Looking at going Diesel

Blacktail · 08-26-2011, 03:20 PM

Im looking to move from a 1500 gas to a 3500 diesel and know nothing about them. My big question is maintence and up keep. Are they on the same line as gas as far a price to repair, and are they reliable over all?

Thanks

Bob

THedges · 08-26-2011, 04:02 PM

I just got my first diesel last February and the one thing that mostly stands out to me is: WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG!!!!!!

It has been fantastic!

Oil changes will cost you double and if you buy a 2011 you will have to use DEF. My duramax uses about 1 gallon of DEF every 1000 miles. I buy it at NAPA and it costs $14 for 2 1/2 gallons.

I upgraded from a 2000 Ford F350 V10 and my diesel out preforms it in every way!

Paddler · 08-26-2011, 04:24 PM

Truth is the diesels are more costly to operate and maintain but they have twice the longevity of a gas motor. I've owned mine for 4.5 years now and would never go back to a gas motor for a tow vehicle.

The DEF is only required on the Ford and GM diesel motors. The Cumings diesel does not require the diesel exhaust fluid because it was designed in 2006 with the 2010 emissions in mind . Which is kinda weird with Ford. Brand new motor, first Ford build diesel since the 7.3L, and it has to use DEF.

THedges · 08-26-2011, 04:28 PM

Actually the Dodges also use DEF. Here is a link to there website http://www.dodge.com/en/commercial/2...iesel_exhaust/

jq1031 · 08-26-2011, 04:59 PM

This is my 2nd diesel truck & as posted earlier "I'll never go back". The longevity in itself along with the resale value makes for a sound investment. The engine brake on newer diesels makes you feel very secure decending a steep grade, say nothing about the increased fuel milage. If it's in your budget I highly recommend the diesel engine & BTW, Chrysler, Ford & GMC all make good diesel trucks . Good Luck! The exhause fuel cost should not be a concern as it's around $5 a gallon every fifteen hundred miles.

cumminsdad08 · 08-26-2011, 05:20 PM

just do it, nuff said. you wont be disapointed. ALL vehicals will get you one way or another. in the initial purchase all the way thru, till the end. just takes a little adjustment from a gas truck, but it wont take long. whatever you do don't ask which one's better, PLEASE.

smiller · 08-26-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THedges

Actually the Dodges also use DEF. Here is a link to there website http://www.dodge.com/en/commercial/2...iesel_exhaust/

Actually that is only for commercial trucks. Standard 2500/3500 CTD's do not require DEF. From the Dodge site:

Quote:

NO DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) Our 2011 heavy duty trucks come equipped with an innovative NOx Absorber Catalyst (NAC) system that regulates diesel emissions without the need for urea fluid. Less for you to do. So you have more time for...whatever.

Also on the topic of running expense one often hears that diesels are more expensive to run than gas but this isn't really so in my experience. Three gallons of oil at a change instead of one and the occasional fuel filter, but also no spark plugs/tune-ups, etc. Add to that the fuel savings and the diesel is cheaper to operate, not more expensive. It is true that the up-front cost is higher but a good part of that will come back at resale time.

But regardless once you tow heavy with a diesel you won't care about the cost. You will be done with gas trucks forever, believe me.

CampJKL · 08-26-2011, 06:18 PM

IMHO RESEARCH as much as you can. While there are STRONG opnions of who has the best amongst the Big 3, you should pick what appeals to you and works for your towing needs.

That being said; Dodge RULES

OK OK I just had to do that!

Seriously though, take your time and read and question it all. There's no perfect truck, but diesels are well worth the "investment" in the RV world. (Well actually I think many of us would say if you could get a Ford body/frame, with a Cummins engine, matched with an Allison tranny...that would be the perfect truck. But that dream for many of us, and some do it, is hard to finance!) Otherwise, if budget permits, buy as much as you can , as new as you can. If not, search the sales often. It took me a year to find my current rig.

Many oppourtunities came and went, but I finally found a near perfect rig, already set up for towing...and well with in my budget. Diesels are the way to "tow"

RCrawler · 08-26-2011, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paddler

[Which is kinda weird with Ford. Brand new motor, first Ford build diesel since the 7.3L, and it has to use DEF. [/COLOR][/B]

Actually, the 7.3, both the PSD and 6.9/7.3 IDI mechanical engines, were designed and built by International.

The use of DEF in the new Ford 6.7 and the Duramax has given them a fuel mileage advantage over the Cummins.

Jason

smiller · 08-26-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCrawler

The use of DEF in the new Ford 6.7 and the Duramax has given them a fuel mileage advantage over the Cummins.

Yeah, but the difference in price of the Dodge vs. Ford/Chevy will buy a lot of fuel.

SLIMSHADIE · 08-26-2011, 06:47 PM

I will probably not buy another gas truck again, enuff said.

CampJKL · 08-26-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLIMSHADIE

I will probably not buy another gas truck again, enuff said.

Cause that Cummins spoiled you!

Sorry can't help it...I will stop

RCrawler · 08-26-2011, 07:38 PM

I don't know. The 8.1 that GM was offering would run right with my diesel stock for stock. Fuel mileage tho, OUCH!!!

Jason

RCrawler · 08-26-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smiller

Yeah, but the difference in price of the Dodge vs. Ford/Chevy will buy a lot of fuel.

Yeah, but you get what you pay for. The Dodge is cheaply built compared to the GM and Ford's. I have a '93 Ford crewcab with 300K miles on it that is tighter than my Ram with 1/10th the mileage. And I have flat out abused that old Ford.

With that being said, I tell everyone that I bought a Cummins and it came with a free Dodge.

Jason

Bigpuddie · 08-27-2011, 12:00 AM

I have a 2011 Dodge 3500. I deleted the DPF and CAT, blocked off EGR, and added Bullydog. I get 21.9 MPG on highway, 19.5 rural/town, and 13.9 towing a Raptor 365 LEV (41 ft/ 13500#). Lots of power! I am very happy with my first Dodge. I had Fords for years and still think they are good, but I bought my Laramie for $5500 less than a lesser equipped Ford or Chevy. That being said, I think they are all good trucks, it just comes down to preference and money. I think the 2010-2012 Dodge trucks are great looking and well built/designed. I didnt feel that way on models prior to 2009. Just my opinion....

CampJKL · 08-27-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigpuddie

I have a 2011 Dodge 3500. I deleted the DPF and CAT, blocked off EGR, and added Bullydog. I get 21.9 MPG on highway, 19.5 rural/town, and 13.9 towing a Raptor 365 LEV (41 ft/ 13500#). Lots of power! I am very happy with my first Dodge. I had Fords for years and still think they are good, but I bought my Laramie for $5500 less than a lesser equipped Ford or Chevy. That being said, I think they are all good trucks, it just comes down to preference and money. I think the 2010-2012 Dodge trucks are great looking and well built/designed. I didnt feel that way on models prior to 2009. Just my opinion....

Before buying my 07, I drove one of those 2011's (stock)... real nice. Love the interior. Too bad the old 5.9's didnt come wrapped like that. But I guess with the deletes and mods you made your 6.7 into a 5.9..

Grss · 08-27-2011, 01:56 PM

Depends on how long you plan on keeping the truck. I've owned two Ford diesels, a 93 F-250 IDI, and now I have a 97 F-350 Powerstroke. The PSD has just turned over 230,000 miles, and runs better than ever. If you don't plan on keeping a truck over 150,000 miles and don't do alot of heavy towing, a diesel may be over kill for your purpose. I love my diesel, but they are more costly to repair and maintain over a gas engine. With the newer fuel we are required to run, and the DPF and exhaust fluid, If I was buying new, I would have a hard time buying a new diesel. JMHO.

smiller · 08-28-2011, 07:40 AM

One solution to high cost/DEF/emissions stuff is to not buy new. There are a lot of good used mid-2000 model year vehicles out there at a fraction of the cost of new and without the operating headaches caused by the new emissions regulations. The HD diesel engines last a long time and if the vehicle has been well maintained there is a lot of value for the money there. When you consider that you could have a few-year-old diesel truck in good condition for much less than a new gas truck (not to mention what new diesels cost), well, something to think about at least.

28Bunkhouse · 08-28-2011, 09:09 AM

I have just recently purchased a used Ram 2500 5.9L Cummins and tow a 28 foot (living space) Springdale. The truck tows the trailer really well, but I did install a set of Firestone airbags to take the bounce out. My fuel mileage unloaded is 28 miles to the US gallon if I stay around 55 miles per hour. When towing fully loaded I drop down to about 16 miles to a US Gallon. I have a K&N cold air filter arrangement, a performance chip and a six speed manual transmission. I would never again purchase a gas engine for towing. I do live in British Columbis canada ane have a few "hills" around here. Buy a diesel and enjoy.

Houndie Dog · 08-28-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THedges

Actually the Dodges also use DEF. Here is a link to there website http://www.dodge.com/en/commercial/2...iesel_exhaust/

You are partially correct..... The 3500's do not use DEF fluid, the 4500 and 5500's do infact use the fluid.

I have a 2007.5 Ram 3500 dually and my brother in law has a 2011 Ram 3500 duallyand neither uses DEF fluid because they have an exhaust regeneration system instead.

You may also like: