Diesel or Gas?

I would recommend the diesel. Gobs of low end torque and better MPG's too.

thats what i was thinking. just wanna see what other opinions out there are for this kind of truck. big decision

There is more energy in a gallon of diesel than a gallon of gas, therefore usually more mpg, and the 6.0L will probably serve you well, they are just more expensive initially than a gas engine but will pay for themselves in the long haul

The diesel is definitely better at towing and hauling but they are very heavy which means with a plow on you will wear out your front end quicker.

Tom thats good to know. i wouldnt of thought about that, considering i plan on doing residential.commercial plowing.

I have a 2500 6.0L and a diesel so I see the pros and cons of both. The diesel gets roughly 4-5mpg better and is comfortable towing close to double the weight. That being said the 6.0L can still tow over 10000lbs which is more than enough for most jobs. Both of mine have about 200000km and have been mostly trouble free but repairs on the diesel are more expensive. It also depends how long you intend to keep the truck, the diesel engines average time before a rebuild is 600000km so if taken care of it will last for ever. Finally the diesels extra weight means a lower payload. I love both of my trucks so it would be hard to recommend one, it all depends on your personal needs and preference.

i like the fact that you have one of each, so you know alot. with the diesel being heavier would it then not be a good choice for a plow, which is extra weight?

The diesel still works for a plow and the torque comes in handy it can just ware out parts faster. Depending on how cold it gets where you live it might not start too well either. But then on the plus side the low end power is far better in the diesel and you get much better mileage.

not too cold in northern ohio, but i see what your sayin. im thinking a 2001 2500 hd ext cab 4x4 6.0 gas right now, but there is a diesel same year just single cab that's nice too. guess itll come down to what id rather have in the long run

If you get a 2001 diesel, like you were referring, then good luck with that. If I were you, I'd get a 2004-2007 diesel. The 2001's (with the LB7 engine) have injector problems. I'd make sure that the previous owner had the injectors replaced. As for the 2004- 2005, they dont have as big of a problem, but they like to overheat when towing. I dont know if you were planning on towing, but just thought I'd point that out. Out of the years I mentioned, id go with the 2006-2007 (Old body style). They were the strongest and most durable diesel GM has made to date. They might cost a little more, but it is well worth your time. But I love diesels, they have tons of torque, are easy to make power with, and are extremely durable. Im not much of a Duramax guy, but if it was up to me, Id get a 5.9L Cummins. They are even more durable than the Duramax (in the earlier years) and can be found for much cheaper than a Duramax. Just my opinion. Hope it helped.

what year dodge body style are you referring to, and dont the cummins usually have lifter problems?

Im talking about the 03-05 body style dodge. And if you have enough modifications added to them, yes. Their stock lifters cannot hold a lot of power when it is added on. You can add a chip or programmer to them and you should be fine.

alright, there front ends strong enough to hold up to a plow?

Yeah, the have one of the strongest front ends in the business. Chevy has suspension and tie rod problems in the Duramax

hmm, alright, one last question, how reliable are the dodge gas engines? if i dont decide to get a diesel, i wanna know if its worth getting a dodge period

They are reliable, but get horrible gas mileage

alright thanks

I have a 2000 dodge ram 2500 4x4 with a 360 in it. Gas mileage does suck. I'm happy when I hit 10mpg. But I have 197000 miles on it and besides basic oil changes and tune ups I've only done 2 water pumps and 1 coil on it.

Go with Diesel. Much better mileage and better resale value. Pass on the factory winterfront, it's too air restrictive, tends to suck snow from lower area's into the filter in my area. I go with a stainless grill insert, use a denser cover down below. Keeps plenty warm even at -35.

I have a 2001 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins.....It has only had cheap minor issues and will pull a house. I have a leveling kit with 33's and still get 20 mpg empty, 16.5 towing my 36 ft 5th wheel loaded up

People lie too much about how great the diesels get mpg over the 6.0. 07 6.0 4x4 4:10 crew long bed loaded with 2000# of tools and equipment w/265 gets 14.5 all day long. Empty with no toolboxs in the bed on premium got 18.2 on a 200 mile trip all highway at 68 mph. With 35" tires with tools on a test trip before I added a newer one got 14mpg all highway at 68 mph. My wife averages 12.5 I believe because of how she wastes power hard braking and taking off very fast. 9 mpg towing 10000# travel trailer with the tools in the truck. 2011 duramax crew 3:73 4x4 with 265s 17.5 highway. 12.5 towing 6100# center console. 2007 duramax 3:73 crew 4x4 with 35's 16 hwy 11 towing 8500# scissor lift and trailer. 2015 6.0 4:10 crew cab 4x4 short bed 265s 15.7 80% highway at 65mph 14.2 around town 12.4 towing the same scissor lift. 11 towing the travel trailer 68 mph. 2012 Cummins 4x4 crew 35's best 15 hwy average 12 towing 9 mpg

So which one would YOU choose? Diesel or gas 2500HD ?

You're not saving a dime with the diesel on mileage because of the price of diesel is so much higher. The 6.0 is awesome for longevity. Deisels require head gasket changes eventually 200k-300k. I have a gas with 400k and no work yet and it's still powerful . No cold weather issues. For landscaping and snowplow definitely the gas. You already have to have a dump truck if you are getting extensive with the work that can pull your real heavy equipment and keep the wear off the truck. Once it gets so heavy all you do is eat your tranny up. Tractors, skid steers, mini excavators will be easy work on the gas. Buy an older diesel for cheap and haul and have a gas for all around is another option

The six speed is the best option for towing also.

boss_hog, Idk what engine you refer to that would need a head gasket at that mileage. Those are only a repair as fail, would have 800,000 to a Million miles on it by then if a quality Diesel. Know of more issues with Gassers blowing their gaskets once near that 250-300,000 range since the rings are well worn out, due for an O.H. Had one go at 110,000 miles. Severe duty diesels used in Tractors, construction equip often end up having that gasket done around 8,000 hrs, that's in the older engines. Newer engines have not had any reported issues, so any diesel in a pickup now would most likely last longer than the rest of the pickup.

Referring to pickup truck engines of course that is what this is all about. Seen many Duramax with the head gaskets blown. Hard everyday worked Cummins are lucky to make it that far at all. Daily driver is a different story. Hell I have a 1950's gas Massey Ferguson tractor that has only had plugs changed. It's been in the family since new. Old as dirt diesel tractors with no problems and John Deeres that have to have new sleeves every 2000 hours

Dodges w cummins are more likely to blow their tranny's if worked hard frequently. I have yet to hear of a JD needing new sleeves in that hr range as I keep them until the 7-8,000 hr mark, have only had one head gasket go at 6100 hrs, was back in service 2 days later. That is out of 20 John Deere's since 1960. I currently don't have a tractor with less than 2000 hrs or a semi with less than 650,000 miles on it. Cummins likes to eat ECU's.

Yep seen a Ram lose the tyranny at 8000 miles then 24000. At 40000 the Cummins blew. Shortly after the truck was totaled. My trucks are part of a fleet that are worked every time they are cranked. I currently have 3 6.0 with 300k and one with 400k then some that are low miles. Another thought you can replace 3 6.0 for the price of 1 duramax and it has the same price difference at Original purchase. I've never had problems with the 6.0 overheating towing. Have had fan clutches go out at 150k and the motor would creep to 220 but that's a easy fix that you see coming. When we had 5.7 now they would overheat if everything wasn't right. You can turn a 6.0 at 4000 rpm for 10 minutes up a 6% grade and it won't phase it a bit. Did that with a half Ton 5.3 with 10k behind it and it would exceed 65 mph in second gear but you can tell it didn't like it and won't last long under that pressure

Dodge is easy not to choose since owned by fiat.. Fix It Again Tony. A local fertlizer dist. often gets the half ton Chevy's w 5.3 and every single one went in for tranny repair in the 50,000 to 80,000 mile range. They now say If you want a half ton and want to do towing get the Ford ecoboost since it can outpull any of the other Ford gas engines.

I never had a Chevrolet lose the transmission towing other that a 700r4 exceeding the crap out of its rating by almost double and it had 125k when it went. Had a tranny cooler crack and lose all fluid on a 4l80 with 362k that took it out. The 6 speed in the newer half tons seem strong and trouble free just didn't like turning that 5.3 like that. Only have 1 half ton left it has the 4l60 it's 2k shy of 300k left with no signs of trouble other the engine leaks a little oil it pulls a 28 enclosed mon-fri 1 quart per 1000 miles. Couldn't pay me to own anymore Fords

Can a 2015 sierra 2500hd with a 6.0 vortex V8 with 4:1 axel, 4x4, double cab pull a 122000 lb fifth wheel

If you meant 12200# without a problem it will pull it. If you indeed meant 122000# or 61 tons there is no 3/4 ton pickup that will tow that safely

Thank you..Yes sorry I meant 12200# we were just worried because we know the gas doesn't have as much towing capacity as the diesel. However we really want gas.

the diesel hype is severely overrated. i have a 2005 1500hd and have hauled a load that wieghed at more than 30000lbs, and i could still hit 65 in under a mile! in fact it hauls more loads than the duramax we have does. the 6.0 is a reliable workhorse of a motor. its done things that it was never intended to do without a hiccup. suspension is the most limmiting factor when it comes to towing and plowing. if you have enough of that then your tranny or rear end will give before the 6.0 runs out of grunt. gas mileage isnt the greatest but you can buy a lot of it for the cost of the dmax and the extra cost per gallon of that diesel. and on the plus side with a few bolt ons you could have a 6.0 that would smoke a dmax and still less money invested into your rig if you would have bought a bone stock dmax.

Jeremy, the transmission in the gassers are not designed for that. I wouldn't tow anything over 13,000 with any of the GM or dodge stock transmissions. That is something only for a Ford tranny or an allison.

Always but always by moe truck than you need..if no you will curse and go buy another truck

Use the right tool for the job, it's much easier work. Reading through all these posts,3 things stand out most to me. Egos, seem to get in the way of information. During the gas vs diesel debate above, none points to the extra expenses involved in working one daily. First, initial purchase cost is rather unimportant. If you're worried about the extra cost, you can't afford it. The 3 mpg you MIGHT save, will be WAY outrun in added maintenance fees. Idc WHICH brand you're loyal to, they'll blow premature as a nerd on prom night(if he's lucky) if not maintained strictly. How has no one hit on oil capacity comparisons? Arguing ten bucks dif in tank of fuel? Then filter price diffs.. & on..&. Now I've put literally, billions of miles on both. Even enjoyed,both. IMO, comes down to preference mostly, as the added price in purchase carries over to resale value for the diesel. But don't blame the truck/maker if you cheap out buying under what you need. Doubtful I'd put even a lawn care trailer on a 1/2 ton,DAILY..P.S,someone should have let Kyle above know,GM has an "Allison stock" on HD. Which, I've seen many a manual transmission fail even towing regularly so... Third & final thing I noticed,(last bn least) "Jodi" looking hot!! Lol Hopefully, someone, enjoys the long winded read.

I have a 2500 4x4 diesel automatic, year 2000 GMC would never trade it for a gas anything when it comes to torque, low end gears, I have hit 5 ft high walls of snow 60 - 100 foot long drifts. As long as the tires have good tread, and weight in the back, that's the truck for me. But what do I know I'm just a farm chick from Ontario. Love my truck, featured in the background.

I owned a 6.0 liter Denali 2500HD, 2015 and just traded up to a 2018 Denali 2500HD 6.6 liter Duramax Diesel. I got 14mpg city/18+ Hiway. On the new one, 9-10 city, 12-14mpg highway. Not too good for a diesel. I also expected it to be better. I figure it will cost 1000 dollars more per year to operate. If you are not needing a diesel to pull heavy loads regularly, and you do not pull a trailer up inclines, you may be better with the Gas engine. When you are plowing snow the diesel will have better low end torque. The large gas engine will pull a 10,000 pound trailer just fine on a level grade if you are pulling a camper. If you are taking a large boat in and out of the water up a steep boat ramp, the diesel would be better. BBR

I have been a mechanic for many years, retired now, and the age old difference of opinions of what vehicle is better ! Let me tell you they all have their peticular issues but they all break. What more could be said ?

We've owned both. The old diesel (2012 Cummings and Allison 2500) needed EGR replacements at 74,000 to the tune of $5,000. The new (2018) 2500HD gasoline 6.0 with 410 has the Chevy shake or Chevy Studder. Not happy with either. The gas truck gets worse mileage by a little, but comparing price of truck, cost of fuel, cost of DEF, the (DEF tank was replaced twice in that truck) in the 6 years we owned it and the diesel costs way more we're saving money! Unless you have a diesel on the road towing and working the crud out of it all the time, and are "driving it like you stole it" when it regenerates every time it regenerates, the gas is more economical. And, there are class action lawsuits pending against all three auto makers for emissions testing fraud - like VW. That said, the unfixable Chevy Shake or studder does not make us happy with the new gasoline one, either!

If you go with a diesel stay away from the new duramax they will cost you a furtune i am on my second fuel system rebuild , first at 66,000km cover under warranty second now 166,000 km 6000km over my warranty $12,000 repair here in Canada . manufacture says it's just normal wear and tear LOL

WOW what a great read folks! I like everything that you all have mentioned here and have read everything and I think that I would be happy with the GAS ⛽️ screw the Dmax the Cummins and the Pstroke! They all have their problems and they don’t back their products and send you all back out on the road after stealing your money and smiling as you’re leaving the dealership and can’t wait to soak your money up $5k or more at a time which sucks! Thank you all for the opportunity to read the truth and not someone’s Hype about how good when it actually comes down to $$$$ COST especially the unexpected ripoffs by the dealer who sold you a heap of junk! I think that I will have better luck with a nice GMC 3500 HD One Ton gasser in the long run! I like what was mentioned about add on’s to make the gas burner smoke the D-Max It’s all about taking care of yourself and your investment money for the long haul. Good SYNTHETIC FLUIDS will definitely help you gain longevity with your initial investment! Thanks again for all your inputs! Well said

What is everyone’s opinion/experience with the 2020/2021 Chevy 2500 gas rig vs the diesel? Which is better? Gonna use it to commute, and pull a 34ft bumper pull trailer, and a boat! I heard both are great but gas rig will pass everything up besides a gas station?