For the gas RV Fifth Wheel Hauler's out here.
Hi everyone, I've been researching for a used 6 sitter truck. That can tow a fifth wheel GVWR 17K. Boy, it is truly a mind blowing experience! I started with diesel. But, from my research. Diesel...
Forum Discussion
Diesels are unique and rare in the US comparatively speaking (yeah, common in HD trucks, but rare in the grand scheme of automotive sales). Diesel engines run on different principles and so require more knowledge to properly diagnose when things go wrong. Maintenance isn't really all that different, you just don't have spark plugs, but you do add in fuel filters that need to be changed more frequently. Then you have to top off the Diesel Exhaust Fluid every so often on newer Diesels (not a big deal).
As for Diesels, 2007 to 2010 are the dark ages, this is when all 3 were starting to use newer emissions systems and they all used lots of EGR and had reliability issues due to fuel dilution and such. Starting in 2011 for GM and Ford, they switched to a new emissions package that uses "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" (aka DEF) for emissions. So far, seems like these systems are fairly reliable. Ram went to DEF starting in 2013.
Pre 2007 tends to have good picks for diesels. If you look at a Ford 6.0 diesel though, make sure it's one that has been "Bullet Proofed" (You can do a search to know why this should be done). If you find a 7.3 in good shape, they're typically reliable as well. GM and RAM are both pretty good engine wise pre 2007.
Fair warning though, Diesels can be pricey if something goes really wrong (which is a rare event, but possible). For example, a replacement of fuel injectors on a Cummins is about $3k in parts alone, then you have labor. But because diesels typically have fewer components, they tend to just not break down as often.
Just trying to give you the full story here and have you go in eyes wide open.
As for Diesels, 2007 to 2010 are the dark ages, this is when all 3 were starting to use newer emissions systems and they all used lots of EGR and had reliability issues due to fuel dilution and such. Starting in 2011 for GM and Ford, they switched to a new emissions package that uses "Diesel Exhaust Fluid" (aka DEF) for emissions. So far, seems like these systems are fairly reliable. Ram went to DEF starting in 2013.
Pre 2007 tends to have good picks for diesels. If you look at a Ford 6.0 diesel though, make sure it's one that has been "Bullet Proofed" (You can do a search to know why this should be done). If you find a 7.3 in good shape, they're typically reliable as well. GM and RAM are both pretty good engine wise pre 2007.
Fair warning though, Diesels can be pricey if something goes really wrong (which is a rare event, but possible). For example, a replacement of fuel injectors on a Cummins is about $3k in parts alone, then you have labor. But because diesels typically have fewer components, they tend to just not break down as often.
Just trying to give you the full story here and have you go in eyes wide open.
