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.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Keep this in mind, the first sample will see some high numbers due to the brake in or wear in period so don't be alarmed! Also make sure the oil is collected correctly! Copper, chromium, lead, aluminum and iron all will be high from the bearings, pistons and cylinder walls wearing in.

The correct procedure for collecting the oil is. At operating temperature, remove the drain plug, then the oil is collected after about 30 seconds to a minute. You do not what the first bit of oil nor do you want the last bit of oil. This is very important so as to get an accurate sample reading.

You might also want to print off a copy of the postal letter so you don't have to run around in circles!
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/postal-letter.php

Don

[brnzbk]

Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
Congrats on your new truck and welcome to the diesel world! Don't mind the nay sayers As long as you are not someone that trades every other year and you keep it for five years or more, you will get paid back with dividends when you sell her.

A few tips,

First after the break in run full syn oil and send a oil sample (every other starting with the second oil change) to Blackstone Labs.

Second, get it rust proofed and undercoated and wax the inside of the doors and the door jambs! Fords like to rust around the doors, and the rocker panels. This is NOT a slam, just trying to help the OP out! Tory try to keep your emotions in check buddy! 😉

Don

Thanks for the tip, I contacted Blackstone and received my kit, I think I will start with the first oil change so they have data from the very begining.

[dave17352]

Just got back from miami oklahoma where we did some paddle fishing. Put my 4000 pound wet TC on pulling my 3500 pd boat. What a pleasure. My fishing buddy drove part of the way and commented on how nice it was. Love the low rpms and you will too. Now don't worry gasser drivers they are great also but I believe the OP will love his truck. I know I love mine.

[Perrysburg_Dodg]

Congrats on your new truck and welcome to the diesel world! Don't mind the nay sayers As long as you are not someone that trades every other year and you keep it for five years or more, you will get paid back with dividends when you sell her.

A few tips,

First after the break in run full syn oil and send a oil sample (every other starting with the second oil change) to Blackstone Labs.

Second, get it rust proofed and undercoated and wax the inside of the doors and the door jambs! Fords like to rust around the doors, and the rocker panels. This is NOT a slam, just trying to help the OP out! Tory try to keep your emotions in check buddy! 😉

Don

[FishOnOne]

Again congrats on the new Super Duty... The real grin will come when you hook up to that trailer and pull it. These 6.7's pull like a scalded dog. :B

[slickrock_steve]

Well, like many I tow a large trailer, with living quarters and 4 horse compartment, I also have a two horse without the living quarters for short runs, and I have to remember that I have it behind me and not fly around the mountains.
Where I live, and go to play, I have two choices, the city and all the traffic,noise,and corruption if you will, and the hills and mountains. It is 20 minutes to the San Gabriel Mountains, and 1 1/2 hours to the Southern Sierras. Remember that our foot hills here are MOUNTAINS back east, and our mountains in the west are HUGE. So....my RAM does the pulling, and I do the driving and riding.
Sometimes when I also put the OLD truck camper on the truck to go fish, or explore with my Jeep towed behind. My camper weighs about 3300 lbs wet, and then with 3000 lbs of Jeep, it does get a workout at 10-12,000 feet.

Went diesel, and will not go back....9 waiting for a diesel Wrangler! )

[Cummins12V98]

brnzbk wrote:
OK, I'm the original OP and after listening to many responses I did purchase a 2015 F350 cc lb dually 4X4 diesel. So I am convinced that there are no gremlins or adversaries that are going to sabatoge my diesel truck.
I am looking forward to pleasant and long lasting relationship with my new F350 diesel.
Thanks for all of the responses.

Not my truck of choice but congratulations and thanks for getting the proper TV for the job! Many stress free miles ahead of you.

Now since you have nice shiny truck may I suggest you compliment it with the best non air ride hitch on the market.

[tomman58]

brnzbk wrote:
OK, I'm the original OP and after listening to many responses I did purchase a 2015 F350 cc lb dually 4X4 diesel. So I am convinced that there are no gremlins or adversaries that are going to sabatoge my diesel truck.
I am looking forward to pleasant and long lasting relationship with my new F350 diesel.
Thanks for all of the responses.

Have fun and with the diesel try to remember when you are driving with the trailer behind. Our 40'TT pulls so well I tend to forget it is back there . LOL

[Hannibal]

brnzbk wrote:
OK, I'm the original OP and after listening to many responses I did purchase a 2015 F350 cc lb dually 4X4 diesel. So I am convinced that there are no gremlins or adversaries that are going to sabatoge my diesel truck.
I am looking forward to pleasant and long lasting relationship with my new F350 diesel.
Thanks for all of the responses.

Good choice sir! Here's wishing you many years and miles of happy travels with it. Avoid all gimmicks and snake oils. Maintain it by the book and keep it bone stock. Should be fine.

[Taco]

I know multiple people in my personal life who have had Diesel engines replaced and more that have had very expensive repairs. Don't hear about any of the gasser owners having any major expensive problems. If we still had the 5.9 cummins and 7.3 powerstroke then diesel would still be a good option.

[Farmerjon]

Congratulations on what I think is a very wise choice.:B
We bought our 2000 f350 7.3 in 2002. We had less then $200 in repairs until 2 years ago the clutch came apart. The repairs were less than $1000 and that was including labor. We are still using it and it is an excellent truck.
We avoided seriously thinking about a new truck until last year because of all the things we have been hearing about the ford diesels and also because we didn't need to replace our 2000.
Well we thought for 2015 they made some very good improvements to the 6.7. The exhaust brake is terrific and 440hp and 860ft lbs is just plain fun to tow with even though I can't have my stick shift.:) and all the creature comforts and electronic gadgets and power mirrors and back up camera ,do I try to justify heated AND cooled seats?? oh my, oh my the list just goes on and on.
So we bought a new truck because we wanted to not because we needed to. An unusual thing for us. It is my toy, it is more practical for us than a Corvette would be.:)

[brnzbk]

OK, I'm the original OP and after listening to many responses I did purchase a 2015 F350 cc lb dually 4X4 diesel. So I am convinced that there are no gremlins or adversaries that are going to sabatoge my diesel truck.
I am looking forward to pleasant and long lasting relationship with my new F350 diesel.
Thanks for all of the responses.

[Bedlam]

I almost made the switch to back gasoline with my latest truck, but my expected needs surpass what the current offerings can deliver. There are some people that make choices based on want and others based on need, then there are those that just make the wrong choices...

[Hannibal]

I went back to gas in 2005 after six diesels. Swore I'd never own a gasser again and bored my family and friends to tears with how wonderful the diesel is. I guess I got over it. O/D is not mandatory. A downshift is not a problem. Two mpg less will not break the bank. I like to keep life simple. Just the same, I think every male human should own at least one diesel pickup truck.

[Irish2]

Have been towing with my duramax diesel for 12 years now and would not have it any other way. Have towed from 5800 lbs to 10000 lbs with no issues. I also have a gasser with a 5.7 l power plant that is one of the better rigs I have owned but it just is not breed to pull like my old diesel. To each their own, but for me a pre 2004 with no cat or other pollution choking parts is the way I like to go down the highway.