Gas trucks vs. diesel

[tim3560]

I have always used an f-150 for hauling everything but have always wondered about the benefits of diesel. Can anyone tell me from their own experiences, gas mileage gained, power when towing, and overall dependability w/ gas vs. diesel. Please include examples of what truck you had, what you went to, and the differences that you saw between the two.

[HotShot]

Tim, there is really no comparison in towing capabilties and power. It's kinda apples and oranges. Diesel will/should get better gas mileage when towing also, however, that is not always the case. Diesel will last (normally) a lot longer. You can expect 500,000 miles out of a diesel and around 200K for a gasser.

The maintenance on a diesel is more expensive, but at least around here it's cheaper at the pump.

My father in law has a Chebby Duramax---it's awesome. He put a Banks system on it and that thing will absolutely hall butt. I have a Nissan Titan my max tow is around 9000 lbs...he pulls a 5th wheel that ways about that and you can't even tell it's back there. My work trailer is about 3000 loaded down and granted the Titan pulls it right along with no problem, but there is no way I could pull his 5th wheel up the hills and not slow down to 35 miles per hour. I'm not a big Chevy fan, but that Duramax kicks butt. I'm no Dodge fan, but that Cummins kicks butt. I am a Ford guy and that 6.0 psd kicks butt....but, unless you are doing tons of towing, I really don't see the advantage. Or, if you're towing light loads like my work trailer...the gasser is just fine.

[tim3560]

So unless I have to pull about 5000lbs or more on a regular basis, gas is the better deal?

What about leasing vs buying? Do most businesses like to own and just deal with repair costs when they arrise or is it an advantage to have a new model every 3 years and have constant a warranty?

[keepinitclean]

DIESEL- chipped for pulling wt. FORD F 250 - 650. GO BIG

[HotShot]

I buy because I go way over in mileage. It use to be an advantage for businesses to lease, but how things are set up now, it is really no different. The BEST thing to do (ideally) is to look for something a couple years old that is in good shape and pay cash. As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, you have just thrown away a couple thousand dollars and when you go to trade it in, there goes a couple more thousand.

I personally don't like worrying about my wife if she is out driving somewhere in a beater. I pay the money and take the hit. Yeah, I know new cars can break down too, but there is far less of a chance. It's worth the peace of mind to me.

[tim3560]

Thanks for the insight.

[sarowe]

What about propane?

[Paul Kassander]

I have been buying diesels for about 8 years now and the towing, mileage, and power factor have well been worth the additional investment for me. I use them for plowing as well as hauling my water, trailers, and presssure washers.

[tim3560]

Paul, do you also say that it's better to buy than to lease?

[BREEN]

i just traded in my 05' chevy hd 6.0 litre gasser for the duramax last week!
the 6.0 got 10 mpg the duramax gets 17 with a trailer. i put the edge juice with attitude and a mbrp 5" exhaust, and a k&n air intake on it. it will flat haul a88!!

[John T.]

Diesel any day over gas for trucks in this business for me. My Dodge dually cummins Diesel gets about 15mpg and up to 20mpg on the highway. I also tow a ton of water with this truck and also with my Diesel Bucket truck and when my trailer is full your talking an additional 7000lbs added to these trucks...So my choice by far is Diesel.

[Ron Musgraves]

deisel all the way 750,000 reasons............ two repairs tranny & starter. many brakes and new batterys

[R L S]

My 2000 Chevy 2500HD has the 6liter in it. Empty I get no better than 15mpg loaded that drops to 12 It has dropped to 6mpg before but not much.
I also have a 2000 F350 7.3 power stroke and it kicks ass. I get 17 when I tow just my trailer with a full tank, throw a 275gal tote in the bed and it doesnt change much it just keeps going. Emoty I can get around 20mpg but I usaully get 17mpg.
Diesel is the way for me.

[R L S]

I forgot to mention my chevy has 220,000 miles on it and still runs great. Stock trans and motor, no rebuilds on either. I am confident it'll reach 300,000 without problems based on the current condition.

[Scott Stone]

I prefer diesel, though my mileage is nowhere near what these guys are claiming. I average around 12 or 13 with my trailer, and about 16 without. I far prefer diesel though due to all the other factors. It is worth it to me.

As for the Buy lease option, I would talk to your accountant. Mine says that the lease thing is a pile of dung, and that most small businesses are far better off buying the truck outright.