Time for a New Truck: Gas or Diesel?

[BandBmalin]

Originally Posted by russgarrett

Not sure about a yellow sticker but where is it? Should be 19,000 of the bumper, 27,500 5th wheel and 35,000 Gooseneck but the 27,500 is what I care about. Dealers know less about specifics on trucks. I wanted pre collision and lane keep and tow technology features. No moving violations or wrecks in over 30 years but tomorrow could be the first. Really no difference between limited and Platinum but nicer leather seats and higher price. Dealer was telling me how Ford increased prices for really nothing more than the name or Platinum, King Ranch, etc...

Russgarrett, I feel your pain on the new truck costs as I purchased my 2019 Lariat F350 with all the options plus the puck system for not too much less than you paid. I was reading up on the trailer technology package because it came on my truck also, and most of the benefit is designed for trailers towed with a ball vs. 5th wheels. In my research, best towing number I could find for my F350 was around 22k so you may want to verify your F250 numbers. (I almost went F250 until I reivewed the numbers away from what the dealer was telling me.) I love my truck, but my wife would have preferred I had gotten a Platinum with the massaging seats!! Enjoy those bad boys while cruising down the road...

[russgarrett]

My 2019 Ford has that but have a question on how to use it. It just has 200 miles on it and am about to tow with it. Do I turn the exhaust break on the entire time I am towing and off when I am not towing?

[BandBmalin]

Russgarrett,
I haven't read up on that part yet. I believe you turn it on and leave it on when towing, but am not positive. I did read that you are supposed to put 1000 miles on it to break it in before towing a heavy load so if you can wait... My son-in-law told me that wasn't necessary, but I still waited until I was at 1,000 before I towed just in case. I spent way too much on this thing to risk going against the manual.

[waynemoore]

Turn the exhaust brake anytime you want but for sure when towing.
Yes you should have 1000 miles on it before towing.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by russgarrett

Not sure about a yellow sticker but where is it? Should be 19,000 of the bumper, 27,500 5th wheel and 35,000 Gooseneck but the 27,500 is what I care about. Dealers know less about specifics on trucks. I wanted pre collision and lane keep and tow technology features. No moving violations or wrecks in over 30 years but tomorrow could be the first. Really no difference between limited and Platinum but nicer leather seats and higher price. Dealer was telling me how Ford increased prices for really nothing more than the name or Platinum, King Ranch, etc...

Dealer is not quite right. Leather over cloth, heated/cooled/electric seats ~~ anything and everything adds weight. Every trim upgrade has more comfort items and each adds weight.
The yellow sticker on the driver door post has a rating in KG and #. It states how much can be loaded in the truck ~ people, hitches, and a bottle of Pepsi.

[Pat2002]

I would just save the money and keep the truck. You will be way ahead money wise to keep your old truck. Just service the transmission and engine regularly and other fluids. Even if you had to put in a motor and transmission you are money ahead. I made that decision in December on my 2002 I had the crankshaft break at 214000 miles. $14000 for a rebuilt engine installed with 5year/ 100000 mile warranty which is the same as a new pickup. $60000 to 80000 + is insane for a new pickup. You can make a lot of repairs for that kind of money . My son has 300000 on his 2007 with only regular maintenance My crankshaft was a fluke but things happen, my wife 's Toyota Highlander lost a wheel bearing at 25000 miles. My friend's 2017 Ford powerstroke broke a piston at 39000 miles . Anything mechanical can break keep that in mind and things will need fixed from time to time. Save your money and keep your 2011.

[astrungis]

Ok, I see everyone's point. Diesel it is!

[Pat2002]

In the long run I hope you decide to keep your truck. I don't think you will regret it money wise.

[mtlakejim]

Well this is a rare thread. We are talking tow trucks and nearly everyone agrees on something---DIESEL!


I don't know about the rest of you but putting getting the wheels moving and fuel mileage aside. The exhaust brake is reason enough alone to go diesel.

[dfb]

Something theinz failed to mention.. ALOT MORE energy in diesel fuel..

[Theunz]

I never argued against diesels. I simply said that if he is serious about wanting a gas engine, then he should wait to see the specs on the new Ford 7.3 gasser. I did however complain about the reliability of the diesels compared to gas engines, and I stand by that.

[Slow Hand]

Originally Posted by Theunz

I never argued against diesels. I simply said that if he is serious about wanting a gas engine, then he should wait to see the specs on the new Ford 7.3 gasser. I did however complain about the reliability of the diesels compared to gas engines, and I stand by that.

The new diesels are light years better than the old diesels. Sure you can tow with a gas truck but those are mostly for landscapers pulling a utility trailer. When you get 5 MPG's maybe you should have to rethink your stance on diesels when I get 11.

[Slow Hand]

Originally Posted by Pat2002

I would just save the money and keep the truck. You will be way ahead money wise to keep your old truck. Just service the transmission and engine regularly and other fluids. Even if you had to put in a motor and transmission you are money ahead. I made that decision in December on my 2002 I had the crankshaft break at 214000 miles. $14000 for a rebuilt engine installed with 5year/ 100000 mile warranty which is the same as a new pickup. $60000 to 80000 + is insane for a new pickup. You can make a lot of repairs for that kind of money . My son has 300000 on his 2007 with only regular maintenance My crankshaft was a fluke but things happen, my wife 's Toyota Highlander lost a wheel bearing at 25000 miles. My friend's 2017 Ford powerstroke broke a piston at 39000 miles . Anything mechanical can break keep that in mind and things will need fixed from time to time. Save your money and keep your 2011.

Wow to brake a piston in a 17 truck is rare. I have not heard anybody doing that.
As for the new trucks they drive so much better than the old trucks. they tow so much easier that there is no comparison. Sure you can rebuild any truck and keep it on the road. I have done that to a couple cars both work cars. However the newer trucks are so nice to tow with. i know it's cheaper to keeper and some guys don't have the cash to step up. But if you can it's well worth it. My truck is 5 years old now so I may drive it for 5 more than get another truck. I just don't like all the nanny things that are going in new cars and trucks. Put a nob on the dash to help you back up a trailer. What a stupid idea. If you cant back up a boat than sell the boat.

[Pat2002]

Originally Posted by Slow Hand

Wow to brake a piston in a 17 truck is rare. I have not heard anybody doing that.
As for the new trucks they drive so much better than the old trucks. they tow so much easier that there is no comparison. Sure you can rebuild any truck and keep it on the road. I have done that to a couple cars both work cars. However the newer trucks are so nice to tow with. i know it's cheaper to keeper and some guys don't have the cash to step up. But if you can it's well worth it. My truck is 5 years old now so I may drive it for 5 more than get another truck. I just don't like all the nanny things that are going in new cars and trucks. Put a nob on the dash to help you back up a trailer. What a stupid idea. If you cant back up a boat than sell the boat.

Well said Slow hand. I have kept my 2002 in great shape and it was hard to decision to rebuild the motor when the crankshaft broke or buy a new pickup. My wife says I love that truck more than her. I have avoided driving a new one because I am sure that I would want one. I don't any self backing or driving either.

[mlh]

My 2018 F150 has the back up nanny. I have no problem with it. If it’s there and you don’t like it just don’t use it.
Lynwood

[dfb]

Bottom line, if one wants to use a claw hammer to break up concrete, that's fine, I'll take the sledge hammer. Right tool for the job. I have owned 3 Ford psds, 3 ram Cummins, all have been extremely reliable. Fords were all 7.3s,, if diesels were that unreliable, the big rig truckers would switch to gas.. Good luck with that. Many many million mile rams as I'm sure the other 2 also have trucks with over a million miles. Gas is great for accelerating, hp, .. etc. They are just not built for heavy extreme loads., if it were so, trains would be gas powered. We own a large Montana and just got back from Oregon. We never have issues of speed going on long steep grades.. For rving, ain't no replacement for diesel. Now, 400 hp and 1000 lb. Ft torque.. gas cannot do that.

[dfb]

Breaking a piston in any year engine is rare..

[Pat2002]

Lots of million duramax, psd and Cummins trucks out there and they all have good points and bad points. I still would rather have a diesel. I am not to keen on all new emissions and automation of backing etc..

[richfaa]

I have got to see automatic backing of a truck and 5th wheel.

[Pat2002]

Originally Posted by richfaa

I have got to see automatic backing of a truck and 5th wheel.

Me too.