Posted by Marty on Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 1:37PM :
In Reply to: We were having a debate?? posted by MoparNorm on Thursday, February 05, 2004 at 8:11AM :
I agree 100% with what you're saying here, apparently they've developed Diesels for aircraft too but none of this has anything to do with my original post.
A 3500 Cummins will get roughly 20mpg on average. Yes, you might get 22 or 23 one tank. If you live where Jonas lives you might get closer to 18mpg on a few tanks so 20 is a fair number.
I've said all along that if you think you need a V10 then consider a Diesel but you certainly don't need a V10 or a Cummins if you're towing a handfull of times per year unless you're towing a 5th wheel or something in excess of 8000lbs or so.
I would never recommend a guy like Frank Irons or anyone towing a trailer in excess of 11,000lbs even consider a gas truck. My reasons would not be for fuel economy reasons either, they'd be because a Cummins is the best truck suited to haul a load like that on a regular basis.
I also stated that there are many reasons to consider a Diesel...I just don't rank fuel economy at the top of the list.
Diesel engines are simple, but the fuel delivery system is fairly complex & they require as much or more maintanance as any gas vehicle & the parts that require replacement(Injection pumps, Lift pumps, Turbo's, Injectors) are expensive parts.
Would I buy a gas truck? No...I haven't for years because I fit into the catagory of guys that tow more than a V8 can reliably pull on a regular basis.
Would I recommend you buy a gas truck? No..sounds like you must haul a fair bit in your green machine & it also sounds like you keep your vehicles for many years.
I personally don't buy new either because I like old trucks...that's what brought me to this forum.
My old truck will do everything a 2004 Cummins will do & it will do it better...noisier & smokier but better!
It only averages 18mpg but to get to the top of the hill first requires more fuel Norm!
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