Retdep
Sioux Falls, SD
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Joined: 02/25/2004
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My question is not intended to reopen/continue/stir the pot on the issue of gas vs. diesel engines. I am wondering if I have missed anything in my consideration of a gas or diesel powered truck.
We have pretty well decided on the 5th wheel (our 1st and hopelfully last one). GVW of trailer is 13,500 lbs.
Ford 350 is only gasser rated to tow that much weight. Dodge and GM gassers are not rated to tow that much.
Diesel engine will expand my choices to all three manufacturers with tow capacity increased to much more than necessary for the trailer we will probably end up with. We will most likely be "1/2 timers".
Here are pros and cons that I've identified:
Gas - Pro
Considerably lowerer purchase price
Fuel is less expensive than diesel
Gas - Con
Poorer performance in mountains and pulling up steeper grades
Shorter warranty on power train
Only one manufacturer. Not necessarily bad, just limits choices.
Diesel - Pro
Pulling power is not an issue at altitude or on grades.
Longer warranty on power train
Greater towing capacity
Three manufacturers to chooose from
Diesel - Con
Higher purchase price
Fuel expense
Routine maintenance costs seem to even out in the long run.
Have I missed anything in what to consider? I'm trying not to sound like I'm dithering over this, just want to be sure I've not overlooked the obvious.
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Looks like to me you've got all the bases covered. Right now, there are some incredible deals on diesels 1-ton trucks. It's definitely a good time to buy if you are in the market.
A side note, I've noticed several stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area have dropped diesel prices over the last week or so by up to around .20 a gallon.
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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Retdep wrote: I'm trying not to sound like I'm dithering over this, just want to be sure I've not overlooked the obvious.
Obviously you've mistaken me for someone that gives a damn. 
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F-TROUP
VISALIA, CALIF
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Jezzes, you forgot in your pros and cons that the diesel gets better MPG than any gas rig pulling the same trailer. Now that ought to wake up that dead horse........LOL
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BlackSilver
East of Heaven, North of Hell
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The fuel costs right now are about a wash. Diesel is more expensive, but you get more MPG.
Right now the prices of gas vs diesel are "upside down". When they get back to normal, there is some additional argument for diesel.
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Pat & Karen
Maryland
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Another pro for diesel is they get better fuel milage towing and unhitched as well as the increased power.
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SpoiledRotten
Central Mississippi
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The MPG's and the power are the selling points to the diesel. Mine is sitting in the carport, being used about once a month just to keep it limbered up and feel like it's still part of the family. I love driving it, but the Jeep is the DD until the fuel gets right. I just hate paying more to go to work than I have to. It would be a while before the MPG and the fuel cost justifies the purchase price, but unless you have a real big fuel tank, you'll be stopping at the gas stations more. I had to have something that I knew would pull my 5er with ease.
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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For heavy towing, diesel is hands down the way to go. Look and test drive all the trucks gas and diesel. After driving them all, if your balance sheet still points to a V-10, then enjoy it and have fun.
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Ductape
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Really only one significant consideration IMO. If you want undiminished performance at high elevation, you need a turbo.
Everything else is a wash.
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Mommalu
Mpls. MN
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The one thing I didn't see brought up was its very common to see diesels with 300,000 and more miles. I've only heard of a few gas trucks that were pampered reach that kind of mileage. Just another thing to think about, there are a lot of old diesel trucks still on the road towing big stuff. 
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