Why diesel trucks?

[Gjac]

Judging from my other two posts a lot of folks that responded drive DRW diesel trucks to carry the heavier multi slide campers. I understand the DRW for heavier payload but why diesel? Just looking at Fords web site the gas models have a greater payload capacity than diesel models, I am guessing because they are lighter. I am trying not to have to buy a DRW diesel to use just when camping a few weeks out of the year. Is there another reason to buy a diesel truck such as durability that drives this decision.

[Grit_dog]

"jim is just trying to make excuse for his opinion.
I've been to Montana and Kalispell is beautiful area, but you don't see 3-lines of freeways with bumper to bumper weekend traffic. I did not count gas stations in Vegas, but it has to be about 500 of them. How do you compare that to your local area? "

Thank gawd!! If all the Veegasonians came to MT, then MT would s uck and I'd have to think about camping in Vegas instead! haha

[ppine]

Most of the people that ask this question have never owned one.
My 7.3 is 17 years old and going up in value. If it was a gas truck it would be worth little and I would have replaced it a long time ago.

[jimh406]

No, I’m not the one making excuses. 🙂 I’d be willing to bet that almost everyone who has a TC is an outdoor person. At least, more exist where the outdoor activities are more prevalent like the Northwest, for instance.

I like Vegas, but taking a camper there wouldn’t be my first choice. I’d much prefer and flight to the airport, shuttle to the strip, and walk the rest of the time with a few exceptions for longer trips from one end of the strip to the other.

But, feel free to go look for trip reports here that were only city trips then compare the number that aren’t. 😄

[Kayteg1]

jim is just trying to make excuse for his opinion.
I've been to Montana and Kalispell is beautiful area, but you don't see 3-lines of freeways with bumper to bumper weekend traffic. I did not count gas stations in Vegas, but it has to be about 500 of them. How do you compare that to your local area?
Point is that when driving with TC, most users will fill up at popular destinations.
So as of today, diesel in Vegas is over 10% cheaper than regural.
Florida is about the same
Texas coast diesel 20 cents more.
So with diesel burning 20-30% less than gasoline, you will save quite a lot of money even with today's prices.
I will only watch the difference changing when summer arrives.

[otrfun]

jimh425 wrote:
. . . I can’t think of any reason to take a truck camper to Vegas, but I know lots of people who take RVs to National Parks/Forests in Montana/Wyoming from other states for outdoor opportunities like fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting.

Not everyone likes to fish, hike, and hunt. Where do these folks go? Stands to reason that Vegas would be a likely option for these folks.

We wouldn't hesitate for a second to take our camper to Las Vegas or MT/WY. We like to do a little bit of everything.

[jimh406]

Kayteg1 wrote:
That's probably becouse in your area diesel is still used for house heating.

Most people in my area use propane or wood. I don’t know anyone who uses diesel fuel, but if they did, they’d probably use red diesel which is untaxed.

I can’t think of any reason to take a truck camper to Vegas, but I know lots of people who take RVs to National Parks/Forests in Montana/Wyoming from other states for outdoor opportunities like fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting.

[jaycocreek]

Lowest prices in my area according to gas buddy. As you can see, diesel is still running more.

Same here in Idaho from Gas Buddy..

Diesel runs a minimum of .25 a gallon more than Reg gas and Idaho and Montana are very popular tourist destinations.

[Kayteg1]

That's probably becouse in your area diesel is still used for house heating.
I started swimming pool season 3 weeks ago.
Beside, I think more people from Montana drive their TC to Las Vegas, than Las Vegas residents taking vacations in Montana

[jimh406]

Lowest prices in my area according to gas buddy. As you can see, diesel is still running more.

Diesel $3.08
Regular $2.78
Mid grade $2.99
Premium $3.02

[ppine]

One of the reasons people have TCs is so they can still pull things like boats and horse trailers. By the time you load up the truck bed with 3,000 pounds and hook up the hitch to 5,000 pounds having a diesel makes great sense.

[Kayteg1]

I think now is good time to evaluate the question.

[Grit_dog]

Kayteg1 wrote:
So how many of those 60-80 work hours you spend on this forum?

Oh, I separate Kayteg time from work time....

[Kayteg1]

So how many of those 60-80 work hours you spend on this forum?

[Grit_dog]

That 87-90 whatever it is is an awesome truck!
I love old iron and I love good deals even more. What a score!
Both you guys have a great point. You'll never find a low mile older diesel for a steal ever. And you have to search long and hard for what you got.
That's why I got an original 74 CJ5 that I never drive in the garage. Why not? Can drive that thing anywhere anytime and it's as old as me! Paid $2500 for it a lot of years ago and could have sold it 10x over for more $.
I'm the last guy to appreciate a new truck over old. First new car ever bought was an 01 Dodge because I boycotted abs and I could get a Ram with no abs and a manual shift 4x4.
But I've given up on finding unicorn trucks.... For now. Work 60-80 hours a week and kids playin comp sports and trying to maintain the homestead an wife, lol. I just need stuff that runs. And it helps that financially, vehicles aren't a large part of the equation.
Sweet trucks boys!