Appreciation of new new Diesel power.

I really like these type of comparisons. I just bought a 2001 F250 7.3 with the 6 speed standard, so far I lov pulling with it, but it is an older truck and has the downfalls of an older truck. I think it would be great to be able to gather up a bunch of trucks of all ages and tow a trailer around with them just to see the difference. I am most curious about how a v-10 would compare to my 7.3 in the real world.

^ Paranoia about the new trucks is just that. Yes there were a few fugly years, namely 07-09. After that fuel mileage still suffered but reliability went up. Add DeF/SCR in 2011 to 2013 had a few teething pains, but largely are as relaible as any older "holy grail" diesel.
Diesels have typically always come at more expensive repairs and there were a few real turds, in the earlier light duty truck years, but the older concerns about injection pumps, injectors, fi,traction systems, head gaskets, etc are pretty much gone with more minor concerns about emissions.

The past 15 years has scared me off of diesels. DEF problems, EGR failures, and all of the other problems with emission **** has made these monster machines less reliable than the older engine systems. Peace of mind is important before you head out on a 2 or 3 thousand mile adventure. You don't want to spend all your time hoping a dealer can get to your truck and then have the parts to fix (I've never had a dealer have the parts I need on warranty work, never). That's what the "glass is half empty" side of me thinks about the new diesels. Oh! And they are a little pricey.

At least the '01 is paid for. That is financial performance.

FireGuard wrote:

My 21’ Ragen TH is probably around 7k lbs empty and tows like a rock.
With my HO Ram Cummins I’m not going to say I can’t even feel it, but I never feel I’m lacking power...
Today, I used my buddy’s 01 Ford 250 with stock 7.3 Powerstroke to tow the trailer .....most of the way 47 mph up the Grapevine was all I could get.
With 250 Hp this engine was pretty impressive back in 01.
With my Ram I can accelerate up the hill....
Again, I’m not saying one is better or worse, just different.

The power increases in modern diesels is fantastic. That '01 Ford was making 250HP, 505 ft-lbs torque when it was new. Your Ram makes 385HP and 900 ft-lbs torque.

The Ram is making 54% more horsepower than the 7.3 Powerstroke and 78% more torque. Yes there are emissions systems to deal with in the RAM but those power increases make all the difference in the world. As you found the Powerstroke is perfectly capable of doing the job, but the power of the RAM plus 2 extra gears in the transmission translates into a lot more power to the ground.

You're also right about the integrated exhaust brake in the RAM. I towed the Rockies last year pulling my 16K 5er and that brake was AMAZING on the declines. In a day gone by exhaust brakes were only aftermarket options. Now they are OEM installed because they recognized how vital they can be for towing. So yeah, the newer trucks are better than a 17 year old Powerstroke.....but that doesn't make the PowerStroke bad. It just means that newer technology equates to more power and improved options.


KJ

I have a decently modified 7.3 with Banks stinger plus, Ford AIS intake, Riffraf turbo impeller, PHP Hydra 16 position shift on the fly tune, etc.

In this case it tows great.

It’s still a 2000. It’s outdated. It’s a 4 speed. It’s paid off. It’s not under warranty. There are no emissions to worry about.
It’s a mixed bag. I would love a new truck but if you have something that is paid off and still kicks azz you have to go with your heart and pocket book and decide if upgrading is right for you.

I also have a heavily modified 99 Tahoe. Put lots of money,parts and all my own labor into it. It’s a beast. Just bought a 2013 Tahoe LTZ and I can see why a new truck is so attractive.

I plan on buying in 2020, so I'm counting on newer being better!

I noticed the exact same thing when I bought my truck after having my Ford 6.0L. With mine being a stick it took some time to learn the sweet pulling power bands but once I did I was a happy camper!

My current truck actually pulls our current high profile 36' triple slide 16k fiver easier than the 6.0L pulled our mid profile single slide 12k fiver. And you're right, the exhaust brake is awesome! :B