Do I really need a diesel?
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New User
Joined: Dec 2016
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Do I really need a diesel?
Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on if I need a diesel or not. This is my first time purchasing a diesel because I plan on hauling a fifth wheel. I will probably be hauling around 100 miles per month and this truck would be dedicated just for towing. Will I really need a diesel or will a gas truck be suffice for the mileage I will be towing per month? I plan on buying a used 1999 F250 7.3L diesel with high miles (218k miles).
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2016
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When I was shopping for a truck I had convinced myself I needed a diesel (didn't have a trailer yet). The more research I did, though, the more I learned that diesel trucks (1) are happiest when they're hauling heavy stuff or driving long distances (they don't do well in short, round-the-town trips), and (2) are expensive to repair/maintain.
After a lot of thought, I went with gas and couldn't be happier. We later bought a 29' bumper pull TT and the truck does well towing and around town. 5'ers are a different animal, but if you're not towing often or driving far, my vote is for gas.
After a lot of thought, I went with gas and couldn't be happier. We later bought a 29' bumper pull TT and the truck does well towing and around town. 5'ers are a different animal, but if you're not towing often or driving far, my vote is for gas.
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New User
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I haven't bought the fifth wheel yet, but am planning to get one that is probably around 10000-15000 lbs (GVWR).
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
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From: very South Texas
First you need a truck that works with the trailer... 12,000 and over 6.2L is mostly out.
diesel hate short drives... stop and go's... it can do it.. but not like it much.
I had to go Gas.. for that reason... and picked a trailer I like and truck can handle with weight space ... so not hit the limit of truck.
my truck can do.. 10,000 and trailer is 8,300.. so loaded up . still under 10k... ( trailer factory TAG stated 7,500 and its 8,300. factory not truthful ).
diesel hate short drives... stop and go's... it can do it.. but not like it much.
I had to go Gas.. for that reason... and picked a trailer I like and truck can handle with weight space ... so not hit the limit of truck.
my truck can do.. 10,000 and trailer is 8,300.. so loaded up . still under 10k... ( trailer factory TAG stated 7,500 and its 8,300. factory not truthful ).
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Hotshot
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From: Bristol, TN.
Steve
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
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From: very South Texas
yes sir,
I purchased my truck and trailer on the same day.. different locations.
came down to 3 trucks and 2 trailers...
had to consider ..
daily use of truck
truck towing ability .
trailer .. Wife needs. my wants.
trailer ... what truck to use to pull trailer.
I purchased my truck and trailer on the same day.. different locations.
came down to 3 trucks and 2 trailers...
had to consider ..
daily use of truck
truck towing ability .
trailer .. Wife needs. my wants.
trailer ... what truck to use to pull trailer.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
I have been driving a 1999 v10 Crew cab 4WD automatic, for the last 120k miles, love it and it has been very inexpensive to own except gas. 10-13 mpg
I just bought a 2000 extended cab 7.3 with a 6 spd 2wd. For same type of driving I get 15 to 17 mpg. When I tow or load it up it is just fun. This thing will take anything I throw at it. The v10 always got the job done but you knew you were working it and it seemed like it was painful.
Cost of ownership wise I do not think I could have done better with the diesel even with gas mpg advantage. Plus I paid a lot less for the V10 than I would have the diesel.The v 10 is much cheaper to own. 7 qt oil change instead of 13qt, as an example.
Having said all that, I still have both and I have not even started the v10 for 3 weeks.
I always choose the diesel. I am swayed by the 2wd turning radius much easier in town, and the 6spd is more fun. (except in traffic)
I just bought a 2000 extended cab 7.3 with a 6 spd 2wd. For same type of driving I get 15 to 17 mpg. When I tow or load it up it is just fun. This thing will take anything I throw at it. The v10 always got the job done but you knew you were working it and it seemed like it was painful.
Cost of ownership wise I do not think I could have done better with the diesel even with gas mpg advantage. Plus I paid a lot less for the V10 than I would have the diesel.The v 10 is much cheaper to own. 7 qt oil change instead of 13qt, as an example.
Having said all that, I still have both and I have not even started the v10 for 3 weeks.
I always choose the diesel. I am swayed by the 2wd turning radius much easier in town, and the 6spd is more fun. (except in traffic)
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 37
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From: Everett, WA
For 100 miles per month, you'd have to be crazy to buy a diesel. Initial purchase price, even on an old one, is still a lot higher, maintenance is more, and the fuel mileage isn't all that much better. You'll never recoup the costs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
I find that my 15 F250 with the 6.7 isn't that expensive to own. I dont have to drain water from the fuel filter Def is only $11 a 2 gallon box and that lasts a long time I currently have 26,000 miles on mine and just change the oil is all I have had to do. Not even a single warranty repair. I use mine for towing a 13,000# 5th wheel. I try to avoid short trips but the newer diesels are significantly improved over previous engines. Unloaded I get around 20 MPG's at 70 MPH which seems to be the sweet spot for millage.
Good luck with your decision.
Good luck with your decision.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: NC
But I agree, these newer ones aren't too bad after considering the purchase price. They more than make up for it in power.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
At an estimated 100 miles per month use towing it is really hard to justify the entry expense of diesel power unless the OP is intending to go monster big and until he has size nailed down, you could just as well roll the dice regarding the "need" part of the question. I think for most of us, "needs" are more often a reflection of "wants"
Steve
Steve
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From: Media PA
I get a kick out of how the OP says he is looking at buying a used '99 F-250 with 200k miles and we then have folks posting up about how wonderful their 6.7s are. 
. Yeah, there is hardly any cost difference between those two choices. 
To the OP, if you decide to look at gas rigs I would skip the '99s and look for a '00+ 2V V-10 as they have a little more power. BUT the most important thing to find for heavy towing work is the deeper gears behind the gas motors, try to find a gasser with 4.30s to make pulling a heavy trailer much easier.
Try to narrow down the trailer choices to have a solid weight range to match a used truck to, or buy a truck then find a trailer that fits within the trucks ratings.
. Yeah, there is hardly any cost difference between those two choices. To the OP, if you decide to look at gas rigs I would skip the '99s and look for a '00+ 2V V-10 as they have a little more power. BUT the most important thing to find for heavy towing work is the deeper gears behind the gas motors, try to find a gasser with 4.30s to make pulling a heavy trailer much easier.
Try to narrow down the trailer choices to have a solid weight range to match a used truck to, or buy a truck then find a trailer that fits within the trucks ratings.