Are diesel engines overrated?

[Jbrow327]

On one side you have the gas camp. They'll say things like diesel emissions systems are very problematic. You have to drive tons of miles to hit break even due to the very expensive diesel engine option. Oil changes and fuel filters definitely add up for diesels.

On the other side is the diesel camp. They'll say things like diesel engines last much longer than gas engines. Diesels pull better in the mountains. You can just delete it(illegal) and get rid of all of it's emissions equipment problems. Some of them will recommend a diesel for someone looking at pulling under 5k pounds. Seems like overkill.

Personally I think gas does fine up to 12k or 13k, using a 3/4 ton or 1 ton of course. Above that, diesel seems to be the correct choice.

What do you guys think? Debate.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by Jbrow327

On one side you have the gas camp. They'll say things like diesel emissions systems are very problematic. You have to drive tons of miles to hit break even due to the very expensive diesel engine option. Oil changes and fuel filters definitely add up for diesels.



On the other side is the diesel camp. They'll say things like diesel engines last much longer than gas engines. Diesels pull better in the mountains. You can just delete it(illegal) and get rid of all of it's emissions equipment problems. Some of them will recommend a diesel for someone looking at pulling under 5k pounds. Seems like overkill.



Personally I think gas does fine up to 12k or 13k, using a 3/4 ton or 1 ton of course. Above that, diesel seems to be the correct choice.



What do you guys think? Debate.

Don't forget to include resale value after X yrs or YYY miles in the break even analysis.
Not everyone is looking at the least cost (or they shouldn't be RVing) some value the performance much higher than a cost premium.

[Rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Don't forget to include resale value after X yrs or YYY miles in the break even analysis.
Not everyone is looking at the least cost (or they shouldn't be RVing) some value the performance much higher than a cost premium.

Well speaking of resale, how many would buy a used 10 year old gas TV with 234,000 miles on it? We did it was 2011 the truck was a 2001 Ram 2500 CTD 5 speed at about $12,000. Better yet eight years later and another 80,000ish miles we sold it for about $9,000 with 315,000 miles. We used it to tow our about 13,000# 5th wheel.

[DR60]

I have owned both. I will say this, Multi speed transmissions have done a lot to level the playing field.
My wife is sensitive to the smells of diesel and the smoke from there exhaust.
We went with a gasser. DR

[jimcumminsw]

NO,

I have had both as towing vehicles and I have stated I will never go back to gas.

The new diesel does not smell anymore with the emission system that have been mandated by the EPA. The only thing to remember is the new diesel trucks do not like to just be a grocery getter. They need to be worked such as pulling your trailer not day in and day out but just exercise such as long drives whenever possible.


BTW, I love the smell of diesel fuel in the morning almost as good as a cup of coffee.

[Cumminsfan]

Never have understood the need to break even on a non commercial owned vehicle.
Does the guy buying the fully loaded gas truck feel the need to break even on his options vs the guy that buys a base truck?
How long before you can break even on leather seats and nav?

Some people buy diesels cause they want a diesel. I could and have towed my current TT with a gas truck. It's not a very enjoyable adventure in the mtns where I tow a lot.
FWIW when diesel's around the same price as gas my increased mpg's while towing cover my oil and filter changes for the year. I also get the benefit of extended range on the same size fuel tank.
You couldn't pay me to tow 12K-13K in the PNW with a gas truck unless it was the new Ford 7.3 gas. I've BTDT with a 6.4 Hemi and 9500 lbs. Never again.
Out on the flatter parts of the country I suppose it's easier.

[Alpine36]

You are correct, once you get to a certain weight nothing beats the pulling torque of a diesel. Would I buy a one ton diesel to tow our 18’ aluminum boat with?…of course not. Love my gas 1/2 ton Chevy for that.
Would I buy a 36’ class a gasser coach to flat tow that Silverado with?, no way. I will say the 2500/3500 gas trucks have come a long way with increased towing capacities. Just follow the 80% GCVWR rule. That should make the decision easy.

[Dieselguy4]

The diesel will tow hand down better then a gas. I have towed with both and once you get at 10000 lbs and over you want a diesel. I call it a comfortable tow. I set my cruise control on 70 MPH with the exhaust brake in auto and tow haul mode on. It maintains speed uphill and down hills with my 41 ft fifth wheel weighting 13500 lbs. My 17 F350 DRW diesel will get 9 to 11 mpg. I don't drive it except to pull my fifth wheel. I think people worry to much about failures. No emission issues. Now my son drives his 19 F350 diesel every day in Washington DC. 40K miles and no issues. Put good fuel and DEF in and do the maintenance. The vast majority have no issues with them. As I said enjoy the journey. A gas truck maybe cheaper but it will not perform like the diesel. You cant just set the cruise control and go. And the exhaust brake is great on the diesel.

[Dave Pelletier]

Gas is a viable choice for recreational towing under 15,000 lbs or so.....the new F series 7.3/10spd. is a big step forward for gas. If money is the main consideration, gas is cheaper both short and long term. On the flip side, diesels are far more powerful and the exhaust brakes are a bonus.....but you pay for it. I have 7 diesels and 2 gas trucks currently. My personal truck is a 2022 F350 6.7 PSD but I think my next fleet truck will be a 7.3 gas.

[Marine359]

For smaller trailers that can be towed with a mid-size or 1/2 ton, you have to sacrifice too much payload if you buy a diesel. Wouldn’t be able to tow my trailer with a diesel canyon. Many folk find out after buying a 1/2 ton diesel that the trailer they wanted is no longer a viable option.

[ArtJoyce]

You can look at it from cost. But for us its the ride and low noise level. Lower RPM's, The ride and handling of the frightliner bus chassis.

Now I do like the 10 mpg vs what the gas'ers get around 7 mpg. I don't like the maintenance cost. But for us it's all about the comfort.

[bludog87]

No. There are too many factors that feed the gas/diesel decision. A few not mentioned above: how far are you going? How often are you doing it? What is the wind drag of the tow vehicle? (Wind drag can be as much of a factor as tow weight.) What is your preference?

There is no debate to be had, as it is always a personal decision, until you need/want diesel power, as mentioned by several. If you want a debate, check out the many threads on the topic.

[Reprobate]

This subject has been debated constantly on every RV forum I know about. The answer is, "it depends on what your individual needs are" .
I believe the OP just likes to stir the pot and sit back and see how many responses it gets. He even ended his post with 'Debate'.
And so far, it is working

[tuffr2]

jimcumminsw - not the emissions but the diesel on your hands etc. I owned both. My hands always had a diesel smell. Now with gas I have no oder. At trucks stops I was standing in diesel and tracking it into the truck. You are lying if you say you do not smell diesel.