Diesel vs gas......................

Bionic Man wrote:
In exactly what climate would you need to worry about cold starts with a diesel? My 2003 goes elk hunting in November at 11,000 feet. More than once I've woke to temps of -20* & the truck starts right up without being plugged it. It takes longer to warm up than a gasser does I will admit. No urea in the still simple inline 6 Cummins.

He's obviously referring to Alaska or Antarctica. (Which isn't a problem if you keep it plugged in when not driving anyways.)

We've never had a problem here in Michigan with multiple diesel trucks/tractors of all ages. Even after days and weeks of sitting in way below 0 weather I can go to my place up north and even after sitting for months on end our 30+ year old Ford backhoe fires right up to do its duties. (NOT plugged in!)

Of course, in the winter plugging 'em in 2-3 hrs before you drive does have its benefits. (less wear and tear on the battery/starter/engine, almost instant heat.) My Jeep CRD even has a viscous heater that warms the coolant on the way to the heater core if the engine is below a certain temperature. Combine that with the heated seats, awesome mileage and...now I've lost it to the wife. :)

I think that if you're asking whether you NEED a diesel or gas tow vehicle, you don't need a diesel...you kinda just WANT one. When you need it, you'll know it and it will be worth the extra cost and longevity.

Especially don't buy one if it's going to double as a daily driver/short commute vehicle. Diesels are kind of purpose built, IMO.

BTW, the 2011 SD's sure are appealing. It will be interesting to see how the 6.7 does over the next few years. Personally though I'm glad I didn't buy a first model year Mexican built diesel engine. I'm not spending 50k+ to be Fords guinea pig....although I'm sure it's fine.



I just want to know why every single pick up truck I see on TV shows based in Alaska, etc. are Ford Diesels.

-T