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Tennessee_Nomad's avatar
Tennessee_Nomad
Explorer
Jan 19, 2014

Question about diesel mileage

I'd like to upgrade our tow vehicle one of these days. My 150 STX is a little underpowered four our TT. I pulled a 21' bass boat with a undersized GMC Jimmy for years, so I'm used to the extra weight back there. I'm looking to bump up to a 3/4 ton, diesel. We can't really afford to buy new, and don't really want to, as the truck is basically just driven when we pull the camper. Sometimes on the weekend just to run it. Just wondering what your opinion is on mileage. I've never owned a diesel vehicle before but I've seen that they will run up very high mileage and keep going. I guess my question is... What is considered "too high mileage" on a diesel truck. I know there's a difference between "highway miles" and "city miles" but I figure a diesel truck is built pretty much for work anyways. Thanks for your opinions :)

Sorry, Didn't make myself real clear... "too high mileage" I meant is 100,000, 200,000 upward miles too many miles to be on a used truck? I know I have to do my homework, but on a well maintained truck, is 1 or 2 hundred thousand too many miles for a truck that will be used mainly for towing? Not a daily driver.
Tow Vehicles

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  • AUWing's avatar
    AUWing
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    Any properly cared for vehicle today, gas or diesel will go over 200k. Diesel over 300k aren't uncommon at all. Take your time looking and avoid anything that's been chipped or the seller touts a bunch of feel good performance stuff. I have experience with DuraMax powered GM stuff and wouldn't think twice if a clean LBZ vintage (2006 - 2007) truck appeared.
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2014
    For a 9,000# trailer in your signature there may be a better gas option, but the diesel will make short work pulling that.

    The new diesels with the 3.73 rears will still give you the power and probably an extra 1-2 mpg over the 4.10 rears.

    I get 16-17 mpg highway, 14 city and 10-11 mpg towing 12,000# 5'r in my signature.
  • Engineer9860's avatar
    Engineer9860
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2014
    I agree with the first reply in this thread. Look at the big engined 1/2tons.

    I have just shy of 300,000mi on my Chevy Blazer. My '94 K2500 has 210,000. My mom had a Tahoe, and a Suburban with 350,000mi, and 250,000mi respectively. All of the above on original engines.

    Gas engines will go as many miles as a diesel if properly maintained.

    If you must have a diesel research them all before buying. There are a couple to be avoided. And don't just focus on the engines either. There are other systems on the diesel pick ups which have been problematic on trucks with an otherwise reliable engine.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Jan 19, 2014
    If you are buying used then the engine in that model will make a big difference. The Ford 7.3L and the Dodge 5.9L are supposedly the mileage kings.

    2011 model year and newer probably run around 16-18 non-towing and 10-13 towing. Diesels often last 300,000+ miles if well maintained. 500,000 miles isn't all that unusual.

    I haven't found maintenance costs to be any more on my diesel than it is on gassers.

    And when you start up one of those 7 or 8% mountain grades while towing a heavy trailer you'll find out why they are so popular.

    And if anyone thinks diesels inherently get worse mileage, look at those VW small diesels which -really- get 50-60 mpg on the road.

    BK
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2014
    azdryheat wrote:
    16-18 mpg on the highway in my former 2009 Chevy 2500HD Duramax. 9-11 mpg on the highway pulling the Everest. About the same for my current dually.


    Same on my Duramax in sign.

    Sorry double post....
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2014
    azdryheat wrote:
    16-18 mpg on the highway in my former 2009 Chevy 2500HD Duramax. 9-11 mpg on the highway pulling the Everest. About the same for my current dually.


    Same on my Duramax in sign.
  • azdryheat's avatar
    azdryheat
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2014
    16-18 mpg on the highway in my former 2009 Chevy 2500HD Duramax. 9-11 mpg on the highway pulling the Everest. About the same for my current dually.
  • OpenRangePullen's avatar
    OpenRangePullen
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2014
    That F150 is what a V6?, why not the Ecoboost F150 XLT, of Ecotec V8 Silvarado 1500 LT.
    My F250 6.7 is getting 19.5 MPG and $20k more than a 1/2 Ton.
    If you get a used Diesel 3/4 ton stay under 120,000 miles, but still consider the New 1/2 tons.
    Good Luck!!!

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