I have a 2005 Chevy Dually, my significant other has a 2003, both have the 8.1 gas motor and Allison transmission. Although 2 years apart, they are virtually identical . Both of us have 20' trailers we tend to overload, and we both carry lots of stuff in the truck bed (trucks have caps). Gas mileage is between 8 mpg (75+mph) and almost 10 mpg (50-55 mph). We both love them as tow monsters, but otherwise keep them parked as much as possible. They ride very well, and no complaints about brakes. I don't even mind when I have to drive the truck to work - but then it's a large parking lot, so docking it isn't a big deal. I do avoid driving to lunch though - it's that parking thing. This would be less of an issue with SRW and maybe a shorter bed or cab. The only problem I've had is the extending mirrors - they hang up, and alignment issues that have eaten my front tires. Another racer who owns a retail tire business recently advised me to put lots of weight in the back and get it realigned, seems to be a common problem when the vehicle is almost exclusively used for towing something with heavy tongue weight. My other half has had some air conditioner problems and electrical gremlins, all fixed under warranty. We probably average 7000 or more towing miles each year. When I'm ready to buy another tow truck, I'll be buying another Chevy.
