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Old 11-09-2005, 01:24 PM   #1
Montana_2020
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V-10 vs Diesel

Anybody using a V-10 to tow and what is your experience re. MPG.
We have a diesel and are thinking of trading for a V-10. Your comments please.
 
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Old 11-09-2005, 03:51 PM   #2
gitrdun
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Are you okay?
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Old 11-09-2005, 05:15 PM   #3
dsprik
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Richfaa has a V10. He should be along shortly and explain his take on V10 vs Diesel. He just talked aboout this on another thread.
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Old 11-10-2005, 12:39 AM   #4
jpbcny
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2001 Dodge Ram V-10 4X4
Towing Mountaineer 329RLS: 7 - 8 MPG
Driving around town: 9 - 10 MPG
Have never driven it on a trip without towing something, so I really don't know the highway MPG
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Old 11-10-2005, 01:29 AM   #5
richfaa
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These are two different motors.There is no meaningful comparison.The diesel performs well in some applications as does the gas motor.You need to do a needs assesment..What will you use the motor for, How will you use it what will you tow.
My criteria was as follows.Will I drive 25,000 miles or more a year...will I keep the truck 5 years or more, will we tow heavy loads up steep grades on a regular basis. Also will this truck be your TV as well as your everyday drive. I drive (busses) Cummings diesels with over 200,000 miles on them and Durmax with over 185,000 miles.

My trucks are TV's only , do @ 4 maybe 5K miles a year and will remain that way for the next 2 or three years.
The diesel is a better overall motor.Diesels also like to be used.Nothing worse for a diesel that to let it set.

The V-10 will pull any of the Montana's with ease.You will NOT get the fuel mileage, Diesels will out torque you on a 7 % grade.Diesel's will last years longer (but will the truck)So you get up the hill 30 seconds behind the diesel)

I drive the V-10 say 5K a year, pay less for fuel, get worse fuel mileage(anywhere from 2 to 5 MPG LESS towing) but spend less than the diesel guy who dives 15 or 20K per year. Unless you use this truck as your everyday drive and TV ( or at least 50/50)MPG is the worst reason to justify gas/diesel//Oh yes. Diesel is a HIGH maint motor..it will take care of you IF you take care of it.

One more reason for me is the new emission standards for Diesel and Diesel fuel due in 2007 models.(that will be in mid 2006)
The international web site is already alerting its fleet buyers to expect huge price increases in the 07 Diesel motors???

Anyhow..Do your homework..get the motor that best serves your needs not because of what someone else tells you. If our travel miles increase, IF the new standards keep the motor and fuel affordable we will no doubt get a diesel motor in 08.

I am NOT trying to make a case for Diesel or Gas. If you where to ask me 'which is the best overall motor" no qualifiers..My reply would be the Diesel.BUY WHAT SERVES YOU BEST....
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Old 11-10-2005, 01:36 AM   #6
Lstierw
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We have a F350 (7.3 Diesel). I get 15-16 empty and always about 10 pulling our Montana model 3670. Most of the people i have talked to that own a V10 are not real happy with the mileage they get. Not sure of the numbers but i would think that they would't get better than 6-7 pulling a big fifth wheel. I am sure that you will get alot more imput on this.
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by boblois

Anybody using a V-10 to tow and what is your experience re. MPG.
We have a diesel and are thinking of trading for a V-10. Your comments please.
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Old 11-10-2005, 01:54 AM   #7
jpbcny
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In my earlier reply to this topic, I should have added that I when I bought the V-10 new (5 years ago) I did so because I knew I would only be putting low yearly mileage on it (less than 30,000 total in 5 years). I basically only tow with it, or use it haul stuff in the bed, or use the 4 wheel drive on extra snowy days during our brutal winters (locally we get between 12 to 15 feet of snow annually). When I bought the truck, it would have cost me an additional $ 4000.00 for the diesel, over the V-10, I figured I could buy a lot of gas for that. My truck sometimes will sit for weeks, at a time without being used, I don't know if that would be good for a diesel in the cold weather. Although if I was to purchase a new truck now, it would be a diesel, as I plan to retire in the next 2 years, and want to do some winter traveling in the warm south!
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Old 11-10-2005, 07:37 AM   #8
azstar
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Boblois,

We've been Towing our Rig with the Dodge V-10 for 5 years now. We have put 76,000 mi on it. Mostly Towing our 335RLBS, with a 1000# Motorcycle in the bed of the Truck. Out TT weight is just over 10.000 lbs. and with the MC that puts us at 11,000 lbs. of load. We travel to NY, every summer from AZ. and Avg. 8.5 mpg.

The V-10 is a keeper for us. Very satisfied.

I use Mobil 1 in the Engine, Amsoil Syn. in the Differiental and Syn. blend in Trans. Runs smooth, cool and quiet.

The design limits on these big blocks, with modern machining and materials is 250,000 mi.

Click & Clack "The Car Guys" said if your using Syn. oils, the rest of the Truck will fall off the Engine before you have an engine failure.

Wish you well & Happy Camping
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Old 11-10-2005, 10:18 AM   #9
scrowba
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My 05 Ford V10 is treating me just as expected. With around 8500 miles on it, I got 8.5 mpg pulling the 3685. Empty I am getting 13 mpg. The gas mileage has increased as the miles come onto the engine. My use of the rig is to pull the 5th wheel and some dump runs. When we went to purchase it, the 5 grand difference in price of the diesel vs. the V10 would not be made up any time soon in the fuel costs. I would like to say I am going to keep the King Ranch forever, however, my track record is a new vehicle every 5 to 6 years.
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Old 11-10-2005, 11:13 AM   #10
richfaa
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by scrowba

My 05 Ford V10 is treating me just as expected. With around 8500 miles on it, I got 8.5 mpg pulling the 3685. Empty I am getting 13 mpg. The gas mileage has increased as the miles come onto the engine. My use of the rig is to pull the 5th wheel and some dump runs. When we went to purchase it, the 5 grand difference in price of the diesel vs. the V10 would not be made up any time soon in the fuel costs. I would like to say I am going to keep the King Ranch forever, however, my track record is a new vehicle every 5 to 6 years.
My 05 V-10 has 4256 miles on it and is doing in the 13 's empty.If it does 8.5 or so towing the 3670 i will be satisfied. I use the truck much the same as you..I also note the MPG is climing as the milage increases..When new it was doing 10MPG empty..now 13's..although we kept out last TV 10 years,,by design, before that we never had a truck more than 3 years and have never had a car more than 3 years.
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Old 11-10-2005, 02:05 PM   #11
palebluedot
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Best motor?? V10 diesel - sorry, I just couldn't help myself. LOL
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Old 11-11-2005, 06:19 AM   #12
Montana_4221
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Don't have knowledge of Dodge V-10 but at one time I towed a Cardinal TT with an Excursion with the Triton V-10. Very nice ride and I wish I sill had it. I traded for obvious reasons when we went to fith wheel. The truck I purchased had the 7.3 psd and I have been very happy with it. Don't think I would go back to a gas engine for towing.
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Old 11-11-2005, 10:53 AM   #13
sreigle
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by boblois

Anybody using a V-10 to tow and what is your experience re. MPG.
We have a diesel and are thinking of trading for a V-10. Your comments please.
Boblois, I used to tow this Montana with the Ford V10, 1999 F350, 3.73 axle. It did a truly excellent job of towing, although going up Vail pass towards the Eisenhower tunnel on I70 in Colorado the diesels were passing me.

Gas mileage was abysmal, however. We averaged 8.2 towing with lows around 5 to 6 and highs 9 to 10. That's towing a FW of 14,360 lbs. Solo, I got around 11-12 in town and 13-14 on the highway. Max. I really, really like the way this diesel tows that same Montana and how it gets 40% to 50% better mileage, both solo and towing. The V10 is an excellent engine but I don't think I'll ever go back from the diesel so long as I'm towing.

If the initial additional cost of a diesel is a problem, go with the V10. If that's not a problem but you're wondering if diesel is worth the premium cost up front, keep in mind if you take care of it you'll get that much or very close back at tradein time. Just check the used truck prices and that stands out.

Good luck. You have lots of good choices out there.
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