Gas or diesel
I posted this on another site as well. I have decided that the F150 I have is just not going to cut it with the trailer I have. Have an opportunity to get a pretty good deal on some 2015 350 Super Du...
Forum Discussion
Diesel makes sense if towing a trailer load of more than 10,000 lbs. over mountainous terrain on a regular basis. Otherwise a gas engine and 3.73 (or even better 4.10) gears will provide for a more reliable and less expensive vehicle to own and use.
Diesel trucks have a reputation for reliability that does not apply at all to pickup trucks with these engines. An injector repair will cost more than $4,000 and a blown head gasket with the resulting engine damage can easily lead to $8,000 in repair bills. Diesel trucks also have alternators and radiators and water pumps and batteries (2) and transmissions, and other parts that also break.
I have a 2011 diesel pickup and it is great in terms of its power but I have no illusions about saving money by having it instead of a gas engine powered one.
But if I want to pull a 12,000 lb. trailer the diesel engine is the way to go both in terms of its extra torque for acceleration and pulling grades and its exhaust brake which needs to be used first hand on a steep grade with a heavy load to be fully appreciated.
Diesel trucks have a reputation for reliability that does not apply at all to pickup trucks with these engines. An injector repair will cost more than $4,000 and a blown head gasket with the resulting engine damage can easily lead to $8,000 in repair bills. Diesel trucks also have alternators and radiators and water pumps and batteries (2) and transmissions, and other parts that also break.
I have a 2011 diesel pickup and it is great in terms of its power but I have no illusions about saving money by having it instead of a gas engine powered one.
But if I want to pull a 12,000 lb. trailer the diesel engine is the way to go both in terms of its extra torque for acceleration and pulling grades and its exhaust brake which needs to be used first hand on a steep grade with a heavy load to be fully appreciated.
