diesel pickups

RobertN · Jun 13, 2005

Show me an big block gasser F250 Ford or Dodge 2500 4x4 with 4.11's and an auto, that can pull 18mpg on the highway. That's the best I have done in my stock '01 Ram 2500 quad cab long bed 4x4 Cummins. I take a hit in fuel mileage with the 4.11's and auto.

My last gasser was a '89 F250 4x4 x-cab witth 4.11's, 351 v8, and 4sp stick. 11mpg. It ran well, towed well, worked well. At 11mpg empty.

Over Christmas, I had to make two runs to southern Cal. First trip, I took my truck. 18.1 mpg. Second trip I took my wifes '04 Ram 1500 shortbed quad cab 4x2. It had the 4.7L gas engine, 5spd auto, and 3.55 gears. Same trip, same roads, 18mpg. Took it easy on both trying for mileage.

Some of the newer 3/4 ton gasser 4x4's will surely get better mileage than my '89 F250. Taller gears, 5sp auto, I'm sure it would. But, to compare to todays deisel, the closest thing would be a big block. And it aint gonna get comparable mileage to a similarily equiped diesel.

I wish they did... In '01 when I got my diesel, fuel was as cheap as or a little cheaper then regular. Around here, it sits at Premium prices.

jyoutz · Jun 14, 2005

My 99 Dodge quad-cab, long-bed 4x4, standard shift trans gets about 18-21 MPG even when towing my 5th wheel trailer. The chip (or auto trans) must have really cut into your mileage. Mine's stock. On the other hand, I have towed a fairly heavy trailer down the interstate at around 2700 RPM, motor just loafing along. Then I looked at the speedo, only to find I was doing 90+ MPH!!!! No, I could never again go back to a gasser truck. The other thing I like about towing with a diesel is the incredible engine braking power. Even with a heavy trailer, I seldom have to use my brakes to slow down on the highway. The engine braking is so strong, that I can drop 20 MPH quickly just by removing my foot from the throttle. Without starting a brand war, I also agree with you that the Cummins is the most maintenance-free and reliable of the current crop (even Ford uses them in their super-heavy trucks -2.5 tons+).

jyoutz · Jun 14, 2005

Pretty soon we'll all be running bio-diesel. Then the truck in front of you will smell like french fries.

RedRocker · Jun 14, 2005

( I think anyone who's contemplating a diesel pickup who doesn't absolutely need the towing /weight carrying ability should have to follow right behind one and smell it for about 300 miles, that should cure you. I'm not anti diesel in general, (after all, my tractor is diesel) but these things really stink on the road. If you ever get stuck behind one in heavy traffic it can be brutal. If you don't absolutely NEED it, buy gas............... )

Man, you really need to be a little more agressive and pass the next time you're behind a diesel for 300 miles, or 4.5 hours. Must be some awful traffic in your area.

RedRocker · Jun 14, 2005

( Why not just buy a F250/350 with the 6.8L V10 and a 4.30 rear? That's what I'm going to get next time. )

Cause diesels pull better with better mileage.

Jagmandave · Jun 14, 2005

I think how long it will last is going to depend on how you use it. If you drive 3 miles to work one way, you're not going to see much if any advantage. The more miles you drive daily, the more it might make sense. Sounds more to me like you just want one, which if that's the case, that's exactly what you should do.

And guys, I can't say I've been stuck for 300 miles behind a diesel pick up, I do just go ahead and pass 'em - if I can. But you guys don't make sense to me, you buy one of these things for the "mileage" then leave it run for 20 minutes outside the mini-mart while you get your coke and cupcakes! In fact, I don't think you shut 'em off all day till you get home at night. what's the matter, won't these things start again? Think of how much higher mileage you could get if you ever shut 'em off! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

_RaT_ · Jun 14, 2005

Dave, it seems quite the opposite for me. My 93 diesel is noisy enough that I cannnot have a conversation with it on. For me it is automatic to turn it off. If I were in the market for a 3/4 ton truck, there would little doubt I would go with a newer quieter diesel, however, my lifestyle is changing to where having a full size truck, as advantageous as it can be, also has its drawbacks, namely in its manuverability and that includes parking. I would utilize a compact more then my full size anymore. I'm in construction and even though there are times that I need to haul large loads, a compact with a dump trailer would be more preferable for my needs.

Av8r3400 · Jun 14, 2005

( If longevity is your goal, the Cummins diesel will last at least 3 to 4 times as long as your average gas engine. ... Most everyone gets tired of their Cummins powered Dodge before they can wear it out. )

Dargo-- You 'da man! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Right with ya, brother.

Once all the Dodge wears off of my Cummins, I don't know what I'll do, but it will definitely be another Cummins powered rig! Probably build a great 4x4 toy out of the chassis and buy another 12 valve Dodge.

Remember: Keep as far away from the 6.0 (removed) choker as possible. If you gotta swing that way go find a 7.3, at least that one will run. My neighbor has had 3 of the 6.0's. 1st two were bought back for motor problems, third is in the shop now for another turbo. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Jagmandave · Jun 14, 2005

I used to have a diesel pickup...............wait for it..................

an 81 VW Pickup! 55 rompin stompin hp! Great little truck too, only I never got the 55 mpg (or whatever) it was supposed to do. In fact, I later bought a gas engined version, and it got better economy. Probably because I had that little diesel's throttle on the floor all the time!