I’d guess my net environmental impact is just now lower than US average because, despite my fuel consumption when moving my home, it’s tiny, energy independent, and it doesn’t move far or frequently. I don’t really know. I just don’t want to be judged unfairly, particularly when seeking help trying to do it even better.
I want to downsize my truck for cost and fuel efficiency. I’ve had this truck, my first, for a year, 3.5k miles. I’ve towed the trailer a short thousand miles without incident and including city, highway, and interstate.
Current setup:
'19 Chevy 2500 6.0L 4WD
Hitch towing ~2.5 tons GVWR (14’, enclosed, tandem, brakes)
Getting 8mpg @ 70-75mph
Next truck budget is $10-20k. I’ll keep it probably until the frame rots. I’m planning on replacing shocks & wearable steering components, am not averse to some work.
Should I target a 1/2 ton gas (leaning Ford 5.0L 4WD), a different 3/4 ton gas (which and why), or a 3/4 ton diesel (leaning Dodge Cummins)?
The paper numbers say I should get a 1/2 ton gas. But, my more experienced friend thinks I’ll be a lot happier spending more for a diesel because diesel engines can last a long time, it’ll at least double my fuel efficiency, and it’s a little extra overkill for an easier tow.
I’m open to all informed perspectives. What’s my best plan and why?
Diesels are really nice and generally get better mpg than gas when towing, but their maintenance is more expensive and they are significantly more expensive to purchase in the first place. They take more oil, more tires, and nowadays require DEF that partially negates the fuel cost savings. Plus a lot of modern diesels seem to have consistent emissions equipment problems.
They’re amazing if you’re moving very heavy loads all the time or travel over mountain passes frequently, but at only 5000lb payload I think a large diesel is overkill in any other situation.
More tires?
Yes.
Diesel engines are heavy, usually being cast iron blocks to support the continuous high torque & high temperatures caused by towing and their very high compression ratios. This heavier weight on the steer tires wears tires and brakes faster. Gas trucks almost all have aluminum blocks now and are much lighter. This makes diesels usually require tires that are 1-2 letter load ratings higher than a gas truck, which is also additionally more expensive to buy.
Diesel engines also produce significantly more torque, and torque is what causes tire wear during acceleration if you beat on it or tow a lot (it’s a huge problem with EV’s right now).
OP here: I’ve an ME Auto degree. I never thought of increased tire wear. It makes perfect sense. Great explanation. Thank you.
Yup. My dad’s F550 haul truck goes through steer tires about every 15k miles. The alignment’s fine, it’s just SO MUCH weight on the front having a full size 7.3L plus the commercial chassis frame that they wear quickly from fighting the road crown with a trailer behind.