Changed my mind, get Diesel instead of GAS

[Pmedic4]

When I bought back a year ago, Gasoline and Diesel were the same price, today here Gas is $2.55 and Diesel is still $1.89 (with lots of variations in pricing at different stations???). I'd like to change my mind and get a Diesel truck now..... please Dear?????


Of course, just as soon as I do, the price of Gas will go down, and Diesel would go up, it's just my way....

[dcg9381]

Factor in:
1) Diesels usually do better during heavy towing. I get 9-10mpg with a diesel. I'd expect 7 in gas.
2) You pay a big enough premium for that diesel motor that it'd buy a LOT of fuel...

[TAZ23]

Up here in northern Wisconsin and da UP gas and Diesel are about the same price 2.50 Per gallon

[darrylwt]

Factor in:
1) Diesels usually do better during heavy towing. I get 9-10mpg with a diesel. I'd expect 7 in gas.
2) You pay a big enough premium for that diesel motor that it'd buy a LOT of fuel...

wow what are you pulling? I get 14 to 15 MPG pulling mine.

[jamesmc321]

Diesel is more expensive than unleaded here in Upstate NY..

[chris199]

I get 12-13 with diesel....pulling a monty 5er.

Diesel is still more expensive in PA....about 2.55 or so per gal now. The .15/gal tax increase added about 18 months ago certainly doesn't help.

Much cheaper in the south...

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[BlueThunder34]

Diesel is about 4 cents more per gallon than regular here in the NW. I'm getting about 12-14mpg pulling my Cougar. Having owned both gas and diesel, I will never go back to gas. The low end power is just too addicting with the diesel, it drive me nuts listening to the gasser screaming away over the mountain passes.

[bitten]

What mph are you driving to get 12 to 15? My 350 dually gets 18 @ 65 mph not towing.

[BlueThunder34]

I keep at about 60mph but I have a SRW.

[dcg9381]

wow what are you pulling? I get 14 to 15 MPG pulling mine.

13'4" tall box-like aerodynamics. Typically 65-70mph (which is below the speed of traffic)

[darrylwt]

What mph are you driving to get 12 to 15? My 350 dually gets 18 @ 65 mph not towing.

Not towing I get 18 to 22 mpg but I have added cold air, air cleaner and 5" exhust system

[Pmedic4]

From several of the posts, I've noticed that diesel prices varies quite a bit around the country, Here in central IL, there has been a wide variance in the prices for diesel fuel, with some as low as $1.90 and others as high as $2.29. The only thing that seems to be somewhat consistent, is that the higher priced fuel is located at Interstate accessible stations, while the lower price is typically found at the 'in-town' stations.

Gas does show some variation, but about the most here is a $.10 to .12 difference.

Didn't sound similar throughout the country in this post?

[Bushman512000]

The one I have now is a Dodge 2015 Outdoorsman and My motor was free had it a year and love this Truck.The power is great MPG seems good but I drive like 62mph after all retired and in no hurry this Truck will almost fly but again time is not My big ee. Dodge 6.7 is and will be the best Truck out there and the old 5.9 has many still running down the road My son has the 2003 I bought new and the 1997 is still in use also where the 2001,and 2009 are I can't say but enjoy what You have drive safe .Bushman:D

[bitten]

Finding any DEF at the pumps?

[bsmith0404]

Dodge 6.7 is and will be the best Truck out there

We all have our opinions :p

Finding any DEF at the pumps?

I always fill DEF at the pump. It only needs to be filled about every 5k miles so when it's time to top it off I just pull into the local Pilot and fill it up. Typically around $12. We're getting ready to head out on a trip to MO in about a week, so I'll be topping off before we go.

[bitten]

I look for a close Pilot. Thanks.

[bsmith0404]

I look for a close Pilot. Thanks.

Just about every truck stop has DEF at the pump. I use Pilot, but Flying J, TA, Loves etc, will all have it. I usually go in the evening, pretty slow at the pumps then. Mornings are definitely not the time to get into a truck lane at a truck stop.

[sjdobbins]

We purchased our first diesel last month, 2016 Ram 3500 SRW. I don't think we will ever again have a gas truck in any size. We average 21-23 mpg on the highway and 16-17 mpg local driving.

As far as the additional cost of a diesel engine, shop around and I am sure you will find one in your price range. The only downfall is that there are very few used diesel trucks a few years old. When someone purchases a diesel truck, they don't get rid of it.

[bitten]

I look for a close Pilot. Thanks.

[dcg9381]

Finding any DEF at the pumps?

I have to look for it - typically truck stops (commercial). Flying J makes it a bit hard unless you have their particular flavor of card.

[mtofell]

I've had both and both have their pros/cons. Of course, diesel is favored towing. I'm currently gas towing around 10K and am reasonably happy. Reality is I'm working most days towing nothing so the gas if great. My next truck will likely be diesel and once I'm able to get out and camp/tow more than work of course I'll go diesel. The new gas offerings and the complexity of the diesels has narrowed the gap a bit between the two IMO.

[esmoglo]

I purchased a Gas truck (3/4 ton) mainly because I don’t need all the power and torque for everyday driving. Purchase price is more for the Diesel, oil changes are more, plus the DEF fluid you have to add I would need to put 250K plus miles on the truck before the Diesel would pay me back not worth it for me.

[nesparky]

I wouldn't sweat the cost of changing oil and fuel filters.
The first time is always sticker shock going from $30 oil changes to $60 or more oil changes and add in fuel filters (2 on the 2013+ Cummins) $100 or more. That's if you do it yourself.
Dealer doing it for you - $100 oil change, fuel filters I've seen go from $250-$400 depending on how greedy they are.
DEF added about every 2,000-4,000 miles average cost $12 for a 2 1/2 jug of Peak from Walmart. Truck stop is about 1/2 that if you go to a def pump.

[bsmith0404]

I didn't even look at the cost of filter/oil changes. The average person will change the oil twice a year and fuel filter once. DEF would be a 2-3 times per year fill up. How does that all break down?

Oil change, I do my own and buy Baldwin filters on-line $7 each. I buy a 5 gallon bucket of oil (Mystik JT-8 15W-40 Synthetic Blend) from Tractor Supply when it's on sale, typically around $50, but even at $60 it's still only $3 per qt. So worst case scenario, $75 per year for oil changes.

I fill DEF at the pump. At around $12 per fill up, it may cost me $35 per year.

As for fuel filters. I have a FASS system and use NAPA gold filters. They're good for 25-30k miles, I change them once a year. Again around $7 each, but I'll just estimate high and say $20 for fuel filters.

Total spent on routine maintenance $130 per year if you drive between 15-20k miles. That's not even worth a consideration. With my RV I need a diesel, but even if I didn't, I could easily justify owning one just by the smile on my face every time I do have to pull anything over 5k lbs.

[PerryB]

With the difference in price between the two powertrains, fuel cost is literally the last thing to consider when making the choice. The two biggest considerations should be :

1) Do you need it - how big is the trailer? A modern turbo diesel has twice the effective power of its gasoline counterpart.

2) Maintenance cost - a diesel is roughly twice the maintenance $$.

The difference in fuel cost is nearly meaningless. The difference in heavy towing is almost indescribable. A gas truck pulling 10K up a 6% grade will be working near its capacity and letting you know it - low gear, high rpm and lots of fan noise. The diesel barely takes notice.

[Desert185]

With the difference in price between the two powertrains, fuel cost is literally the last thing to consider when making the choice. The two biggest considerations should be :

1) Do you need it - how big is the trailer? A modern turbo diesel has twice the effective power of its gasoline counterpart.

2) Maintenance cost - a diesel is roughly twice the maintenance $$.

The difference in fuel cost is nearly meaningless. The difference in heavy towing is almost indescribable. A gas truck pulling 10K up a 6% grade will be working near its capacity and letting you know it - low gear, high rpm and lots of fan noise. The diesel barely takes notice.

I've had a 12v Cummins since 1996 and followed that with a 24v. Besides replacing two batteries instead of one, I just don't see twice the maintenance costs, especially when doing the maintenance myself.

My wife's Volvo is another story. It has been extremely reliable, but Volvo wants $1000 to replace the cam belt and water pump. I think the type of vehicle and DIY are bigger factors, rather than just gas vs diesel. Personally, I'd much rather work on my Cummins than a Duramax or a Powerstroke...or my wife's Volvo where I have to disassemble to gain access to something as simple as spark plugs.

Regardless of actual costs, nothing beats a diesel for towing a heavier trailer, so that should be the prinary factor, particularly in the mountains.

[PerryB]

I've had a 12v Cummins since 1996 and followed that with a 24v. Besides replacing two batteries instead of one, I just don't see twice the maintenance costs, especially when doing the maintenance myself.

My wife's Volvo is another story. It has been extremely reliable, but Volvo wants $1000 to replace the cam belt and water pump. I think the type of vehicle and DIY are bigger factors, rather than just gas vs diesel. Personally, I'd much rather work on my Cummins than a Duramax or a Powerstroke...or my wife's Volvo where I have to disassemble to gain access to something as simple as spark plugs.

Regardless of actual costs, nothing beats a diesel for towing a heavier trailer, so that should be the prinary factor, particularly in the mountains.

I agree completely, I was just spelling out "textbook" conditions. I do as much of my own maintenance /repair as possible, and under these conditions the increase in cost is materials only and quite small. Once you've had a TD you're spoiled for life, it really doesn't matter who made it. They're all good. They're like the 185/Supercub of trucks.

[Desert185]

I agree completely, I was just spelling out "textbook" conditions. I do as much of my own maintenance /repair as possible, and under these conditions the increase in cost is materials only and quite small. Once you've had a TD you're spoiled for life, it really doesn't matter who made it. They're all good. They're like the 185/Supercub of trucks.

Two of my favorites, but leaning more towards the 185. :thumbsup: I wonder why? :)

[Model A Driver]

Most of the big gassers and the EcoBoost require premium to effectively tow . Right now premium is much more than diesel here [Ga].

[bitten]

My 2015 Ecoboost towed 7000 on regular really well.

[JRTJH]

My 2015 Ecoboost towed 7000 on regular really well.

From the 2015 Ford F150 Owner's Manual, page 167: "To provide improved performance, we recommend premium fuel for severe duty usage, such as trailer tow."

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2015-F-150-Owners-Manual-version-4_om_EN-US_08_2015.pdf

[bitten]

Not disputing the manual, just saying what works.

[bsmith0404]

I haven't seen an ecoboost with an exhaust brake yet. There's a lot more to towing heavy loads than moving forward. I also like a 7-9k lb truck with a big heavy motor over the front wheels, where the majority of braking work is done, when I have a lot of weight on the back trying to lift the front. An F150 doesn't even tip the scales at 5k lbs. It still amazes me that manufacturers brag about how much these half ton trucks can haul/tow and then put a P tire on them so they ride like a car. If you want to get into a towing battle with a "truck" , then equip it like a "truck"...Just saying.

[rhagfo]

My 2015 Ecoboost towed 7000 on regular really well.

My 2001 Ram 5.9 CTD pulls and stops our 11,000#+ 5er really well also with about 100 less HP.

[Ram189]

Those Ford EcoBoost are still pretty and new.

As a Service Director at a dealership wait until 25000 and 30000 miles and tell me how that turbo is holding up on that gas engine after towing a load. It will still be covered by powertrain most likely but I bet they are going to be replacing a bunch of them eventually for oil leaks and bad bearings.

[Desert185]

Those Ford EcoBoost are still pretty and new.

As a Service Director at a dealership wait until 25000 and 30000 miles and tell me how that turbo is holding up on that gas engine after towing a load. It will still be covered by powertrain most likely but I bet they are going to be replacing a bunch of them eventually for oil leaks and bad bearings.

Interesting. More issues with a turbo on a gas engine? I haven't has that problem having had turbos on cars and pickups since 1980. Not one failure on three gas vehicles and two diesels, but then the type of oil, frequency of changes and a cool down before shutdown is part of the operating process for me.

The 2004 Volvo in the pic has 175,000 miles and no turbo issues.

What issues did you experience with turbos?

[jje1960]

With the difference in price between the two powertrains, fuel cost is literally the last thing to consider when making the choice. The two biggest considerations should be :

1) Do you need it - how big is the trailer? A modern turbo diesel has twice the effective power of its gasoline counterpart.

2) Maintenance cost - a diesel is roughly twice the maintenance $$.

The difference in fuel cost is nearly meaningless. The difference in heavy towing is almost indescribable. A gas truck pulling 10K up a 6% grade will be working near its capacity and letting you know it - low gear, high rpm and lots of fan noise. The diesel barely takes notice.
I'll jump on this post with a thumbs up, considering our rig and what we tow, if I had to do it again, it would be another diesel dually. Just ones perspective.

[Dave W]

Some 'interesting' fuel mileage numbers "bouncey:

My 6.7 was in the 21.4 mpg unloaded highway range - that is until I put the optional size tires on it the did a miles and mph check. The GPS, two separate ones, a 2597 and a 760RV, the speedometer and the Scangauge all read the same. The mileage is now 18.3 - 19.5 and I believe correct. Towing - it went down from about 13.2 to about 12 with the Montana hooked on from about 13.2

Not a big deal when you consider the price of the truck and the 5er. What was a big deal was going from a V10 to a diesel - 7 mpg on a good day hauling a 12K 5er and the range of a SB V10 vs the much bigger fuel tank on a diesel long bed.

As far as maintenance - that hurts some at 13 quarts of oil, a $17 buck oil filter and a $60 buck pair of fuel filters - but at 2x a year, even that's not really a big deal either with the ease that this 'beast' hauls a 12,000 pound, 38 feet long trailer up and down hills. As far as which brand is best - I like my Fords but the other two do just as good a job for their owners as well

[mikereidjr]

Really Really wanted a diesel, I have wanted one since I was 14, however i just cant justify the 9k difference in price.

My F250 with the 6.2 is great, It screams a bit up the grades, but I keeps chugging.

I really don't regret it.

[Pmedic4]

Really Really wanted a diesel, I have wanted one since I was 14, however i just cant justify the 9k difference in price.

My F250 with the 6.2 is great, It screams a bit up the grades, but I keeps chugging.

I really don't regret it.

Same thought, but really to me the difference was much greater than the base $9000 on the diesel engine option. The dealership just would not negotiate as much on the diesel models as the gas 6.4L, since they clearly know the value of the diesel. I've posted several times before, but I'd say the real difference between the gas versus diesel option was more like $15,000, when all haggling was done and over.

[CWSWine]

The diesel option on my truck was 8200 MSRP over a gas engine but the discounts I got on the truck I paid about 7200. Went to the NADA website and looked up the same model and trim level of my truck except three years older and the diesel option added 8150 to the retail price and 7600 to the trade in price.

[BobnLee]

Love my 6.7 Ford. Hate the cost of oil changes and fuel filters. The last one up her for an oil change and fuel filters was $300.00 thats Canadian so about $25.00 American

[PerryB]

Love my 6.7 Ford. Hate the cost of oil changes and fuel filters. The last one up her for an oil change and fuel filters was $300.00 thats Canadian so about $25.00 American

I know I shouldn't laugh at that, but it was pretty funny.

[Dave W]

Love my 6.7 Ford. Hate the cost of oil changes and fuel filters. The last one up her for an oil change and fuel filters was $300.00 thats Canadian so about $25.00 American

Frightening and the exchange rate is only ~21-3/4CAD/USD:p.

While I do have my oil changed at a dealer - $99 - (no way to easily dispose of 13 quarts), the fuel filters are pretty easy as a DIY project but you had best have a spare $20 plastic cover for the frame mounted primary unit:banghead:

[Desert185]

Love my 6.7 Ford. Hate the cost of oil changes and fuel filters. The last one up her for an oil change and fuel filters was $300.00 thats Canadian so about $25.00 American

$234US today. Still expensive. Have you Considered doing it yourself? It's a pretty straightforward process. My Cummins runs me $39.50+tax for Delo and a Cummins Stratapore filter. Even in Canada there must be less expensive options than $300 Canadian, eh?