Keep It Stupid Simple.
We have five new trucks we deliver from. Three big and two smaller ones.
None are older than mid 2020.
Every one has already had problems with the .GOV required emissions.
Mostly sensors or software.
This truck has a sensor problem.
The sensor is not available in the entire CONUS. Luckily it didn't affect the engine.
This time.
After this last attack on a gas pipeline and the resulting shortages- even where there was no direct impact- I decided to get at least one diesel truck.
After going through the first problem, I decided to would be pre-2006 about when DEF was mandated for light trucks.
I'm leaning toward Dodge and Chevy ..and a pre-1998 Ford.
Chevy was really light on their Duramax in those years, I had a 1500 Ram and still like the look of the first gen trucks (1995-2002) and I decided that after Ford fucked up their 1996 line of F-150's that I wouldn't drive one again.
Now the chip shortage has the prices of those trucks 2-3 times what they should be.
I know it's kinda expensive but look for the classic auctions and find a pre "98" I believe. 12 valve. They'll burn just about anything.
ReplyDeleteThe old Fords can have a multitude of problems, which can require a seasoned mechanic to repair. That, and the 7.3 engine pretty much had the same low fuel mileage, whether empty, or pulling a house.
ReplyDeleteThe pre-def Dodges are the best, in my opinion, although the bodies seem to deteriorate much quicker than any other truck. The engines are workhorses, but the computers can be pricey- if you can find a mechanic that knows enough to find out where the problem is. Even apparent problems with the transmission can lead to one of the computers.
I only had an experience with one of the early Duramax Chevys. It was a terrible choice for the company I worked for a didn't last long in the fleet.
From what I read (and experience on that 98 Ram 150) the auto box is the weak spot on almost any Dodge and I had to rebuild my entire front end at about 100K miles.
DeleteThe Chevys- if you can get over the questionable injectors- it's a pretty decent truck in spit of GM trying so hard to push me away.
I have a '97 powerstroke and six of the pre-powerstroke non-computer diesels. The powerstroke is definitely more powerful, might be a better choice if you don't mind dealing with computers. They all get about 12mpg loaded, 15mpg empty.
ReplyDelete