My last gas tow vehicle was a 99 F-250 with a (2 valve) 5.4 towing a 9200 lb Dutchmen fifth wheel. It did a good job, but was a little short on power.
Next truck was an 02 F-250 with a 7.3 Powerstroke. A decent truck, but not overloaded with power.
I now have the truck in signature (05 F-350 with a 6.0 Powerstroke). I have never had the problems a lot of 6.0 owners have had and I love the truck. With that said, it will probably be my last diesel.
When I bought my first diesel, the diesel engine was about a $4000 (+/-) option. It is now well over an $8000 option.
When I bought my first diesel, diesel fuel was quite a bit cheaper than gas. Now, in our area, it is 40 cents per gallon more.
I used to recoup most of the added cost of the diesel engine on trade-in, but with high fuel costs, trade in value of all brands of diesels has dropped significantly. My local dealer (who sells both Chevy and Ford) keeps track of what the big trucks are going for at the auction and that's what they will allow you and that's where he sends them all. He says they are too expensive to stock and there isn't much demand for 3/4 and ton trucks. Think of how many of your friends and relatives own 3/4 or ton trucks...
Maintenence costs?
~Fifteen quarts of oil and a $20 oil filter for the diesel verses six quarts of oil and a $3.50 oil filter for the gas.
~The diesel has $65 fuel filters that have to be changed every 15000 miles.
~ Up here, in the cold, a set of batteries (2 @ $150 each) every 4 years for the diesel.
Repairs are absolutely ridiculous (for both).
Now the new diesels need DEF and they recommend diesel fuel treatment.
My work truck is a 2011 F-250 with the 6.2 gas. I am very happy with this engine. It gets very good fuel mileage, great power and is a lot cheaper to maintain than a diesel.
Unless you do a LOT of towing in the mountains, I personally think the diesel is a waste of money.
