Diesel pickups?

[Lt CHEG]

Thanks for the replies guys.

First, I don't have an RV yet, I'm still learning about them so forgive my ignorance if they don't run light ones on a fifth wheel.

My thinking right now is that I'll look at the RV from two sides. One, get an RV with a truck and two, get a complete one with the engine. I'm thinking about a B or C unit.

The things I like about the diesel are fuel economy and longevity. I was thinking of spending around 20k for the diesel truck and around 15 or so for the RV. Am I totally in the dark here?

It's just the two of us and I was hoping to save on fuel going light on the RV. Also I don't really want to be towing a 40 foot RV around.

Right now I have an old F150 with 180k miles on it (2WD, auto).

Thanks,
Rob

For that kind of money you're looking at older diesel trucks which is cool if you know what you are looking for. In our part of the country older trucks do tend to be rust buckets especially if they've been worked, and chances are that with a diesel in the this area, that it's been worked. With that said with the current diesels of the last 4 or 5 years, you'll get better mileage out of a 1/2 ton truck with a gas engine it seems. I've been test driving some 2010 diesels and they both got significantly less mileage than my 2009 1/2 ton Chevy Crew Cab with 5.3 V8. Moreover I know some other guys that I snowmobile with that have got diesels because they need to haul heavier loads, and I get better mileage than them too. Sometimes they may edge me out when towing snowmobile trailers but usually not by enough to cover the extra cost of diesel fuel, especially in the winter. The 2011 Ford and GM diesels with urea injection may bring back the fuel economy that diesels have traditionally been known for, but as someone who has been looking into upgrading to a heavier diesel truck myself I can tell you that the fuel economy is just not there for any of the newer trucks. I think the best advice that you have received so far was from Diamond Pilot. Look into a half ton gasser and a 7,000 pound bumper pull camper. If it's just two of you then you can easily get a 26 or 28 foot camper with a slider for that weight range and that will offer more than enough room for two people to be comfortable. You'll get better mileage on the truck when empty than a diesel and worse mileage than the diesel when towing, but if you're not towing all the time then you will certainly not make up for the big difference in cost for a diesel. I say this with a heavy heart as I really wanted to be able to justify an upgrade to a diesel 3/4 or 1 ton truck myself, but from the test drives that I've taken with a 2010 Ford 6.4 Power Stroke and a 2010 Dodge Ram Cummins the fuel economy is just no longer there with the diesels.

 

[Rob-D]

For that kind of money you're looking at older diesel trucks which is cool if you know what you are looking for. In our part of the country older trucks do tend to be rust buckets especially if they've been worked, and chances are that with a diesel in the this area, that it's been worked. With that said with the current diesels of the last 4 or 5 years, you'll get better mileage out of a 1/2 ton truck with a gas engine it seems. I've been test driving some 2010 diesels and they both got significantly less mileage than my 2009 1/2 ton Chevy Crew Cab with 5.3 V8. Moreover I know some other guys that I snowmobile with that have got diesels because they need to haul heavier loads, and I get better mileage than them too. Sometimes they may edge me out when towing snowmobile trailers but usually not by enough to cover the extra cost of diesel fuel, especially in the winter. The 2011 Ford and GM diesels with urea injection may bring back the fuel economy that diesels have traditionally been known for, but as someone who has been looking into upgrading to a heavier diesel truck myself I can tell you that the fuel economy is just not there for any of the newer trucks. I think the best advice that you have received so far was from Diamond Pilot. Look into a half ton gasser and a 7,000 pound bumper pull camper. If it's just two of you then you can easily get a 26 or 28 foot camper with a slider for that weight range and that will offer more than enough room for two people to be comfortable. You'll get better mileage on the truck when empty than a diesel and worse mileage than the diesel when towing, but if you're not towing all the time then you will certainly not make up for the big difference in cost for a diesel. I say this with a heavy heart as I really wanted to be able to justify an upgrade to a diesel 3/4 or 1 ton truck myself, but from the test drives that I've taken with a 2010 Ford 6.4 Power Stroke and a 2010 Dodge Ram Cummins the fuel economy is just no longer there with the diesels.

Thanks LT,
This is what I've been hearing too. The mileage just isn't there in the new diesels.
I'm still looking but I like the 'C' motor homes so far.
Rob

 

[LBrown59]

With a diesel truck you can fill up the tank & then come home & siphon what you need into your tractor.

Why not just use the 40 to 50 cent cheaper a gallon red stuff for the tractor?

 

[lostcause]

Thanks LT,
This is what I've been hearing too. The mileage just isn't there in the new diesels.
I'm still looking but I like the 'C' motor homes so far.
Rob

dunno if you've thought about this yet or not, but with a motorhome, you'll find that you will probably want to buy a small(ish) vehicle to tow along behind you. most people i have known that buy a motorhome say they don't need an extra vehicle along with it, but once you fit that big motorhome into a tight spot in a campground and get it all leveled up, you won't want to have to pack up and leave to drive to the closest store for supplies. it's often ends up either motorhome with a small vehicle in tow, or pickup/suv with a trailer/5th wheel in tow.

if you decide on the motorhome route, you will want to look at front wheel dollies/towbar setups and vehicle choices. only a certain few vehicles will tow properly on a towbar setup, and having a front wheel dolly actually creates another pivot point which may make it illegal for you to use certain roads.

 

[Qapla]

Not to cloud the issue, but for 20 years I drove 3/4 ton Dodge vans with gas 318. I was able to tow rather substantial loads with these vehicles.

The advantage for me, of the van was that my tools and other stuff was able to ride inside with me. (The work I did used tools that needed to stay out of the whether)

The other advantage, since all my vans were of the conversion type (raised roof and all) is that you can sleep and eat inside the van.

I had plenty of power. The van could handle the load and I never felt like I was too heavy. I had no problems stopping.

That said, I now drive a 1/2 ton 2007 Titan and pull a tractor on a semi-regular basis. I have good success with this and it handles the load just fine.

 

[Raspy]

Why not just use the 40 to 50 cent cheaper a gallon red stuff for the tractor?

Because it's illegal and the fuel police go around dipping truck tanks on occasion. Not saying it's likely with a pickup or motorhome, but it does happen and the fine more than offsets the benefit. I think it happens most with trucks that have auxiliary tanks and pumps in the back.

I plan to have a tank at my place that will be able to fuel the oil heater, the tractor and, in a pinch, the truck.

 

[flusher]

Hi gang,

I have a great diesel tractor (JD3320, TLB) and now I want a diesel truck to go with it. I'll be towing an RV 3,000 to 4,000 lbs. (fifth wheel) and my trailer for the tractor. (under 5,000 lbs. total for short distances)

I don't want a new truck but I do want 4x4 and probably an auto over a stick for the RV.

Love diesels!

Have at it!

Thanks,
Rob

Get yourself a Ram 2500 or 3500 single rear wheel PU if you really, really want a diesel PU. My neighbor just bought a 2008 Ram 3500 4WD dually (silver, extended cab) with 29000 miles--one sweet ride. Traded her 03 F250 (she was pissed because this was the 4th injector failure on that F250 and it cost her over $1K each time). Financed about $28K.

 

[RayCo]

Because it's illegal and the fuel police go around dipping truck tanks on occasion.

I think he actually was saying to use it in the tractor, but regardless. I've wondered about the police dipping tanks, and under what authority they have access to someone's fuel tank. Of course, I'm just wondering out loud, not trying to steer this into a political conversation or anything.

 

[QRTRHRS]

My ex and I saw a good many miles in a VW camper. We never stayed more than a day or two in one spot and once in awhile, we grabbed a motel for the night. About two weeks in something that small is enough.

Then we bought a "C". Pain in the neck to find parking. Like already said, you need to tow a smaller vehicle to get around. I suggest renting an RV or two before you buy.

Having lived with a 12V Dodge Cummins for over ten years, I have this much to say about used diesels on a budget. The 12V would be my choice but you need to be somewhat capable of doing alot of your own work because there is always something to do though not necessarily on the engine.

Anyone interested in a used diesel with minimal experiance needs to visit the web for a wealth of information.

 

[1950T]

DOT and as long as your not over loaded on the interstate they would have no reason to stop you. ie been running high sulfer off road in mine since i bought it. hauled many a load of hay and straw down from mcconnellsburg pa rolllin the coal down 81 and never been stopped.

 

[JL Sargent]

I've owned several of both types and have driven many hundreds of thousands of miles. STAY WITH GAS!!! There is no contest really. People that get hooked on diesel get to spend lots of extra dollars.

My experience: Chevy Diesel 320K, Dodge Diesel 150K, Ford gas 200K Chevy gas 220K, plus others with lower odometer readings.


If you have a 34 gallon tank and buy 30 gallons worth the fuel, then right there is $12.00 more for the diesel over the gas!

Well maintained gas or diesel engines now outlast the transmissions and the rest of the trucks. So engine type not the limiting factor when the truck is "worn out"

Everything for the diesel costs more. The oil type, the amount of oil, the oil filter, the air filter, you name it!

I went to a diesel injector shop where they rebuilt injector pumps for all makes of diesel engines on road and off road. I got to be good friends with those guys and came to realize they all (1/2 doz.) drove gas trucks and I was driving a diesel at the time. I asked why that was. They said the same thing I already knew and that is the numbers just don't add up to drive a diesel. The gas is cheaper every which a way.

Oh, and the weights your talkin, a 1/2 ton pickup can do no problem. Any decent 1/2 ton can do 1K lbs in the bed all day long. Heck, I hauled 2400 in the bed of a little Mazda pickup once!

 

[1950T]

dont think your mazda or 1/2 ton gassers will handle the weight i put on a truck.

i dont see how you get the numbers that gassers last longer than a diesel. my 96 has over 400k on it and is going strong.

 

[Hawghauler]

Moderation is for monks. If you are just getting into camping, the trailers have a way of growing in size on you and a trade up could outclass your truck if you buy too light. I think Ford, GM, and Mopar all have their strengths and weakness' and all will need to be repaired occasionally. The Dodge might need tranny work more often, the GM electrical. The Ford goes through front end parts and the power stroke does not seem to have the longevity of the Duramax or Cummins (plenty will dispute this, my opinion only). All repairs today are expensive. Find which one is most comfortable to your backside on long rides and enjoy. If I went with a gasser I would stick with GM. I like the seats in the 2004 and older GMs the best, the newer ones got stiff on me. The 2010 Dodge truck impresses me the most. I'm told you have to lift the body off the Ford to work on the engines of the new ones. (the Ford dealer told me this)

 

[Rob-D]

Interesting debate.
Well, now I'm not so keen on a diesel truck but the jury is still out. I know cars but have no experience with diesels except my tractors which I love them in. Tractors, however, are different animals.
I did rent a diesel truck once to move some of my house furniture, lathes, milling machine and such. It was Ford back in the early 90's. I loved it! I don't remember that the fuel economy was any great thing though. Of course the other thing is I didn't have to maintain it either.

As far as RV's. I think you're right, people move up in size as they get more comfortable driving them and find they want more goodies inside along with room. Probably what I'll do is rent one for the Watch and Clock show in August to get a better perspective.
I think JL makes a good point when he says that the trannys go before the engines, also I live in the mountains and the salted roads kill many a vehicle!
Rob

 

[Dargo]

My experience: Chevy Diesel 320K, Dodge Diesel 150K, Ford gas 200K Chevy gas 220K, plus others with lower odometer readings.

That's just the opposite of what I've experienced over the years and what guys I know have experienced. I know several guys who have well over 400k on their Dodge diesels without ever having anything done to them except maintenance. Such service is not at all out of the ordinary. I've dumped the GM diesels shortly after 100k miles. Too many issues. Most people around here drive Ford pickups. I'd say the average reading on the ticker is around 300k or so. I've almost never, ever heard of someone saying a Cummins will only be good for 150k. If you're saying it was shot, you must have abused the heck out of it and never changed any fluids.

I've gone the trailer way for camping before. No thanks. I have a large family and a gas powered RV I test drove was a complete and total joke. No wonder they lose about 75% of their value in 2 years! I'll admit I ended up with quite a beast for a coach, but I love the +40' class A coach with a Cat C9 pusher with the Allison tranny. Never had any issues completely loaded down and towing another vehicle when clearing 13,000 ft. mountain passes. It held the speed set on the cruise control no problem. It will also go through snow like a beast, but won't turn worth a darn then.

On pickups, each time I hook up to a trailer I'm towing around 20k. I've not heard of any gas powered pickup that would come close to moving that load out the interstate without dropping to about 30 mph and 5000 RPM on the 7% grades. I'll pass on the gas, thank you. Like others have said, without 4X4, even with all 4 rears turning, you need the front wheels turning with the weight they have over them or you'll stay where you are in the snow or get off road any.

 

[Rob-D]

Dargo,

You make some good points.
However, I think you're pulling more than I'll ever need to, secondly trucks up here in the mountains rust out way before they wear out. Yes, I like driving diesels but at what overall cost? Am I really saving?

Rob

 

[Dargo]

Dargo,

You make some good points.
However, I think you're pulling more than I'll ever need to, secondly trucks up here in the mountains rust out way before they wear out. Yes, I like driving diesels but at what overall cost? Am I really saving?

Rob

If I didn't need one, I certainly wouldn't drive one. Gas engines are just fine. They just won't do what I need done in a pickup. Granted, it does look a bit funny with a 4X4 crew cab dually diesel backing my Jetski into the water.

 

[JL Sargent]

There (edit: should not be) a 1 Ton pickup rated for towing 20K. I don't care what motor you have.

Also, the diesel trucks I referenced to above were all the 3/4 ton variety. Also the mileage listed was how long I could stand to ride in them, not when they died??? They may still be out there running somewhere for all I know.

Sure you can drive a Cummins motor 400K miles but the rest of the truck will be pure crapola!!! and your on #2 or #3 in the transmission dept. at least. For instance a 4L80E trans is good for about 250K miles, I don't care how good you are to it.

 

[RobertN]

My Dad spent 45 years in Mopar parts dept. The shop that he worked in had numerous 400-500k mile RAM CTD's come thru for regular maintenance. He spoke with a number of the owner; no major repairs; just regular maintenance.

The big thing they had come in the shop, was gas in diesel. Someone not paying attention, fill thier truck with gas, and then drive 1/8 a mile and bammo, there goes a motor.

In Dargo's case, he had more issues with rear tires. Too many smoky burnouts in his duallies

There is no 1 Ton pickup rated for towing 20K. I don't care what motor you have.

Also, the diesel trucks I referenced to above were all the 3/4 ton variety. Also the mileage listed was how long I could stand to ride in them, not when they died??? They may still be out there running somewhere for all I know.

Sure you can drive a Cummins motor 400K miles but the rest of the truck will be pure crapola!!! and your on #2 or #3 in the transmission dept. at least. For instance a 4L80E trans is good for about 250K miles, I don't care how good you are to it.

 

[Dmace]

There is no 1 Ton pickup rated for towing 20K. I don't care what motor you have.

So what do you call the F-350 (21,600lbs max) or the Chevy HD (21,700lbs max)? Dodge limits their 1-ton trucks to 26k GCWR and max towing of 17,600lbs, if you want more you need to go to the 4500 or 5500 RAM. No need to play the stupid numbers game with Ford/GM making their 1-ton trucks tow as much as their class 4 and 5 trucks. Also the RAM has the highest towing capacity of any truck under 26k GCWR which is important for those looking to use the vehicle for commercial use without a CDL.

Personally, I think it's just plain dumb to try and sell a 1-ton as a truck capable of towing 20k+ lbs. That should be left to class 4/5 trucks but like I said, It's just a numbers game like the HP wars.