I want to get a diesel (preferably a 6.0) becuase I would like more pulling power (for a 10k plus boat) at speed.

Most of the time it just to the local ramp and back which is ~7 miles one way. The V10 does this task great and semi efficently (6-7 mpg).

Some of the time it is to other parts of the state which can easily be 100 miles plus. This is where I WANT the diesel. The V10 does fine on the highway (at 65mph) only if I keep it around it's peak torque curve. In this RPM range - the mileage drops considerably (3-4 mpg).

I would like a late (05 or newer) 6.0 for the added power and for the bonus of added fuel economy (17 mpg average).




I am AFRAID of the diesel due to my LACK OF USEAGE. I will only be using this vehicle for pulling the boat around and maybe run a few short errands around town. Given my past track record. The V10 has accumulated about ~1500 miles annually.

Given this lack of useage (diesel fuel growth, wet stacking, engine corrosion, etc.) - what can I do to keep the diesel happy (problem free)? or Should I just suck it up and stick with the V10?

 

I love my diesel but it is a daily driver. At work we have several (service trucks) We let one sit for a few months and ended up with a stuck turbo and other issues. I do not think it is good to let one sit. If you at least drive it monthly i beleive it would be fine.

 

What year V10 do you have?

 

stick with the V10 IMHO, you will just have problems with a diesel based upon your usage.

 

It is very hard to make use of the truck (11mpg) when I have a sport bike (40 mpg), a convertible (25 mpg), and the wife's coupe (30 mpg).

 

1500 miles a year is just asking for trouble with a diesel. I vote for keeping the V10 and if you need more snap, drop in a set of 4.56 gears and you'll be money ahead.

 

Keep the V10. You don't drive enough to keep your 6.0 problem free. You shouldn't care about mpg for as much as you drive it.

 

If you use your diesel as a daily driver it proably will be fine, but using it every now and then can cause big issues.

 

Keep the V-10. You will not get 17mpg towing 10K. Expect 10 - 12 mpg at 62mph. Assuming current fuel prices at 1500 miles a year and 1 oil change a year your payback is 14.7 years if the diesel upgrade costs you $7000.

 

Just curious what assumptions you used for resale value.

 

Keep the V10.

With the usage you described the 6.0L will not be happy and problems will follow. Even you you don't have problems with the diesel the additional maintenance cost and higher price per gallon will probably cancel out most of the fuel savings. Additionally you will only get 17 mpg on the interstate and nothing in tow. When you are towing expect 10-12 depending on terrain.

 

It may sound like my motivation is fuel savings. Rest assure it is NOT. Fuel saving is simply an added bonus.

Florida is full of speed demons. Having cars coming fast up the rear and having to cut around me constantly isn't safe. Not to mention me closing in to all the grandma/grandpa and having to cut around them isn't safe either.

I simply want more power so I can better keep up with traffic when in tow. Extra reserve power that can be summom when situation demands it.



When not being driven. Isn't there a chip or something that I can install to allow her to fast-idle/fully warm up on a weekly basis? I would reallie like to move up to a diesel.

 

Get a SCT for the V10. Don't get a 6.0 unless you love problems!

 

You reallly can't keep up with traffic in flat Florida with a V-10?

 

You have never driven in miami traffic - have you?



Unloaded. Any day - all day long. No problem.

With the boat in tow. This V10 is like an I4.