Gas vs. Diesel

[MRS]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

Diesel I love it I wanted it I got it I don`t think I will ever own a gas truck again. I can tow anything I want any time if you want the diesel just go for it.......8)

 

[shipoffools]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

I have several Ford diesels an f550 dump, a 450 stake body a 350 dump, 2 350 pickups, and a 1993 'old school' 350 pickup, I also have a 350 dually utility with the triton v10, If I am towing a 9,000 lb trailer I will take the diesel any day, under heavy load they hold their power and fuel economy better than anything else. When I tow my 2500lb Starcraft, I use my Explorer Sport Trac. It tows that load like a charm gets around 18mpg on the flat and as long as the trailer brakes are good I get a nice comfy ride. The truck cost about 23k new and I don't have to worry about how I'm going to get in the 7-11 parking lot for my morning coffee.

My point is, think about how you are going to use the vehicle most of the time. In the long run it gets pretty expensive and cumbersome to have a vehicle that can tow 4 times the weight you need it to.

 

[klicknative]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

I have a '77 Chevy C20 with a 454, 4spd, 3.73gears. It takes a hellofa diesel to out pull it. The downside is I can hook a big load on it and almost watch the gas guage move! She's massive overkill for pulling my 15' Fiberform but I can haul my 9.5' camper and tow the boat no problem. It only gets about 2500 miles a year on it so the fuel economy isn't that big of a deal. For the little bit of use this pickup gets I can't justify buying a diesel. Besides that, I love the sound of that big block! The diesel will have a lower cost per mile, but you'll have to rut it a long time to get the difference in purchace cost back.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

It takes a hellofa diesel to out pull it.

You mean like any stock typical late-model one?

 

[klicknative]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

Oh maybe, but mine pulled a second Chevy pickup on a trailer (apx 11,500lbs for the combination) up a 5% grade at 60MPH. Made me happy.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

How about everyone read the original post again. This is about a 3500 pound load. The man "needs" a diesel like he needs a hole in his boat. If he wants one, can afford one, has another use for it besides towing the boat, or doesn't have to justify it in any way, that's a different story.

 

[WTPhantom309]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

I was reading this post and this has been an argument for some years now, I agree with silvertip If you can afford it do it, My 3/4 dodge pulls my 18' VIP like a champ but i dont need it. I did need it when i bought it but now its almost paid off. still get 18 loaded 23 unloaded 106,000 miles next truck is gonna be a 1/2 ton with the MDS hemi because thats all i need to get me to Del Rio. so as for the Diesel vs. Gas if what ya got now is doin it the new ones just like it are probly gonna do it better. Also you really do get tired of the clankin rattling and shifting. My $.02

Derek

 

[Flukinicehole]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

I dont know where some people get there MPG from but Diesels out shine gas by a large margine when towing. Bottom line is diesel is better for towing yes. If you have the money buy a diesel towing or not fuel milage is better. But they really shine towing a load. We pull a bobcat with ours and there is no comparison between gas and diesel.

 

[jdooner]

Re: Gas vs. Diesel

I have a '98 CTD, the best vehicle I've ever owned. The weight and power and comfort are great. I can drive several hundred miles and not feel tired when I reach my destination. If you want my truck you'll have to pry it from my cold, dead fingers. I love it so much I'm considering being buried in it. 70+mph...18.5mpg..of course that's empty.
My advice? Get one..they're worth the extra epense. You'll be glad you did. Mines a 2500, btw.
Newbie to boats, not to Dodge diesels,
Jerry Dooner