Quote:
Originally Posted by rwthomas1
Any vehicle weighing over 4K SHOULD be a diesel. The MPG difference is worth it.
Cold starting is generally not an issue anymore. Powerstrokes are notoriously cold-blooded. Diesels won't be as popular with the people in the coldest states. Not to worry, there are plenty of buyers in the other 90% of this country who will do just fine with them.
A 1/2ton truck is a joke for doing anything other than making the Harry Homeowner run to Home Dip*****. Yes, they can tow a 5K boat but its not what I would consider safe. The 3/4 and 1 ton frames are drastically different and the brakes are much larger. Gas engines SUCK to tow with. They have no torque and like to spend time with the RPM's in the stratosphere to keep the load moving. Of course, there are the large displacement gas engines that produce plenty of torque..... Then the gas mileage really sucks.
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I would only use a diesel if I had to. Why? Because it is harder to get fuel, pumps are dirtier and it will have gelling issues if it does get cold. With the diesel, I always have to pump with disposable gloves. I never had to with gas. So yes, if mpg is the one and only concern, you might be right. However, the cost of diesel is higher too. Something to remember so it might not all be good. As to fuel availability, it is going to be a "chicken or egg" thing. It is going to take many more diesels to make them add a new tank and it is going to take new tanks to make it more convenient.
I have changed the oil to 5W40 and it starts in single digit temps. Now that they have gone to common rail it might be better than the old HEUI system
IF that is all that the guy is doing, I would agree with you. However, if you are towing a 5K boat once every couple of weeks, I don't think it is such a big issue. I don't think they suck towing. I have towed very well with gas engines. However, they are weak when you go up high altitudes because of the atmospheric pressure. Give them forced induction and you will see a difference. Remember, the diesels have forced induction otherwise it would too be a pooch.