[MarkM]

Going to be in the market for a new truck in a year or so. Been thinking about a Diesel. What are the advantages of a Diesel over a regular gas engine? I am going to be using this truck to haul a 5th wheel trailer with a small fishing boat behind that so I want something that will pull it well. I will also be using this truck to drive to work each day, about 25 miles mostly freeway speeds. Also what about a 2500 vs a 3500 pickup. I was looking at a Ford Diesel 3500 the other day that I really liked the looks off.

Mark

 

[Loke]

If hairy1 were here he could really give you some insight on this. Last summer we took the youth from our ward to Moab for a youth conference. Hairy had his Duramax pulling a HUGE trailer, and I was in my 97 K2500 (7.5l Vortec) pulling a small enclosed trailer full of gear. I had a hard time keeping up with him going up Spanish Fork Canyon.

 

[aarontruhunter]

I have a 2003 F250 that is a diesel. And I love it. it gets better mileage than my 150 did and I can put my 4 wheeler in the back and pull my trailor with no problem.

 

[Udink]

What are the advantages of a Diesel over a regular gas engine?

A diesel gets better fuel mileage and tows better than a gasser. My 7.3L Powerstroke gets 19 MPG on the highway. As for drawbacks, diesel trucks are generally more expensive, and diesel fuel is often more expensive than gasoline (at least where I live).

Also what about a 2500 vs a 3500 pickup.

This just comes down to what you're going to use it for. A 1-ton will pull more and has a bigger payload than a 3/4-ton, and I would guess that the average user only really needs a 3/4-ton.

 

[sagebrush]

first off you should check out some other forums regarding diesel trucks I have a couple for you.
http://www.cumminsforum.com/
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/

when you read through these you will notice that some people having problems with their trucks, I believe most of this comes from the mods a person does to his truck. You can not change something without changing something else.

I myself just went Thur this change from a Gasser to a diesel and from my view point the diesel wins hands down.
I went with the Cummings for the reliability of the engine. As for putting mods on my engine not at this time, being stock it will pull and perform for my needs now. I have the newer 5.9 HO it is quieter and does not blow out all that black smoke as the others do.

 

[orvis1]

I am pulling about the same rig as you are desribing a 30ft 5th wheel toy hauler with 3 four wheelers and a small fishing boat behind it. We just switched from an F 350 v10 to the diesel f350 and the truck is great. We lifted it and put 35" on it and our dealer has had the truck in the shop 6 times and still can't get the back end from bouncing . Love the steady power, milage is better but would not use it as a daily driver. Plus the prices are getting crazy on these trucks! I don't know where you are at but if int PM me and I will give you a name of someone to see in american fork if you are intrested in a Ford.

 

[hairy1]

I tow alot and have had a few different trucks.

My consensus is the heavy 3/4 tons don't haul the weight as well as an old 3/4 ton.

They are trying to make them ride good and are sacrificing heavy springs for it.
If you are hauling a 5th wheel get a 1 ton or the airbags are a must for 3/4 tons.

I am very partial to the Duramax/Allison combo, but don't want to get in that debate.

Get the 1-ton and be done with it!

Get training wheels...Even better!

 

[hairy1]

The pic is cropped for some reason or you would see the 20' trailer behind the 5th wheel.

 

[orvis1]

Nice sandpiper! The chevy vrs ford debate is old, both make a nice product it is what you like best. Good to know we will have another member of the "double's army" hauling up parleys! *()* *()* *()*

 

[Diesel]

Diesel trucks, got to have'em! Nothing compares when towing. I'm on my third diesel truck and wouldn't own anything else. I'm a Cummins man but that Ford Super Duty is looking mighty fine!

 

[jeff70]

I have been a diesel mechanic for over 15 years, There is not a gasser out there that will compare to a diesel when it comes to power,torque,fuel mileage, and longevity, I have rebuilt a few 5.9 cummins with over 800,000 miles on them and they only needed a minor rebuild. I firmly believe that a properly maintained diesel will last well over a million miles.

 

[BRL1]

We have been towin with a 93 GMC 6.5 Turbo 260,000 miles still going strong.

Even if just got an 05 Duramax for the 5th wheel.

Both 3/4 ton.

 

[huntingbuddy]

I have been a diesel mechanic for over 15 years, There is not a gasser out there that will compare to a diesel when it comes to power,torque,fuel mileage, and longevity, I have rebuilt a few 5.9 cummins with over 800,000 miles on them and they only needed a minor rebuild. I firmly believe that a properly maintained diesel will last well over a million miles.

I agree a well maintained engine will run forever. But its the truck that is going to take the beating and may not last that long.

 

[ClintW]

I was looking at a Ford Diesel 3500 the other day that I really liked the looks off.

Mark

It's good to see your father has enstilled the Ford blood in you. :wink:

 

[Riverrat77]

Ok, this is something I'm pretty interested in just because I keep getting told that as soon as we get some bills paid down, I just might be able to buy a new truck...... So, I've been kicking around the diesel vs gas idea too. What would you recommend if all I was doing was driving a wheeler into the back of the pickup and possibly pulling a pop up trailer? I'm guessing with that light of a load, the 3/4 would be plenty and then some?? Is there anything smaller or should I just plan on the standard 3/4? I wouldn't do any upgrades... I'd just want a truck I can start, get in and drive off... it'll probably be about as stock as I can keep it.

 

[STEVO]

Ive wondered the same thing also. I would love a diesel, But in all reality I dont really have anything that a gas wouldnt pull just as well. I was thinking about trading in my frontier on a new truck, ITS A HARD CHOICE. Im getting 18 mpg now on the highway, & my buddys 06 powerstroke is getting 26mpg hwy?? Its worth the extra fuel price for that many more mpg I think. I was looking at the new Titans (NICE), but for the 45 thousand price tag I could get a new powerstroke. Dont ya just hate decisions????

 

[BirdHunter]

If you are not pulling any heavy loads that require a diesel engine then I would not spend the extra money for one. They cost a lot more money to maintain than gas engines. However they will last longer and have better resale value. People that say they are getting 26 mpg from a diesel are probably just reading their computer average MPG, when in reality if they actually figure it out manually, they will find they are not. I have a 7.3 Powerstroke that says I get 18-19 mpg, when really I am only getting about 13 mpg. For you Riverrat, with what you are going to do with it I would just get a half ton truck. It will do everything you need, be alot better ride, get as good or better gas mileage than a diesel and will cost a lot less. I personally have to have a diesel to pull my 30' 5th wheel with my 23' ski boat behind. The V-10 I had before just wouldn't cut it.

 

[STEVO]

People that say they are getting 26 mpg from a diesel are probably just reading their computer average MPG, when in reality if they actually figure it out manually, they will find they are notI called BS also until we went on a trip. We went from his house in Tremonton to the Phillips on main street in St george on just a little more that 15 gallons, 383 miles. He even runs 35" toyos. I guess he put about 2 grand into a chip & exhaust, but it sounds like it would be well worth it in my book. I have a cousin that has a newer dodge & he claims he is getting around 28. I thought he was full of it also until I saw what my buddy was getting. :shock:

 

[Riverrat77]

In your case a 1/2 ton would be plenty of truck. The hard part will be deciding which brand and what options. Ain't life a b1tch? :mrgreen:

My last was a 3/4 Chev and I wound up getting about 16 mpg out of the gas engine... it was ok but the ball joints started going in the front end.... Now I'm in a little rice burner and while it only costs about 30 to fill it, the mileage isn't all that spectacular compared to my big truck and honestly... I just miss it. When I get a new one, I've heard that standard cabs (not extended or crew) is now considered an "option" instead of stock and I've also heard some stuff about manual being that way also?? Do I have to get an extended cab automatic now or can I get as basic as basic gets without being charged for it?? I do like the power of a diesel and the thought of extra mileage is awfully tempting.... but if I can get away with a little less, then I'll probably do it. I just know my little fourbanger now is not going to do much for me.... I'm not going to be ok with taking Parleys in first gear because of the load. :lol:

 

[Riverrat77]

RR77, If you only have 4 cylinders then you are missing 4 cylinders! Any of the newer V8 powered half tons will do what you need. I never dreamed anyone would actually buy a truck without a V8!

:lol: I totally agree.... I'm not a riceburner type of guy.... I've always had big trucks until this one. Now replacing it has me looking for some answers. 8)