Are diesels that difficult?

[johndeerefarmer]

Well, if I have to buy fuel and DEF, that to me is an additive. I guess I need to do more research.

DEF is not an additive and don't put it in the diesel tank. All new diesel trucks require it so you have no choice.
If you get diesel with bio in it your don't really need a fuel additive unless you want a cetane boost which can help fuel economy

As far as using an app to find diesel. Apps can be useful to find truck stops and other stations that have trucker lanes so you can get your long trailer to the pump. Apps are also useful for saving fuel like the Open Road fuel card
https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/
If you have to go to a truck stop and pay more you are just as well to get a discount..

[Rob+Kath]

I am looking at diesel vs gas.

There is a lot of good information in this thread.

The gas vs diesel is really a preference choice we all make when buying a truck. I have a diesel because I feel the towing is superior with a 14K+ trailer. Some things to note:

• There are no problems finding fuel. I like the truck stops due to the easy in and out. The trailer size is much more of a restriction than the fuel type. Truckers, farmers, municipal and construction vehicles all use a lot of diesel fuel. It is readily available (assuming no outside influences).
• DEF is an emissions control item. My wife will throw up at the smell of diesel exhaust, although it does not bother me much. Using DEF, my truck has no smell. Really,… nothing. No smoke, no smell. I understand this is another system that might fail, but it also makes the towing possible. If it had any smell, I would be travelling alone.
• I use Optilube additives for several reasons. That’s a complete science into itself, but I live behind the Cheddar Curtain in Wisconsin. We get a bit chilly in the winter,.. even colder than the station fuel is formulated for. A winter anti-gel is a must. I have also noticed the truck is substantially quieter (diesel rattle and noise) when using the Optilube all year. My preference, not required.

The diesel vehicle will cost a bit more and requires a bit more maintenance. I like the power advantages and its durability. This was the first vehicle I purchased with the thought of keeping it for more than 3 or 4 years.
Rob

[JanisM1956]

DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) is not an option in newer diesel trucks. You are required by law to use it. If you run out, the computer will shut down the truck and you will operate at idle speeds until you refilled it. DEF is readily available at Walmart, Sam's Club, auto parts stores, or fuel stops. It costs $21 for a 2.5 gal jug. The DEF tank/fill tube is marked by a blue cap. Next time a big rig goes by look for the blue capped DEF tank. They have to use it also. When towing (10,000lbs) I go through 1 DEF tank (7 gals) to 4 tanks (33 gal) of fuel. When not towing a DEF tank lasts a long time.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Th We get a bit chilly in the winter,.. even colder than the station fuel is formulated for. A winter anti-gel is a must.

Not so sure about that. I haven't ever used antigel, but have started my truck in -40* temps. So how cold does it have to be to make antigel a necessity? must be colder than -40* I guess.

[SolarPoweredRV]

There is a lot of good information in this thread.


The diesel vehicle will cost a bit more and requires a bit more maintenance. I like the power advantages and its durability. This was the first vehicle I purchased with the thought of keeping it for more than 3 or 4 years.
Rob

I disagree that the Diesel will require more maintenance. Looking at my 2019 F350 Owner's manual, I was surprised at how little maintenance was actually required. Through my first 30k, I have had to change oil regularly, replace the Cabin Air Filter @ 20k, and replace the fuel filters @ 30k. Beyond that, it's been wipers and washer fluid. Tires are going to need to be replaced on every truck, so I did not count one new set of tires.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I disagree that the Diesel will require more maintenance.

I agree it doesn't take more maintenance.....but the maintenance bits and pieces will cost you more.

[JKellerJr]

Not so sure about that. I haven't ever used antigel, but have started my truck in -40* temps. So how cold does it have to be to make antigel a necessity? must be colder than -40* I guess.

Agreed. Never used it myself either. Can’t say I’ve had to start in -40 but well below zero.

[goducks14]

IDK about the same maintenance for a gasser vs diesel.
Gasser is just oil changes.
Diesel is 2 filters and oil change plus adding DEF throughout the year.
Plus add in $9000 to the price and diesels are more expensive in the long run.
Owning a diesel is not for the faint of heart. Lots more can go wrong and when it does it's $$$$$.
Don't get me wrong I'm on my 2nd in 10 years but I know what I'm getting into.
The OP should weigh all things carefully.

[huntindog]

IDK about the same maintenance for a gasser vs diesel.
Gasser is just oil changes.
Diesel is 2 filters and oil change plus adding DEF throughout the year.
Plus add in $9000 to the price and diesels are more expensive in the long run.
Owning a diesel is not for the faint of heart. Lots more can go wrong and when it does it's $$$$$.
Don't get me wrong I'm on my 2nd in 10 years but I know what I'm getting into.
The OP should weigh all things carefully.

I am on my third diesel since 2001. The resale value is there. I have tracked my cost over the years, and amazingly, it has stayed the same, a little over 4000.00 a year. Though the price of a new one has soared, so has the used ones. That 4K figure is just the net cost of purchase divided by years of ownership. I do not finance autos or RVs, so I do not have that expense.
I have not found maintainece to be more overall. It is more in some areas and cheaper in others. The price of fuel goes up and down vs. gas, but the 30% better milage is constant.
As is the grin everytime I climb hill when towing .

I think I have done more than OK.

[huntindog]

Agreed. Never used it myself either. Can’t say I’ve had to start in -40 but well below zero.

I have never used it or any additives. And I doubt we get winter diesel in AZ-NM where most of my travels have been. And we have been down to -12 a few times without issue. Actually never gave it any thought.