The age old Q. Should I buy diesel?

[doonkin]

I know, I know it’s been asked 10,000 times before. But I’m in the market for a new truck and need advice for my specifics. Right now I’m towing a 2014 23mbh 5500lb trailer w a 2012 titan. I’d never want a bigger trailer. I never load it w too much stuff. It’s towed well over the years but I’m tired of white knuckling cross winds. I want to start making those BIG trips. I like the thought of overkill w a ram 2500 diesel- BUT- I live only 1 mile from work, n usually we only go out once every 6 weeks avg.
Should I go for the Cummins or am I silly. Deals on the 2018(still called new) are kinda reasonable. Dunno anything about the maintenance.

What ya reckon? This site has always given me great insight.

Thankyou

[TCNashville]

If the truck is going to be your daily driver and you only have a 1 mile commute, I'd steer clear of the diesel. Any of the big three 3/4 ton gassers will pull that trailer effortlessly for a solid towing experience.

[Midnightmoon]

I would not recommend any modern DPF equipped diesel for 1 mile short trips. That is simply not enough time for it to ever complete a regeneration.

Now, if you have a 40-50 mile highway trip every once in a while, then you should be fine. But, if it is literally used for short trips all of the time, you will be fighting a losing battle with the emissions system eventually.

[oldmanAZ]

What Midnightmoon said...

You said, "I’m tired of white knuckling cross winds." There's a lot that can help this (hitch, tires, loading) with your current truck. Yes, a 3/4ton diesel is a lot more truck so won't be pushed around as much. From what you've said so far, if I were in your shoes I wouldn't buy a diesel.

[Vasquez Kid]

You need to buy two vehicles -

1). The diesel truck
2). A bicycle. I work next door in Burbank and I understand your weather conditions

I love my diesel

[ttavasc]

Similar situation but my current commute is 5 miles one way. Don't really get out of the local driving except when towing. As much as I'd love to have the diesel a 3/4 ton gasser was the right choice for me. If you are absolutely, positively sure you'd never want a bigger trailer then a more capable 1/2 ton would do you just fine and you wouldn't suffer nearly as much with the poor unloaded city mpg of the 3/4 tons.

[NewBlackDak]

The new crop of gas HDs are very capable. I’m in a ‘14 RAM 6.4 2500. The transmission gearing could be better, but I have towed up to 10K over some nasty passes. Reports say the new 8-spd 6.4 combo is incredible. Both the other brands have some new tech in the gasses too.

[doonkin]

Sound advice. Thankyou all. I know jack about diesels. I’ve only 1 mile to work , but plan on making those big 2 week trips to Yellowstone etc. i will look at 3/4 gassers from now on. Is there any specs re; towing (eg axle ratio)that I should be looking for w gas models?

[2nOZ]

I have the 2017 F250 gasser with 4.30 gears. We pull a 10,000 lb fifth wheel with ease. For what you are currently towing, the F250 with the 3.73 gears would be fine. If you ever anticipate moving up to a larger camper, you might consider looking at the 4.30 gears, at least in the Ford line of trucks. My truck has 16,000 miles on it and I see 14-15 mpg around town and 8-9 mpg while towing.

[TCNashville]

If you consider a Ford 3/4 ton gasser you might want to look at one with the 4.30 rear end especially if you're going to tow in mountainous terrain. I have the 3.73 rear end and it does fine towing my 9200lb Eagle but I tow mostly on rolling hills and flat ground. As ttavasc suggested though, I moderately equipped 1/2 ton will also do the job but for the best towing experience a 3/4 ton can't be beat. But you will suffer from poor fuel economy from a 3/4 ton while not towing. I'm getting around 9mpg towing and around 15mpg overall with my F-250.

[sugarray]

I have a 2015 Ram 2500 Megacab with 6.4 Hemi and 4.10 gearing. I have towed the mountains of WV, but not the biggest heading east to VA and have never had a problem. There have been quite a few times having a diesel exhaust brake would really be nice. Especially going out west. With the new 8 spd transmission, they will definitely be better. Travel some and get to a large volume dealer and you'll get a better deal.

[TWP723]

I'd steer clear of the diesel as a daily driver with that commute. A diesel won't stop the crosswind effect nor will a hitch. It's a natural phenomena that will occur and plague you regardless of tow vehicle. I tow with an F350 and still suffer from bad crosswinds on bridges and such. Stick with your gas truck.