Horrible Gas mileage
Ok.. so I know fuel mileage is probably the biggest shock most RV'ers experience, shortly after they shell out the big bucks for their rig. I have a 2011 GMC Silverado, short bed, 5.3L, 3.73 gears, t...
Forum Discussion
My current and former TVs are both diesel. You are right, it's the parachute you are towing that kills mileage. And folks here advising you that switching to a diesel truck for the purpose of saving fuel is not a good idea. Not because diesels don't get better mileage, but because it is not a money saver overall.
See, here's the thing. It is true that if you pick gas and diesel engines in vehicles that offer both choices, with engines that offer roughly equal performance (however you define that), the diesel will get better mileage. But folks are right, the diesel will cost you more to buy and to maintain, but it'll last longer and hold its resale value better. All this makes the calculation very complex. And of course, very dependent on the relative costs of gas and diesel fuel, and who knows what those prices are going to be next week, let alone 5 years from now?
So I too would go with the advice to buy a diesel if/when you need the stronger pull for a heavier load. Otherwise, don't make the move just to save fuel. Especially don't trade in a perfectly good truck for that purpose.
Of course, if your current truck dies, so that you are in the market for a new one, gas vs. diesel would be just one consideration to factor into the decision of which truck to buy. Otherwise, stick with what you've got.
See, here's the thing. It is true that if you pick gas and diesel engines in vehicles that offer both choices, with engines that offer roughly equal performance (however you define that), the diesel will get better mileage. But folks are right, the diesel will cost you more to buy and to maintain, but it'll last longer and hold its resale value better. All this makes the calculation very complex. And of course, very dependent on the relative costs of gas and diesel fuel, and who knows what those prices are going to be next week, let alone 5 years from now?
So I too would go with the advice to buy a diesel if/when you need the stronger pull for a heavier load. Otherwise, don't make the move just to save fuel. Especially don't trade in a perfectly good truck for that purpose.
Of course, if your current truck dies, so that you are in the market for a new one, gas vs. diesel would be just one consideration to factor into the decision of which truck to buy. Otherwise, stick with what you've got.
