[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Always a tough decision "gas or diesel?"
I purchased new 04 E350 with a V10. I get 12-12.50 just running around and 7.5
with 18ft enclosed trailer. The best highway I have got so far has been 14.75.
That`s with 3.73 gears. Gearing is very important. I have customers with the new
ford 6.0 diesel. One gets 10mpg all the time, with or with out horse trailer.
But he has 4.30 gearing. That`s why I didn`t order my van it with the 4.10 gears.
That would have dropped me 1.5-2.0 mpg. (Its all about RPMS)
The higher the RPMS at 70mph, the more fuel the engine will want.
I normaly have to pull trailer out of overdrive.
Yes when i`m pulling a trailer I think the diesel would be nice, just for 2-3mpg more,
but I`m not pulling everyday. I`m very happy with the V10 (plenty of power)
Like others have already said, the newer diesels have more power, but less mpgs.
I have also read on other forums by ford mechanics, the V10`s have very few problems.
Just my thoughts.
P.S. I have nothing against diesels (own 3 straight trucks & a tractor with them)
I`ll maybe try one in my van someday.

 

Yeah but when you consider the fact that the Cummins is governed so heavily from factory then putting all your mods in, yes, does cancel your warrenty but the engine can handle it and if you have a 6 speed manuel transmission like we do then your tranny can handle it too. So I personally would not worry about my warrenty being deleted at that point.

 

You also need to look at longevity of diesel engine. With proper maintenance the diesel can run 500K. My 1994 Dodge has 250K and does not need any oil between changes at 5000 miles. This is my second diesel after an 86 Ford. I will never go back to gasoline.
I also love the convenience of the diesel with much greater fuel range and very simple maintenance.

 

GO DIESEL....i have an 04 excursion w/6.0l powerstroke,edge juice w/ attitude(chip),and a 4" MBRP exhaust...this truck pulls my 30' weekend warrior w/ NO problem..i pull up hills ALL the time w/ no problem..Vegas is in a valley...at least 6% grade any way you go...you won't regret it..

 

How often do you plan on needing all the grunt of a diesel? Once a week, Once a day ? or Once a month?
I make a living working on diesel rigs. I own a dodge W/ Diesel 1993. I average about 19 or 20 MPG city or freeway. I would recommend that you think twice about purchasing a diesel if you can't keep it loaded and working all the time. 4 to 5 K more on purchase, I know everyone says that resale is 4 to 5 K more, but if you want to just tie-up 5 K for 6 to 7 years give me a call! I will collect the interest for you.

 

Finally! It's been some time but I finally broke down and bought my diesel truck. I decided to get the 2004 Ford 250 Turbo Diesel Lariat. I've had the truck for about a month now and LOVE IT! This rig pulled the trailer up the grapvine like it was nothing. The gas mileage is running about 17-19 miles per gallon on the highway. With a full load and pulling the grapevine it ran at about 13-14 miles per gallon.

I know we have dodge and chevy fans that might not be happy with my choice but I've always owned Fords and they have been very faithful to me.

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions!

 

Congrats on the new truck.

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I was wondering what the outcome was. The Ford will do you just fine, glad you're happy with it and glad to see you bought the diesel! Happy motoring!!!

 

We live in Washington State. Where can you purchase "farm" diesel and is it the same grade as what you would get at a service station?

 

You don't want to open that can of worms by running it on the road. It's for off-road use only (construction & farm equipment.)

Red Diesel has a red dye added that takes forever to dilute out and go away. By purchasing red diesel you consent to suprise audits and inspections by your state tax collector (Franchise Tax Board in CA) and the IRS.

It's been a while since I read on this, but IIRC, if you get caught it's a $7,500 state fine + $7,500 federal fine for tax evasion. Plus they audit you back for 7 years and you better be able to prove you paid all of your fuel taxes. Subsequent convictions are double, tripple, etc.

Now, if you do want to use it for off-road use, contact your local oil or fuel distributor. Ask them for red diesel. You'll have to pick it up, or get it delivered. We get it delivered and take 110+ gallons at a shot. We keep (3) 55g barrels. I don't know about WA, but I think the fuel taxes are comperable, if not higher, than CA. Expect to save at least 36 cents per gallon in federal excise taxes and state road taxes. The fuel is still subject to normal sales tax.

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