gas or diesel engine for hauling, gas truck, diesel truck, which is better gas or diesel, benefits of diesel engine, benefits of gas engine
above sea level. In contrast, gas engines
can lose 3 percent of their power per
1,000 feet of climb starting at sea level.
Gas engines take longer to get to
speed under a load. But at highway
speeds, they can hold their own with a
trailer on level ground.
I can see towing a trailer that’s 12,000
pounds or lighter with a gas engine and
a 4.10-axle ratio in the ¾- and 1-ton
class. But with heavier trailers, diesel
torque does a better overall job.
Other Factors
If you buy a new diesel, you’ll have
fewer model choices, especially with an
SUV. In fact, now that the Ford Excursion
has gone away, the Volkswagen Touareg
and Jeep Grand Cherokee are the only
new diesel SUVs available.
USRider ® Equestrian Motor Plan
Hitch Up! e-Magazine ��Fall 2009
You’ll also have to think more with a
diesel. You’ll need to warm them up and
cool them off. You’ll need to cycle glow
plugs and air heaters before starting. In
cold weather, you’ll have to plug in the
block heater, and use blended fuel.
If you buy a diesel with a manual
transmission, you’ll have to shift faster
than you would in a gas-powered truck,
because of the higher compression.
(Note that next year, only Dodge will
offer a manual transmission in a pickup
truck.)
Down the Road
Gas-powered trucks are making a
comeback as a towing option. In January,
emission standards for diesels will
push prices up even further.
When a new diesel truck costs $8,000
If you buy a new diesel, you’ll have fewer model choices, especially with an SUV. In fact, now that the Ford Excursion has
gone away, the Volkswagen Touareg (shown) and Jeep Grand Cherokee are the only new diesel SUVs available.
more than a gas-powered one, a diesel
might make sense only if you haul
heavy rigs, or frequently haul in the
mountains. USR
Next issue, don’t miss my road-tested
review of the 2010 tow vehicles.
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H. Kent Sundling
(a.k.a Mr. Truck)
is a well-known
automotive
journalist, reviewing
trucks, trailers,
and accessories
for magazines and
websites.
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