OK, all you truck wonks...

[MargaretB]

... answer me this.

Why are diesel engines only available in F250s, 2500, etc.? Why can't they be put into the smaller F150s and 1500s? (I know about the payload deficiencies of the 1500, so that's not an issue in this question.)

This is a real question. I know diddly about engines or motors or trucks or anything about what happens under the hood when I turn the key, except what I hear on Car Talk. But we were frustrated because we couldn't get a diesel in the smaller versions of the trucks we looked at, and we didn't want or need the larger ones.

[transamz9]

RobertRyan wrote:

Frostbite wrote:
Take a look at the RAM Ecodiesel. It gets amazing unloaded mileage and when towing a modest load, it'll still do great. It's a small 3.0 Liter engine and only 240 HP so it won't win drag races, but if that's something you're looking for then there you go.
I saw a few of them last summer towing large ski boats and at the campground plodding along with no problem. Th

As I have posted elsewhere the tiny Payload of the RAM, stops it from doing this

The little warranty sticker on the Ram don't keep it from doing that. I would be willing to bet that a Ram 1500 equipped like that truck with a little wantabe aluminum flat for a bed would out handle that truck with that little 5er.

[NinerBikes]

The payload doesn't stop the RAM Ecodiesel from pulling a Travel Trailer, though, up to probably 25 to 27 feet and 5000 pounds dry weight.

Just plan on watching your exhaust gas temps with a Scan Gauge II plugged into the OBD II port, taking your foot out of it, and going a little bit slower up anything steeper than a 4 or 5% grade, think 40 to 45 MPH on the hills.

[RobertRyan]

Frostbite wrote:
Take a look at the RAM Ecodiesel. It gets amazing unloaded mileage and when towing a modest load, it'll still do great. It's a small 3.0 Liter engine and only 240 HP so it won't win drag races, but if that's something you're looking for then there you go.
I saw a few of them last summer towing large ski boats and at the campground plodding along with no problem. Th

As I have posted elsewhere the tiny Payload of the RAM, stops it from doing this

[IndyCamp]

DaveF-250SD wrote:
I do not believe the 3/4 ton truck should be eliminated,( I have two, and that would leave me truckless ) but do think the diesel option should only be offered on the one ton trucks. The engines are much heavier than the large displacement gas engines, and that directly reduces payload by 5-600 lbs. in most trucks.

I think this is an important point.

My RAM 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI has a 3K pound payload. I looked at a tricked-out 2500 Laramie diesel in the showroom that only had a 1,900 pound payload. It was also a $60K truck (sticker).

I see no reason to spend that kind of money on that truck.

[NinerBikes]

BurbMan wrote:
VW Toureg offers a diesel, if you can afford it....

They are not that expensive if you are retired, can shop around, and are willing to buy at year end sale prices. I know, I've done it twice, in 2012 and in 2013, and still own both of these trucks, perfect for a Travel Trailer up to around 25 feet or about 5000 pounds dry weight.

Even an entry level Sport Model is AWD, full time, and if driven nicely, mostly highway at 65 MPH, you can knock down 33 to 35 or more MPG under optimum conditions with temps at 60 to 80F without running the AC.

[Slownsy]

That is fine proxim2020. I was answering to Roberts post about the Ivecos large payload compared to Americas half toners, firstly it is a dualy and neds to be compared to thous. It also com in a redused GVWR under 10000lbs for a normal licend, just like hear you can get same truck but with sticker that says under 10000lbs.
Frank.

[Frostbitte]

MargaretB wrote:
... answer me this.

Why are diesel engines only available in F250s, 2500, etc.? Why can't they be put into the smaller F150s and 1500s? (I know about the payload deficiencies of the 1500, so that's not an issue in this question.)

This is a real question. I know diddly about engines or motors or trucks or anything about what happens under the hood when I turn the key, except what I hear on Car Talk. But we were frustrated because we couldn't get a diesel in the smaller versions of the trucks we looked at, and we didn't want or need the larger ones.

You now can get a smaller diesel in a half-ton.
Take a look at the RAM Ecodiesel. It gets amazing unloaded mileage and when towing a modest load, it'll still do great. It's a small 3.0 Liter engine and only 240 HP so it won't win drag races, but if that's something you're looking for then there you go.
I saw a few of them last summer towing large ski boats and at the campground plodding along with no problem. They're quiet but still have that diesel rumble to them.

If that's too small, Nissan is coming out with a heavy half-ton. The Titan XD. It'll feature the 5.0 Cummins V8. It's not quite a 3/4 ton.

[PAThwacker]

MargaretB wrote:
I'm in NoCal. We can get diesel for anywhere from jut under $3 to just over. But it's not about the cost - it's about the mileage. We really wanted a diesel - our diesel MB gets about 27 on the highway and it's a big heavy vehicle - because of the mileage. But the Ram didn't have any cargo capacity that we could use. So we went with an EcoBoost gasser. It'll probably work well for us, but I noticed yesterday when I was on the freeway that my average crept up to a not-so-impressive 13.1 with a total of 150 miles on the odometer. Not for this trip... total since we bought it on Thursday. Not a good sign.

I am losing track of your vehicles.

Since October:
Toyota sequoyia and 6000lb camper

Diesel mb320

Now an Ecoboost f150.

Were these all trade ins?

[Community Alumni]

Slownsy wrote:
I was talking about Australia, anything over 10000lbs and you must have light truck licens. My F250 with 10000lbs GVWR Light truck licens is a must.I come from Australia but currently live in FL.
Frank.

My apologies. I didn't know you were referring to Australia.

[boocoodinkydow]

4x4ord wrote:

Bedlam wrote:

DaveF-250SD wrote:
4x4ord,

Iagree that the helper leaf should be standard on all 3/4 ton trucks. Both of my trucks are 3/4 ton, and both have a payload greater than 2,700 lbs. I am planning on installing the factory overload leaf on my Ford. I do not believe the 3/4 ton truck should be eliminated,( I have two, and that would leave me truckless ) but do think the diesel option should only be offered on the one ton trucks. The engines are much heavier than the large displacement gas engines, and that directly reduces payload by 5-600 lbs. in most trucks.

What's funny is that you can order the camper package on the F250 and get the upper overload spring, stabilizer bar and heavier front springs, yet your GVWR remains the same. FWIW: My 2005 F250 4wd had a GVWR of 9800 lbs and weighed 7250 lbs with the 6.0 PSD and 5R110 transmission. I had no issue running my "stealth F350" with F250 badges and door tags - You just have to know how to option them.

It makes it hard to have much respect for the pick up truck manufacturer's weight ratings when there seems to be no reason behind them. Personally I have come to ignore them.

Couldn't agree more. Let's just put it on the ground, hitch it up & see what it'll do!!

[RobertRyan]

deltabravo wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:
GM is slated to have a diesel in the Colorado/Canyon twins.

For the 2016 model year is what I have heard (read)

A case of maybe, low fuel prices may stay their introduction

[deltabravo]

Halmfamily wrote:
GM is slated to have a diesel in the Colorado/Canyon twins.

For the 2016 model year is what I have heard (read)

[Bedlam]

There are reasons for the various ratings, but they do not follow engineering or safety specifications. I did extensive parts comparisons with the F350 before and after buying my F250. I also did price comparisons between models and trim levels to get the best value for what I wanted.

My current 5500 went through the same vetting, but it has been harder to find OEM component ratings on my Ram since there are so few of them compared the number Fords running around. Just try and find the real specifications of the Magna Steyr 275mm front axle verses something simple like a Visteon Sterling 10.5"...

[4x4ord]

Bedlam wrote:

DaveF-250SD wrote:
4x4ord,

Iagree that the helper leaf should be standard on all 3/4 ton trucks. Both of my trucks are 3/4 ton, and both have a payload greater than 2,700 lbs. I am planning on installing the factory overload leaf on my Ford. I do not believe the 3/4 ton truck should be eliminated,( I have two, and that would leave me truckless ) but do think the diesel option should only be offered on the one ton trucks. The engines are much heavier than the large displacement gas engines, and that directly reduces payload by 5-600 lbs. in most trucks.

What's funny is that you can order the camper package on the F250 and get the upper overload spring, stabilizer bar and heavier front springs, yet your GVWR remains the same. FWIW: My 2005 F250 4wd had a GVWR of 9800 lbs and weighed 7250 lbs with the 6.0 PSD and 5R110 transmission. I had no issue running my "stealth F350" with F250 badges and door tags - You just have to know how to option them.

It makes it hard to have much respect for the pick up truck manufacturer's weight ratings when there seems to be no reason behind them. Personally I have come to ignore them.