Diesel vs Gas cost to own comparison tool

[KARNUT]

When I was nearing the end of my working life. I noticed that most camp grounds had cabins. When we started working out of town years ago we used 5TH wheel campers. Once my kids got older my wife traveled with me. She lived the camper life and the hotel life. People may not know that you can rent condos and homes for the price of hotels. At retirement I asked what is your choice. Much to my relief. Driving a luxury car and staying at condos, hotels, casinos was the choice. We even went as far as buying a condo at our most visited favorite spot. A vacation rental outfit handles rentals for us. It cost us nothing. My suggestion and advice rent one first. The romantic notion of a camper fades. At the first gas stop, wind storm, rain storm, a passing tractor trailer, RV hook up. Bin there done that, no thanks.


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[Ray Pickle]

Interesting post

[kenny_r]

Not too many condos off the grid [emoji2957]

But I will agree it much easier driving a car than hauling a large trailer

[KARNUT]

Not too many condos off the grid [emoji2957]

But I will agree it much easier driving a car than hauling a large trailer

I worked most of my life off the grid. In an air conditioned tractor of course. There’s only a few places in the country I’d vacation outside. I wouldn’t drive a camper to it. My idea of fun is inside where the bring me drinks. And the atmosphere is conditioned. During my working years I spent my life exploring the US on cross country ROWs. I’ve seen things routinely most people never would. That probably has lots to do with it.


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[Rozz522]

Thank you all for the responses thus far. I too was not looking to start a debate of which is better, etc, mostly looking to see how the cost of ownership of the two compares and what factors could significantly shift the scales. I went into this having explored the 1/2 ton max tow pickups with either the 5.3L or 6.2L because I knew my need for a 3/4 ton truck would only account for maybe 1-20% of my driving. When I looked into this, the towing capacity was adequate but I was really pushing it on payload when I figured in the tongue weight, the weight of my family, all of our gear in the truck and kayaks/canoe/bikes etc.

 

I went into this strongly leaning toward the gas engine, but was told by some friends that I would be disappointed if I didn't get the diesel. This coming from diesel drivers who I would say tend to buy for their wants versus their needs. I am admittedly frugal and while I love driving a new truck and want it to have some features, I view a vehicle as a tool with certain functions and built to serve a specific purpose.  As stated before, I try to maintain a 10 year cycle on my trucks and 5-7 years with my family vehicle. While I understand the benefits of the diesel over the gas engine, I'm not interested in paying a premium for those capabilities that I will never use.

 

The question I was trying to answer was simply, what conditions, if any, would potential shift the balance toward the diesel giving my current needs. Given my vehicle habits and trade in cycles, I don't expect an upgraded TT in my future. Sure I could buy the diesel and be future proofed if I buy a new TT, a 30' boat or whatever, but if I never buy anything of these things, what has future proofing gotten me? I was more interested in understanding, what type of annual mileage, or length of ownership, etc that may make the diesel more cost effective.

 

Given all of the feedback, my limited towing and load size, my annual mileage and length of ownership, and what I would say is the improved gas mileage of the new 6.6L gas (my 5.3L with load rating E tires is getting 15.5 combined, I dropped 2-3 MPG with the tires), I feel comfortable with the decision to go with the gas engine.

[Ray Pickle]

You have clearly articulated your needs and we have come to the same answer. I have and plan on towing more than you, so far about 10k of the 19k on truck have been towing. Every decision has plus categories and minus categories it would be no different if you where contemplating a new rv. Be it type and/or Floorplan. My overriding thoughts where payload capacity increase of gasser, lower operating expenses, partly due to my familiarity and ability to repair, and lower initial cost thus freeing up additional capital to further enjoy my destinations. I would enjoy the added torque of diesel but I get my speed/power fix from one of my cars. As you have stated, its a tool. Each have their own purpose and a truck will never satisfy all of your desires just the same as any given sports car will not check every box.