Diesel to Gas? Yes/No???

Rbertalotto wrote:
Here’s the situation. I have a 2006 Dodge 2500 4x4, with 5.9 diesel, 193,000 miles. Love the truck, but just not comfortable trusting it on long tours. I recently retired in Feb and just completed a two month cross country trip of 9000 miles towing my 20’ Grey Wolf 19rr toy hauler ( 6000 pounds ully loaded)

I simply want a new truck...I drove a 2018 Dodge diesel and was greatly impressed on how civilized diesel trucks have become in 12 years.

But I have lots of concerns with added complexity of particulate filters, extra fluids, computers, etc. And price of a diesel option.

I keep reading how the modern gas engines are competitive with past diesels.

I’m considering a Dodge 2500 with 6.4L gas, 4x4.....

I have zero intention of ever going to a larger trailer.

My question, has anyone gone from diesel to gas with my size trailer and where you satisfied or was it a big, costly, mistake.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

i had the same thoughts as you last fall when i finally decided a needed a new truck after 18 years

can't speak for diesel/gas comparison but for what its worth...

i still use my 2000 ford 150 5.4 gasser as my daily driver

i bought a new 2017 f250 6.2 gasser in october and love it.

im towing a 33 ft tt normally around 7300 to 7500lbs loaded for camping.

im very happy with the f250, tows great, well balanced for my TT,, like you im not interested in a larger TT or fiver.

i average about 8.5 mpg towing, 16 to 17 mpg not towing.


for me the extra initial cost of diesel engine, maintenance, etc was the deciding factor for my size TT

modern gassers just change oil and keep driving, ford, chevy , or dodge.


the company i used to work for had f350 gas cargo vans as fleet vehicles. we always got 250k to 300k miles out of them with good maintenance before any major repair work needed to be done.




diesel would give better fuel mileage but diesel costs more than gas so then you have to figure that in also.

If you don't need the pulling power then there's no point spending the extra $8k on the option. My trailer averages around 8,700 lbs and I pull it with a 6.4L. The engine is plenty powerful.

Figuring the extra cost of diesel fuel, extra costs of maintenance, and greater initial cost, and then the fact that a gasoline powered engine often has longivity that matches the operators desire to own the vehicle, it is hard to justify a diesel. In the OP's case, the anticipated loads do not justify a diesel, despite all of the other factors previously mentioned.

With a 6,000-8,000 TT I would not hesitate to get the 6.4L. That's is the same truck I am considering to replace my 04 F250. I'm pulling a 35 Ft. TT with my old V-10 and it does fine. The 6.4L will do just as good. Will you notice the toque difference, maybe. A well tuned 5.9L with a built transmission is a good combo. The new 6.4L will have a better transmission and creature comforts. As a diesel mechanic for over 25 years I would not recommend a newer diesel for personal/light use.

Rbertalotto wrote:
I recently retired in Feb and just completed a two month cross country trip of 9000 miles towing my 20’ Grey Wolf 19rr toy hauler ( 6000 pounds ully loaded)


I’m considering a Dodge 2500 with 6.4L gas, 4x4.....

I have zero intention of ever going to a larger trailer.

Since you never intend to go with a trailer weighing any more than 6000 lbs fully loaded I'd opt for a 1500 series gasser equipped with a heavy duty tow package, making sure the axle ratio is suitable for towing. JMO. Hard to imagine something like a properly equipped F150 Eco wouldn't satisfy your needs.

Great thoughts.....keep them coming. I just found a brand new 2016 Dodge Ram with 12 miles on the odometer. Could buy it for under $30k.......and difference from 2016 to 2018 that anyone is aware of?

My good friend has an F150 with 3.5. Amazing truck but the added complexity of a turbo and being a small V6 what is expected longevity. This will be the last truck I buy in my lifetime.

I have a Ford 6.2 gas, that tows my FW very well. Forum member Dave HM went from a trusty older Ford 7.3 diesel, to a gas 6.2, and is very happy with it. For the size trailer and weight you are talking about, any of the big 3 gassers would serve you well. While they are more powerful than years past, the 6-speed transmission has made a big difference in gas truck towing. Of the 3, the only complaint I read about, is the transmission spacing in the Ram, especially with the 3.73 gearing. If wanting the Ram, get the 4.10.

Take them all for a test ride, buy the one YOU like, or just buy the new Ford with 6.2.:)

Jerry

My 2017 Ram 2500 Megacab 6.4L is a beast. Under 10,000 lbs GVWR on a trailer and a modern day HD gasser will pull it, stop it, and control it with no problem. My truck can tow my 7,600 lb coach without breaking a sweat.

What are some guesstimates or examples for the top weight of gassers pulling say something like a TT toy hauler or even a FW? Diesel is great but as mentioned they do cost more to maintain but there is also a fear factor. If it's goes bad it's really expensive.