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I tow 10-12K regularly... my Excursion with the 7.3 is very economical to operate. You'd call me a liar if I gave you my numbers.
Not necessary- I’m sure your older rig is cheap. I do know the numbers from friends that own newer diesels and have had repair work, clogged egr’s, ad naseum. And their mpg is nothing to shout about either. They’re not close to my old rig that got 18mpg whether unladen, towing or loaded.
Plus I remember how much my oil changes, Wix filters etc cost. It was spendy. If I towed regularly I’d consider a diesel (an older model), but since I don’t tow more than 10k and only occasionally tug the RV- well I like the simplicity of a gasser.
Should be great for your application. (Towing in Mtns)
Might need a performance tranny kit and consider adding an exhaust brake with tranny mode for serious MTN towing.
Your choice of 4x4 should allow for fewer front end suspension expenses.
I use 12v Cummins 1st Gen 89-93. They are good for a million miles. If they ever die, it will be due to Dodge cab quality. I will drop a vintage Ford cab on the chassis, and keep driving.
The golden version (highly desired) is 1997.5 to 1998.5 12v club cab, 3500 dually 4x4, manual tranny. They sell for $15k with 400,000 miles. Just the final yr of 12v, no electronics, free power modes to 400 HP. Robust, will work HARD forever.
I tow 38000-40000# daily in Mtns.
Backhoe, dozer, excavator....
I swapped in a 13spd Roadranger tranny and exhaust brake. That should cover my gear needs.
Wish I had Air Brakes. Will probably add hydro-boost to brakes. Already swapped to rear disc.
Not necessary- I’m sure your older rig is cheap. I do know the numbers from friends that own newer diesels and have had repair work, clogged egr’s, ad naseum. And their mpg is nothing to shout about either. They’re not close to my old rig that got 18mpg whether unladen, towing or loaded.
Plus I remember how much my oil changes, Wix filters etc cost. It was spendy. If I towed regularly I’d consider a diesel (an older model), but since I don’t tow more than 10k and only occasionally tug the RV- well I like the simplicity of a gasser.
I manage the oil changes by using a Amsoil by pass filtering system. I have/had Blackstone labs do my oil analysis, last time was at 12K miles on the oil, still fine. I'm comfortable with oil changes 10-12K at this point. The by pass filter is expensive ($45), but only needs replacing every 25K.
I am interested in Ford's new 7.3 Gas engine coming out.... but when we talk $70k for a new truck, I tend to lean towards continued upgrades to my older truck.
I manage the oil changes by using a Amsoil by pass filtering system. I have/had Blackstone labs do my oil analysis, last time was at 12K miles on the oil, still fine. I'm comfortable with oil changes 10-12K at this point. The by pass filter is expensive ($45), but only needs replacing every 25K.
I am interested in Ford's new 7.3 Gas engine coming out.... but when we talk $70k for a new truck, I tend to lean towards continued upgrades to my older truck.
I know it's insane. I bought my 2016 Chevy in July. 4x4, LTZ with the extended cab (no crew cab) 8'bed. I paid $38,000 for it with 20,000 miles on it. I owned my old 1500 so I traded it in and paid the rest in cash.
In fact the dealer still has my old truck on the lot-
There's no way I'm paying over $50K for any truck. No way.. Like I said if I need a diesel- I'd find the right year before DEF and the EGR crap and buy one.
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