Who Daily Drivers their diesel TV?

[RoyBell]

I am looking for honest real-world feedback from people that use their TV as a daily driver as well. I am thinking of upgrading from my Tundra to get a little more capacity. Tundra has been a great truck since I bought it new 6 years ago, however, I feel I could use a little more TV with my new camper I got last year. Around 7300lbs loaded. Everything seems fine until I load the truck full of passengers and it's a different towing experience.

I have a concern going to a diesel because they get a bad rap for expensive repairs and poor reliability. Right now I am swaying to the F250 because I like their looks and hp/tq figures seem to be the best currently. Some people cry that they are very expensive to maintain and repair. Can anyone share real world opinions on that?

In 6 years I have done nothing to the Tundra but put gas in and change the oil. Brakes/tires at 50K miles but that's been it. Very good truck in that regard.

It's a little surprising the Big 3 don't offer better gas engines at this point. All current gas engines make as much power as my 5.7 Tundra. At a heavier curb weight and the same or less hp, I am taking a step backwards in power which is not something I am willing to do. I was sold on the GMC 6.2, but they only put it in their 1500 trucks. Their 1500 HD barely tows more than my Tundra when you look at GVWR numbers.

Which has me looking at Diesels again. On days I do drive it, I would be looking at 30 minute minimum trips in it. I know short drives or not driving Diesels under load is not good for them which has me wondering what kind of driving people with issues actual do.

Appreciate any input. I figured this asking this here would be better than going to a vehicle specific forum. Looking forward to the unbiased responses.

[Greene728]

RoyBell wrote:

Greene728 wrote:
I'm not sure where you are getting your information regarding the Big 3 and their new gas engines and taking a step backwards. When comparing them with your Tundra ( which admittedly is a fine truck for it's intended purpose ) either of them with gas engine's in 3/4 or better yet 1 ton configuration will out tow the day lights out of your Tundra, and get comparable mpg while doing it. It's far more than just engine HP and torque numbers. It's bigger frame, bigger brakes, different gearing, better transmission, higher payload, better suspension, etc... No stepping backwards at all! And I'd even say that for the weight your towing and being a DD that the gas would be your best bet. Now if your planning to upgrade your RV in the future and don't mind the extra costs associated with the diesel then go for it. And yes, I'm speaking from first hand experience. Had a 2012 F-250 with the 6.2 Gasser and pull a 5th at around 9500# loaded. Truck did fine other than less than stellar gas mileage when towing which is to be expected. I know have the truck in my signature that the 250 was traded in on and it is also my DD. Towing and fuel mileage between the 2 is no comparison and apples to oranges. I had diesels up until the gas 250 since 2003 and just missed being in a diesel trucks and was just not able to adjust to the gas engine towing. So far absolutely no issues and no regrets in 3.5 month's and 3500 miles.

Re-read my post. I said step back in power.

Toyota 5.7: 381hp 5600 rpm/ 401tq 3600 rpm
GM 6.0: 360hp 5400 rpm/ 380tq 4200 rpm
Ford 6.2: 385hp 5500 rpm/405tq 4500 rpm
Dodge 6.4: 410hp 5600rpm/ 429 tq 4000 rpm

They are all right in the same ball park, but the Dodge being the highest. But, Toyotas 5.7 makes torque lower than all of them. Then add the heavier curb weight of the 3/4 ton and performance will be down compared to what I got now which , to me, is not acceptable.

I understand what you meant. But it's not just that comparison. Post the payload and towing comparisons of each. Sure, unloaded performance may not be what you are accustomed to, but towing will be significantly different and improved. You want to get off the line and from stop light to stop light faster with sub par towing, or do you want to have a all around better towing experience while still having a capable and dependable DD that will get you from point A to point B just a tick slower? You simply cannot compare gas 1\2 ton truck to gas 3\4 or 1 ton truck for towing no matter what the HP and Torque numbers say! Especially a Toyota half ton as they are notoriously weak in payload and towing ability. Best of luck with your decision.

[RoyBell]

kzspree320 wrote:
I had a 2008 Ram 2500 CTD and recently traded in for a 2015 Ram 2500 with CTD. I love the way the Cummins pulls our 12K loaded fifth wheel. It's my daily driver and does a fine job. It is true that diesel maintenance is higher and repairs, while seldom needed, are more expensive.

If you really want an F250, and are pulling under 8K in your case, why not get the 6.2 gas? If you research the transmission gearing (not axle) on your Tundra, as memory serves me, you would find that the towing power is in no way comparable to the F250 with the 6.2 gas and 4.30 rear end (which is J2807 rated to tow over 15K).

If you think you may be towing heavier, want the additional power (like me), or want the better towing MPG (again like me), then the diesel is a fine way to go. I chose the Ram and Cummins because it still has the CP3 fuel pump and 2 fuel filters, and based on my prior truck the towing and reliability was great.

The CP4 fuel pump used on the Ford 6.7 and Duramax diesels create a high repair cost risk I didn't want. That said, I realize the failure rate may be low, but it's a risk I didn't want. If you don't know what I'm referring to, do a little research. Look at user Ricatic threads on his truck. This failure is not that common, but it's expensive.

Again, I think my diesel is a fine daily driver. Good luck. Keith

Thank you for the info.

As for Ford vs Toyota transmission, fords are more aggressive down low. Toyota also has 4.30 rear axle. Trans does look good for towing, but the lack of low end torque on their gas motor, plus heavier curb weight makes me think performance will be close to the Tundra. I should note that I am a power junky so more power is good 🙂

6R140 Gear Ratios:
First - 3.97:1
Second - 2.32:1
Third - 1.52:1
Fourth - 1.15:1
Fifth - 0.86:1
Sixth - 0.67:1

AB60E Gear Ratios:
First - 3.33:1
Second - 1.96:1
Third - 1.35:1
Fourth - 1.00:1
Fifth - 0.72:1
Sixth - 0.58:1

[brooks379]

Poor reliability ?????? Man has someone been blowin smoke at you.

Most people that don't know anything about a diesel pickup and buy one to tow with are in shock the first month after owning the right tool for the job. Nothing is cheap to repair once it hits the shop.....Nothing.

After owning diesel trucks since 1992, all Fords, 7.3's and now a 6.7 Powerstroke with almost 50,000 miles I have NEVER had my trucks in a shop except one 7.3 did have a bad Cam Positioning Sensor go bad under warranty once.
A diesel truck is as good if not better than any truck on the road today !!

I don't know how accurate it is but yesterday my in dash MPG was showing 19.5 mpg on a 400 mile round trip with no trailer.

[SouthpawHD]

Any of the Big 3 gas motors all tow very well. They are piggy on gas, but oh well. The reason I mention this is because according to Truck Trend, the higher cost of diesel (including initial purchase premium and maintenance costs) show a break-even around 100k miles compared to their gas counterparts. So if you are only towing around 6-8 times per year, the diesel option just might be a waste. But that is your call.

[RoyBell]

therink wrote:

RoyBell wrote:
Currently doing about 6-8 trips a year. Living in Chicago cuts our season pretty short.

I should note I am not partial to any of the big 3 currently... I am looking to buy new, so it sounds like they all have a headache of emissions ****. All you need to do is google diesel issues and you get presented with a plethora of emissions issues.

The 5.7 in the Tundra seems OK on power, but could use more. If I decide to keep it, I will be putting a TRD supercharger on it, which would bring me close to diesel power without the emissions headaches. I would still have the payload issue though.

Keep in mind that the Internet is a very biased place for negative criticism regarding anything sold to the consumer. Google RV problems and you get the same negative posts. For each unhappy diesel owner, there are millions of happy ones.

Very good point. I forget this sometimes.

[RoyBell]

Greene728 wrote:
I'm not sure where you are getting your information regarding the Big 3 and their new gas engines and taking a step backwards. When comparing them with your Tundra ( which admittedly is a fine truck for it's intended purpose ) either of them with gas engine's in 3/4 or better yet 1 ton configuration will out tow the day lights out of your Tundra, and get comparable mpg while doing it. It's far more than just engine HP and torque numbers. It's bigger frame, bigger brakes, different gearing, better transmission, higher payload, better suspension, etc... No stepping backwards at all! And I'd even say that for the weight your towing and being a DD that the gas would be your best bet. Now if your planning to upgrade your RV in the future and don't mind the extra costs associated with the diesel then go for it. And yes, I'm speaking from first hand experience. Had a 2012 F-250 with the 6.2 Gasser and pull a 5th at around 9500# loaded. Truck did fine other than less than stellar gas mileage when towing which is to be expected. I know have the truck in my signature that the 250 was traded in on and it is also my DD. Towing and fuel mileage between the 2 is no comparison and apples to oranges. I had diesels up until the gas 250 since 2003 and just missed being in a diesel trucks and was just not able to adjust to the gas engine towing. So far absolutely no issues and no regrets in 3.5 month's and 3500 miles.

Re-read my post. I said step back in power.

Toyota 5.7: 381hp 5600 rpm/ 401tq 3600 rpm
GM 6.0: 360hp 5400 rpm/ 380tq 4200 rpm
Ford 6.2: 385hp 5500 rpm/405tq 4500 rpm
Dodge 6.4: 410hp 5600rpm/ 429 tq 4000 rpm

They are all right in the same ball park, but the Dodge being the highest. But, Toyotas 5.7 makes torque lower than all of them. Then add the heavier curb weight of the 3/4 ton and performance will be down compared to what I got now which , to me, is not acceptable.

[kzspree320]

I had a 2008 Ram 2500 CTD and recently traded in for a 2015 Ram 2500 with CTD. I love the way the Cummins pulls our 12K loaded fifth wheel. It's my daily driver and does a fine job. It is true that diesel maintenance is higher and repairs, while seldom needed, are more expensive.

If you really want an F250, and are pulling under 8K in your case, why not get the 6.2 gas? If you research the transmission gearing (not axle) on your Tundra, as memory serves me, you would find that the towing power is in no way comparable to the F250 with the 6.2 gas and 4.30 rear end (which is J2807 rated to tow over 15K).

If you think you may be towing heavier, want the additional power (like me), or want the better towing MPG (again like me), then the diesel is a fine way to go. I chose the Ram and Cummins because it still has the CP3 fuel pump and 2 fuel filters, and based on my prior truck the towing and reliability was great.

The CP4 fuel pump used on the Ford 6.7 and Duramax diesels create a high repair cost risk I didn't want. That said, I realize the failure rate may be low, but it's a risk I didn't want. If you don't know what I'm referring to, do a little research. Look at user Ricatic threads on his truck. This failure is not that common, but it's expensive.

Again, I think my diesel is a fine daily driver. Good luck. Keith

[Jim-Linda]

A little background.... when we retired in 1996, our tow vehicle, also only one, was a 1996 FL60 with Cat power. This was our ONLY vehicle until 2004, when we took a temp job at a storage facility. During this time, we had no major issues with the truck. Trip to stores only required parking a little far out. We did not attempt drive thru's.

We still have same truck, still no major issues, so the concern is not justified.

Happy traveling.

Jim

[therink]

RoyBell wrote:
Currently doing about 6-8 trips a year. Living in Chicago cuts our season pretty short.

I should note I am not partial to any of the big 3 currently... I am looking to buy new, so it sounds like they all have a headache of emissions ****. All you need to do is google diesel issues and you get presented with a plethora of emissions issues.

The 5.7 in the Tundra seems OK on power, but could use more. If I decide to keep it, I will be putting a TRD supercharger on it, which would bring me close to diesel power without the emissions headaches. I would still have the payload issue though.

Keep in mind that the Internet is a very biased place for negative criticism regarding anything sold to the consumer. Google RV problems and you get the same negative posts. For each unhappy diesel owner, there are millions of happy ones.

[gbopp]

A few years ago I knew a guy who bought a Dodge/Cummins. He drove it to work every day, about one mile.
After a couple years he still had the truck and had no problems as a result of the short daily drive.

[Greene728]

I'm not sure where you are getting your information regarding the Big 3 and their new gas engines and taking a step backwards. When comparing them with your Tundra ( which admittedly is a fine truck for it's intended purpose ) either of them with gas engine's in 3/4 or better yet 1 ton configuration will out tow the day lights out of your Tundra, and get comparable mpg while doing it. It's far more than just engine HP and torque numbers. It's bigger frame, bigger brakes, different gearing, better transmission, higher payload, better suspension, etc... No stepping backwards at all! And I'd even say that for the weight your towing and being a DD that the gas would be your best bet. Now if your planning to upgrade your RV in the future and don't mind the extra costs associated with the diesel then go for it. And yes, I'm speaking from first hand experience. Had a 2012 F-250 with the 6.2 Gasser and pull a 5th at around 9500# loaded. Truck did fine other than less than stellar gas mileage when towing which is to be expected. I know have the truck in my signature that the 250 was traded in on and it is also my DD. Towing and fuel mileage between the 2 is no comparison and apples to oranges. I had diesels up until the gas 250 since 2003 and just missed being in a diesel trucks and was just not able to adjust to the gas engine towing. So far absolutely no issues and no regrets in 3.5 month's and 3500 miles.

[Me_Again]

We are on our third diesel pickup, all 4x4 RAMs. 1993, 2001.5 and now a 2015. The first tow were driven as second cars and the new 2015 has become our vehicle of choice over our Buick Rainier SUV. We are in Arizona for the winter and I fueled up yesterday at 350 miles and mileage was 18.5 MPG. Not bad for a vehicle that is weighing around 8500 pounds with the 5th wheel hitch and "stuff" in the boxes.

Use of DEF when not towing is very low. It is a dream to drive loaded or bobtail. Chris

[RoyBell]

Currently doing about 6-8 trips a year. Living in Chicago cuts our season pretty short.

I should note I am not partial to any of the big 3 currently... I am looking to buy new, so it sounds like they all have a headache of emissions ****. All you need to do is google diesel issues and you get presented with a plethora of emissions issues.

The 5.7 in the Tundra seems OK on power, but could use more. If I decide to keep it, I will be putting a TRD supercharger on it, which would bring me close to diesel power without the emissions headaches. I would still have the payload issue though.

[DutchmenSport]

Well, I'll jump in. I have a 2014 Chevy diesel, 3500 duly. I use it as a daily driver. We also have a Chevy Equinox (gas) we use as a daily driver. We are a 2 vehicle family, we need 2 vehicles. My wife and I both live about 25 miles from our place of employment. Most times we can drive together, but sometimes we must drive separate.

Because of where we live (in the country, NE of Indianapolis),and we drive country roads, we absolutely needed something to get us through the snow. Our roads, sometimes, just don't get plowed out very well. When that happens, we don't even consider taking the car, its always the truck. For those days, there's no option. The car stays parked.

But the reason for getting the diesel duly was not for the purpose of using it as a daily driver, it was so we would have the towing capability for our camper. As a daily driver, that's secondary. It was MORE important to have the towing capacity than the daily driver. If the truck tows only once a year, it's worth it! I would not want to tow with anything less.

Now that fuel prices have dropped considerably, driving the diesel duly is MUCH more enjoyable as a daily driver. For the most part, the car has remained parked for several weeks now. I actually drove it a couple days ago, just to make sure the battery was still charged (it was).

We (both) love the truck. We have no problems or issues using it as a daily driver.

Now ... here's another thing ... repairs.... I'm on my 2nd diesel dualy now. Other than oil changes and a battery in my previous dualy, I've no repairs ... for what ... over 10 years! Really.

The reason we traded the previous truck was because the body was fiberglass. The fiberglass fat fenders were beginning to get really bad spider cracks in them. I was afraid they would someday just crumble off. So before that happened, and it still had good resale value, we traded for a brand new one (in my signature below). It came with a 2 year 24,000 oil change and maintenance plan (4 oil changes), and bumper to bumper for ... well ... a long, long time.

When I had my last oil change (about 2 weeks ago), I asked my GM service guy what that oil change would have cost if I paid for it. 10 quarts of oil, their labor, all fluids filled up, inspection, ties rotated, = $80.00.

[therink]

I think you will find that any of the big 3 HD truck manufacturers put out a quality product with diesel power trains. My 2015 GMC Sierra 3500HD Duramax has been flawless for 22k miles now and is also my daily driver. I make sure I use quality fuel.
I don't see myself going back to a gas tow vehicle any time soon. Going to diesel is a personal decision. As long as you are willing to pony up the extra $9k for diesel, you will not regret it.