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MetalGator's avatar
MetalGator
Nomad
May 19, 2013

Might be forced to buy Diesel

Wife and I have been looking at Fifth-wheels. My truck is 8 years old (half ton) and I was thinking about getting a new 1 Ton gas truck next year. It seems that all the Fifth-wheel floor plans we really like are all right at or a bit over what a 1 Ton gas is capable of towing. I only put about 8000 miles a year on my truck and my work is only 6 miles from home. I have heard the short trips are hard on diesels because of the regens. I just hate to have to compromise our fifth-wheel choice because I don't have enough truck but I don't want to spend the money on a diesel if its not going to be able to be used as a daily driver. Do any of you have the same driving conditions that I do who have diesels (short trips, low yearly miles, etc).

Burch
Tow Vehicles

32 Replies

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  • jetboater454's avatar
    jetboater454
    Explorer
    May 19, 2013
    The 6 mile trips might be bad for the diesel.But if a daily driver,why can't you just do a 30 mile or longer trip at highway speeds every couple of weeks.
    I have just over 45,000 miles on mine,but that includes 2 trips to CA and back to FL. Plus 2 trips to WI,and Texas every year. Probably 80% of my mileage is towing.
    Most of my normal drives are about 20-30 miles round trip only because I live in the country.

    If you go the diesel route,Blackstone Labs does the oil sample checks and gives a very detailed report.Then will recommend what needs to be done to your driving.
  • Engineer9860's avatar
    Engineer9860
    Explorer
    May 19, 2013
    Modern diesels are pretty quick to warm up. I wouldn't be concerned about 6 miles. If it becomes a problem you could always take it for a long drive in the weekends.

    A big block gasser would fit your needs the best, but those are no longer available brand new.

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