Decline of the Diesel??

[Festus2]

I have just read an article 'What happened to the diesel advantage"? It seems that the advantage the diesel once had may be slipping away. The reasons? According to the author, the cost of diesel fuel coupled with lower miles per gallon are making the diesel less attractive than it once was.

Previously, you could count on savings at the pump plus significantly better mileage than with gas engines. The cost at the pump for diesel has risen and, as diesel engines become cleaner burning, stronger and more efficient, this new technology has resulted in poorer mileage. A better engine but at a price - higher fuel consumption.

Only 40% of buyers are now opting for diesels engines-about half of what it was in the 2500 and 3500 series trucks 10 years ago.

I don't want to start another debate about gas vs diesel but the article confirmed my suspicion that more RVer's are now considering gas engines than before. I've had both - liked my gas engine but love my diesel!

[Flyguy]

One of the first TV's that I had was a 1983 Chevy Surburban with a 6.2L diesel engine, I got 24 mpg highway and 18 mpg city with it not towing. Towing our 1969 25' Avion TT that we had at the time, I got 14-16 mpg. To me the biggest advantage of a Diesel is being able to refuel at truck stops with those large, wide, and high clearances and not having to worry about hitting something trying to get your rig to the gas pumps. I can tell you that I came mighty close to damaging our trailer on more than one occasion. When I'm towing, fuel price is not my biggest concern, accessibility is! Power climbing grades was not fantastic but I can say that on a trip through West Virginia we made it up several 10% grades but could only muster up 25 mph with the pedal to the medal, good news is that the 18 wheelers could only do 20 mph so I was passing trucks the whole way (BTW I don't think there's a level spot in that whole state).

[hankpage]

Poorer mileage ....... all depends how you look at it. My '94 Ram got 26mpg hwy and 12 to 14 towing with 160hp. My '04.5 gets 24 hwy and 15 to 17 towing with 325hp from the same stock 5.9L engine. The newer engines are larger thus lower hwy mileage but I think you will still find more low end torque and better mileage towing than gassers. JM$.02 Hank ............. Let them buy gas ... More diesel for me.

[Festus2]

I agree -- more torque at lower end and better mileage. I also agree with the point of the article that the advantages that diesels had over gassers are shrinking. However, I think they are still there and that is why we both have diesels I guess.

[hoffbrew]

Been there..done this...diesel all the way.

[icefireguy]

Anybody that would opt for a gasoline engine over a diesel for towing needs a check up from the neck up. I have had both and there is no comparison. My 09 Ram 4x4 with the Cummins gets 24 mpg on the highway and 14 towing my 5er. She rarely has to down shift on highway hills thanks to all the torque, which saves the transmission. I defy any gasoline engine to match it.

[Flyguy]

I sure hate to interupt this diesel love-in but i'm happy with my gas engine for what I tow and it goes up hills pulling the trailer just fine and I also get 12mpg towing, as I said in the previous post, I just wish I had the truck stations with all their room to pull up to if they only had gas there. I remember the days getting diesel fuel all over my hands while refueling and changing the fuel filters, nasty stuff!! JMO

[4x4given]

After being a mechanic in large multi-line dealerships and working on gas and diesels, I think both are capable and easy to maintain. But I prefer diesel as a TV because of durability and because I plan to keep it for a L-O-N-G time.

I was able to get a super deal on a 2007 F350 SuperCab 4x4 DRW auto 6.0L that was super clean, stock and in outstanding mechanical condition. I've been getting 15-17mpg in town, running errands and such and just over 20mpg on the highway. This weekend we'll see how it fares towing, as we're going to pick up our new 2010 Keystone Sprinter 318FLS. Its 36' and about 10,500lbs. I'm hoping to get about 14mpg at 65mph. We'll see.

Bottom line, is that with maintenance, I expect to get 400k - 500k out of the truck. Since I do all my own work, I know I can trust it and I know what it needs and doesn't need.

[Bigk]

I love diesel trucks. My next purchase will definitely be diesel. I just couldn't afford the extra $8100 the chevy dealer wanted.

[hankpage]

REAL TRUCKS RATTLE Sorry Flyguy .... I couldn't resist.

[antiqfreq]

Hi everyone,
I don't know much about nuttin' but I do know that we bought our diesel, a2003 Ford F250 7.3L, specifically because we wanted a bigger trailer, and to travel up mountains.
The DH and I have had no 'real' problems so far with our diesel.
Just got back today from a 11 day trip.
Seems vacations are what does our diesel in - ha ha ha - the first year we had the transmission go out at 100,000 miles. Then earlier this year we had the alternator go out just 'before' we left on vacation and now this past week, day after Thanksgiving both batteries went dead.
Okay, those aren't big things - and now with 111,115 miles on her - shouldn't complain as that is ALL that has gone with with it ever!
We hope to have it a long time - with only 111,115 miles on it - we hope to not have to trade her in until at least 200,000 miles!
Jody

[Phermenter]

Hi. I have an '04.5 Dodge Cummins, and I'm getting about 11 mpg pulling my Montana 5ver. However, I'm most always crossing a mountain range here in Western Washington, so that might have something to do with it. I hit the top of Stevens Pass at about 35 mph. My last TV, a Ford w/ a 390 ran about 10 mpg and maybe 30 at the top of the pass, so the mileage & speed are about the same, plus or minus.

Now, more to the point of the thread, I read an article last year (I think) about new technology coming available that will bring the mileage of diesel cars way up. I can't remember the specifics, but think it was called Blu Tec? The rest of the article was around the premise that diesel technology hasn't needed to keep up, until now.

Phermenter
2004 Dodge 2500 DRW
2005 Montana 319 BHS

[Miller88310]

I totally agree with Flyguy...I'm also happy with my gas engine (5.4). It pulls what I tow and more just great. It gets good gas mileage both while towing and alone, maintenance is cheaper, and I don't have to shut it off going through a drive-thru. (had to get that last one in there).

My last TV was an F150 (gas) excellent condition with 267,000 miles when i sold it to get a Crewcab.

BUT.....in the future, when we do decide to go to a fifth wheel or tow hauler...than I will have to seriously consider the debate of purchasing a F250 with either a V10 or a Diesel.

[hankpage]

Come on folks .... admit it. There is nothing like the smell of diesel SMOKE in the morning. Just kidding ... to each his own.

[richfaa]

There is some truth to the story. Many folks are also opting for smaller lighter Rv's and do not need a diesel to pull. Also the days of the big block gas motor may be numbered.The only one now left is the Ford V-10. We pulled this 06 Montana 3400 13.5K plus with a 05 F-350 V-10 and now a 08 F-350 6.4 Diesel ... Same truck. The V-10 did fine 90% of the time. The 10% it lacked performance was in the High country and long/ steep grades.

MPG V10 pulling averaged 7/8 mpg Diesel Pulling 9/11. We purchased the diesel to tow this heavy camper all over the country. ..Not for MPG.


One does Not need a diesel to pull a Rv nor do they need a big block Gas motor. Buy the truck and motor that best serves you . Why would you buy a V10 or 6.4 diesel to pull a 6/8K camper. I see the big block gas motors going away and smaller diesels.

[K&Gs3400RL]

I to travel over the passes in Washington state, While I love my 2004 Ram 3500 The Mileage has never been there for me, but the power has. When I had my Chevy 2500 and Then a Dodge 2500 I never got over 35mph going up the pass. Buy with my Cummins 3500 I can hit them at 60 and never miss a beat. My Mileage in town is around 13 or 14 and while towing I get 11 or 12 On the Hwy with out the 5er around 15 to 17. But the 11 or 12 is better than the 8 and 9 I was getting with gas. I Love my Cummins

[Seann]

22 MPG solo 13.5 towing... I am happy with that....My gasser did not do that well

[dsniper22]

I'm sure gassers do fine for smaller RV's. But when you start comparing an engine with 300ft/lbs of torque to one with 600+ the debate is over. I personally havn't seen anyone hook onto a 38ft unit with a gas truck. Another nice option for the diesel guys(and gals) is the ability to upgrade power/mileage with a chip or programmer. An extra 150hp/300trq isn't always necessary, but it sure can be nice on some hills. To get the same increase out of a gas motor you are looking at a complete build up plus some form of forced induction.

[angus242]

Originally Posted by richfaa

One does Not need a diesel to pull a Rv nor do they need a big block Gas motor. Buy the truck and motor that best serves you . Why would you buy a V10 or 6.4 diesel to pull a 6/8K camper. I see the big block gas motors going away and smaller diesels.

You might not need a diesel, but I don't see the drawback. If you're talking new, perhaps. I bought mine used (2 years old) and it was such a great price, a gasser would not have been comparable.

As for big going away, Ford Superduty motors just went from 5.4 to 6.2 (gas) and 6.4 to 6.7 (diesel).

[Jim W]

Will I feel that you will have a very difficult time in changing peoples mines on what they want in a vehicle. This is why we have so many choices in buying a vehicle.


Now with that being said we all know "REAL TRUCKS DO NOT HAVE SPARK PLUGS".