I have a bunch of toys to haul and plan to get toy hauler in the near future. I'm in the market for a new Truck and I've got a question. What is the gas mileage difference between gas and diesel?

 

If you are hauling a load, you'll get close to twice the MPG's with diesel as you will gas. It's all about the torque. I pull 5 - 6 ATV's on a flatbed with a chevy 8.1L. Runs 340 HP and 460 lb/ft of torque. Power is no problem although it will downshift on many interstate hills. Milage at 65 to 70 is a dismal 7.5 or so. Even though I love the truck, I'll probably go for an '06 Duramax within the year. From what I can tell, the same truck and load with the diesel will get me 12 to 14 MPG under tha same conditions.
D-max puts out 300 HP and over 600 lb/ft of torque.

Jaybee

 

Wow! Those numbers say a lot with regards to gas mileage. So its all in the tourge! Im kinda Ford guy just because my truck now has been a flawless realationship. Does Ford make a good disel truck with similar torque like the Duramax?

 

All of the diesels are pretty much in the same neighborhood power wise. Figure 300+HP and 600 lb/ft of torque. For towing, Ford is the current King of the Hill. They offer a really nice package in the Tow Boss package. Including an available factory brake controller that's tied in directly with the trucks brake system, including ABS.

I think the most sought after truck right now would be a Cummins ISB (Dodge) backed by an Allison 1000 (GM) in a Ford SD Chassis.

Watch your weights and get the right truck for your needs. In other words, don't buy an F-250 to pull a 39' double slide 5th wheel toy hauler. That's an F-450 or 550 class.

MY friend pulls a 5er that's rated at 14K GVWR with a 350 SRW CC LB V10. He's getting about 6MPG Fresno to Pismo. He's already chipped it. Looking to put a supercharger and/or new gears. (It needs to be regeared down to like a 4.30:1 or below). He pulls Cuesta Grade around like 35MPH in 2nd.

Diesels have always been known for being fuel sippers. Now with all the turbo charging going on, they are getting MUCH cleaner (and MUCH more power). Although, yes, I like Ford's, I would say take a look at all of the trucks. Take several of each one out for a test drive and make your decision on what you like and what works for you.

If you can swing the extra 5K up front or over payments, its worth the investment. The resale value is pretty much the same different as new. i.e. you get an extra 5K for a diesel. They are worth gold right now because of fuel prices.

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Very well said. I guess I have to actually test drive a few and see what works the best. I wanted to drop this thread because I knew that people like you have an honest opinon on them and have run different types of trucks under some extreeme loads. The dealers will only tell you what you want to hear. Thanks for you input this really helps.

 

Just remember, the truck dealer will tell you the truck will pull anything.

The RV dealer will tell you that your truck can pull "Anything on the lot."

Get everything weighed up. Search around here or on rv.net in the forums for more info on weights.

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I would guess about double with a oil burner. It will cost more in the begining but I'm sure you will be happier with the choice of Diesel over gas.

 

I've noticed the diesel fuel to be a bit more per gallon but if your getting that much better gas mileage and the ability to pull almost whatever you want then hell its worth it.

Would it be worth it to invest in a new exhaust system or any other mods?

 

exhaust and air cleaner mods are great but I have reservations about doing all the other mods if they aren't really needed. I mean by that, if you aren't towing 40' trailers around and just dragging a smaller, lighter load, why possible sacrifice reliability.

 

While the latest generation of diesels are putting out some impressive power numbers, they are not getting the same type of mileage that previous generation desiels were so well known for. Check out some of the diesel forums and see what kind of mileage others are getting. When you figure in the current price of diesel compared to 87 octane gas and the 5K premium for the diesel motor it will take in excess of 100K miles or more before you ever start saving a dime. Basic oil change service will also cost about 3x with the diesel compared to a gas motor. Yes the Chevy 8.1 is a gas pig but another alternative is the Ford V10 for 2005. It definately gets better mileage than the Chevy 8.1 and its 360HP/ 450TQ numbers were increased this year due to its new 3 valve design. It is also now available with the same 5 speed auto they stick behind the diesel. Just another option.

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