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Old 08-20-2020, 02:29 PM   #1
Scott in Michigan
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Seeking diesel operation tips

Would this forum be a good place to tap the tribal knowledge about tips for a soon-to-be new user of a diesel tow vehicle?

Asking before I let loose a salvo of questions.

Scott
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Old 08-20-2020, 02:40 PM   #2
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Be vigilant with changing fuel filters on the recommended schedule. Fuel injection pump repairs are expensive. I recommend full synthetic motor oil as well.
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Old 08-20-2020, 03:14 PM   #3
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Oil changes at 5k miles and fuel filters at 10k. Don't know if you're buying new or used but either way look at 1 ton 3500/350 models over 3/4 ton 2500/250 models. Price will be about the same and the 1 ton will give you a lot more towing options in the future. In my experience, once you get the diesel you'll have it a long time
There are diesel specific forums, but users here can share their experience as well.
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Old 08-20-2020, 03:54 PM   #4
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Just DON'T ask which is the best!!!!!?
Have had diesels as daily drivers since '05 for over 300k miles total & approximately 150k towing 16k 5th wheels, until just a year ago when we sold both RV & truck.
IMHO there's not any real secrets to owning/operating one, drove them & operated them just as any other vehicle we've owned.
The manual on my GMCs stated oil changes once a year or 10k miles whichever comes first & I had no problems with the truck doing this schedule or following the percentage in the information center on the dash.
Brand or type of oil is your or the truck manufacturers choice. Personally the only difference I noticed between dino & synthetic oils was the price.
Followed the percentage for the fuel filter as well. The DEF usage on mine was not excessive, about 2.5 gallons every 3500 miles whether towing or not.
Most other maintenance is the same whether gas or diesel.
As for using towing, once you've towed with a diesel you'll never want to tow with a gasser again.
I will agree with Cannonman, skip the 3/4 ton, go to the 1 ton, it'll save you the truck upgrade when upgrading the RV comes 'round.
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Old 08-20-2020, 04:09 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Canonman View Post
Oil changes at 5k miles and fuel filters at 10k. Don't know if you're buying new or used but either way look at 1 ton 3500/350 models over 3/4 ton 2500/250 models. Price will be about the same and the 1 ton will give you a lot more towing options in the future. In my experience, once you get the diesel you'll have it a long time
There are diesel specific forums, but users here can share their experience as well.
I agree with most of this. My 19 Ram recommends a 15K oil change. Especially with synthetic there is no way I would do 5K drains.
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Old 08-20-2020, 04:32 PM   #6
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I have had 3 diesels and would never go back to gas for lowing. i go by the dash indicator for oil and filter changes. I do both at the same time, when the oil needs changing.

I also agree, go 1 ton!
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Old 08-20-2020, 04:45 PM   #7
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I always try to buy my diesel fuel from places that sell a lot of diesel so that it is as fresh as it can be. I also avoid Bio-diesel whenever I can, and it's pretty easy around here where I live. Bio makes a little less power than regular diesel fuel, and you need to change filters a little sooner with it...vs. regular diesel fuel. It also doesn't get you quite as much mpg as the regular diesel. I'm not a huge fan of the DEF equipped modern diesels, but unless you do a delete, it's a fact of life. When you first buy get one, make ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, that you are putting diesel fuel in the tank and not gasoline. You cannot go by the pump handle color (green pump handles were diesel in the old days)....so just make sure you're at the correct pump. I know it sounds like a "duh", but I've read more than a few times about someone mis-fueling and the repair bill is astronomically high.
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Old 08-20-2020, 04:50 PM   #8
Scott in Michigan
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Thanks for all of the replies, gentlemen.

So for full disclosure, I'm looking at an F-450. It would be a 2021.

Trips on the horizon would be cross country from Michigan to Arizona with side trips to Colorado. So mountain driving. Is there anything to know specific to using the exhaust brake?

I'm gathering that DEF usage is low enough that one doesn't need to carry it on board.

Is there a break-in period before towing?

And, any tips appreciated about fueling protocol at truck stops. What do you guys use for payment at the pump?
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Old 08-20-2020, 05:07 PM   #9
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I find the engine brake a huge advantage when towing. The Ram uses the engine brake while maintaining downhill speed in conjunction with down shifting. All part of the cruise control and tow haul function. Not sure how the Ford folks do it but it's probably pretty similar. All manufacturer's have a break in protocol. I'd check the owner's manual to verify the recommended method or your truck. RVers are usually welcome to use the truck pumps. Be cautious when filling as the flow rates are much higher than at the regular pumps. Also, once finished filling move out of the way. Don't park at the pump and go inside for snacks and bathroom break. Park out of the way so the OTR guys can get on with their job. I've used my standard credit card with no problems at the truck stops. I avoid Flying J and Pilot as their diesel prices are just crazy stupid. Gas Buddy is your best friend
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Old 08-20-2020, 05:08 PM   #10
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As far as pay at the pump it depends on the station. I like to use truck stops when towing for obvious reasons. Some take my card and others make prepay because it is not a fleet card. They usually have DEF also at the pump. I bought one of these, https://www.amazon.com/Five-Star-DEF.../dp/B01BLS220A , becasue some DEF handle are magnetically activated and my RAM is not a magnet filler neck. DEF pumps are a little different for non semi trucks. I have to place the diesel pump handle on the fuel island concrete while I use the DEF pump because if you hang up the diesel handle the sale gets completed. Once you are fueled at a truck stop if going in pull up to the line, about 75 feet ahead, and go in so as not to block the pump for the next guy.
As to break in time that is also manufacturer specific. My cummins and aisin were good to go but the rear end wanted 500 miles not towing, then the first 500 towing under 50mph.
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Old 08-20-2020, 05:18 PM   #11
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I use a card from TSD Logistics (https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/) for fuel. You also gt a great discount, last fill I saved over 40 cents a gal.
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Old 08-20-2020, 06:01 PM   #12
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Scott, from an F450 user, don't sweat the DEF deal. You will not need it on the road if it's full when you leave. I change oil regularly at 5K and filters at 15K. I'm not putting 15K between changes for anybody! The 450 will serve you well (as will 3500's for that matter) We put about 1000 on it before towing. We love it and it is our daily driver.
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Old 08-20-2020, 07:39 PM   #13
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The question is does it even have a manual exhaust brake. My 2013 f350 6.7 does not. F450s?
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Old 08-20-2020, 07:44 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott in Michigan View Post
Would this forum be a good place to tap the tribal knowledge about tips for a soon-to-be new user of a diesel tow vehicle?

Asking before I let loose a salvo of questions.

Scott
You will get some answers here but best place is on a forum where the brand of truck you are interested in is the main focus. For a Ford, would likely be powerstroke.org or ford-trucks.com. If you have a question, a search on the powerstroke.org site will most likely have the answer as it has been asked before.
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Old 08-20-2020, 08:27 PM   #15
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Your 2021 F450 WILL have an engine brake that is extremely effective. It will need to be turned on after every engine start (default on startup is OFF). It will have 3 settings;
  1. Off
  2. Manual - in this setting, the brake will activate based on when you let off the fuel pedal AND when you tap the brake pedal. If you tap the brake pedal, the engine brake will apply in your current gear. If you step hard on the brake, the engine brake will engage and the transmission will downshift as necessary.
  3. Auto - this setting is like the invert of cruise control - when you set it in auto, it will attempt to maintain the current speed when set. It will downshift and apply the engine brake as necessary to maintain the set speed - mine actually holds about +5 mph on the set speed.
Notes:
  • This all works WITHIN the functional range of the computer mapping for the engine and transmission. The system will let the RPM run up to nearly 4 grand (which seems pretty high to me) but that is within the spec'd mapping for the engine. Read up on the owner's manual.
  • Ultimately, if the downhill momentum of your rig takes you outside the engine mapped parameters, it will disengage to save the engine - essentially, you are in a "runaway" condition at that point and you will either need to stop the rig with the brakes or look for a good place to jump before you go over the edge of the canyon!
If you drive in the mountains and have never had a diesel with an engine brake, once you drive one you will ask yourself why you didn't do this 10 years ago.

I previously owned an F450; my current truck is a 2017 F350, but I think the 6.7 hasn't changed much other than some turbo and fuel mapping changes that increase the torque a bit. At 960 foot-pounds on the 2017, I'm really really happy. You will love the new diesels (regardless of brand)!!

Hope that helps.
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Old 08-20-2020, 09:29 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia View Post
The question is does it even have a manual exhaust brake. My 2013 f350 6.7 does not. F450s?
Ken,

The exhaust brake was added with the Ford 6.7l engine as part of the turbo update in the 2015 trucks. Prior models didn't have the exhaust braking capability as OEM.
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Old 08-21-2020, 02:40 AM   #17
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As I understand it, the F450 also has a wider track in front and better turning radius than an F350. I may be wrong in this but the turning radius of my long bed crew cab is about 300 yards bwhahahaha! I was going to get an F450 if I could find one but most were flat beds (11 ft) but if you find a flat bed with a gooseneck ball, it will be recessed and I do believe that Andersen makes a specific hitch for the recessed gooseneck ball. Folks also cautioned me that insurance might go up with an F450 as a "commerical" vehicle but I didn't check it out to find out if that is true.
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Old 08-21-2020, 04:49 AM   #18
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Ken, I decided that when I got out of bed I would answer your question but I see it has been handled nicely. George, the 450 has a turning radius about 6 feet tighter, and remember, the flat bed 450's, like the 4500's, all have de-tuned diesels....commercial use.
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Old 08-21-2020, 06:46 AM   #19
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George,

The F350 (prior to 2011 models) had an optional "wide track front axle". It was the same front axle assembly installed in the F450/550 trucks. That optional axle did provide a "tighter turn radius" and it makes the truck "somewhat more maneuverable in turns"...

That option "went away with the 2011 trucks" (as far as I know) but it may be available in "fleet sales vehicles". It is no longer an option for the "masses who buy at Ford dealerships"...
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Old 08-21-2020, 07:19 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia View Post
The question is does it even have a manual exhaust brake. My 2013 f350 6.7 does not. F450s?
Are you sure it doesn't have it? My brother just purchased a 2012 F350 and assumed it didn't have one due to the lack of a switch, but looking at the owner's manual, it is an automatic feature - controlled via the tow/haul mode switch.
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