Are diesels that difficult?

[docque]

I am looking at diesel vs gas. Why that when I read/watch info on diesels it seems they say to make sure you have an app to make sure you have stops on the way? Very rarely have I seen a stop that didn't have diesel. So, what is the issue?

Also, I am reading that you don't run straight diesel due to regulations. Again, if the additive is mandatory then why not have it in the fuel to begin with?

Still gathering info guys. Full time is not something we are going to just jump into.

[NB Canada]

Unless you need it why would you want it?

The trailer you have doesn’t require it

[docque]

Unless you need it why would you want it?

The trailer you have doesn’t require it

We are looking at 14k+ lbs for a fifth wheel, that is why. I know I could get away with a gasser but just getting info.

[Dennis1]

We are looking at 14k+ lbs for a fifth wheel, that is why. I know I could get away with a gasser but just getting info.

I completely agree, we have a gasser now and we went westward last year and with our f150 max tow we need a larger truck and since we’ll have to trade we’re going diesel ant getting if gods will a f250. Not because of towing ability the f150 did fine. The upgrade is because of cargo capacity. We’re over the limit on our current rig and our next trip we’re headed out and we’ll have another couple traveling with us even more need for additional cargo capacity.

[xrated]

I completely agree, we have a gasser now and we went westward last year and with our f150 max tow we need a larger truck and since we’ll have to trade we’re going diesel ant getting if gods will a f250. Not because of towing ability the f150 did fine. The upgrade is because of cargo capacity. We’re over the limit on our current rig and our next trip we’re headed out and we’ll have another couple traveling with us even more need for additional cargo capacity.

Don't get your hopes up for a big difference in cargo capacity with a 3/4T diesel truck. Many/most of them with a diesel engine will have cargo capacities in the low to maybe mid 2000 range. The diesel engine equipped 3/4T trucks lose a lot of their payload capacity that would normally be there if the same truck was a gas engine. The diesel equipped truck loses a good 600 to 800 lbs of payload capacity because of the weight of the motor/transmission.

Case in point. My 2011 F250 CrewCab, 4x4, diesel XLT (not even close to top of the line trim package) only had 2148 lbs of payload capacity. Nope, that's not a typo....2148 lbs of payload. Take the same truck with a gas motor in it and now you are at around 3000 lbs of payload

I'm certainly not down playing going with a diesel powered truck if it's needed, I have a F350 Dually diesel, but I also have the need for it with a 20,000 lb GVWR triple axle trailer. The truck has a listed payload number of 5270 lbs and between the loaded trailer's pin weight, the toolbox in the bed of the truck, and the 60 gallon aux. tank in the bed, I am getting very close to the GVWR of the truck....which is 14,000 lbs

[Canadiansteelman]

We are looking at 14k+ lbs for a fifth wheel, that is why. I know I could get away with a gasser but just getting info.

For a trailer this size you definitely should go for a diesel. Much better fuel economy but the main thing is torque. Modern Diesel engines in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks have twice as much torque (pulling power) compared to gas engines. This is very important when you come to hilly or mountainous terrain. You also get engine braking with the Diesel engine, something the gas engine doesn’t offer. Once you have had a late model Diesel engine in a tow vehicle, it would be very hard to go back to a gas engine. The newer diesels are very quiet and smooth, especially if equipped with a 10 speed automatic transmission.

[Hoopy Frood]

Both of the items you've mentioned are false, additives are not needed, nor is any app needed to find diesel. I've used a diesel tow vehicle for about 15 years and have never found a need for any app to find diesel, and never have used an additive unless I'm putting the truck up for a few months.

Different people do different things.

[docque]

Both of the items you've mentioned are false, additives are not needed, nor is any app needed to find diesel. I've used a diesel tow vehicle for about 15 years and have never found a need for any app to find diesel, and never have used an additive unless I'm putting the truck up for a few months.

Different people do different things.

So, all this DEF stuff I read and how it is mandatory is not a thing then?

[MotorJoe]

So, all this DEF stuff I read and how it is mandatory is not a thing then?

Oh DEF is definitely required. Your truck will go into "limp in" mode if you run out of it and run at about 20 mph till you get it filled.

[huntindog]

Oh DEF is definitely required. Your truck will go into "limp in" mode if you run out of it and run at about 20 mph till you get it filled.

I ran out once towing. I was limited to 50 MPH. From what I understand,the limitations progress getting more restrictive every so many miles until it is filled. Not a big deal. You wont be stranded unless you continue to ignore it.