[AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks

[Dean VP]

I purchased a New 2003 Ford F250 7.3 Liter Diesel and now have 180,000 plus
miles on it. 10 of the 13 years I pulled a 38' Montana 3400RL 5th wheel with
it over 4,000 miles a year in mountains. Only trouble I've had with it other
than normal wear items is the Alternator which died in the 1st year.  A gas
engine would not have been able to handle the 13,000 lb 5th wheel.  Averaged
over 12 MPG pulling the 5th wheel.  Could get 20 mpg on open highway if I
stayed under 60 MPH.  MY only regret was that I bought a F250 rather than a
F350.   I purchased the F250 because it had more towing capacity(equipment
trailer) than the F350. Didn't consider we would be buying a 5th wheel 3
years later.  The F350 has more payload capacity which id=s the key spec for
5th wheels.  Added air bags to improve the effective payload on the F250.
The only difference between a 2003 F250 Camper Special and F350 SRW  was an
extra leaf in the rear springs. Same engine, transmission, rear axle,
brakes, etc.  Would buy a F350 SWR over a F350 Dually. 


Dean VP
Snohomish, WA 98290

It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. 

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of David Bruce
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2016 2:08 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks

I determined years ago that my needs were better suited for a gas engine.

Using a new email address in hopes I can reach the list.

David

NW NC


On 11/17/2016 3:13 PM, Herb Metz wrote:
> Good point Grant; don't remember that issue being mentioned in 
> previous comparisons. Will admit that I don't always seriously analyze 
> such comparisons.  I will note that I was initially upset when I found 
> out a couple years ago that my favorite (Dodge Dakota) pickup did have 
> diesel optional; in Africa. Herb(GA)
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Grant Brians
> Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2016 2:30 PM
> To: Antique tractor email discussion group
> Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil - gas versus diesel trucks
>
> I made the choice last year to buy two Gasoline vehicles (E350 box 
> truck and Ford Transit) rather than the Diesel versions of each. Based 
> on the fuel consumption and lower price per gallon of Gasoline versus 
> Diesel, I made the right choice for us. I must also say that the E350 
> will have exceeded 70,000 miles in the year and the Transit is about
37,000 miles!
> What I do not know is how many miles each will go ultimately, but it 
> appears that all of the calculations will work out better. A factor 
> that is killing me that would still be a problem with Diesel is that 
> the tires last a fraction as long as they used to on all of our vehicles.
> Tire life has decreased immensely since the 80s....
>               Grant Brians - Hollister,California vegetable, herb, 
> edible flower, fruit and nut and seed farmer
>
> On 11/16/2016 1:16 PM, charlie hill wrote:
>> Gil,  I'm late coming to this conversation but I'll tell you what I 
>> read in a farm magazine many years ago.  The article said if you 
>> don't drive a truck (pickup or medium duty) at least 50,000 miles a 
>> year you can't justify the expense of purchase and maintenance on the
diesel.
>> That was probably 25 years ago and I'm sure the economics have 
>> changed over time but it's still a point worth considering.
>>
>> Charlie
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: vschwartz1 at comcast.net
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 9:43 PM
>> To: Antique
>> Subject: Re: [AT] synthetic oil
>>
>> I want to thank everyone who has commented on this thread. It has 
>> been a most interesting subject and all comments have been very 
>> enlightening. At my age I have only thought about buying a diesel 
>> engine pickup and this subject of conversation has helped make up my 
>> mind. It seems as though buying a diesel engine is like buying 
>> trouble unless you really need it for work, I don't. Initial cost of 
>> a diesel never came into the conversation but I know something about 
>> the initial cost and normal maintenance costs after the warranty 
>> expires. I think I'll just drive my 04 Hemi a while longer. It has 
>> done very well and the overhead on it is miniscule.
>> Thanks to everyone for their comments and information.
>> Gil
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>

_______________________________________________
AT mailing list
http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at