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ppetracca
Navigator

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USA
163 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/22/2003 : 17:57:51

Well, the plunge was made.

I traded my 2002 1/2 ton Dodge Quad Cab for a new tow, I mean "work", truck.

New vehicle: 2003 3/4 ton Dodge Quad Cab...4X4, 5.7 Hemi Magnum...tow capacity, 8,580 lbs. That should get my boat, I mean, equipment around nicely.

Against just about everyone's opinion, I opted out of the diesel...I do too much running around the city (my 2002 had 56,000 miles in a year and a half).

Thanks to everyone for their offerings of advice and things to consider when selecting the new truck.

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2003 : 23:14:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I opted out of the diesel...I do too much running around the city (my 2002 had 56,000 miles in a year and a half).
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Just curious what does driving 56,000 city miles in a year and a half have to do with not getting a diesel?

My 2001 F250 diesel had 31,000 miles when I traded it in on a 2003 F350 and most of my driving is around town. I wouldn't give up my diesel for any gas engine.

Edited by - on

ppetracca
Navigator

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USA
163 Posts

Response Posted - 11/23/2003 : 08:45:20

The dealership advised against the diesel. According to them, the constant starting and shutting off and stop & go traffic I do would not be good for a diesel. I asked around and even went to Chevy for an opinion. The all seemed to concur.

I am a little suspect, though. One of my company vehicles is an older (1984) Chevy 4 ton box van and it is a diesel. My guys drive it all over and the city all day long and it seems to run the best.

Another reason for not getting the diesel. I routinely leave the house at the wee hours of the morning. I know my wife and neighbors would not appreciate hearing me fire that thing up every day! Anyway, the gas engine provides my needs, so we'll see if I am still happy in a couple of years.

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Randall
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123 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 20:00:38

Cool choice, Patrick,
I LOVE my '99 quad-cab Dodge 4 X 4 (even at 11.7 mpg), but the 360 mill struggles when towing my Cat 25 through hills. I'll stick with gassers too, I don't care for the clatter, smoke and stink of diesels.
Now 'fess up-- what kind of gas mileage does that hemi really get?

Randall

Edited by - on

ppetracca
Navigator

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USA
163 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2003 : 20:59:28

Randall,

Too soon to tell. I was getting around 17 with my 4.7 V8 two wheel drive 1/2 ton (in town). I got about 9 when I towed the boat back to NM from Texas.

Will have to update you on the Hemi's mileage in a month or so...I routinely tow work equipment that is a little lighter than my boat, but should give me an estimate.

I am sure DODGE expects it to be less in the fact they've equipped all the heavy duty trucks with 34 gallon tanks! My 1/2 ton had a 22 gallon capacity.

We are taking it out of town this weekend for Turkey Day and quail hunting down south, so I'll give you some numbers on Monday how it did without a trailer on it.

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 00:38:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ppetracca
 the constant starting and shutting off and stop & go traffic I do would not be good for a diesel. I asked around and even went to Chevy for an opinion. The all seemed to concur.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The dealer may have a valid point. It is generally a common opinion among mechanics and engine designers that a diesel engine receives around 95% of all wear and tear on the internal moving parts during the first 3 to 5 minutes of running after a cold start, until the oil is circulated everywhere inside and all the parts reach normal operating temperature. On long road trips, I have often overnighted in roadside rest stops and truck stops, and noticed that many drivers of 18-wheelers leave the engines running all night, even though this must burn at least a few dollars worth of fuel. I have asked about this and the reason usually given is that the driver doesn't have to worry about the engine somehow failing to start the next morning, leaving him stranded and needing a tow. In cold weather, it's to keep the sleeper cab warm overnight. For myself, I usually leave the engine run unless my stop is more than 15 minutes. A small diesel like the 360 cubic inch Cummins in my truck is only going to burn a teaspoon worth of fuel in 15 minutes at idle, not enough to fret over.

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ppetracca
Navigator

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USA
163 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2003 : 08:20:37

All I can say is the dealership steered me away from the diesel for my needs and when you pay $35,000.00+ for a truck you have to heed the advice of the people in the business.

I'd have to believe your correct Larry. Even when the weather is warm I see the truckers leaving there rigs running when they stop over for short periods.

Edited by - on

77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2003 : 16:06:05

i too love diesel, but mine is a 1980 mercedes, i don't think i can tow suitcases in that. but i save $$$ on filling the tank.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.