A Diesel Is Not Worth It!

[p-Bar]

For some of us this is the only way we can have a hot rod without our wives knowing plus who has the money to go to Barret/Jackson auction. I am very pleased with my diesel and would buy another one.

 

[Big MAK]

The big picture: no way in heck will you get close to the mileage of a diesel from a comparably equipped gasser.



It's unfortunate you had bad luck with an upgrade. Fixing that probelm would be a lot less expensive then buying a new truck. Take a breath. Relax. Approach it with a clear head.



My Neighbor's Ram 2500 with Hemi never got more then 6 mpg around town. When he hooked it to his little trailer to tow his mowers around (lawn business) he had to stop at every gas station he came to. It was a lemon I'm sure... (Chrysler refused to fix it. . the engine had ridiculously low compression). Lemons happen. But you're blaming an entire truck segment for your (after-market besides) problem????

 

[Bertram65]

My next truck will be gas, sick of the high cost of diesel and bad mileage. Next truck will be a '08 Ford SD F350 CC with the new V10. Nothing really wrong with the CTD just need more room, the new CTD is too complicated with all the new emmisions stuff, the cost of the engine, the cost of diesel, cost per mile even with the bad mileage of the gas engine is still probably less with a gas engine.



Diesel just doesn't make as much sense as it used to.

 

[AKaiser]

Well, set up right, these things should push 20 MPG empty at conservative highway speeds. Last night, I drove 117 miles on 6 gallons ULSD. I calculated that 19. 5 MPG and it took me 2. 5 hours to drive, for average speed of 45 MPH, on two lanes and four lanes, stop and go thru small towns etc. Note, this thing has the G56x3. 73=4. 10s problem. At highway speeds (70ish) it runs just a shade under 17 MPG. All figures empty hand calculated. That's 2 MPG better than my 99 with a 318 EVER GOT. I haven't even began to BoMB yet (plan: 3. 42s and PDR camshaft)



As for a Jeep Diesel, the Grand Cherokee has the 3. 0 L MB V6, and if you're never going to need a truck to tow your camper or whatever, that's a good setup, but again, you're never going to be able to pull a 5er or a significantly large trailer of any kind. I wouldn't get too wrapped around the diesel fuel price. Right now, they are just about the same to +10 cents over RUG. Winter fuel will probably be a bit higher, due to the competition for No1 used in both winterized diesel and heating fuel. Biodiesel will keep your fuel pump humming.

 

[JHardwick]

I have to concur with the above posts. You can't buy a 10", laser guided, carbide tipped, 100amp circular saw and complain that it's expensive, costly to operate and cumbersome ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . if a simple hand saw will do the job.



There in no way I'd ever consider a HEMI for what I do. I'm not as heavy as some here, but I'm over a 1/4 million miles with ~15,000-22,000# GCVW.



Gotta match the tool to the application

 

[AKaiser]

Is there a reason why this is cross-posted?



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181233

 

[msperos]

I sure would not want to pull my loaded Toyhauler over I-70 with a Gasser.....

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Tinman is right... if you use the truck for what it was designed for, towing, hauling, ..... working, then there is no comparison to a gasser.

That perfectly sums it up!



Unless like a few responding you prefer the diesel purely for "fun" aspect, there are excellent arguments for a gasser for lighter duty use - you can buy LOTS of the cheaper regular gas for the thousands of dollars extra the diesel option costs to buy, repair and maintain - and VERY few guys will wear out either the diesel OR the gasser during the time they own it.



If you don't WORK your truck hard, give serious thought to a gas rig - less buying and operating expense in the long run, compared to diesel under current economic conditions.



Unpopular issue in a diesel forum perhaps - but truth IS truth, just the same...

 

[bighammer]

OK, I've merged the 2 threads into one here. Let's keep the conversation on the pros & cons of diesel ownership vs gas powered trucks. I feel it's a worthwhile topic and would like to keep this open for discussion.

 

[CRuth]

Right now I'm paying 20 cents less for diesel so that arguments out. Injectors? Never had a problem and I don't change my filter every 5k miles or add additive. Nor have I seen the posts on the TDR to make me think its a big probem.



My previous truck had a 454 and did a great job of sucking up gas, did a poor job of climbing hills.



I'm going to resist the urge to suggest maybe a mini truck might be a better choice.

 

[CSkal]

I had two gassers previously: '01 1500 QC with the 360 and an '04 2500 with the HEMI. Okay, my expenses have not really gone up significantly with the CTD. I don't tow, I don't haul. This IS my daily driver. Regardless of anyone else's opinion, I bought the CTD because of long range mileage, engine longevity, the sound, the fun... and just 'cause I've wanted one for about 14 yrs! #@$%!

Anyway, I make the payments and pay the upkeep, and I enjoy owning and driving my truck.

'Nuff said.

 

[AKaiser]

I think you might be able to argue that buying a NEW diesel pickup seldom makes any financial sense unless you are either (1) towing heavy loads on a regular basis, (2) planning to keep your truck forever, (3) drive beaucoup miles, or (4) some combination of the three. Mine was used. I bought it in late Oct 06, and have since put nearly 25K miles on it. Of course, 7K was a vacation to CA via S. TX.

 

[Mr.Goat]

This 03 I have is my first diesel. I bought it to tote the slide in camper better and it does it beautifully. In simple terms, that old Dodge (360 gas) had a 28 gal tank and if I went 500 kil on a tank it was a superb day. The 03 diesel, (same size tank) on any old day will take me 1000 kil. And with lot more get up and gone. I calculated the savings in fuel costs has paid for the initial cost of the diesel option.

If Dodge could build the truck as well as Cummins builds the engine, that would be an awesome truck.



ttlu Pete

 

[CBari]

Ok Everybody Has Oppinions And You All Know What They Say About Them, But I Have A Few Facts For You.



In My Business I Have 2 Trucks That Are On The Road Duing Almost Identical Jobs. Both Are 3/4 Tons Extended Cabs 4x4 Autos With 3. 73 Rear Ends. The Both Put 50k On The Clock On A Yearly Basis. One Is 04. 5 Dodge With The Cummins The Other Is 05 Chevy With The 6 Litter Gasser. Both Of The Truck See A Combination Of City And Two Lane Hwy Driving Going To Bid And Inspect Jobs.





Diesel Truck 50000 Miles At An Avg Of 17 Mpg = 2941. 17 Gallons/year



2941. 17 Gallons At An Avg Of $2. 65/gallon = $7794. 10fuel/year





Gas Truck 50000 Miles At An Avg Of 11. 5 Mpg = 4347. 83 Gallons/year



4347. 83 Gallons At An Avg Of 2. 50/gallon = $10,869. 57 Fuel/year



These Are Real Figures From Our Business Logs On The Trucks The Fuel Is At The Current Local Rates Last Week Here. I Can Buy Lots Of Fuel Filters For That Difference. Both Truck Rarely Tow But When They Tow It Usually Less Than 5k. So My Figures Show That Even As Daily Drivers The Diesel Is More A Logical Choice.

 

[AKaiser]

Ok Everybody Has Oppinions And You All Know What They Say About Them, But I Have A Few Facts For You.



In My Business I Have 2 Trucks That Are On The Road Duing Almost Identical Jobs. Both Are 3/4 Tons Extended Cabs 4x4 Autos With 3. 73 Rear Ends. The Both Put 50k On The Clock On A Yearly Basis. One Is 04. 5 Dodge With The Cummins The Other Is 05 Chevy With The 6 Litter Gasser. Both Of The Truck See A Combination Of City And Two Lane Hwy Driving Going To Bid And Inspect Jobs.





Diesel Truck 50000 Miles At An Avg Of 17 Mpg = 2941. 17 Gallons/year



2941. 17 Gallons At An Avg Of $2. 65/gallon = $7794. 10fuel/year





Gas Truck 50000 Miles At An Avg Of 11. 5 Mpg = 4347. 83 Gallons/year



4347. 83 Gallons At An Avg Of 2. 50/gallon = $10,869. 57 Fuel/year



These Are Real Figures From Our Business Logs On The Trucks The Fuel Is At The Current Local Rates Last Week Here. I Can Buy Lots Of Fuel Filters For That Difference. Both Truck Rarely Tow But When They Tow It Usually Less Than 5k. So My Figures Show That Even As Daily Drivers The Diesel Is More A Logical Choice.

Pays for itself in 100,000 miles at those figures.

 

[Pawpaw]

My truck has only towed twice, and those were short trips with light trailers.



I bought my truck for a few of reasons.



1. My car literally died and I needed a new vehicle.



2. I work in the telecommunications industry. As an "old guy", I knew (in January of '04) that if I got laid off, I'd have to go independent contract. I needed a vehicle I could work out of (pickup with topper) and could still haul my wife and the 4 grandchildren we're raising.



3. Since, as an independent contractor, I would need to drive all over the country, the idea of an engine that is rated to go 350,000 miles between overhauls seemed logical.



4. At the time, the price of diesel was equal too or less than gasoline. I also knew the 3/4 ton diesel would get 5 or more MPG than the 1/2 ton gasser.



5. I plan to keep this thing forever, or until some one or some thing kills it (or me).



6. I have just plain wanted one ever since the 2nd Gens first came out and I test drove a CTD in '94. Until now (then) I could never justify it.



I've only had a few minor problems (like the blend door problem right now) and NONE of them has had anything to do with the engine.



I have no regrets and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.



Bob

 

[RRees]

I've had 3 new Dodge pickups:



1st one: 1997 (5. 9 liter gas engine aka 360ci with Auto 3. 55). Good truck, it was a 1500 4x4. It would get about 15mpg daily driving on the freeway to work. It would get about 7. 5mpg towing my jeep (flat towing). Didn't have a trailer back then. Flat towed from Des Moines, Iowa to Ouray, Colorado. Next truck was ordered right after that trip.



2nd Truck: 1999 Dodge Ram V10 4X4, Auto 4. 10. Only got 10-12mpg daily driving. But towing Jeep, received 9-9. 5mpg towing. It was a good truck even when I traded in for my current truck.



3rd and Current: 2006 5. 9 CTD 4x4 Auto 3. 73: In town (Des Moines, Iowa area 10. 9 miles to work, receive about 15. 5 hand calced). A few weeks ago, I went on a family vacation to Arizona. Drove the truck. Average mpg was between 18 and 19mpg. Different segments got better/worse. Worse was 16. 5mpg, Best was over 21mpg. I'm a believer in 5% biodiesel now.



I have another family trip in June, will be towing my Jeep on a trailer to Colorado. I'm thinking I'll get around 11-12mpg then.



There were other reasons that helped make my decision toward this truck.

True 4 doors. The ability to drive over 500+ miles without having to stop for a fill up.



And I wanted to try a diesel (1st one ever owned).



Anyway. That's my short story.



And where else for $35. 00 a year can you glean all this information. Not just data, but solid information.



Later,



Bob

 

[AMink]

My first full size truck was a 94 Dodge with the 360. Lousy mileage and didn't tow our boat as well as I thought it would (everywhere out of Reno is over the hill!) When our second kid was on the way, we got a 97 Cummins extended cab. No comparison to the gasser. The boat now was a non-issue, plus at that time diesel was a lot cheaper. We put 125,000 miles on that truck with no problems except for the self inflicted ones. We tow a bigger trailer now and I can't imagine doing that with a gasser that I'd still have to use as a commuter. Yes, the mileage of my 06 isn't as good as the 97, but it's getting there. The towing is MUCH better. Now diesel is . 25 or more cheaper than regular again. Is it worth it monetarily? I'm too lazy to do the math. Is it worth it in every other aspect? To me, absolutely. I guess that's why there are gassers and there are diesels. You have a choice.

 

[AKaiser]

My first full size truck was a 94 Dodge with the 360. Lousy mileage and didn't tow our boat as well as I thought it would (everywhere out of Reno is over the hill!) When our second kid was on the way, we got a 97 Cummins extended cab. No comparison to the gasser. The boat now was a non-issue, plus at that time diesel was a lot cheaper. We put 125,000 miles on that truck with no problems except for the self inflicted ones. We tow a bigger trailer now and I can't imagine doing that with a gasser that I'd still have to use as a commuter. Yes, the mileage of my 06 isn't as good as the 97, but it's getting there. The towing is MUCH better. Now diesel is . 25 or more cheaper than regular again. Is it worth it monetarily? I'm too lazy to do the math. Is it worth it in every other aspect? To me, absolutely. I guess that's why there are gassers and there are diesels. You have a choice.

Pretty much a gimme that if you want to tow heavy and get decent MPGs, you're going to have to put a diesel under the hood. Other than the V10s, Dodge hasn't had a really good gasoline pulling engine since they got rid of the TRUCK engines (big blocks). My Dad has two early 70s vintage Dodge 600 2-ton grain trucks with 4spd plus 2spd rear axles. One has a 318, the other a big block 361. The 318 will do the job, but compared to the 361, it's anemic. Both, however, suck fuel like it's water.



Dad will never buy a 3/4 ton or larger pickup, because he has larger trucks to do heavy hauling. I think, a year or two after the new light duty CTDs are out, Dad might be looking at a used one to make parts trips, etc. , and as an around the farm truck. A heavy half ton has always done the job, and we still have the 87 W150 that he has pulled anhydrous tanks around with, and those bad boys are heavy. Dad uses that as the around the farm truck and has a 94 1500 for going to town.

 

[ChrisKringle]

Yeah I tow daily too, never realized how much a gasser would suck down. I love my truck and the engine, just ****** at the gas prices.