Here is a question that deserves to be asked but hasn’t (by me lol)
Why diesel over gas? Why gas over diesel? Pro cons list? Gunna go DuckDuckGo but figured y’all might have better insight than the keyboard warriors.
(Not a “needs” discussion. Everything here is about wants lol. FYI)
Oh and I’m very grateful for all y’all input. Truly appreciated.
Diesel:
Pros:
- Better mpg
- Engines typically last longer than gas towing heavy loads
- Higher tow rating/more power
Cons:
- Higher initial purchase price
- Higher fuel cost (offset by higher mpg)
- Higher oil change cost (negligible in my mind when you are talking about expensive ass diesel trucks, but I am sure someone will mention it if I don't)
- More expensive to replace the motor if it does take a dump
From everything I have read on the internet, the general consensus seems to be that if you are towing a standard single car trailer with a typical 3,500-4,500 pound trail rig, then you don't NEED a diesel. A typical modern 3/4 or 1 ton truck with big gas engine will be sufficient. If you are towing a larger/heavier trail rig and trailer combo, or two rigs on a big trailer, then you truly need a diesel.
I tow heavy, daily, with my f450 v-10/5 speed gas truck. My definition of heavy is 25-30k gross. It's not easy to compare f450/manual to f250+/auto, especially as a dd. More below...
That said, I've owned/heavy towed every variant of big 3 manufacturers 3500 diesel (from 99-2008) except the latest 6.7 Cummins and ford. From buying brand new to buying 200k mile used units.
Duramax-
Bad;
Bought 2 new 08's LMM ; srw and drw 3500 4wd crew.
Drw engine shit the bed at 140k, $8k later with a used block, $550+ per new injector, $800 cp3.
Both trucks started spitting out $200 parts after 200k miles, from electrical to mechanical.
Also owned a used '06 lbz. No issues iirc
(All) Suspension is sub par for towing, as well as brakes. Comfort level is high, cab noise is comfortable, ride is great. I thought the Allison was king for towing... until I bought a ford with the 5r110.
Chevy is by far the most expensive to repair per event with higher mileage, albeit fewer events. But that's how Chevrolet rolls.
Dodge: used 2000 new 2005 both drw 4wd, both manual trans, ext cab and crew, 5 and 6 speed respectively.
Between the two, 5 transmissions in a 2 year span. I don't drive retarded, just heavy. No motor issues iirc. Chassis, brakes, and suspension are sub par towing heavy.
I would only buy another dodge to have the engine (5.9 mechanical up to 03.5-05 crd) to swap into a different chassis, period. Sorry just not a fan of the truck in general.
Ford; new and used, all cab configurations, srw and drw; 2-7.3's, 2-6.0's, 1-08 6.4, 1-v10 gas; In short; I've gone to ford simply for economics and safety (brakes, suspension, and chassis on the f450) ; parts are much cheaper and easier to find, especially in relation to Cummins and anything Chevrolet.
7.3- weak and noisy by today's standard, cheap enough to work on but too dated for my taste.
6.0 05 f550- we all know they're short comings, but parts are cheap enough and the repair formulas are pretty standard now. Basically only had to buy injectors, $200 each.
6.4 f450 love and hate. Power and towing performance is unmatched in my experience pool. Pain in the ass when they go down, skipping the details for the time being. 5r110 trans is my favorite towing.
V-10 2000 2 valve manual f450; honestly it surprised me. I didn't have high hopes for it. But, in comparison to all the above diesels, it holds its own quite well. But you don't drive it like a diesel, no lugging. It likes rpms. Spin it to 4000, it works. Doesn't pull hills like a diesel, but in my maturing years, that doesn't bother me like it would have in my twenties. May not work as well for auto, no experience there. Parts are cheap, and gas engines are easier to diagnose and cheaper to repair and maintain. Easily drives loaded on 9 cylinders, been there done that.
Bought this truck with 170k, salvage title, 2wd, for $4500. Motor let go at 200k. Swapped in a 100k motor myself in a weekend for $1500.... last diesel motor to go down cost me over $6500 and down for 2 months.... time is money. This has been the cheapest work truck for me to own and operate (2years now) in my 12 years of being in business.
The v10 should be highly considered in a light duty truck comparison. Especially in cost of ownership and purchase price. Btw, all f350 v10 came with a block heater I believe....[emoji6].
Again, I choose the Fords of the f450 variant for brakes suspension, chassis, spacious cabs , and parts availability and price, new and used. They are so many Fords in salvage yards, because they are the best selling work truck (and didn't change much since 1999), I can find anything I need in my customer base as a recycler. No 3500/2500 truck of any make has a great suspension for heavier towing, and no one's brakes rival Ford's all the way back to 1999.
My next work truck build, (after I repair and sell my 6.4 f450) will list like this...
-05 and up f450 crew 4wd chassis.
-Square body Chevrolet 3+3 cab, my own custom interior.
- my own flat bed
- one of 3 motors... 5.9 p-pump mechanical Cummins, 03.5-05 Cummins common rail- both hooked to a 5r110 or 4l80, or Chevy 6.0 ls Allison/ 6l80e
Truthfully I'm leaning towards gas. I love driving a diesel truck but I'm really about done with them. This v10 has made me a believer in gas towing again. Cheaper at the pump and overall cheaper in ownership. Especially if there happens to be catastrophic engine failure.
To each his own...
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