Becoming diesel gunshy

[brnzbk]

I have been searching for a diesel truck to pull a to be purchased fifth wheel.
After reading all of the nightmares and maintenance problems I'm concerned about future costs and down time. Do most diesel owners experience a multitude of problems or am I just seeing a small percentage that are venting? Seems to be mostly injector and fuel pump problems however, shelling out 60K for a truck that is going to need constant repairs is concerning, I hope this is the exception and not the rule.
Any experiences will be appreciated.

[iawoody2]

I have a 2013 Ford diesel with 42000 miles about half pulling my 12000 lb 5th wheel. Absolutely no problems, but yes the maintenance is more, but the power to me is worth it. That said the oil change interval is longer about 7000 to 8000 miles, about $150. The initial cost is more but take a look at the resale down the road. Also I get a honest 11mpg towing and 20 non towing.
I think that the people who have problems are out spoken about it versus the many people who have no problems. Happy owners tend not tp talk much.
Just my opinions.

[brooks379]

Just look around you next time you're driving down the road...Diesel trucks are every where !! If you are going to be pulling a 5th wheel you have no other choice. Right tool for the job !!

[PA12DRVR]

I had 2 F350 diesel with the dreaded 6.0 engine. A Ford F550 with the 6.7. AChevy with the Duramax.

Not a single engine problem with any of them. Leaking transmission seal on one F350, fixed under warranty.

Only the people with problems typically post

[dave17352]

Yes I love my truck. I have had a couple of emissions problems covered under warranty. I also have read some of the fuel pump horror stories and I would be a liar if it doesn't cross my mind now and then. Funny thing was I thought maybe I should get a gasser and guess what. I found some horror stories about those motors also.

If you plan on pulling a lot you will absolutely love a diesel. Mine is a pleasure to drive and tow with. Fantastic in the mountains pulling a 12k Fiver and great for my 4k TC when wet. I plan on keeping mine for a long time.
Surely you can find a gasser for the job, but they just might break also. Who knows.

For me pulling with my diesel is one of the funnest parts of traveling. 65 mph pulling around 15 hundred RPMS is truly a pleasure.

Not knocking gassers either, just saying

[tomman58]

I had 120,000 on my 08, now 1i have 2015 and GMC has only gotten better. Get what you can afford as all the AMERICAN diesels fair well. I love my truck as it is the best one they make. There are great Fords and Dodges everyone I know is happy if they have a 2012 or later!

[diazr2]

BB_TX wrote:
People post to complain about problems, rarely to praise their trucks. I think most all of us who have diesels say that serious problems are actually rare.

Ford 2001 7.3 never had a serious problem still own the truck and she is still just as strong as the day I bought her. Wouldn't own a different truck if you gave it to me. I don't understand the maintenance issues I do everything I am suppose to do to my diesel and it's still cost me hardly anything to maintain. Maybe it's because its a 2001? Don't know I just know it's a very inexpensive truck to own.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

There are some good diesel engines and there are some bad diesel engines. You just have to know the difference. 🙂

[TucsonJim]

My 2013 F350 was the first diesel I've ever owned. It's a great truck with plenty of power to pull my 36' FW up the steepest grades, and control it coming down the other side. 11.7 average MPG towing 13,500 pounds. It hasn't let me down at all.

[jus2shy]

Had a few teething issues with my diesel, a few seal leaks. Nothing wrong with the emissions to date (27k miles so far). The people you typically see post have a problem that they need resolved. So they're going to be loud as they need a resolution to a problem. I remember a presentation I sat through long ago that basically said for every 10 complainers, you only have 1 person that talks up the good experience they have for a given product. That was many years ago though and I wonder if that stat still holds up today.

[agesilaus]

What problems? I've had one hose go bad on my truck. I don't know what the higher maintenance costs are either. You do need more oil when you change it but that's about it.

[FishOnOne]

brnzbk wrote:
I have been searching for a diesel truck to pull a to be purchased fifth wheel.
After reading all of the nightmares and maintenance problems I'm concerned about future costs and down time. Do most diesel owners experience a multitude of problems or am I just seeing a small percentage that are venting? Seems to be mostly injector and fuel pump problems however, shelling out 60K for a truck that is going to need constant repairs is concerning, I hope this is the exception and not the rule.
Any experiences will be appreciated.

The diesels have been struggling with the emissions regulations, but with latest generation trucks with DEF seam to be doing pretty well overall.

My '12 diesel truck is almost 3 years old and 64k miles and hasn't required a repair to date and I don't expect it to either. At this point I plan on keeping it to around the 200k mile mark. I would like to pass it on to my son once he gets his drivers license, but I fear this truck has too much power for a starter. :E

[ArmyColonel]

X2

[BB_TX]

People post to complain about problems, rarely to praise their trucks. I think most all of us who have diesels say that serious problems are actually rare.