Am I better off getting a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton pickup, for uses described?

[Code54]

Have to agree, a ½ ton would be fine! For the limited towing you are doing I doubt it will break a sweat and it will allow you lower maintenance costs.
Diesels are pricey to run and the old Dodges were known for some front end issues but as stated people want that truck/motor so at least the resale will help ease some of the past pain.
Test drive everything out there and find what you like the best! There is no one single truck that is best for everyone or anything.

 

[Wolfy]

With better MPG, less costly tires, and likely less costly insurance, the 1/2 ton will be cheaper to run.

 

[Monster5601]

With any 1/2 ton watch the payload. It's on the door sticker.Chris

^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^
The maximum payload weight on the placard includes a full tank of fuel but no cargo, passengers (including the driver), or trailer weight.

Diesels are pricey to run

I assume this is with respect to a gas engine. Could you tell me how diesels are more pricey and how much is pricey?

 

[motownbrowne]

I assume this is with respect to a gas engine. Could you tell me how diesels are more pricey and how much is pricey?

Well, for starters, the fuel is $.75/gallon more than gasoline where I live. Next, oil changes are at least twice the price, but likely more. 6qts in my 300 6, how many in a power stroke? 14 maybe? Then you've got bigger batteries for more CCA.

Then you've got the upfront cost of the diesel in the first place. Maybe you aren't counting that in the "pricey to run" formula, but you gotta account for it somewhere. In the 1990s and early 2000s, they made sense, great power, cheaper fuel, better mileage. Now, awesome power, pricier fuel, same mileage. Still only available in 3/4 ton for the most part.

So... If you can do what you need to with a 1/2 ton gasser (like the OP), then the diesel 3/4 will cost more to do the same job. At least by my reckoning. If you want 500 HP and 800 ft lbs of torque for routine towing, heck yeah, get a diesel.

 

[dodge man]

I'll just make one point on diesel vs gas. I keep seeing where oil changes cost more. In my opinion that is a useless point to make. Yes it takes 3 gallons in my Cummins but the change interval is 15,000 miles for normal usage (I know, who drives that way). I could also say my Cummins doesn't need spark plugs, so its cheaper to maintain. Its a valid point but in the cost of maintaining a vehicle, this stuff is pretty small.

To the OP, I'd give a strong thought to keeping what you have, one of the best combo's ever made. Cummins and Dodge are celebrating 25 years together. Don't be afraid to dig in and do some of your own work.

 

[RollingsFarms]

I'd stay away from any diesel after 2007 but that's just me. I'm so anti-def and all that other emissions junk that I went and recently bought myself a "new" tractor(1976 ford 3600 diesel). Yes the trucks have become more reliable with the new emissions stuff but still not reliable enough for me. I remember the days where if you got to 100,000 miles on a diesel that you had just started breaking it in. Now if you get that far you consider yourself lucky you didn't have any expensive repairs and trade it in before they arise.

 

[DeereMann]

With better MPG, less costly tires, and likely less costly insurance, the 1/2 ton will be cheaper to run.

Agree - I have 1/2 ton Ram with Hemi 5.7L for exactly the type of use OP describes. Reasonable enough mileage, torque when needed for trailer pulling. Plus nice ride/handling when dead-heading.

No need for diesel for occasional use - just don't get a small gas engine even if OEM claims it has capacity to haul your stated load - it will scream & pump oil going up hills!

 

[ruffdog]

Almost all def related problems can be traced back to contaminated def fluid. Keep it in the original container, not just some bulk container that has some odd ball connectors and unknown residues from past liquids. One teaspoon of salt will contaminate 5,000 gallons of def fluid. Keep your def SUPER clean!

Understanding Diesel Exhaust Fluid - Basic Training - Diesel Power Magazine

 

[Code54]

"I assume this is with respect to a gas engine. Could you tell me how diesels are more pricey and how much is pricey?"

I know I spend more on my diesel. Oil change is around 5-6K normally on my Cummins so that is less than my wife gas engine (I use the oil life monitoring light to tell me when), my oil filters are more, I have diesel fuel filters to buy, not to mention 2 batteries so I feel it costs more to maintain. Plus my mileage is the same as my old gas truck (within a mile or two on a good day empty) and I spend about .65 cents more a gallon for fuel so I sure can't say it is not more expensive. I like my diesel and put up with the costs because I want the power but if you don't need it the new engines will work great for your use.

 

[roadhunter]

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I assume this is with respect to a gas engine. Could you tell me how diesels are more pricey and how much is pricey?

Since he pointed out the initial engine cost, maintenance cost such as oil changes, and fuel costs I think he made a pretty good case for diesels being more pricy to operate than a gas engine.

So now it's your turn, how are they not pricy?