Diesel Fuel Mileage Est.
Hello, I am considering moving to a deisel engine in my next truck. Primary reason is for increased fuel mileage. I tow a 23' travel trailer that weighs approx 6,000 lbs loaded. I know there are many...
Forum Discussion
naturist wrote:
Those folks who claim diesel isn’t economically warranted have never had a diesel, I suspect. I’ve now had three diesel vehicles, a car and two SUVs. All three got about 1/3 farther on a gallon of fuel than gas engines versions of the same vehicle. Towing our TT, 5,000 lbs gross weight, we average 14, but have gotten 17 a couple times and once got only 9 (into a 50 mph headwind).
Had a diesel but the last 2 trucks have been gas. Went from 9k to 12k 5ers in that time.
There are two major considerations:
- New vs Used
- How many miles do you tow per year.
With New, it's very hard to make up the initial $8-10k upcharge for diesel along with higher maintenance costs over the life. With used, as the age gets older, the upcharge gets depreciated. By 10-15yrs, there isn't a great deal of price difference for equivalent trucks. The biggest issue is finding a low mileage diesel in good condition at that age.
For a typical RV'er towing 2-5k miles per year, no way you will ever cover the cost on a new truck. But if you are running the carney circuit doing 50k miles per year of towing, it can be done.
For most mortals, the real reason to get diesel is you are pulling a really big load and/or doing a lot of mountain towing.
- The highest tow ratings are with diesels.
- In mountains, the turbo on the diesel means you won't lose 20-40% of power as you gain altitude. Also the new trucks have built in exhaust breaks that really help going down long grades.
