macmic
Roanoke, IL USA
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Joined: 05/31/2004
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Mac's reason for the diesel was to have a lot more towing power and better fuel mileage. He wanted the Excursion because we can seat eight and have room for the wheelchairs in the back. That way we can take grandchildren with us on outings. He also wanted a truck that would be able to get to the hospital during bad weather, even when the ambulance can't.
We had a 2000 7.3 PSD which I thought was a little loud for my taste. We replaced that with a 2003 6.0 PSD after the tornado.(It was hard to find one around these parts. We even had the owner of a very large dealership looking for us.) It had a bigger towing rating, better fuel mileage @ 15.4 average and way better pick-up. Passing gear screams. Of course Mac will tell you that I drive it like a race car but don't you believe it. In a race car I'd be going a lot faster that 70. Mac had a little stoplight race with a different manufacturer's deisel and he looked like he must of had problems or something. Definately eatin' dust.
Grandmas like speed too. The very reason I don't have a V-Rod. I have no desire to be scooped into a bag............ just yet.
Mic
Mac, Mic, Jessica, JT, Shonna & Jake (the dog)">">">">">
2003 HD Road Glide (we take turns)">">
2006 Ford E350 6.0 PSD
2004 Dutchman
">Life is good and we are BLESSED ">">
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hypoxia
Arizona
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Joined: 04/29/2003
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Turbocharging. Only a diesel will give you power at altitude due to turbocharging. If you live in flatland it doesn't matter.
Jim
2007 Monaco Signature Noble III ISX 600HP
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sack1
Kent, WA
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Joined: 08/16/2002
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PSD,
Your quip about not "getting it" sounds suspiciously like the Harley mantra of "If I had to explain it, you wouldn't.." Plays about the same for me.
Yes, yes, yes, we all know you love your diesel but isn't just possible that others love their gas rigs? Or that their gas rigs have all the power and then some that they require? Added to that maybe they don't feel the added $5k plus for diesel option is warranted in their towing needs? Or is that beyond comprehension?
Are we misguided?
'03 Chevy 2500HD 4x4, LT, Ext. cab, LB
8.1/Allison, 4.10
'03 32' 2955 Montana 5er
XM Radio/OnStar
Valley Hitch
Honda EU1000i
1984 VF700F Interceptor
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justJeff
Ocean Shores, Washington
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Joined: 09/05/2004
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Well said sack1. Of course it's possible for folks to love their gas rigs just like someone else loves their diesel. They both made good decisions, they plunked down their money on something that ended up meeting their needs and giving them an enjoyable experience.
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RVER
West of Boston, MA
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Joined: 10/29/2000
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I tow with a Duramax and it tows beautifully. I love it, it is quiter than the Ford or Dodge. I like the Allison tranny and its tow haul ability. The milage I get is 18 -21 on the highway without towing and 11.5 mph a 35 ft Sunnybrook fiver up and down the hills of Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts.
Best of luck with whatever you buy, the 3 big companies have their pros and cons each. Dodge is much less expensive for sure.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire Vortec engine 35ft
2002 Sunnybrook 34BWTS On site at campground as a seasonal
Chevy Silverado 2500HD with Duramax engine and Allison transmission
Pullrite Superglide Hitch, Prodigy brake controller
S and S Co-Travelers
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justJeff
Ocean Shores, Washington
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Joined: 09/05/2004
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It's great that so many gas and diesel owners are happy. I just dropped off our large excavator after pulling it with our dump truck. To pull really large loads the only choices are diesel powered. Why is that? Why is it that all of our heavy equipment is diesel powered? Why aren't there any good gas powered pieces of heavy equipment? As many gas fans will be quick to point out, the diesles in our pickups aren't the same as what are in heavy trucks or equipment, but they certainly have similarities.
There is a real lack of logic at times when folks choose to knock the diesel pickup. If you're happy with gas, that is fantastic, if it works well for you and you are satisfied, that is great.
There are valid reasons why heavy trucks and heavy construction equipment are diesel powered, and there are no gas alternatives though. I have an equipment trailer setting in our yard with a 450 setting on it. If anyone has a gas powered rig that they think can move it, bring it on over and we'll let you hook up to it. Or maybe there is a gas powered, heavy duty truck that I'm not aware of? Tell me of a gas powered excavator that I can replace our 120 with.
I applaud those that are happy with their gas trucks. Just please quit trying to use nonexistent logic to explain why a gas engine can outwork a diesel engine.
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bluenote
Michigan
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Joined: 10/15/2001
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Quote:Added to that maybe they don't feel the added $5k plus for diesel option is warranted in their towing needs? Or is that beyond comprehension?
Are we misguided?
Maybe not misguided, but just misinformed.
With the Power Package option in a Chevy pickup, the Duramax diesel costs $3,360 more than the vortec 8100 with all other options being equal. That's certainly a far cry from the $5K to $6K figures that are so often used in these discussions. This is an easily checked fact and so being beyond comprehension isn't a concern. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/awink.gif "awink")
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wadietz
Santa Ana, CA
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Joined: 02/06/2002
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I have on order a 2005 Ford F350 CC 6.0 L longbed truck. I opted for the diesel for the better towing. Right now my needs do not require a diesel, but we want a 35 foot fifth wheel that this truck can handle easily.
2005 Ford F350
2006 Tow-Buddy (AKA Hitch-Buddy)
2007 Bighorn 3670 RL
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BuckNaked
Richmond, B.C., Canada
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Joined: 09/27/2004
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I drive a gas rig.. 454 V8 and tows wonderfully. I would never knock a diesel though.. I get 2 kilometers per liter. Thats about 200-250 kilometers per tank. Gas is at about .85 cents average right now. Thats about 120-140 miles per tank I'd guess. (not too good with math) I would drive a diesel to get the mileage but I don't believe that the engine would like the daily 5 kilometer commute to work each day. Wouldn't ever warm up.
Every truck needs to fit the lifestyle of the owner.
2004 280BH Prowler TT.
1999 Chev 454 Crew Cab Dually 4x4
235/80/16 10 plys, Ride-Rites, Free Flow Duals,
Chipped, K&N Filtercharger and Air Box, 4:56 G80 Locker
Titan Class V....Serious About Pulling.
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white line fever
MN
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Joined: 07/17/2004
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Easy decision for me. I put 161,000 miles on my dodge cummins, trouble free, and it was still running good. Took me and a 5er to 49 states and all of Canada but 1 province. So I got a new cummins diesel. My brother has a hemi and I get about double the milage he gets. Why would I even consider gas.
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