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Old 01-04-2015, 02:20 AM   #1
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Diesel vs Gas

I'm sure this has been beaten to death, new to the forum. Looking into trading tv. Just purchased the voltage 3970. Been towing with the 6.6 L duramaxs for several yrs. Toying with the idea of going to a 6.0 L gaser, easier on the check book. Would I b making a big mistake? Any advice would be helpful, thanks.
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Old 01-04-2015, 11:15 AM   #2
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I have to say diesel - I am partial to them for longevity and low end grunt - I was military mechanic for a very long time. With proper maintenance, they practically last forever. Fuel has come down but I also understand gas is low too, but I look at all the towing power and how long it will last. Plus there is so much that can be done to add plenty of power!


My TDI beetle is fast approaching 270,000 miles and I am NOT easy on it - I tow a trailer with it as well - it is my daily driver to work and little hot rod - oversized injectors and custom exhaust turbo-back -
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Old 01-04-2015, 11:19 AM   #3
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IMHO you would be. Nothin' like having a diesel as a TV.

If you're making short trips or not going up elongated steep hills (mountains) you may be ok.

My brother-in-law tows a 36' Redwood 5er with his 2013 GMC 2500 6.0 gasser. Again, he takes short trips (2 hours or less). He has no torque when he's going up the hills of Maine. I slow up for him on the other side so he can catch up with me.

I get the maintenance expense. I own four diesels.

You'll have to decide what's more important to you.

Good luck !
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Old 01-04-2015, 12:17 PM   #4
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Diesel=more grunt power, which is what you need while towing. There is a reason long haul trucks are predominately diesel.

As far as expense it is probably about a wash. Diesel is more expensive the gas and will stay that way. It won't every drop down as fast or far in price as gas.

FWIW I get plenty of long life out of my gas engines too, I have yet to determine a winner at my place. We have both gas and diesel trucks pushing the 300,000 mile range.

I like the old diesels because I can run B80-B100 in them. that means 5 acres of some type of processable seed crop can keep me going all year.

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Old 01-04-2015, 02:29 PM   #5
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You'll be cutting your engine torque in half and losing about 4,000 pounds of towing ability (SRW).
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Old 01-04-2015, 03:00 PM   #6
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Not to get a Chevy, Dodge, Ford war going, typically you can get a Ram a little cheaper, if you stay in the Tradesman series. Look for the chrome appearance group, they have elec. windows and locks, and built in Sirius/XM. Another option is Dave Smith Motors in Kellogg, Id. He'll reimburse your travel one way, and about the lowest pricing on a new rig. If you can dicker good, you can get a good deal at some local dealerships, but you have to be in truck territory. Another way to lower operating cost, is to do your own service. If your handy, you can save a bunch on changing your own oil, air and fuel filters, just don't forget a big drain pan. I just filled up at Costco in SLC, Ut. #2 was $2.59 a gallon, compared to $3 locally. I wished I had my other truck with the slip tank in it.
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Old 01-04-2015, 09:45 PM   #7
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Thanks for all the helpful info, we basically stick around here in rural iowa, but venture out a couple times a yr to Colorado and Utah to see the kids. thanks again.
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Old 01-05-2015, 03:18 PM   #8
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First off how old is your tow vehicle now & with how many miles on it? The best for your pocket book might be to just keep your Duramax. No gas engine truck, Ford Chevy or Dodge will have any where near the tow rating you need for your 3970. Yes a gas engine can pull that much weight but at what long term cost. Toyota had a add showing their truck pulling the space shuttle. Do you see any towing a Voltage. I would stick with a diesel.
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Old 01-06-2015, 04:59 AM   #9
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Diesel for towing

When we bought our Denali 330 we bought a 2011 F-250 6.7 DSL to tow with. I love the truck and it will pull all day up and down hills without missing a beat (the only way you know you are on a hill is to watch the instant mileage reading). When we are hooked up to the fifth wheel I am so glad I have the diesel, but otherwise I would go with the gas. Gas is cheaper all around, but nothing pulls like a diesel!
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Old 01-07-2015, 04:52 AM   #10
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I had a 2004 GMC with the 8.1 ltr gas engine and it pulled great.My current duramax truck also pulls great but I think my old 8.1 truck might take it on a long hill. Gas mileage was LOUSY however. They don't sell the big block gas engines anymore so I think you have to stay with a diesel to haul your big fiver.I don't think the 6 ltr has enough torque for your needs.
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Old 01-07-2015, 08:10 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdegasey View Post
I'm sure this has been beaten to death, new to the forum. Looking into trading tv. Just purchased the voltage 3970. Been towing with the 6.6 L duramaxs for several yrs. Toying with the idea of going to a 6.0 L gaser, easier on the check book. Would I b making a big mistake? Any advice would be helpful, thanks.
We have a V-Series 3605 and I opted to go with a gasser. I have a '14 Ram 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi and it pulls just fine. Granted, we live and camp mostly in TX where it's 90% flat, but as much as we tow I just didn't feel the Cummins was the best for an every day drive. I did spare no expense on my hitch, and changed the pinbox to a Trailair after the 1st trip to the coast to reduce the bucking. However, if you plan to tow in the mountains, I would probably opt for the diesel. JMO
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Old 01-07-2015, 04:53 PM   #12
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I get quite a kick out of towing our Voltage 3800, with a 2011 6.6L Duramax, up the steep hills in Utah headed West.

Poor little cars think they just have to pass that "big 'ol slow poke RV"...I have cruise set about 78...and golly gee whiz...they can't pass me!!

Always good for a chuckle! Can't think of a gasser that can do that.

Had two Dodge Cummins then moved to the Duramax for the interior comfort and extra power...no looking back!

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Old 01-08-2015, 03:44 AM   #13
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[QUOTE=jonthefireman;22274 Granted, we live and camp mostly in TX where it's 90% flat, [/QUOTE]

This made me chuckle, I used to work near Red River, New Mexico. It's kinda West Texas' mountain playground. Anyhow, I used to tease a couple of boys from El Paso, about Texas being so flat that on a clear day you could see the back of your own head with a spotting scope.
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Old 01-11-2015, 09:26 PM   #14
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Went back to the duramax, picked it up yesterday. thanks for all the help. only thing I did different was went with a 2wd.
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Old 01-11-2015, 10:00 PM   #15
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Well... your choice. I wouldn't know what to do with a 2WD pickup here in Colorado and up on our acreage.

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Old 01-13-2015, 11:21 AM   #16
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Went back to the duramax, picked it up yesterday. thanks for all the help. only thing I did different was went with a 2wd.
Good move, pics?
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