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Weight - 11k lbs

6.7PSD 3.55 gears
Brake Applications: 0
MPG: 4.7
Time: 8:05
35-60mph: 10 sec

7.3 Godzilla 3.73 gears
Brake Applications: 7
MPG: 3.3
Time: 8.07
35-60mph: 17 sec

 

Ha, was just gonna mention this video since I just finished watching it. Not bad for the gaser compared to over twice the torque in the diesel but I wish they used a 4.30 geared gaser. I'm positive it would've held in one gear better than the 3.73. They said anything up to 8 brake applications for tha gaser is very good. I know I haven't had any problems with 14k on the back going downhill in the mountains. Anyhow, it just goes to show a diesel for most isn't necessary.

 

$10,000 to beat the gasser up the hill by 2 seconds on an 8 minute run. The PSD is rendered pointless...

 

They said $12,500 more? Not sure about prices in the states.

 

Yep, HO is $12500. The standard 6.7l is $10k.

 

The "hurt" owners of the oil burners will jump all over this one. This thread will blow up quickly I think. Couldn't agree with you more though.

BTW, currently diesel fuel is 50% more expensive than gas at my local.

 

7.3 with 3.73 is no slouch

 

Once, yep. But day in day out working I'll stick with 6.7.

 

And I think that is what they also determined. Towing once a week or even less, the diesel may not be necessary, but often enough it does have undeniable benefits. In this specific scenario, cost is the one and only thing you can really fault the diesel with, there are a couple things that could be seen as faults for the gas truck.

 

I only tow a few times a year, but when I do it is my 41' 15k 5th wheel. While I am comfortable with the task of driving, having the power and exhaust brake make for a much more confident experience that is worth the cost of the diesel for me.

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn't the Plat have the deepest diesel gearing available in the 350? Defintely overkill for 11K.
Clearly, since the 7 3 did virtually the same time the load was no sweat for the diesel. If they had the standard output engine and the lowest numerical ratio (3.31?) the only change in the result would have been the 30-60 would take a bit longer than 10 seconds.

I did think it was really cool that the exhaust brake controlled the speed enough that they didn't even need to use the brakes. Seems like really good programming and very helpful.

It is also nice to see that a 7.3 with 3.73 gears will haul 11k up that grade at that altitude and maintain 60.
If the truck had the 4.30s it may have saved on 1-2 brake applications and would have taken maybe 15 seconds to 60, but would have been about the same time up the hill.

I would love to see the test redone with a 17k trailer. I think with them in there is places them at the max combined weight for the 7.3.
I don't think the HO diesel will take any longer to climb the hill. May need brakes on the way down.
The 7.3 will definitely be slower at that point, but not embarrassingly. If they gave it 4.30 gears it would do better, but still won't be 8.0x.

If I was towing 11k over that mountain once in a while I'd be perfectly happy with the 7.3, even with 3.73s. I would sacrifice some extra fuel cost to save the up front cost and worry of potential emissions and fuel pump failures.
If I did it every day I would probably go diesel just to not need brakes to control speed on the way down. On a daily basis having the ability to accelerate more quickly and save on fuel, and drive further would weigh more in my decision. Plus I am of the opinion that actually using the power keeps emissions gremlins away. The fuel pump, not so much.

I do wonder what the actual economy is between gas and diesel, especially once DEF has been added to the calculation. Diesel is somewhat more expensive than gas, with approximately 25-33% lower consumption. I suspect it is a wash.

 

If I recall the 7.3 did it in around 8:40 mark hauling 16k, and they had to brake because of traffic so it would've likely been faster.

 

I agree here, that gasser was probably not too happy doing this and was probably working hard to maintain, where as the diesel is designed to "work" all day. I understand each engine has its application and place, but I couldn't put my gasoline engine through this daily. Imagine putting a gas motor in a Peterbilt and send him on his way. Personally, I bought my truck as a truck and work it like a truck with a diesel, my car....gasoline.

 

If I had a small fleet of say 10 SD's working that mountain range hauling small excavators for my small business, with 22 yr old young men in my employ, I absolutely would get the smallest gas engine available with highest rear end ratio.

 

lol because of a test at 11k pounds?

what about trailers closer to 20k and above for those of us who happen to tow heavier at times?

I have both trucks and tow a wide range of weights and sorry to tell you the diesel does better the heavier it gets no matter what you want to believe. And the lighter the tow is the closer the gap becomes. Both are great trucks that clearly come with their fair share of ardent supporters who think there isn’t another option.

I know you’re excited but this video simply isn’t news or ground breaking to anyone. At a weight of 11k most of us already know diesel isn’t needed. A small circle of gas truck owners never ceases to amuse.