Going Diesel - Worth It???

[camper1999]

Sounds like someone is not good at math

[B47]

Originally Posted by schrederman

One more question... I opened the gas... er... fuel tank lid on the F-250 and there was a second filler that said "exhaust fluid"... (I think that's what it said)... What's that and where would I get it? How much does it use and how much does it cost?

Thanks again for all the replies...

I'm thinking it was a good thing on your part to learn about the DEF requirement for your truck before the stuff was depleted - my diesel doesn't require it, but I have heard its not good to run out of it.

Just saying.

[transamz9]

Originally Posted by dcheatwood

That sounds great if it can happen. 90% back is pretty vague. Surely you can't drive a $50,000 diesel for 10 years and get $45,000 on trade in. I can't see the extra cost of a diesel engine ($7000-8000), extra cost of def, extra 50¢ per gal for diesel fuel, extra costs for oil changes being the best choice financially IF a man has a trailer small enough to safely and proficiently be done with half ton gasser.
The math shows that a diesel will have to tow close to 200,000 miles with its better mpgs to make up the extra cost of the engine.
But, I strongly believe in "to each his own." And safety first.

The poster wasn't saying that you will get 90% of the truck price back. You will get 90% of the cost of the diesel engine back.

[camper1999]

X2

[dcheatwood]

Originally Posted by transamz9

The poster wasn't saying that you will get 90% of the truck price back. You will get 90% of the cost of the diesel engine back.

Ohh. I can believe that. :-)

[recon33alpha]

I pulled from Indy to Rushmore and back in my 1500, I hated it! No breeze and flat pulled great; hills and cross/head wind it sucked!! No way this gas engine will hold up the places I would like to go. I'm actively looking for a diesel crew 2500/3500!!! I was really uncomfortable in those conditions,made for a long trip for my whole family. My wdh and sway control did great, but with 40mph cross winds, the 1/2 ton is going to move ALOT!!!!

[sandkreese]

I have an F150 and I was out window shopping this weekend. I will purchase one as soon as I have money to do so.

[crushor]

Well, knowing this will raise some eyebrows...my wife and I about 18 months back bought a CC 35LRLBS, curbed empty and dry at just over 9,000 lbs. no diesel in the collection at the time...level road for about 4 miles, 1999 K1500 (yep, 1/2 ton) Suburban...and an Equalizer hitch...destined to go on a diesel. I towed the CC home...road speeds not exceeding 45. It took me about 1 mile to get to about 40 mph. Towed well, even though over taxed. Pulled it into the yard in 2WD...when the trailer tires hit the grass it was like dropping anchor. I lugged to my trailer spot in 4 low. Strangely enough the hitch setup made the CC look as though it was payable of handling the weight, and as strong as the 5.7 has been for decades, I can only laugh. I knew when I did this I was seriously over taxing my land yacht but I promise you, that I did have a plan.

[crushor]

Originally Posted by crushor

Well, knowing this will raise some eyebrows...my wife and I about 18 months back bought a CC 35LRLBS, curbed empty and dry at just over 9,000 lbs. no diesel in the collection at the time...level road for about 4 miles, 1999 K1500 (yep, 1/2 ton) Suburban...and an Equalizer hitch...destined to go on a diesel. I towed the CC home...road speeds not exceeding 45. It took me about 1 mile to get to about 40 mph. Towed well, even though over taxed. Pulled it into the yard in 2WD...when the trailer tires hit the grass it was like dropping anchor. I lugged to my trailer spot in 4 low. Strangely enough the hitch setup made the CC look as though it was payable of handling the weight, and as strong as the 5.7 has been for decades, I can only laugh. I knew when I did this I was seriously over taxing my land yacht but I promise you, that I did have a plan.

Oh, the CC never left my yard until it had a new TV. The Burban is now at 200k on the clock and has not had any issues. Our TV is a 2007 F250 4x4 Powerstroke Hog. I tows the CC even with fresh water tank full like there's nothing behind it.

[ChooChooMan74]

Wow, a lot of posts. All I have to say is, my little diesel kicks BUTT!! The V6 gasser version of the liberty can not perform as well as the little 4cyl diesel.

[recon33alpha]

I just brought home a new to me (2011), 28000 miles duramax 2500! Super stoked, hooking up and adjusting my wdh tomorrow, then it's off for a trip Thursday!!!

[cbconway]

Originally Posted by recon33alpha

I just brought home a new to me (2011), 28000 miles duramax 2500! Super stoked, hooking up and adjusting my wdh tomorrow, then it's off for a trip Thursday!!!

Congrats! My prediction is that you will Love it!

[dcheatwood]

You go, man. Enjoy. Father in law loves his.

[Keithfirefighter]

Originally Posted by jeeplj8

That has to be one of the worst apples to oranges comparisons I have ever read. The GM diesels in the 80s were horrible. They made little power, got worse mpg and broke down constantly. They were a step down from even a V6 engine of the day. They did fail for economic reasons of the application, they failed because they were horrible engines.

Ford had more than made the economic case for a more efficient engine in a light duty truck with the ecoboost. If Dodge fails with their light duty diesel it because they screwed it up. The market is there.

Yea I would agree !! The Chevy 80's diesel was a joke it was a converted 350 gas motor and was a non turbo diesel motor !! I think Dodge is going to hit it with this 1/2 ton diesel !!

[troyt]

Had a 07 Dodge 4x4 1500 Hemi, found a great deal on a 06 Dodge 4x4 2500 5.9 diesel. Very happy I did. Now the drawback, just spent $1k on service, but should be good for another thousand miles. I’ve pulled coast to coast and never had any issues and love the fuel economy and torque through the mountains. I do miss my 1500 for every day driving.

[BigBaron]

Originally Posted by troyt

Had a 07 Dodge 4x4 1500 Hemi, found a great deal on a 06 Dodge 4x4 2500 5.9 diesel. Very happy I did. Now the drawback, just spent $1k on service, but should be good for another thousand miles.

Only a thousand miles? Yikes!

Regarding little diesel engines;
Our trailer is puny compared to your guys' rigs, but I can speak to the fact that our little Hyundai H1 2.5L turbo diesel pulls like a bull on steroids. I love passing people going up mountain grades! (with the trailer behind us)
The diesel Jeeps here are the same.
I can only imagine how strong a full-size diesel truck is! I can't wait to get one myself. Oh yeah, and the rig to go behind it!

[dwaynerz]

what "service" cost you a grand? you better be good for longer than a 1000 miles.

[BigTJohn]

He probably meant to type "10 thousand".

[jevanb]

Originally Posted by dwaynerz

what "service" cost you a grand? you better be good for longer than a 1000 miles.

it is a dodge..lol... now if a duramax it would cost him 5 dollars for 1k

[dwaynerz]

I hope he meant 10000, or he was the one who was serviced