Where to begin!!!

[endurokIng]

Hey y'all,

New to Expedition Portal, but I spend a lot of time in the backcountry, and usually spends summers traveling around the west. I'm based in Steamboat Springs Colorado where temperatures drop really low in the winter so i'm having a really difficult time deciding whether to go diesel or gas. Originally I was thinking diesel (Dodge or Chevy) due to MPG's as well as the possibility to convert to b100 down the road.

As I continued to talk to people, it seems as if diesel (even a eco diesel) will cost me more in the long run. Ideally i'm looking for a rig that gets 16+ mpg but also can tow 5000lbs comfortably up the big mtn passes around home. I did look into the Colorado diesels (Tacoma's as well) but I feel like I will stress the motor/tranny to much when towing even 3,000lbs and get horrible gas mileage.

As for my expedition setup, i'm going to convert a cargo trailer into a home and keep the truck bed empty for my KTM and Snowmobiles.

Any help would be appreciated!

Cheers,

Matt

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Ram EcoDiesel might be an option.

 

[grandpa]

I have the GMC Canyon with the 2.8 turbo diesel. I have easily towed a 3500 lb trailer through the mountains of NC and I averaged 21-24 mpg. I regularly get 30+ mpg on the highway without a trailer. I would say a full size diesel would be better for a 5000 lbs trailer in the Rockies.

 

[Highlander]

If you have time wait for a new F-150 diesel or Chevy 1500 diesel.
They should come out somewhere next year.

-----

I am very surprised that people, in our community, have started thinking about fuel consumption. It was not the case even 5 years ago.
I guess increasing coast of gas makes its impact on our decisions.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Cargo trailers are HEAVY even BEFORE you start adding living stuff inside. I'd go with a 3/4 ton for sure. What's your budget?
.
Based solely on personal experience I would favor GM products but I have to admit I've never done research on big diesel trucks. I have noticed that on the used market, Ford diesel F250/350 run quite a bit cheaper than an equivalent year/mileage GM product. Nice thing about Ford is it gives you the solid front axle which is easier to lift. Beyond that I'll defer to those who know more.
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If the trailer is for year-round living you'll have to make sure you figure a way to keep your water lines from freezing. That's another thing that will add weight.
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EDITED TO ADD: 16MPG while pulling a heavy trailer seems unrealistic. Maybe 16 while NOT pulling a trailer and 9 - 10 while towing. My gasser (5.3) Suburban pulling a 2,000lb travel trailer (T@B) gets 9 - 13 MPG while towing depending on the road.

 

[Dalko43]

As I continued to talk to people, it seems as if diesel (even a eco diesel) will cost me more in the long run. Ideally i'm looking for a rig that gets 16+ mpg but also can tow 5000lbs comfortably up the big mtn passes around home. I did look into the Colorado diesels (Tacoma's as well) but I feel like I will stress the motor/tranny to much when towing even 3,000lbs and get horrible gas mileage.

Towing 5k lbs, getting +16mpg, carrying snowmobiles, going up mountain passes, I would look a the Colorado duramax or Ram Ecodiesel. A Tacoma or gasoline Colorado can can probably do all that you're asking of it, but either one will have to work harder and consume more fuel. You might also consider holding out for the upcoming Ford Ranger, which is rumored to have a diesel option as well.

Go check out the threads in the domestic vehicle section; there are reviews by owners of both the 2.8l duramax and the 3.0l v6 ecodiesel. Cost of ownership/maintenance isn't that much more compared to a gasoline engine, especially if you do most of your own maintenance.

 

[endurokIng]

Really appreciate the input. I could hold off for another year, however I was originally planning to buy something this winter due to my planned trip to Wyoming, Montana, and Canada however we may just end up taking the Ford Exploder with the snowmobile on the 4x8 trailer.

I really do like the new Colorado diesels, especially after seeing the AEV build they did on the ZR2 (what a rig). However, that's a bit above my price range. I was hoping to stay around 30k, but I don't mind spending more if its going to benefit in the long run.

Does anyone know about running b100 in the Ecodiesels? From the research i've done, it seems as if the 5.9L cummins in the 2006 body is the best for running b100 without many mods. However, I would rather get into something a bit newer because you just never know what your getting into with a diesel. I was also thinking about the gas power wagons, but they seem like straight gas chuggers. Also found a nice Silverado hybrid with 30k only asking 22,500

 

[endurokIng]

Budget is around 32k. I have found some nice Powerstrokes but I've also heard some longevity issues especially if im out in the backcountry. I would just be using the cargo trailer in the spring/summer, winters would be rough out west!

In regards to the MPG, my load would be roughly 4,000 lbs, thats why i figured a deleted diesel would be best for climbing mountains and keeping a mid 15's MPG average.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Towing 5k lbs, getting +16mpg, carrying snowmobiles, going up mountain passes, I would look a the Colorado duramax or Ram Ecodiesel. A Tacoma or gasoline Colorado can can probably do all that you're asking of it, but either one will have to work harder and consume more fuel. You might also consider holding out for the upcoming Ford Ranger, which is rumored to have a diesel option as well.

Go check out the threads in the domestic vehicle section; there are reviews by owners of both the 2.8l duramax and the 3.0l v6 ecodiesel. Cost of ownership/maintenance isn't that much more compared to a gasoline engine, especially if you do most of your own maintenance.

Funny how trucks have become so similar that we are now comparing a 1/4 ton to a 1/2 ton, but after seeing several of the new 4-door Colorado's lately they are definitely within a few inches of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4-door, pretty crazy. As a GM guy I have always seen the Ram as a cheap shell built around a good engine, but they have been improving their interiors quite a bit to the point I may look at a used EcoDiesel next year.

 

[Buliwyf]

I'll also recommend a 2500/250 or 3500/350 truck. Makes towing pure cake. 5000 will be a joke to such a truck. And you can skip the diesel with trucks that large unless you want massive tires.

I think round trip Gainesville Fl to Ashland OH was only $360 bucks or something. I can set my Delorme to do the math again if you'd like, I set it to 13mpg, $2.50 per gallon to get those #'s. Fuel mileage is no big deal, a diesel might have saved me $100, not really enough to cover the extra cost, and risk of expensive repairs. I never save money with diesels. If you don't need the diesel, don't get one. Colorado's or Dodge 1500's are a different story though.

All of our SRW trucks in our fleet are gasoline for exactly those reasons. Only the F450, F550 and GM equivalents are diesels. Those trucks are so heavy that we had no choice but to go diesel.

 

[Buliwyf]

Budget is around 32k. I have found some nice Powerstrokes but I've also heard some longevity issues especially if im out in the backcountry. I would just be using the cargo trailer in the spring/summer, winters would be rough out west!

In regards to the MPG, my load would be roughly 4,000 lbs, thats why i figured a deleted diesel would be best for climbing mountains and keeping a mid 15's MPG average.

I'm considering trading in my truck for a 2017 F250 XL, shortbed, crewcab, E locking rear diff gas 6.2L, 4wd, brand new, for $39,000. I had no idea that the 2018 trucks coming out would knock the price of identical 2017's down that far. If I can get out the door for $31,000, then it's a done deal.

 

[snowaddict91]

I'll also recommend a 3/4 or 1 ton. Towing in the mountains at elevation is hard on your drivetrain and brakes. The peace of mind of having overkill on your tow rig is worth it IMO. Diesel is nice if you are towing a lot but they are more expensive to own and I personally don't want the potential repair bills of a modern diesel.

Dealing with a diesel in CO winters isn't always a treat either, speaking from experience.

 

[Dalko43]

Really appreciate the input. I could hold off for another year, however I was originally planning to buy something this winter due to my planned trip to Wyoming, Montana, and Canada however we may just end up taking the Ford Exploder with the snowmobile on the 4x8 trailer.

I really do like the new Colorado diesels, especially after seeing the AEV build they did on the ZR2 (what a rig). However, that's a bit above my price range. I was hoping to stay around 30k, but I don't mind spending more if its going to benefit in the long run.

Does anyone know about running b100 in the Ecodiesels? From the research i've done, it seems as if the 5.9L cummins in the 2006 body is the best for running b100 without many mods. However, I would rather get into something a bit newer because you just never know what your getting into with a diesel. I was also thinking about the gas power wagons, but they seem like straight gas chuggers. Also found a nice Silverado hybrid with 30k only asking 22,500

I don't think the b-100 bio diesel trend is really catching on. From what I understand, it's not particularly cost-effective to produce on a widespread level nor is it all that much more eco-friendly. I think the older pre-emissions diesel enignes (like the 5.9l cummins) will be better for using pure bio diesel (like b-100), but honestly there are newer options which offer better fuel economy and performance overall.

For a $30k budget, your best bet for a diesel is a moderately used Ram 1500 ecodiesel. You could look for a base trim Colorado diesel, but the ZR2's are still relatively new and expensive. With that budget, you could also look at 2005-2007.5 Ram 2500 5.9l cummins; the engines might be in decent shape, but the truck surrounding the engines don't age that well IMHO. The newer Ram trucks (both 1500 and 2500/3500) are much better built, again IMHO.

Funny how trucks have become so similar that we are now comparing a 1/4 ton to a 1/2 ton, but after seeing several of the new 4-door Colorado's lately they are definitely within a few inches of the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4-door, pretty crazy. As a GM guy I have always seen the Ram as a cheap shell built around a good engine, but they have been improving their interiors quite a bit to the point I may look at a used EcoDiesel next year.

I wasn't even focused on the size of the trucks; rather, I was just noting that the 2.8l duramax (really a VM Motori engine) and the 3.0l ecodiesel (also a VM Motori engine) are the only two diesel truck options available, short of getting into a 3/4 ton. Either one should be more than adequate for the OP's purposes. I think getting a 3/4 ton (gasser or diesel) will be an overkill and overly expensive for the OP's purposes.

 

[endurokIng]

Decision Made...I hope

Looks like the Ram ecodiesel is where i'm headed...check this one I found on ebay. Already planning its bumpers and suspensions to get her trail ready. Anyone know what to look for in these newer ecodiesels? Cheers!

Won't let me post a link but its a 2015 Ram ecodiesel tradesman with 26k and their asking 34k. Going to shoot them down a little bit but i think thats a fair price to begin with.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Looks like the Ram ecodiesel is where i'm headed...check this one I found on ebay. Already planning its bumpers and suspensions to get her trail ready. Anyone know what to look for in these newer ecodiesels? Cheers!

Won't let me post a link but its a 2015 Ram ecodiesel tradesman with 26k and their asking 34k. Going to shoot them down a little bit but i think thats a fair price to begin with.

So much info your brain will bleed https://www.ecodieselram.com/forum/