RAM 3500 DRW W/6.4 Hemi
I just found a 2016 RAM 3500 DRW w/ 6.4 HEMI gas engine 3:73 gears with 10K miles and 4wd locally by private owner for a smokin' price. I may want to put a AF 992 on it and tow my enclosed 7x14' trail...
Forum Discussion
burningman wrote:
Here's the straight scoop. I ran gas trucks most of my life because the truth is, diesel pickups do not math out. I ran the numbers over and over for years and years... the fact is gas trucks cost less overall even with less MPG.
The reason I finally bought one was POWER, and reliability. Mostly power.
I know several fleet owners that run one-tons, one is a tow company, that figured this out years ago and runs all gas trucks. The accountant isn't lying.
My diesel cost way, way more than I ever wanted to have into a pickup truck, (I've got more $$ into just the transmission than I wanted to put into a truck!) but it does make over 400HP and 800 ft/lbs, and I can turn it up further - a lot further - if I want and it does get twice the mileage as my 454. It goes a LOT better, but it does not save money.
The only other thing is resale value, especially when gas is high, is horrible on a gas truck. No one wants it.
But if the gas truck is your choice, don't worry about its ability to haul you and all your stuff. We're all spoiled on crazy torque and have forgotten that Hemi is far stronger than anything you could buy not so long ago.
Dig up an old issue of Trailer Life from the early '70s... everyone used to tow with their cars!
Exactly!
This is the age old diesel/gas argument and you'll never convince either side.
I'm a gas guy. I love my SRW 3500.
Love the power of diesel, but I drive my SRW truck as a near daily driver, and the diesel will NEVER pencil out cheaper, especially if you keep the truck until the wheels fall off (dad has 430,000 on his Chevy gasser, original shortblock).
Put the difference between the diesels and gas trucks original cost in the bank today.
Interest on the additional 8k loan amount
Diesel more $$ at the pump
DEF - who wants to have another tank besides the fuel tank?
Cost of maintenance difference. Let's price those injectors, pumps, transmissions, and emissions stuff.
If you need/want the power, then pay the Piper, no harm, no foul. But it will never be cheaper.
If the truck is adequate for your needs - go for it.
