Diesel for overlanding- are you happy with the choice?
- Thread starter GreggNY
- Start date
luthj
Engineer In Residence
Most Fleet operators are trading in or selling vehicles before they hit 100-150,000 miles. If anyone's buying a truck expecting keep it longer than that, take note that many diesels particularly those with DPF /SCR systems encounter costly repairs approaching that mileage.
The cost of Ownership in that article takes into account resale. due to inflation you're actually losing money in the unless you get significantly more than the initial increase for the diesel engine at resale.
With 7 Speed transmissions in many new vehicles there is little argument for the torque boost. Besides high levels of torque mean heavier transmissions and driveline.
Note that they're not counting the cost of repairs especially at high mileage. For example price out a set of injectors or new DPF.
I just don't see any significant benefit based on this analysis.
The cost of Ownership in that article takes into account resale. due to inflation you're actually losing money in the unless you get significantly more than the initial increase for the diesel engine at resale.
With 7 Speed transmissions in many new vehicles there is little argument for the torque boost. Besides high levels of torque mean heavier transmissions and driveline.
Note that they're not counting the cost of repairs especially at high mileage. For example price out a set of injectors or new DPF.
I just don't see any significant benefit based on this analysis.
Highlander
The Strong, Silent Type
Is it true that before driving to Mexico one needs to install a special kit for fuel filtering in the diesel truck, especially the 2005+ ones?
P.S. always wanted to have a diesel truck and visit Baja California.
P.S. always wanted to have a diesel truck and visit Baja California.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
I can quite literally drop an entire long block in my 6.2 Ford cheaper than replacing a set of 6.7 PSD injectors
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
No doubt it will be an animal. But I'm holding out for MPG numbers.
I cannot imagine it getting anywhere near the fuel mileage the 6.2 does.
The 10-speed trans will help.... but there's no free lunch. Big torque means thirstier.
nickw
Adventurer
+1....HP is all you really need to focus on relative to capability and performance. Of course a diesel may work at a lower RPM, better MPG, smoother, less stressed and have better gear holding capability, but any Gas engine, HP for HP, will pull the same load and likely have better performance empty vs diesel.
luthj
Engineer In Residence
No, in fact much of Mexico is reportedly ulsd. I would suggest some models get a higher capacity water separator, but most trucks are already fine.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
No doubt it will be a good motor. None at all.
Good points about the heavier applications.
My points were certainly for the "lighter" applications,
as in the vast majority of the RV truck camper scene, as well as much of the domestic Expo scene.
I can see the 7.3 taking hold in the MDT sector, as well as big motorhomes, buses, etc.
It very well will be the "new" big block 460 of old.
As such, the 6.2 will pretty much be the new 351W.
You know, the motor that us old farts that are never in a big rush love.
But time will tell. Definitely an exciting time for Ford
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luthj
Engineer In Residence
Def is Still hard to find, however Pemex has made the switch over and much of Mexico now has low sulfur diesel. The switchover was a bit rocky.
luthj
Engineer In Residence
According to pemex the switchover is complete. Folks have brought back fuel samples ranging from five to 500 miles from the USA border and confirm that they are ulsd.
www.pemex.com
Pemex Diésel
www.pemex.com
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Ghetto Fab.
Member
Where are you getting the numbers for the Ram trucks? I know most are claiming 10-12mpg for the 6.4 around town, and I'm in the 16-18mpg range with the cummins. Yes, 4-5mpg difference, but definately not the same. Based on my old gasser chevy 6.0 truck, the difference increases with load or distance on the highway.
Kevin
Buliwyf
Viking with a Hammer
4 mpg won't pay for a metering valve replacement, when the dealers moron technician skips that $250 part, and replaces the whole fuel system after denying warranty coverage because his safety glasses fogged up. It's nice though, up until that point.
Wake me up when dealers start training their master techs diesel technology.
My local dealer needs me to schedule a week in advance, to get the truck on a rack, so that he can determine that a hole in my midpipe, is actually a hole in my midpipe. Then he can order parts that'll take two weeks to get in, then waste another day of my time actually putting in the mid pipe. Can't just eyeball the obvious hole, and order parts so that they're in stock for my appointment.
If they can't do simple exhaust maintenance in a timely fashion, forget about accurate diesel engine diagnosis.
Wake me up when dealers start training their master techs diesel technology.
My local dealer needs me to schedule a week in advance, to get the truck on a rack, so that he can determine that a hole in my midpipe, is actually a hole in my midpipe. Then he can order parts that'll take two weeks to get in, then waste another day of my time actually putting in the mid pipe. Can't just eyeball the obvious hole, and order parts so that they're in stock for my appointment.
If they can't do simple exhaust maintenance in a timely fashion, forget about accurate diesel engine diagnosis.
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dieselgeek
New member
To the OP, not sure where in NY you are but if you are in CNY and want to drive a lifted Ram you are welcome to come check out my AEV Prospector.
GreggNY
Well-known member
Sent you a message!
Wallygator
Adventurer
There is also quite the difference at the pump. I remember when diesel was cheaper than gas but those days are long gone. Considering it's cheaper to produce diesel than gas, this shows you how much we are getting screwed by big oil taking very healthy profits. As a result it's gas from here on out for me.