ib516 wrote:
VernDiesel wrote:
ib516 wrote:
For the money they want, IMO, a 3/4 ton gasser is a much better option.
Depends on how you are using the truck. For those that need and want an HD platform they should buy that. For those that need want a gasser probably 90+ percent they should buy a gas 1/2 ton. For the 5% or so that can really benefit from the small diesel why should we not be allowed to buy one? BTW you can get a December built 2018 Laramie Ecodiesel out the door for less than $40k.
I was thinking in the context of an RV tow vehicle. As a family car for hauling the day's shopping - they are great for that or, with a lightweight RV like mine a small diesel would be great.
If you are actually thinking in context to an RV tow vehicle you might know that practically speaking the 1/2 ton platform properly specked is an excellent & capable choice up to about 8k. Afterwhich a HD platform is clearly a better tool for the job. And their are plenty of people who camp happily in less than an 8,000 pound RV.
The 3.0 liter turbo diesel Ram, Ford, or GM can be quiet, capable, comfortable to tow with & very reliable to that same weight range. No high rpm screaming to get you over a pass like a naturally aspirated gas v8. No single digit towing economy like many gassers. GM specked 282 HP & 450 TQ. Plenty of torque to take that kind of load from a light up to speed & enough HP to move it down the interstate in respectable fashion. And when you can average 14 mpg towing that big box RV at 65 like mine does you can afford to take your family camping to a better destination than the local park.
As to being used as a daily shopper a gas 1/2 ton is much better suited. Thanks to Government overreach & some senseless regulation (and some useful) the emission systems makes diesels a bad choice for daily short commutes & daily trips to the grocery unless you like routine visits to your dealership service department to get things cleaned out & cleared out. Well unless you get it tuned to turn off EGR & better manage DEF etc.
When the small light duty diesel is available in mid range trim levels out the door for less than 40k such as the 2018 Ecodiesels on the lots now how you can say a new 3/4 ton gas truck is a much better option or buy for towing a light weight RV such as yours? This just does not add up to me.
