You choose - loaded gas or basic diesel?

Not true, there are many many Ford, GM, Cummins engines that have run well over 500,000 miles. There are even much more Mack and other big rig diesel engines that have run over 750,000 miles with out an overhaul. I for one have owned many Mack trucks and Cat and the engines are just TOUGH beyond belief. The small diesels in these pick up trucks are sure capable of over 500000 miles but most people dont keep them long enough to prove that. Even the new gas engines are getting to technical to work on for home owner. Also many of these new gas engines are using aluminum heads and this is trouble in the heat when you have a slight over heat situation weather a blown hose or bad thermostat. It is just a problem in making when towing in heat.
Cost to buy a diesel sure is more money but you are buying a better long haul engine. I know the new diesels are using aluminum heads as well but it's a total different animal. The people who trade in every few years don't care about any of the long haul desires.

jasult wrote:
yep, any one who keeps their truck for long haul will buy a diesel.

This has been the standard diesel mantra for the last 10+ years and I have to call BS. Not on you, jasult, by any means... just the theory that gets thrown around. Yes, the engine (and maybe a good tranny) will last 250K or more but there are A LOT of other components in modern day trucks that don't last anywhere near that long and are REALLY expensive.

Turbos, injectors, head gaskets to name some of the more expensive ones. Then there are just the normal truck things that aren't going to last anywhere near as long as the engine - hubs, suspension parts, interior finishes, dash lights, power windows, exhaust systems, starters, alternators, water pumps.

Realistically, if people want a diesel, buy it for the towing performance. Don't get sucked into thinking you'll keep it until you're 70 years old. Unless you're a mechanic or want to become one.

bmanning wrote:
Little slow at work today so I just did a rough count:

Those recommending diesel = 22
Those recommending gas = 7

Looks like it's diesel by more than 3-to-1 so far...

Just imagine if his RV weighed more than it does! It'd be Reagan over Mondale.

Following lemmings off the cliff does not make someone smart...

jasult wrote:
yep, any one who keeps their truck for long haul will buy a diesel.
The gasser will never last that long pulling same load. They just are built tough enough when you compare internal specs. You will not see a UPS, FED EX or other's using gas for longevity

PABLUM! The contrary: something like HALF of UPS's delivery trucks use gas power! The one that comes to the terminal where I work has 8100 Chevy power, I have also seen older Ford (300ci, 5.4) and GM (292, 350) trucks.

Diesel power has jumped the shark.

bmanning wrote:
Little slow at work today so I just did a rough count:

Those recommending diesel = 22
Those recommending gas = 7

Looks like it's diesel by more than 3-to-1 so far...

Shows you how many lemmings there are out there. :E

bmanning wrote:
I'll be the contrarian that votes loaded gas.

Diesels are great but IMO, with today's gas engines' output & durability I feel that the "need" for diesels starts around 11-12k loaded weight.

My F250 is an XLT & frankly I miss power seats, heated leather seats, dual zone climate, etc...just me, others could care less. I had loaded models & I've had lesser trim, from now on I'll go for the niceties every time. I actually prefer driving my 1999 Land Cruiser over my F250 due to much nicer seats & the ability to get the seat exactly where I want it (power adjustability).

Ye gods...honestly, I would pay a premium to NOT get all that extra garbage!

I would go with the leather, loaded gas model. My current trailer is about 8500 loaded and I have no issues pulling it. My inferior gas engine will last the life of the truck and that's all I can ask of it.

Little slow at work today so I just did a rough count:

Those recommending diesel = 22
Those recommending gas = 7

Looks like it's diesel by more than 3-to-1 so far...

Just imagine if his RV weighed more than it does! It'd be Reagan over Mondale.

yep, any one who keeps their truck for long haul will buy a diesel.
The gasser will never last that long pulling same load. They just are built tough enough when you compare internal specs. You will not see a UPS, FED EX or other's using gas for longevity

Lets see the new diesel will pull 30000 lbs and the new gasser realistically less than half of that but they both carry the same axle/tire load capacities.
Apples vs oranges.
Depends on what the truck will be used for.