Gas or diesel truck

farmall719 · Apr 19, 2011

OK I known this topics has all ready been posted I have went back and done my home work on this topic. I am looking at ford 250 with a 7.3 or v10 used, so many people has told me a lot good and bad about these trucks, but with gas and diesel price going through the roof . I"am torn, I have some tractor the most one weights is 5000. Right know I have a half ton, not enough truck too pull a 14,000 gvw trailer around to shows. Without doing harm to the traney.

rustyfarmall · Apr 19, 2011

(quoted from post at 11:46:24 04/19/11) OK I known this topics has all ready been posted I have went back and done my home work on this topic. I am looking at ford 250 with a 7.3 or v10 used, so many people has told me a lot good and bad about these trucks, but with gas and diesel price going through the roof . I"am torn, I have some tractor the most one weights is 5000. Right know I have a half ton, not enough truck too pull a 14,000 gvw trailer around to shows. Without doing harm to the traney.

If the truck will be for occasional use only, I would not even consider the diesel.

CLTX · Apr 19, 2011

You should get better mileage out of the diesel, probably enough to offset the increased fuel price. However, upkeep and oil changes will be higher. If you plan to do any serious trailering, diesel is the way to go. If just occasionally, it's your call. I'll stick with my diesel.

730d se · Apr 19, 2011

The later 7.3 (turbo & intercooler) are the better of the FORD diesels for medium duty but even they have issues. You have to wonder if the engineers are "smart" enough to design things so that they break or "dumb" enough to not know how to design them so that they hold up.
For sure you do not want the later diesel engines from FORD, and the jury is still out on the latest one which is now actually built by FORD instead of Navistar.

charles todd · Apr 19, 2011

If was buying used, I'd get a Chevrolet with the 8.1L gas. If the truck is not a daily driver, the 6.8L V-10. Diesel engines in light trucks are over-rated. I used to want one. But once you know enough people with them and the maintenance nightmares that go with it you may change your mind. $3k - $5K is nothing for engine repairs (top-end only). Not to mention $100+ oil changes.

If you have a late model 1/2 ton you are set for a 5k lb tractor. I pull a 8k tractor and a 10k excavator on a 14K trailer with a 2001 Chevrolet 1500 4x4. I would not recommend a newbie try it for sake of inexperience. I've seen people run a 1 ton dually and a 2 horse bumper pull have problems. I have 149k on the clock, full synthetic in all reservoirs, 5.3L gas, auto trans, 3.73 gear, 10 ply tires, B&W goose neck hitch. Last run was 700 miles round trip, across state lines, two interstate highways most of the trip, not to mention Dallas and Ft. Worth.

When I buy another truck I'm sure it will be a 3/4 ton with the largest gasser available, auto trans (proven reliable to me 10 yrs, 149k, 3/4 ton loads). Keep the 1/2 ton out of O/D when towing and the transmission will last as long as the truck.

Good luck, this should be an interesting topic.

CT

Matt Weltz · Apr 19, 2011

You will get better mileage both empty and towing with a diesel. Repair costs are not a problem if you maintain them just like any other truck. If you are not running synthetic oil, you are looking at about $75 for an oil change but you can also go longer on an oil change...I change mine every 5,000 in my Duramax. Fuel filters are changed every 10,000 miles and they are about $35. Mileage on a diesel can really be increased by putting 4 or 5" exhasut on (must remove the cat) and adding a programmer. If you dont go overboard or your programming you wont have any problems. I run MBRP 5" turbo back exhaust, EGR blocker, and an Edge Evoluation Race CTS on my "06 and am averaging 19 MPG between limited highway and easy town driving. I have seen as high as 24 MPG on small highways @ 60 MPH. Really just comes down to personnal preference...diesel is going to cost more up front, but will do better pulling, give you better MPG towing and empty, and last longer. Have to weigh the options on maintenance (higher cost but longer intervals) and fuel (higher MPG but higher fuel cost). I do a fair amount of towing and have always wanted a diesel since I was a little kid...for me there was no question my new truck was going to be a diesel! I absolutely love it and will NEVER go back to a gas truck. Also, I cant speak for the Dodge and Ford, but cold weather starting is not an issue on my Duramax. I"m in central IA and my truck sits out every night; never plugged it yet.

Bob Bancroft · Apr 19, 2011

A friend considering the same dilemma kept his nice half ton gas pickup. He found a single axle road tractor for less than he could buy anything else.

Matt Weltz · Apr 19, 2011

For a gas truck, the GM 8.1L really is your best option. My dad has one... Comparing it to some of my friends who have Dodge V10"s and Hemi"s and Ford V10"s, the 8.1L has the most power and also get the most mileage. We have pulled very heavy with ours and it does VERY well. Dads is an extended cab, long box and gets between 10-14MPG depending on driving conditions. Does not matter if its loaded or not. If I were to ever go back to a gas truck, it would be an 8.1L. The 6.0L does not even compare..

JayinNY · Apr 19, 2011

I have 4 trucks 3 gas and 1 diesel a f250 w 7.3. I tow a 16
foot trailer 5 days week for 8 months a year. I would never go
back to a gas truck, I also have hilly highways. For pulling
once in awhile a gasser would be fine. J

toolz · Apr 19, 2011

I would go with the 7.3. Very reliable and good milage if you don't like to drive fast. It will cost you more than the gasser, but will hold it's value very well if taken care of. I had a 2000 and a 2001 and had no problems whatsoever. I now have a 2008, and wouldn't trade it for anything out there right now.

charles todd · Apr 20, 2011

(quoted from post at 19:51:03 04/19/11) For a gas truck, the GM 8.1L really is your best option. My dad has one... Comparing it to some of my friends who have Dodge V10"s and Hemi"s and Ford V10"s, the 8.1L has the most power and also get the most mileage. We have pulled very heavy with ours and it does VERY well. Dads is an extended cab, long box and gets between 10-14MPG depending on driving conditions. Does not matter if its loaded or not. If I were to ever go back to a gas truck, it would be an 8.1L. The 6.0L does not even compare..

The 8.1L is awesome and has a torque curve as flat as a table. From off idle to redline, it has torque. I am toying with the idea of transplanting an 8.1L into my 1979 C20 instead of a new 350. I have seen used ones at salvage yards engine, accessories, wiring harness, computer, warranty, $2500-$3500. I'd spend that much doing a new engine and accessories.

Good luck. I'm sure you will go the PowerStroke route.

CT

mkirsch · Apr 20, 2011

Even in a well-used, older diesel, you will have to drive it A LOT for the fuel savings to offset the price difference.

The diesel maintenance cost and nightmares are myths. Yes, a diesel service costs twice as much as gas, but you only do it half as often.

Diesels did not have the insane HP and TQ numbers back in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Back then big block gas was still king of the mountain, although only barely. If that's the era of truck you're looking at, gas vs. diesel in performance is practically a wash.

You're far more likely to find a beautiful low-mile 8-10 year old truck in a gasser, and it will be an absolute STEAL to buy.

Ken Macfarlane · Apr 20, 2011

I hummed and hawwed and looked for a while for a nice 7.3L
diesel truck, which is a used truck is the cheapest diesel option
without buying a worn out truck. I wanted a manual but they
aren't common.

After letting 2 or 3 excellent deals on gassers go by, I gave up on
my diesel dream I bought an F350 4x4 crew cab, 5.4 L 120k
miles with new E tires for 1300$. New brakes and some shocks
are we are good to go. Even had a power lift tailgate on it.

It uses plenty of gas, and if given the option, I would take the
V10 so you could at least have some power with the bad gas
mileage. But for low bucks, I've got a good tow rig that I can get
90 bales on, and get out of my driveway in deep snow.

Rich Iowa · Apr 21, 2011

I'm in agreement with the others that say if you don't pull often or very far, a diesel isn't worth it. I had an 03 Dodge 2500 diesel for about 4 years, sold it this past winter and picked up a 1991 Chevy 2500. Sure, it was a big step down in comfort and power (Cummins diesel to a 350 v8) but as often as I drive the truck and tow things, this Chevy works just fine.

If you don't go too far, I'd buy an older gasser and spend the extra money on tractor parts.

bobs old iron · Apr 21, 2011

sitting around at r-v park. one talks about his f-350, 460cid, bored-stroked,built to pull. stainless steel add ons to look prettttty. said he spent enough money, could've almost bought a new diesel. once got started, couldn't stop../// what ever your needs are going to be, is what you will need to buy to "get r done"

Anonymous-0 · Apr 22, 2011

I have a 2000 F-250 Super duty, 4X4, full size bed with a V-10 and 187,000 miles. I pull a 25' goose neck and haul quite a bit of farm equipment and have on occation pulled my J.D. 350 dozer. I've owned it for the last 5 years and up to this point, I've been very pleased with it. I get in the neighborhood of 14 mpg empty and drop to somewhere between 10-12 loaded, depending on how much my foot is in the accilerator. I thought about buying a diesel & think when I trade this one off it'll be another V-10. Plenty of power and like some others have said, less cost on purchase and maintenance, not to mention not much difference in mileage compared to price at the pump. Just my thoughts, Keith

RodinNS · Apr 22, 2011

If it was me... I think I'd go looking for an air ride S-line single axle or something similar with a real engine in it... something like a DT466. It will cost you less money. It will have real brakes, big axles that can shoulder a load and an engine that will make an honest 600 torque and 200-250 hp with it.... and still get 8-10 mpg. Keep the pickup for running around.
I'd want no part of a V10 gas as an everyday driver and generally want no part of a 7.3 for anything.
If it had to be a 3/4 ton pickup I'd go with a Dodge and a 5.9 CDC engine, 6 speed manual transmission. I'd also steer clear of any diesle newer than 07 because of the EGR system and exhaust particulate filters. Nothing but miserable expense if you leave it in place.

Rod

gtx1967jewison · Apr 22, 2011

central iowa does not have real cold. try that in canada or even fargo.

Matt Weltz · Apr 22, 2011

I have an uncle in central North Dakota and another in northern Alaska...neither one has ever had a starting problem in the cold either.

Haywood · Apr 23, 2011

I agree on the S-line Even for part time use
it would be a good pulling rig to have around.

Designed to pull and designed to last.

JMHO

Haywood

buickanddeere · Apr 23, 2011

People keep telling me they need "more power" for
towing a goose neck cattle trailer behind a pickup?
The V8 gassers now make more power than the 318
Detroit Diesel. The 318 hauled freight coast to
coast over two mountain ranges with 40 ton of load
plus the tractor & trailer.
How did we ever survive?

Welding man · Apr 23, 2011

Because you had a 13 speed tranny, a set of low geared rears and someone that could change gears without missing a gear. Now they want something that will do 90 on level ground with a slip-o-matic transmission. Big difference between an old time truck driver and a steering wheel turner.

JimEvans · Apr 23, 2011

No. The biggest difference is back then we didn't mind if the truck was only going 25 mph at the top of the hill. Now we must have it so it can maintain 80 mph no matter how steep it is, then get ------ if it overheats at the top of the hill. (Google Duramax overheating).

souNdguy · Apr 26, 2011

I have a 99 f450 with 7.3lpsd.

love it.

don't like gassers anymore..

soundguy

buickanddeere · Apr 26, 2011

(quoted from post at 21:20:54 04/26/11) I have a 99 f450 with 7.3lpsd.

love it.

don't like gassers anymore..

soundguy

Try a tier IV diesel of hat age and miles then get back to us.

Gas or diesel truck

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