Taco wrote:
Yes they have the same pulling capability. They will go the same speed over the same terrain. The gas will do it at a higher rpm and consume more fuel.
I seriously don't buy it that a diesel engine is any longer lasting or more reliable for the engines they put in a light duty truck. The engines they put in light duty pickups are not the same they put in class 8 trucks, container ships, locomotives, bulldozers, or any other commercial application. Just because the engine in a class 8 truck lasts a certain number of miles doesn't mean because it uses the same type of fuel, the light duty pickup engine will do the same.
The diesel heads of this site regularly do the folks who come on here looking for advice a disservice. They tell them they need a diesel, so the person goes and spends 9k more for the diesel being assured they need it and it will last forever. When it will last no better and a gas engine will do the job also.
Just a few minutes ago a diesel owner made a post that his diesel truck only lasted 100k and he was led to believe they lasted a long time. Could have probably saved himself enough cash on that diesel purchase that even if he got a gas engine and even if it failed he could have bought a new engine.
I have towed with both, and both have worked adimirably. If you are towing occasionally, a gasser will work just fine as long as you tow sensibly, and keep the maintenance up. But....to imply that a diesel will last no longer than a gasser is ubsurd. Take care of a "good" diesel and it will live many, many times longer a gasser. (there have been some less than desirable diesels built, same as gas engines) Don't do your research and get what you deserve I say! I know plenty of people with diesels (Duramax's and Cummin's mostly), with "well" over 300,000 kms and still towing like the day they were bought, without a wrench laid to them, except for regular maintenence. One good friend of mine who passed away last year, had an early Dodge/Cummins with a 5.9, and it had over 900,000 kms on it. Towed 90% of its life (Hauled TT's commercially for alot of years before using it for his own personal use and travelling). That was a great truck and all that was ever done to the engine mechanically was a fuel pump change. Ran like a top. He sold it and bought a new Dodge/Cummins 6.7 back in '06, which his widow still owns and drives. It has 250,000 kms on it and the family still tows a 35 ft 5th wheel with it. Show me even a meticulously maintained gasser that can put up those kinda longevity numbers and still be towing heavy. Its the reason I bought my Cummins. Best engine I've ever owned!
