What's new
By:
Ram Heavy Duty Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Help Ease My Mind (Gas vs Diesel)

KatoFett

KatoFett

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
11
Points
3
Hi everyone. New to the forums and almost ready to pull the trigger on my first Ram (and HD truck). Looking at ordering a 2500 Rebel to meet my healthy blend of payload, off-road, and crew cab needs, plus the Rambox for added practical storage sexiness. However, I'm stuck in the age-old discussion of gas vs diesel. Like many of you, I live in CO so I'm sure you'll understand.

The argument for diesel, at least in my mind, is:
  • Most of my driving is 20+ minutes of 65+ highway, although it's littered with stoplights that have a vendetta against me
  • Driving to Denver is an hour of 80+, so passive regen should be easy to get (right?)
  • EXHAUST BRAKE BABY, which would be amazing for going down the rockies (and in general driving)
  • Longevity. I hope to keep this truck as long as possible
  • High altitude and plenty of uphills
  • Future-proof, in terms of capability
  • I do my own basic maintenance (changing filters and fluids timely, etc.)
  • Last, but certainly not least: The Cummins Growl(TM)
The argument for gas:
  • The driving that isn't listed above. Groceries, stoplights, etc.
  • Little towing needs (at least for now). We have a small trailer for our ATVs (about 2k lbs total) and that's it
    • HOWEVER, I do plan on getting a boat in the near future, and maybe a fifth wheel camper at some point, but I think that's too far to be relevant right now
  • A lot cheaper. 75k vs 88k.
  • No real risk of major problems with emissions or other parts
  • I live in an emissions-testing zone
Do you think in my scenario that getting the diesel will be worth it? I've always loved the thought, but I'm not sure it's the right move.
 
You really don't justify the diesel based on towing load but as someone who lived in Colorado (and had both gas and diesel) I'm sold on having a forced induction diesel out there over a gas every time. Cost of ownership was a wash at the end of the day based on my data.
The only real downside is the emissions, no way around that in your situation. I think your driving habits are good enough to keep it healthy for the most part but you just never know.

.
 
I drive both but we only have the diesel when winter traveling south in the RV (3500 Cummins HO) so it also becomes our daily driver. I wouldn’t get the diesel unless I needed it. If I could get a gasser with the same torque for the same price, it would be a no-brainer. I was planning to sell our Tundra but after driving the RAM for three winters, I’m keeping the Tundra also. When we are not traveling with the RV, the RAM doesn’t get much use.
 
If you want a diesel, buy it. If you’d rather gas, buy it. Tons of opinions in the gas vs diesel debate. You can’t go wrong if you get what you want. In the end, YOLO!
P.S. My diesel runs a driving scenario similar to yours, albeit at a lower elevation and I tow our TT with it occasionally, zero issues.
 
Our diesel is not my daily driver. It probably gets used once a week, absolute maximum, aside from pulling the camper. If I was to daily a truck in your climate with little/no appreciable towing demand, I'd get a gas truck. Even with our camper, I could get a 6.4 gas truck, add 30 gal of fuel tank to the bed, (titan sidekicks) and be happy.

1) Regens. 80+ unloaded may not get the DPF hot enough for passive regens and even if it does, the time based active regens will happen when they happen. If you are a regen detective, you will still drive around the regen cycles.
2) Exhaust brake - a gas truck will have a big pedal in the floorboard that will slow you down as much as you need given your towing requirement, or lack thereof. Powerstop brake pads are only $120 for both axles.
3) Reduced emissions testing scrutiny in your AO.
4) In my use case, unhitched gas refueling is more convenient, which you will do frequently with a big gas truck. However, big trailer hitched refueling over long distances is more convenient (truck stops) with the diesel. If you're stopping to put gas in the boat, you'll have to navigate that hurdle anyway.
5) Maintenance - for a newer truck under warranty, fuel filter changes and slightly more expensive diesel motor oil changes (I do mine for >$55) are the only deltas. Eventually there's a CCV filter ($120) and battery replacements are theoretically 2x. Repairs can be a different story.
6) DEF and Antigel - minor additional costs in the grand scheme but another thing you need to deal with.

If your prospective boat and travels with said boat were serious enough to warrant a diesel over a 6.4, you'd know. If money, practicality, and convenience aren't a critical resource in your life, buy the big diesel truck and put big tires on it. Else, you seem like a great candidate for a gas truck, or possibly an ecodiesel or babymax.
 
Last edited:
We own both a 2016 Ram 2500 PW gas 6.4L and a 2024 Ram 3500 Crew Cab SRW LB HO CTD 6.7L on the Western Slope. The turning radius on our 3500 with 33's is much, much wider than our 2500 with 35's. So we use the PW driving our nearby forest roads and for turning into tight spaces shopping at Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot/Lowes. Plus it's a smoother ride on the pavement.

Both truck's tires run Toyo C/Ts at unloaded low pressures. Had to dump the new tires on the 3500 right away after purchase due to they were terrible in snow. Didn't have to spend another $1K with the PW due to it came with Duratracs. Off-road the 2500 rides like a truck, whereas, the 3500 rides like a tank.

The 3500 is our towing vehicle in the Rockies.
 
I ordered a 2026 2500 Cummins to replace my 2023 2500 Cummins. My 2023 has been relatively trouble free with 85k on the meter. It’s my first Cummins and I really like it. I’m hopeful the redesigned Cummins engine and emissions system is an improvement. Sounds like a better design to me.

If you do your own maintenance as recommended in the owners manual the costs shouldn’t be too much more expensive than the gasser. There always more with a diesel, from the correct fuel for temperature, DEF, to maintenance. I would recommend the diesel from my experience, but you should always buy what you want within your budget.
 
Thanks everyone for your valuable input. I think all signs are pointing to gas. That being said, I found a used 24 rebel with ramboxes, 20k miles for 60k. Much better deal than 90k for new and more expensive diesel, so that's sounding to be the one. If I ever need to upgrade to a diesel in the future, as johnnyster pointed out, I'll know.
 
KatoFett said:
Hi everyone. New to the forums and almost ready to pull the trigger on my first Ram (and HD truck). Looking at ordering a 2500 Rebel to meet my healthy blend of payload, off-road, and crew cab needs, plus the Rambox for added practical storage sexiness. However, I'm stuck in the age-old discussion of gas vs diesel. Like many of you, I live in CO so I'm sure you'll understand.

The argument for diesel, at least in my mind, is:
  • Most of my driving is 20+ minutes of 65+ highway, although it's littered with stoplights that have a vendetta against me
  • Driving to Denver is an hour of 80+, so passive regen should be easy to get (right?)
  • EXHAUST BRAKE BABY, which would be amazing for going down the rockies (and in general driving)
  • Longevity. I hope to keep this truck as long as possible
  • High altitude and plenty of uphills
  • Future-proof, in terms of capability
  • I do my own basic maintenance (changing filters and fluids timely, etc.)
  • Last, but certainly not least: The Cummins Growl(TM)
The argument for gas:
  • The driving that isn't listed above. Groceries, stoplights, etc.
  • Little towing needs (at least for now). We have a small trailer for our ATVs (about 2k lbs total) and that's it
    • HOWEVER, I do plan on getting a boat in the near future, and maybe a fifth wheel camper at some point, but I think that's too far to be relevant right now
  • A lot cheaper. 75k vs 88k.
  • No real risk of major problems with emissions or other parts
  • I live in an emissions-testing zone
Do you think in my scenario that getting the diesel will be worth it? I've always loved the thought, but I'm not sure it's the right move.
Click to expand...
Based on this, I would say GAS. Depends on the time horizon on the boat / 5th wheel. If it’s just a whimsical idea many years in the future, definity GAS.
 
I've got a '21 Power Wagon sitting on 35s. Live at 5200ft elevation. 30 mile drive 1 way into town, up and down steep grades.
Just pulled a 8500 lb RV from 4600 to 7400 ft elevation.
Never had a problem in any of those scenarios, other than gas milage when towing.
 
MtnRider said:
You really don't justify the diesel based on towing load but as someone who lived in Colorado (and had both gas and diesel) I'm sold on having a forced induction diesel out there over a gas every time.

.
Click to expand...

This. Hard to overstate how big of a deal this is.
 
IMHO, Gas is your best option.

Also, the Ramboxes and 5th wheels can be tricky to get clearance...

For me, after having both gas and diesel Dodge Trucks, double towing 5th wheel+boat it was a no brainer - 3500 CCLB. If I wasn't towing or had <10-12K GVWR, Gasser would do. The diesels can be a b*tch to deal with offroad/snow with all that extra weight up front pushing everywhere but where you're pointing it.
 
And nowadays, seems diesel cost more than gas.
Not like the old days when diesel was half the price of gas
 
On second thought, get the gas megacab with rambox. In a year or two when you get that 5th wheel and don't have bed clearance for the pinbox, I'll trade you my diesel.
 
I was on the same boat but at the end I ended with gas. I did many calculations and owning the diesel was a money pit compared to gas. I live at high altitude and I pump 86 octane which is almost a dollar cheaper than diesel. Then don’t forget about def fluid. Gas mileage on the diesel is much better but the savings get eaten up by much more expensive oil changes and maintenance. At this point gas is cheaper to operate. Then there is the diesel motor premium of $12.5k which is a lot. I can buy 4,325 gallons of gas @ $2.89 or 54k miles driven in the city at 12.5mpg. Higher if you factor in highway driving. I am retired and I only tow a 4k travel trailer. The 6.4 tows effortlessly even at high altitude. If I had a very large heavy camper or towed very frequently maybe diesel would have been my choice. Right now I am happy with my 6.4. And it sounds good too. I’ve had diesels before for what it’s worth.
 
DAMN.
Wish I could get $2.89 gal gas and 12.5 MPG city. :cool:

Im more like $4.00 gal and 12.5 highway.
But I drive it at 75+ MPH. :cool:
 
People are buying HD trucks and pay attention to MPG? I didnt even pay attention on my 1500 i just filled up when needed and walked in for gas station snac/drink and went on my way. Let alone the 2500 i have now i REALLY wont bother. Then again i have a pretty light foot with my trucks b.c its not a race car and i also dont drive it much. only step on it when towing to get out of the hole after that i just cruise at flow of traffic and in no hurry
 
Last edited:
Crusty old shellback said:
DAMN.
Wish I could get $2.89 gal gas and 12.5 MPG city. :cool:

Im more like $4.00 gal and 12.5 highway.
But I drive it at 75+ MPH. :cool:
Click to expand...
No place to drive at 75 up here unless we drive up to the nearest city which is 150 miles away. Higher elevation helps me in a sense that 86 octane is equivalent to 87 or higher at sea level. From what I read.
 
Im at 5200 ft. 30 miles down the hill to town at 4700. But I do about 80 on average. Unless I take the scenic 2 lane back road, then it's more like 60 to 65.
But I live 2 miles down a dirt road from the paved road and my mailbox. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top