It costs me around 60 bucks to get my diesel (Ford 7.3 liter) out the door of a Jiffylube after a normal oil change (no additional filters, other than the oil).
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Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
Navigator
You're right~!
There's no question but, "A diesel payback, in the beginning, costs more than gas.."
The choice of a diesel powered tow vehicle doesn't fall only on the question of fuel cost alone. Having said that, I think we can all agree that, ultimately, it's more a question of "personal choice" than anything else.
Having towed with a diesel powered Suburban now for thousand of miles, I can tell you one thing for certain.."It's no fun having to wipe off the black soot from the side of my Airstream~!"
That to me, is the only drawback experience I've had owning a diesel Suburban.
Here's a list of diesel sites that are a massive source of info:
I've heard the rumors before, but now I've started hearing them on this site...
'05 Burbs might include Duramax/Allison combos. What a sight that will be....besides a large wallet lightening event!
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Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 1991
So far, it's only been here that I've seen it talked about...but, what the hay...Alot of things pop up on here first~!~ One can only hope..I know I want one~!!~
We use a combination of diesel and gas trucks at our business, the local chevy dealer has been out for our business, unfortunately we use quite a few of the van chassis based maintenance trucks, the chevy dealer says he CANNOT get the Duramax in the van chassis only in the pickups at this time. He says he has no official word on when they will be available. Ford will put the 6.0 in anything that has a 250 rating or higher including the big E350 Crew Vans, talk about an awesome vehicle
What I would like to see is more diesels in the lighter trucks, like the Rangers and F-150 class. Unfortunately in the US we seem to think that bigger and faster is better. I realize that driving patterns in the US are totally different that those in Europe, specifically the longer distances involved as well as the lack of a comprehensive mass transit system. Plus the fact we enjoy some of the lowest fuel prices in the world.
Originally posted by wahoonc What I would like to see is more diesels in the lighter trucks, like the Rangers and F-150 class.
Aaron,
This was exactly what I was thinking this morning as I was making my 45 mile commute. Why is it that you can get a 3/4 ton truck or a golf with a diesel, but not much in between?
Unfortunately I think it is a hold over form the early 80's when there were lots of diesel cars and many of them (from US manufacturers) were junk. I for one would think a F150 or range or even an explorer with a small diesel would sell well based on the MPG gains that would be available. They keep getting better with the diesel technology so maybe in the future we will see it.
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Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey." -- Fitzhugh Mullan
Wise men talk because they have someting to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
In politics, absurdity is not a handicap— Napoleon
I have a GMC yukon xl 1500 5.3 and I tow a 2001 30ft. Originally I purchased the the yukon with a 3:73 and towed about 15,000 miles with it. I had to tow in 3td and the performace was marginal. Our trip through NM and AZ was tough on the vehicle and slow on the high passes.
When we returned, I transferred the ring and pinion to a 4:10. The vehicle is only 2wd. I can now tow in drive. The vehicle like performs much better and the engine just doesn't seem to work as hard. I'll never get a gasser again to tow without the 4:10.
Towing mileage is about the same as everyone else gets. We get between 12 and 13 highway depending on the terrain and the speed. I have always towed and about 62mph. Either the 5.3 or the 6.0 will do fine for you. Get the 4:10 in either and you'll never regret it.
Mark Wegman
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-Life is a journey, not a destination.
Aerosmith
Oh Eric! Don't tell me you haven't had to make up to a close friend? Baubles might get one past lots of stammering and y'knows. Tom & Ray had a person call in the last week or so -- it turns out there is a regional difference in the country on where they are called jewels or jewelry.
I don't think shiny Airstreams count, except just at the start...
Originally posted by Navigator After the 60K miles, you still have the incremental value of a diesel over a gas, + the baubel factor.
Dick
Dick,
FWIW I am somewhat unusual that I have a tendancy to keep my vehicles plus I am a high mileage driver, a typical year is usually over 65k miles. Typically this is 50k or so on a company truck, then another 15k on the personal. My last personal truck was a 94 Ford Ranger 4cyl, 5 sp. I drove that truck over 150k before I sold it. Before that was a 82 Honda Civic wagon, I paid $150 for it, swapped a low mileage salvage yard engine into it and drove it for over 150k, sold it to a guy in 98 and he is still driving it, and it has over 350k on it at this point. I would love to have a lighter duty pickup with a turbo diesel in it. I have even considered the possibility of trying a VW to ? swap, but it is a little more complicated than I want to try at this point. But you never know
AAron,
Seems as if we have a similar bent. I buy a 2 year old car, and if I cant get 200K out of it, I feel cheated.
Had a rabbit diesel once (320K before giving it to my son who immediately wrecked it) The engine was fine but EVERYTHING else went bad constantly. Just bought a 90 Suburban w/ a big block 456 & 4:11 rear w/ 160K and I absolutely love it!! Only use it for towing, and once a week warm up.
If you can find a good used diesel; go for it!
Dick
We used a Tahoe with the 5.3 and 3.73 last year. Got over 15 mpg on flat land and it pulled our rig fine. Went to southeastern Ohio last summer and got into some hills where it was lower speeds and the truck really had to work. I'd recommend the 4.10 or opting for the 6.0. We got a new 'Burb with the 5.3/3.73 combo (good lease deal at the time). Depending on how it does, we'll probably opt for a bigger drivetrain on the next go-round.
I use a 97 1/2 ton Suburban with 5.7 Vortec, and 3:73 gears to to w my Tradewind. It does very well, in my opinion. But as we all know, Los Angels has thick air, so towing in Denver would be a whole different story.
I had a 2003 5.3 Suburban as a loaner for a week, and to me it felt nervous and anxious, would shift a lot and revv more before shifting. I much prefer the 5.7l in the older Suburban.
Given the choice, I would opt for the 6.0 with 4:10 gears, and teh factory tow package.
My mileage with the '97:
14-15 mpg in town
17-19mpg open road
12.5 towing
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