ekim
Oregon
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Joined: 06/29/2002
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I'm presently in the research (search) phase of determining what I want in a tow vehicle.
Plan is to have around a 30' fiver. Loaded estimate is 11,000# - 12,000#. Pin wgt. 2000#.
Am looking at Fords, Chevys & Dodges. With the Ford I know I will probably need a 350. Chevy 2500HD & Dodge 2500.
Have done some analysis & estimate that the breakeven point for gas vs diesel is probably between 75000 to 95000 miles dependent on the mix of empty & tow miles, price of fuel & mileage.
But the fact is that diesel is a higher upfront cost with a payback sometime in the future.
I also know that the diesels have a higher torque rating. But what does this mean? That I go 5mph slower up grades. Looking for answers to this because the torque ratings aren't that much different.
But the real question is why should I pay the extra money for the diesel? Other than the difference in torque & mileage what are the advantages of the diesel over the V10's from Ford & Dodge & the 8100 from Chevy?
Your help is appreciated.
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usafbuttcrack
Hamilton, MT
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Joined: 01/07/2002
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Ah! Which one is better? The age old question!
You'll get lots of answers but there is only one that is right. That answer is, "Whichever meets YOUR needs and tastes the best."
There are lots of pros and cons to both. Some factors to consider are:
- How much will you actually be using the rig to tow?
- What is the general accessability of diesel fuel in the area you'll be operating in.
- Do you live were it gets sub-zero regularly in the winter?
- Will you notice the split-second delay of a turbocharger when mashing the accelerator in urban traffic?
These are only a few factors, there are many more. Just don't expect anybody to recommend anything to you other than what they just spent $30K+ on.
Bottom line: You'll be driving the rig, not us. You'll have to decide which performance characteristics suit your situation best.
Randy
Please don't feed the Trolls!
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dyoung
alligator state
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Joined: 01/21/2002
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I'll keep it simple. Bought the same setup you are talking about. Had 250 gas 5.4 and pulled unit home and ordered the 350 with diesel. Don't really care for the noise but it will pull the trailer with no problems. Put the math to it and it will take 5 years before the breakeven point. Hopefully I will keep it past then.
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Joined: 08/10/2001
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You will also need to factor in the fact that the diesel engine will go a LOT more miles than a gas.
See ya' down the road!
Don-SCPO USN Ret.Corpsman
Joy-Ret.Off.Mgr.
Katie-Mini Aussie
Sam-Calico Fat Cat
Maggie-Chihuahua
2003 38'Phaeton DP
2006 Saturn Vue
LIFE ISN'T ABOUT HOW TO SURVIVE THE STORM BUT HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Joined: 03/20/2001
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Are you sure the Dodge 2500 has the cargo capacity to carry the weight of the front end of that trailer? Get the 1-ton version of any of those brands.
How many miles will you be towing each year. If it's a lot, get the diesel.
Ken
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Crowe
Billerica, MA USA
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Another issue to consider if you plan on keeping the vehicle for any length of time is that if the engine is not working as hard, it is likely to last a lot longer. I don't think anyone buys diesel engines based on mpg alone. With the amount we tow, we are looking at a minimum of 7 or 8 years before we even start to recoup the extra cost of the diesel. The noise isn't as bad as some make it out to be-it is there but like anything you get used to it. I have a noise-senstivity problem and don't mind it. Definitely drive all brands, both in gas and diesel. Some trucks have quirky things that may make you nuts, like placement of knobs on a dash. In our case it ultimately wound up a beauty contest and an unwillingness to spend the $4000 or so extra for the Duramax/Allison combo. Take what you read here with a grain of salt and a very open mind. Then go choose for yourself. Oh, and something I already learned-buy as much truck as you can afford, just in case you want to upgrade your trailer in the future.
Life is too short to spend it all in one place!
2004 Gulfstream Endura
2005 Chevy Tahoe toad
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cmoehle
San Antonio, TX
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Joined: 02/14/2001
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I think if you look closer at torque and HP curves you'll see a diesel delivers much more torque at lower RPM, at least so comparing the Ford PSD and V10. That's where you want it towing: power off the line, power to enter a fast-moving Interstate, power to pull you up inclines. But a big block gasser isn't far behind.
Other than that I have to agree with what's been said.
Highly recommend getting hold of the right brochures. For Ford go to dealer or Web site and request the one for commercial vehicles/trucks.
Chevy lets you donwload or request. Dodge is here, select Send Me Info.
Enjoy the hunt! Manual/auto, DRW/SRW, 4x4/2x4....
CampfireSoapbox.com
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JDS549
SPEARMAN, TEXAS
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Joined: 06/01/2002
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crowe said it "buy as much truck as you can afford"
the diesel will give you more "usable power" where
you need it. enjoy
*This Message was edited on 29-Jul-02 08:47 PM by JDS549*
JERRY FROM TEXAS
I "NEED" A FREIGHTLINER
1999 F250, DIESEL,AUTO, 3.73, 265'S
2000 27 CARDINAL
BIG DOG AND (MEAN LITTLE DOG)
(ALL OUTGOING VIRUS CHECKED)
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texatDurango
North Texas
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Payback.... NAH!
I think when it comes right down to it, probably 95% of us buy what we want regardless of the “payback period” or rationalization. How many of us actually add up all our toys and divide by how many times a year we use them to see if it’s worth having them or not?
I never in my wildest dreams would have guessed that one day I would be driving around a diesel powered truck but here I am. I owned a motor home before with the Ford 460 gas engine and can still vividly remember the days of pulling my boat getting 5 to 6 mpg. I cringe at the thought of getting that kind of mileage again so maybe it’s a psychological thing knowing that I am getting almost double the mileage with a diesel and that puts a smile on my face and that’s what a camping trip is all about.
2006 Duramax Diesel 1 ton dually tugging around a 2006 Mobile Suites 36TK3 #2609. Retired and just travelling around now and then seeing the sights.
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chuckb1
louisville,co usa
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ekim,
If you can stand the stench (the smell personally gives me an upset stomach) and the God awful noise a diesel makes, go for it. I don't undertand how all that visible black exhaust smoke from a diesel engine is not considered extreme pollution. With all of todays technology, why can't they make diesel engines that are smoke and stench free and don't sound like a bunch of nuts and bolts rattling around in a metal bucket? I don't mean to offend any of you diesel owners but, in my opinion the stench, noise and smoke are some serious flaws.
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