Hey guys, I've been thinking about getting a diesel for work for a while now, but I don't want to get a truck that will end up costing me more to run a business. I travel all over the east coast for work, 90% highway, pulling a 14ft v-nose tandem axle trailer full with cabinets, tools (carpentry), and 4-5 guys in the cab. I'd say the trailer weighs around 5,500-6k pounds. Right now I have a Tundra Crew Max 5.7L and it's been a great truck, has lots of room for the guys, and pulls the trailer without problems. I'm at 100k now, and trying to decide if I'll keep it a while longer or maybe get a diesel. I don't NEED the torque of the diesel, but if it'll haul the trailer around easier, netting much better MPG numbers, I really will consider it. My Tundra averages 10-11mpg with said trailer, the boys and running about 70-75 mph.

So, what do you guys average in similar situations and what truck (model, options, motor, transmission) do you have? I've never owned a diesel but have been thinking one could benefit me. With the prices of diesel vs gasoline, I really want to learn more before getting serious.

Also, what kind of range do you guys get towing out of a tank? That's my biggest peeve with the Tundra, NO range. It has a small tank, 22 gallon I believe. Thanks for any help/input!

EDIT: Figured I should include a little more info. I will be buying used, prob a 2005-2008 model, trying to keep it under $30k. Any truck suggestions? I figured highway towing would benefit from a 5-6 speed transmission (6 speed in my Tundra, worlds better than the Chevy 4-speed before). Also important is the crew cab. I like the size of the Super Duty and Mega Cabs, but I've heard a lot of horror stories of the post 7.3L Powerstrokes, and the Mega Cabs are hard to find and pricey. I'm sure the Allison transmission would be great on the Chevy, but they have smaller cabs and I'd rather have a straight axle front end. By no means are anything mentioned deal makers or breakers, just pointing out a few things I'm looking at...

 

if your trying to save mpg, why would you want a solid axle?

 

I just prefer the design and simplicity of the straight axle setup. I need a 4wd in case I didn't mention it earlier. Like I said none of the differences are deal breakers necesarily. From reading it seems a Cummins would get the best mpg, but I dunno if that would hold true while towing on the interstate. So I was hoping to get some real life feedback that would relate to how I'll be using the truck.

 

If you're towing day in and day out, a diesel would surely help. Especially loaded with 4 guys or so. 10-11 honestly aint all that bad though with what you've got and the weight you're towing. You're going to pay more in maintenance with a diesel for sure, but you're getting a much heavier duty truck that will haul that load around like it's not there.

If mileage is your biggest concern, most have better luck with the cummins CR motors (common rail) 04.5-07 years. I would definitely look for a stick with it though, not a fan of the Dodge auto's myself.

My personal rig is in my sig, my mileage isn't great and it typically isn't with a 6.0, but I've heard up to 18ish or so. Mine personally is more like 15, but I'm putting down just over 400 rwhp and I drive it like a hot rod. The biggest difference is when I hook my camper up, I don't really lose any mileage.

An older 7.3 powerstroke will likely yield better mileage than the newer 6.0's. That's for sure. For mileage, any older one will be better, way too many emissions controls on the newer pick-ups. Avoid anything with a DPF (diesel particulate filter) which would include 08+ Fords, 07.5+ Cummins, and 07.5+ duramax trucks. They can get good mileage once you delete the emissions stuff and add some tuning though, but they may be getting out of your price range. I would vote for a mega cab cummins 5.9 with a manual trans. If you find such a truck, chances are the owner is going to be really proud of it though and you're going to pay for it, at least that's the way it seems with most of the Dodges.



PS, I'm with you on the straight axle. If Chevy had one, I'd have an 06-07 LBZ in my driveway.

 

Honestly, I think I'd stick with the Tundra for a while, should have plenty of miles left in it. Keep researching so you're ready to replace it when it starts costing more to maintain and repair.

 

Not a bad idea, considering the great mileage you get know towing that heavy with a 1/2 ton.

Nothing on a diesel is cheaper... absolutely nothing. Price out what simple maintenance would be over a year in a diesel vs. your gas truck.

I buy 15 quarts of oil and a $20 oil filter every time. Depending on whether or not I use standard oil or synthetic, I've paid as low as like $70, and as high as $153 for an oil change, and I do it myself.

 

WOW! Thanks for the honest answers guys! I never thought I would buy 'import' until my most recent Dodge was assembled in Canada and most recent Chevy assembled in Mexico (may have them reversed). My Toyota was built in Arizona! (well, within the 48 states anyways). Actually, the reason I drive the Tundra is because of my demands and I simply didn't know enough about a diesel to feel comfortable buying one. Nothing competed (1/2 tons) with the Tundra when I bought it (2010) for towing and cab room.

To be honest, it's been a great truck and I really can't fault it. It's impressive for a 1/2 ton. Like you guys said, a diesel would pull my trailer and crew down the highway like nothing, but the Tundra does it happily too. I do think the next truck will be a diesel, but maybe I should wait another year since the Tundra is still doing great, and maybe a Mega Cab Cummins will be more affordable. You're right, they are proud of them!

I used to want a 7.3L Powerstroke bad. My grandfather (who never owned or wanted a diesel) finally got talked into a 2000 F350 Dually Crew 4x4 7.3L and now swears by it. However, for my work needs, I'm afraid the 4 speed tanny wouldn't be the best option. I know it makes a big difference on the gas trucks, same for the diesels? I'll definitely be here to learn even if I do decide to hold off.

BTW Mdub is that a 450r in your Avatar? Nice looking bike! I ride 4 wheels myself.