Gas vs Diesel costs

[TexAirS]

I keep reading on several threads about how much more it costs to operate a diesel than a gasser of the same make. Just putting some easy numbers together, I tend to get a different answer.

On Gasbuddy this evening, the biggest difference found locally was diesel being 48 cents higher than regular. That's $2.79 for diesel and $2.31 for regular. And gassers post of getting 10 mpg and my diesel gets 15 mpg towing a 30' Classic. Or $.186 per mile for diesel and $.231 for gas. Or $.045 saving per mile for diesel. In 60k miles, that's $2,700. And this is the worst case scenario.

DEF is $12 for 2,000 miles or .006.
extra oil change cost $40 for 5000 or .008
fuel filter is $60 for 30,000 or .002
extra battery is $120 for 40,000 miles or .003

So, .006+.005+.002+.003 = .019 or 2 cents.

Diesel still ahead by $.025 per mile.

What am I missing?

John

[wulfraat]

Just, um.... read this thread:

Gas verses Diesel Tow Vehicle
http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176902

It will bring a ton of clarity to your question!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I'm by far, NOT a Diesel fan. I don't like them. I don't like the rattling noise. I don't like the smelly exhaust. [And yes, even the new ones stink] I don't like the oily fuel nozzles. I don't like the heavy front ends on Diesel pick ups. I don't like the extra maintenance. I don't like having to find a GAS station that sells Diesel fuel. Etc. etc. etc.

But for a 30' Airstream with a slide out, you need or should have a Diesel pick-up.

You need the right tool for the job and that doesn't mean counting pennies.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by TexAirS

I keep reading on several threads about how much more it costs to operate a diesel than a gasser of the same make. Just putting some easy numbers together, I tend to get a different answer.

On Gasbuddy this evening, the biggest difference found locally was diesel being 48 cents higher than regular. That's $2.79 for diesel and $2.31 for regular. And gassers post of getting 10 mpg and my diesel gets 15 mpg towing a 30' Classic. Or $.186 per mile for diesel and $.231 for gas. Or $.045 saving per mile for diesel. In 60k miles, that's $2,700. And this is the worst case scenario.

DEF is $12 for 2,000 miles or .006.
extra oil change cost $40 for 5000 or .008
fuel filter is $60 for 30,000 or .002
extra battery is $120 for 40,000 miles or .003

So, .006+.005+.002+.003 = .019 or 2 cents.

Diesel still ahead by $.025 per mile.

What am I missing?

John

For a retiree that puts on 90,000 miles in 10 years and trades it, the diesel definitely comes out ahead. A 10 year old diesel truck with 90k miles will bring top dollar especially if you don’t let it rust.

[denton]

You are missing that the diesel generally has considerably higher upfront costs, and some higher long term maintenance costs.

[sbowman]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

Just, um.... read this thread:

Gas verses Diesel Tow Vehicle
http://www.airforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176902

It will bring a ton of clarity to your question!

It may be good to take a gun to knife fight thread referenced.

Best regards and safe travels

[John Geisen]

I've been using a 2003 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton Cummins diesel 2WD pulling a 28' International CCD for over 12 years and couldn't be happier. I am concerned about the long term future of diesel especially if you look at what is happening in Europe.

Looking at moving to a Class B+ (C) and have settled on those coaches on the Mercedes 3500 Sprinter chassis. Maybe one day I will be happy with a Class B and then can consider gas. -John

[helwigc]

I tow 30 foot classic without a slide and on a good day I can get 14 mpg. I log all of my fuel and average 12 mpg. I don't drive fast and drive to get the best mileage. When I drive in a heavy headwind or the exaust filter regenerates I really see the mileage go down. I have hard time believing anyone averages 15mpg fo a complete trip.
All that said I will still drive a diesel truck for the performance it gives.

[HoverLover]

We bought a 2014 MB ML350 Bluetec to tow our 2010 25' Flying Cloud. We average 17mpg in rolling hills and almost 20mpg in Florida. I don't understand all the opinions about higher maintenance costs for diesels.
The Mercedes is rated to tow up to 7500lbs and with the load distribution/anti sway hitch we enjoy a stress free travel experience at 67mph.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by denton

You are missing that the diesel generally has considerably higher upfront costs, and some higher long term maintenance costs.

Not "missing" that fact; accepting it for the benefit and piece of mind while towing a larger AS...that's all!

[pappy19]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I'm by far, NOT a Diesel fan. I don't like them. I don't like the rattling noise. I don't like the smelly exhaust. [And yes, even the new ones stink] I don't like the oily fuel nozzles. I don't like the heavy front ends on Diesel pick ups. I don't like the extra maintenance. I don't like having to find a GAS station that sells Diesel fuel. Etc. etc. etc.

But for a 30' Airstream with a slide out, you need or should have a Diesel pick-up.

You need the right tool for the job and that doesn't mean counting pennies.

I have a 30' Classic with a slide, and I tow with a 2008 F250 with a V10, 4.11 gears, 5 speed auto, 4X4. Been towing our AS since 2010 with no issues at all. I added a Mike's 5 Star programmer that really woke up that V10. I out pull many stock diesels and average 9.6 mpg when towing. I did add the TranferFlo tank replacement and gives me 47 gallons. I've been down the diesel route a few times, but love my V10. For me, it's the perfect tow vehicle. 178k and still running great.

[accordionman]

I too get between 12 -13.5 mpg with my F 250 Diesel, pulling my 30' classic....and I live in Flat, Flat, Florida. I do notice that there are days when I get over 13 and then some days it hugs the 12 number. I like the Diesel for pulling my AS as it doesn't realize that it is pulling anything.

[WestieHouse]

We have towed our 23 FB FC for over 40,000 miles across the continent twice and all the major passes between Seattle, Newfoundland, Florida and Southern California. Our tow vehicle has been a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit with a 3.0 l Ecodiesel. Our overall average mileage was 16.2 on a 14,000 mile trip. We typically get 15-16 mpg towing (55-65 mph) and 28-32 mpg when not towing (65-75 mph).

Towing capacity is 7,200 lbs. payload is our biggest concern with the Jeep (1,050 lbs), but a properly equipped truck would eliminate that issue.

We use less DEF than your calculations (about 7.5 gal/10,000 miles @ $5.00/gal in WalMart, Home Depot and many places). I spend more time in 6 months checking air my pressure than I do changing DEF fluid. We have never had a problem finding diesel fuel in 43 states and over 103,000 miles to date). It helps that our range is between 360 - 700+ miles, depending on whether we are towing or not. Costco sells “top tier” diesel and that is our first choice.

Oil changes (usually about $140 at dealer), fuel filters (need to drain water from fuel), and maintenance (we have had no major maintenance yet other than diesel particulate filter under warranty, about $900) are more expensive than gas.

There is no smoke or smell from our Ecodiesel, nor from our two previous Jetta TDI diesels (but they did emit unlawful emissions per all the news about the recalls). The ride is barely more noisy and few people even know it is a diesel.

We have the original AGM battery and it recently tested good by two separate dealers (I wanted to be sure) after 4 years and 103,000 miles. I priced top quality replacement batteries and they were no different for the diesel (about $225 -250).

Advantages I see: (1) excellent torque for towing and mountains, (2) greater mpg and range, (3) engine longevity and resale. Downsides, (1) inital additional cost of $4,500, (2) oil changes cost more, (3) emission control systems are more complicated and potentially costly, (4) slightly louder (but quieter than my wife’s 5 liter Mustang GT).

That’s my 2 cents. I hope this adds to your fund of info to make the best decision for you. Overall, I agree with what some others have said above about cost not being the primary concern, especially given the benefits are unique to each person’s expectations, long term plans, and personal values. My next tv likely will be a Ford 150 Ecoboost based on what I learned on this Forum.

Have fun!

[rwsjms7]

Originally Posted by TexAirS

I keep reading on several threads about how much more it costs to operate a diesel than a gasser of the same make. Just putting some easy numbers together, I tend to get a different answer.

On Gasbuddy this evening, the biggest difference found locally was diesel being 48 cents higher than regular. That's $2.79 for diesel and $2.31 for regular. And gassers post of getting 10 mpg and my diesel gets 15 mpg towing a 30' Classic. Or $.186 per mile for diesel and $.231 for gas. Or $.045 saving per mile for diesel. In 60k miles, that's $2,700. And this is the worst case scenario.

DEF is $12 for 2,000 miles or .006.
extra oil change cost $40 for 5000 or .008
fuel filter is $60 for 30,000 or .002
extra battery is $120 for 40,000 miles or .003

So, .006+.005+.002+.003 = .019 or 2 cents.

Diesel still ahead by $.025 per mile.

What am I missing?

John

You haven't factored in the amortized value of the variance in cost for gas v. diesel vehicles and the potential of a major repair.

Notwithstanding the former, I just bought a 2018 F250 diesel for a ridiculous amount of money - second most expensive vehicle I ever bought!! I didn't buy it for the SAVINGS, I bought if for the power and engine breaking.

Getting up mountains out West in one thing, safely descending is another. I had an F150 which I loved and it probably would have been sufficient, but I didn't want to be pushing it - as you know, we all carry precious cargo.

I also know my F150 with the tow package had an engine braking function, but it is in no way equivalent to the diesel. So, yes the diesel is not as expensive as many people suggest, although if you factor in price of vehicle and any major repair (turbo failure) it may end up being more expensive. Also, I think your assumptions on gas mileage may be a bit skewed.

On the flip side, I'll have diesel owners say that diesel has better resale value - and it is true they do; but you don't recoup the cost of the initial outlay and you need someone who really wants a diesel.

Just my random thoughts. Be well.

[r carl]

Originally Posted by TexAirS

I keep reading on several threads about how much more it costs to operate a diesel than a gasser of the same make. Just putting some easy numbers together, I tend to get a different answer.

On Gasbuddy this evening, the biggest difference found locally was diesel being 48 cents higher than regular. That's $2.79 for diesel and $2.31 for regular. And gassers post of getting 10 mpg and my diesel gets 15 mpg towing a 30' Classic. Or $.186 per mile for diesel and $.231 for gas. Or $.045 saving per mile for diesel. In 60k miles, that's $2,700. And this is the worst case scenario.

DEF is $12 for 2,000 miles or .006.
extra oil change cost $40 for 5000 or .008
fuel filter is $60 for 30,000 or .002
extra battery is $120 for 40,000 miles or .003

So, .006+.005+.002+.003 = .019 or 2 cents.

Diesel still ahead by $.025 per mile.

What am I missing?

John

The cost difference of buying a diesel vs gas truck.
Diesel pickups wear tires way faster.

[polarlyse]

I have a '15 Ford F-350 diesel, srw, short bed 4 door pickup. I am approaching 60k miles with almost all of it being towing my 30' Classic Excella Airstream. I have the original tires, Michelin MX2 x 20". I have maintained the air pressure at max ( 80#) and rotate them religiously. These have worn the best of any truck/tire combination I've ever had and see another 5k to be realistic.

So I cannot accept the premise that a diesel truck wears tires more than a gas model.

[KWN306]

Originally Posted by r carl

The cost difference of buying a diesel vs gas truck.
Diesel pickups wear tires way faster.

Yup, what he said. You need to add the $9K for the price of the diesel over the price of a gas truck.

[AnnieStrange]

Try Hwy. 3 from Clarkston, WA to Joseph, OR in August at 105F without Diesel torque or an exhaust brake.

Nothing like a solid tow vehicle.

The exhaust brake is unmatched in this discussion.

[albret]

I have a Dodge 2500 diesel and pull a 27 International. I can get about 18 - 19 miles per gallon when I tow the trailer; and about 22-24 mpg when I don't tow. The diesel takes 12 quarts per oil change and the filter is about $21. Change the oil yourself and it costs about $38. FORD diesel takes 15 quarts of oil per change.

When I had a gasoline engine, I would average about 10 -12 MPG even with a small trailer. I believe a V10 even burns more fuel?

[albret]

I fully agree that gas vs diesel vehicles makes no difference in the tire wear. I have never seen a difference and I have owned both gas and diesel vehicles. Buy good tires and keep them serviced.