quiet on the highway. Low end torque is amazing and throttle response is amazing. I'm 46k miles & have had zero issues with this truck. I would recommend this 3.0 duramax to anyone in the market for a truck /suv. LM2 motor is a beast

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Heck ya! Thanks for watching!

[@peacecountryoutdoors8763]

Interesting video. I tow similar sized sled trailers with my 22 LM2 and really don't care for it, coming from HD trucks. The 3.0 is a great engine when used "stock" without loading it. As soon as you tow, add even slightly larger tires...heck even hit a decent headwind unloaded...the fuel economy plummets and the DEF consumption skyrockets. That trailer being towed in the video will also walk that 1500 on icy roads. Be sure to bring a stack of underwear beside that box of DEF. Bought my wife a '24 3.0 Duramax Tahoe because that's where it shines. I upgraded to a '24 H.O. PowerStroke F-350 and didn't look back.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Hey Thanks for watching! This had stock tires, and I am told that the LZ0 has some more power than the LM2 engine. DEF consumption was definitely higher with the 3.0l than the 6.7l Cummins. The 24 F350 HO is an animal. I loved my 23 HO F350. Zero complaints on the power/DEF/Fuel mileage.

[@hudson3510]

I have the 2022 (Refresh) GMC AT4 w/3.0 Duramax. Wow what an awesome engine. Have 18k miles and I average 28 mpg highway. My best 50 mile range is 35.5 mpg.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Incredible, phenomenal engine! Thanks for watching!

[@bradbucklin2692]

That’s crazy cuz I just bought a 22 AT4 3.0 6” lift with 37s and I can barely break 18mpg highway 😔

[@RegDaProdigy]

@@bradbucklin2692you sure the lift and huge tires have nothing to do with it?

[@bradbucklin2692]

@@RegDaProdigy definitely I just wasn’t expecting such a loss in mpg And it hurts since my 19 ZR2 Dmax would easily get over 40mpg

[@3.0dmax]

I towed a friend's enclosed 18ft v-nose loaded about 5500lb basically from Chicago to Moab with my 2020 LM2. Took about 6 gallons of DEF which I expected. Got ~13.5 MPG. I was impressed how well it pulled up the mountains through Colorado. On the flip side, the exhaust/engine braking isn't great. Just the way it is with such small displacement. I hear the LZ0 is a little bit better in this department with the turbo refinements they were able to do. The roughly 7% bump in power yet more DEF consumption just isn't worth the cost to upgrade, IMO. My LM2 is good enough for me.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching! LM2 and LZ0 both are great engines. I have towed a few thousand miles now with each. DEF consumption seemed similar with each. Last year we towed about 1100 miles with the same trailer in this video(5000lbs or so) with a 22 LM2 and used 8 gallons of DEF in 1100 miles. towing at 65-75mph.

[@MrSalmonDaze]

Got the AT4 Carbon Pro last year. It's tits. Travel trailer or boat or anything else up to 5 tons. 15 MPG through the TN hills.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thats awesome, thanks for watching!

[@mavericksportoff-road8094]

I see you’re carrying DEF in that duramax. Good call. When I tow my sled trailer with my 23 Yukon XL Denali it’s sucks back DEF like crazy.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching! a Yukon with the 3.0l would be an awesome hauler!

[@LCNismo]

I do hotshot driving with my 22.5 with lm2 I avg between 28-32mpg the best I have ever gotten is 37mpg 68-72 mph is the sweet spot for my truck with what I do. I did 18mpg pulling a car trailer with a 01 integra on the back from AL to TX

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Awesome stuff! how does it do on DEF consumption? Thank you for watching!

[@PopCorn-ei5bj]

How many miles do you have on it

[@TA-co5mv]

3.0 Duramax seems like a great motor. Purchased a 22' Ram 1500 Ecodiesel literally because of the availability of a 33 gallon fuel tank. Trust me, range matters if you travel a lot. But, trusting this Ecodiesel after the warranty expires is another story...

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching!

[@jtp4625]

What programmer are you using in the window to the left ? Any other mods you’re using ?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Edge CTs3 insight. 100% stock truck! Thank you for watching!

[@TonkaFire2019]

I had a 20 lm2, it was awesome for first responding and long hauls. At 25k miles the high pressure fuel pump blew. It was not good at all. Before and after that the truck struggled to tow a 6500 pound dump trailer with load. I’d have the pedal to the metal and it couldn’t go anywhere. Unfortunately GM couldn’t recreate it either time since they didn’t have a trailer. It was an awesome truck 28 mpg combined from Chattanooga tn to Hartford Ct

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Sorry to hear that! Wha a bummer! Thank you for watching though!

[@DIRTY30DIESEL]

Any symptoms leading up to it or just loss of power? I have a 23 3.0 and pull a 32' 2 car hauler daily. Truck has only seen over 3k rpm down hill in tow mode when the exhaust brake kicks and I always turn it off

[@TonkaFire2019]

@@DIRTY30DIESEL truck did not show any other symptoms.

[@Gubers]

Just about to trade in my 2018 Tundra for a 2024 Sierra with the 3.0L Diesel. I am thinking I'll save at least $20,000 on fuel alone in the next 4-5 years. With all the additional features and capabilities I can't think of a reason not to trade in at this point. One of the local GM dealers has a "Elevation for all" promotion with $10,000 off MSRP for 2024 Sierra 1500 models with the Elevation trim. Can't pass up that deal!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

good work! thanks for watching!

[@jtp4625]

Oh had another question does the AT4 have more horsepower over the X3 3.0 diesel or is it simply the lift and shocks the difference I am really looking at getting one and struggling between those 2

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

My understanding is they are both the same power. I would confirm on your end before purchasing though! Thanks for watching!

[@exordis]

Makes the payload on the Nissan Titan XD (with 5.6 gas motor) not seem so low when compared to similar configurations.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Interesting point!

[@PopCorn-ei5bj]

Have you had the emissions recall done yet on your truck yet

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

According to the dealer I am good to go and up to date!

[@patricke5662]

do you know the loaded weight of each of the trailers as compared?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

the trailer behind the Cummins dry is 2520lbs, the trailer behind the 3.0l Duramax was around 2700lbs. The 3.0l truck trailer loaded up was around 1500lbs heavier than the Cummins trailer.

[@captainrawn]

Interesting kind of.... My beef with all the reviews touting the 3.0 diesel are how they always focus on how great the fuel economy is with them. Add up the higher cost of diesel, huge DEF consumption, more expensive oil changes, fuel filter changes etc etc and if there is a long term savings vs the 6.2 gas engine it sure isn't much. The 6.2 has 420 HP and 460 ft lbs and torque combined with the 10 speed it is an awesome combination. My 2022 Silverado ZR2 would return similar fuel economy numbers towing those trailers as your diesel trucks do. I tow an older 2007 25 foot travel trailer that when loaded with our camping gear has a GCWR truck and trailer of 14,900 lbs or 100 lbs under the maximum. I verified that on a truck scale. The trailer has flipped Axles for extra off road ground clearance and is far from aerodynamic. With that load it regularly gets 9 to 11ish mpg depending on the wind conditions. That is towing at 3500 feet above sea level and includes pulling on rolling hills and the Rocky Mountains near here. I'm pretty happy with those results. I also still own a 2015 F350 King Ranch with a tuned 6.7 diesel. Have towed that same load many times and it gets 11 to 13 mpg tops under those same conditions. The ZR2 does the job admirably but the F350 does it more casually and comfortably. Either one is fine though. The ZR2 empty regularly gets 19 to as much as 22 mpg on the highway and the Ford is about the same. I had thought about trading the ZR2 for the 2024 3.0 diesel model but after considering it I concluded that there really isn't much of an advantage in doing so. Less things to go wrong on the 6.2 and probably cheaper to repair when eventually out of warranty. My 2022 ZR2 has been trouble free so far and I have worked it hard a few times in 95 degree heat and minus 30 cold. The bottom line is that there is no free lunch here and any long term cost savings would be negligible. Pick your poison and go with it.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Yup hard to justify a diesel just for mpg. Have to look at entire picture! Thanks for watching!

[@mikezehm6074]

Did you check mileage to actual miles to fill up? The computers are notorious for being too high.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Yes I did towards the end of the video, Both of these trucks we have found to be pretty accurate from hand calculated vs computer...most vehicles are not! Thanks for watching!

[@ryanfreshour3259]

We have 3, LM2 3.0 duramax’s waiting for them to come out with a delete and get better mpg and not have to worry about def

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Nice! Thanks for watching! any issues with them?

[@mrwigglebutz5061]

How do these AT4 hold up with city driving (3.0 vs 5.3)? My commute is a maximum of 10 miles, but is 100% city. I currently own a 2023 Tundra (8,500 mi). I love the truck, but the premature engine failures have me concerned. Dealers aren't even accepting 22/23 trades because of the issue and toyota dealerships can't sell impacted inventory until their is a fix. I bought the extended warranty because i planned to have this 15 years but not if an engine blows!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

I think 3.0 is a decent around town motor. Has start stop technology too

[@gregwhite3417]

That Duramax 3.0 engine will never outlast the 6.7 Cummins. GM engineers will always find a way to get you to come back in for service. The 3.0 duramax will burn oil, and the timing chain will stretch which causes the valves to slap the pistons. I’ve owned several of Chevy products. The 3.0 Duramax reminds me of the 3.6 V6 GM motor. Timing chain, problems, and oil consumption. Besides, the 3.0 Duramax oil pump runs off a belt at the back of the motor. Basically what I’m being told by GM mechanics is, the Duramax 3.0 is only good for 200,000 miles. I’m not a Chevy hater I still have two of their products, I just let the ram do all the heavy towing.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Makes sense!

[@MrNismopro]

Are you running 35’s? The tires on the GM look like 31’s.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Yes sir 35s on the Ram (stock 33ish), GMC has 32s! Thanks for watching!

[@phantom0456]

While I am impressed by the output and engineering of the 3.0 Duramax, I do wonder how well it will hold up in the long term. I’m also glad that GM got rid of the original dogshytte interior in most of their full size trucks, though I don’t think it should still be in the base models at their price point.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for the comments and for watching!

[@gasparsperformance9841]

What’s the mileage difference between the two without pulling a trailer?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for the comment! The cummins gets about 20mpg on the highway, The 3.0l diesel gets around 25-28mpg on the highway.

[@slidewide1999]

Surprised the Cummins is as close as it is considering the truck weighs 2k pounds more, and you’ve got pretty much the heaviest 35” AT tires you can buy on it.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Yup! pretty impressive I think! Thanks for watching!

[@brandonkuske4185]

How’s the stability with the at4 pulling that trailer?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Excellent. No problems at all.

[@MattN03]

​@@CTECH-REVIEWwhat would you estimate the loaded weight to be on this trailer behind the LZ0? Trying to decide if I want to switch from a V10 F250 to this LZ0.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

around 5000lbs or so. Thanks for watching!@@MattN03

[@pruitt3507]

Been hearing up to 30-34 mpg doing 75 on the interstate.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

I believe it for sure! Thanks for watching

[@tmntrc56]

Ram 2500’s have coil springs in the rear, thats why its has low payload compared to leaf spring GM’s

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

That makes sense! Thanks for watching!

[@techs1smh13]

If my 03 federal emissions standard lb7 cclb tweeked tuned 6 gun, inglewood trans, dies or ill give to my boys im liking 3.0 DMAX

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

3,0l rips!

[@scotthowell8083]

I picked up a 2024 GMC Sierra SLT a couple months ago. That ugly brown interior trim is why I didn't go with an AT4. Not sure what they were thinking, Ford did the same thing with some of the F-150 interiors. Terrible.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching!

[@amocat11wilson48]

The 2500 has a 4 link rear suspension unless they go back to leaf springs the payload wont get better

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Ya I think your right unfortunately! Thanks for watching

[@sledforpeace]

The payload has nothing to do with the coil springs. Payload is the difference between the GVWR (9900 lbs for a 2500) minus the weight of the truck. GM and Ford have higher payload options on their 250/2500 but they need to have CDL’s and log books so you better juste buy a 350/3500 if you want a GVWR higher than 10,000

[@miguelbravo4666]

The 3L wasn’t in tow haul mode so imagine how it would’ve preformed with it on

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Great comment, thanks for watching!

[@jayk.2276]

The payload of the AT4 is lower than other specs. I have an SLT with the X31 and a standard bed that gives me an 1,883 payload. Short beds almost always have terrible payload numbers and I don’t think the AT4 can be had with a standard bed.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Good to know! I will look into this! Thanks for watching!

[@dustinpoteat506]

I have a 21 at4 3.0 with a 6.5 standard bed. Hard to find but they sure make them.

[@jayk.2276]

@@dustinpoteat506 good to know! You’ve got a gem! Can’t imagine a short bed being useful for me.

[@edwardpate6128]

Wow this seems like an apples and oranges comparison.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thank you for the comment, yes I agree, that was the point to show what an HD and a LD diesel truck to show you how they compare! Gives people a comparison on a mid weight trailer! Thank you for watching!

[@ojbarberena7090]

With all that's going on with diesels now days I'm going to pass on diesel ony next truck purchase.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Right on

[@ronthompson9036]

That’s a nice truck, but they have gotten so incredibly expensive

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

No joke about that! Thanks for watching!

[@aaronkelley8909]

The Ram Cummins uses more fuel because it's a bigger engine.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Good point!

[@bw4851]

Your Cummins mileage pulling these lighter loads isn’t any better than my 6.4 hemi.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching! I would have liked to see 12mpg with the cummins but for comparison my gas trucks towing the same trailer typically get 6-8mpg.

[@thegonz7833]

Why?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching!

[@fishonalbertaoutdoors9761]

Nope won't forget those 2 companies needing bailouts while Ford did it without our money helping save them. My wife will never own one of those 2 brands ever because of that. She still brings I up 😂😂

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

I get it!

[@MrNismopro]

Look up the Ford Foundation and how they fund socialist ideology. It’ll blow your mind.

[@jchumley9484]

​@@CTECH-REVIEWI don't, that's stupid.

[@user-wj9ws1ir5x]

Not a fair comparison should have had the ram 1500 eco diesel.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching!

[@dondavidson3440]

This is like comparing apples to soup! LOL! Hook that baby dirtymax to a real load and it won’t even get out of the driveway!

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching, this little dirtymax is a beast, it may surprise you!

[@DIRTY30DIESEL]

Lol

[@fishonalbertaoutdoors9761]

That ram will fall apart. Only good thing in a ram is the cummins. Without that it's a pos truck. Gm and Ford are alot better trucks.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

thanks for watching!

[@TheRamGuy]

Yeah that's old news pal. Bet you think carburetors are better than fuel injection to

[@fishonalbertaoutdoors9761]

@TheRamGuy LOL sad how far behind Ram is behind Ford and Gm with technology fuel economy and power. Oh but they got dual exhaust to drown out the ticking coming from their Hemi🤣 Ram would be behind even Nissan if it wasn't for Cummins saving them. Wish we never bailed them out of bankruptcy. Loving my 650cfm Holley🤣

[@TheRamGuy]

@@fishonalbertaoutdoors9761 haha. Nailed that one

[@ts9271]

​@@fishonalbertaoutdoors9761 I'm guessing you forgot all that happened in 2008 with GM and bailouts?

[@Focus_On_Your_Driving]

That RAM will be pulling trailers across the country long after a rod shoots through the block of that GMC/Chevy.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Murica! Thanks for watching!

[@9663mu]

Is this one of the Ram dishonest lying Cummins motors ?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching, Technically its Cummins that was caught with the emissions scandal. I have some videos talking about this if your interested in watching!

[@slidewide1999]

To answer your question, no, it isn’t.

[@jeffposter6832]

Is this a a joke?

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching!

[@GabrielAHernandez-zw5tn]

Not a fair comparison!!!!

[@9663mu]

And one engine don’t cheat either.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

We didnt have identical trailer size, mine was 1 ft taller, and 6 inches wider, but his was 4ft longer and 1500lbs heavier.

[@CTECH-REVIEW]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryananderson6321]

I think it's assumed we all know it's not an apples to apples comparison 😂

[@jchumley9484]

No shat sherlock