Diesel Fuel

fam5mel · 07-18-2016, 03:06 PM

I'm looking to upgrade to a 2500 pickup and leaning toward a Duramax.
Do any of you with Diesel engines have difficulty finding fuel in your
travels? Especially when visiting National Parks? Can anyone persuade
me to get a gas engine rather then diesel? Great advice on this forum.
Thanks

Loneoak · 07-18-2016, 03:32 PM

We bought an F250 diesel last June. It has a full size cab and a long box. We have a large fuel tank and we never have any issues getting fuel. We just got back today from a trip to Alaska. We can get over 1,000 km. on a tank of fuel not towing, and just under 700 km. when towing. We have been to the U.S. southwest with it, as well as to PEI. Never had an issue. Love the diesel, and love the hill descent thingy on the Ford (sorry, girl talk).

dedmiston · 07-18-2016, 05:39 PM

I've never regretted upgrading to diesel and I've never had any trouble finding fuel. I put a jug of diesel in the bed of the truck when I'm towing, just because the fuel economy isn't that great when you tow. I had a problem one time when we were coming home from Montana. I cut it too short and just about ran out of fuel. I finally got off the highway when I thought we were going to run out. The town was small and had no services, but I figured I'd beg some diesel off a local farmer. I got so lucky though. This little tiny town had a seedy bar and the bar had a diesel pump. Even though it was early in the morning, the regulars were already in there drinking. I was able to get the bartender to turn on the pump and let me fill up.

The same thing would have happened with gas though.

When I bought my first diesel, the price of fuel was way lower than the price of regular unleaded gas. Then when the economy went sideways the price of diesel shot higher than premium gas. Now it's back down again.

Stan · 07-18-2016, 06:48 PM

What everyone else said. Never had any issue. I am glad I installed a larger tank tho. It's great to go all day without having to stop for fuel.

gossamar · 07-18-2016, 08:10 PM

If you can get the long bed you will not regret it, as it will have better fuel capacity, unless you upgrade to a titan tank. I have the 38-gallon tank on my truck and at an average of 10-mpg towing, you will need to stop for other rest stops(food, bathroom), before you need to refuel. I try and stop every 250-miles or so, too top off tank, do a walk-around of the trailer, eat and use restroom. Works out good for us....

johnboytoo · 07-18-2016, 08:12 PM

No trouble finding fuel...
How do you think the 90 gazillion trucks out there find their fuel ??? and just about 90% of all large rv's are diesel as well

You can always gets apps like gas buddy or My Pilot to lead you right to the fuel stops AND tell you where the cheapest is at the same time !

**DavisK** · 07-18-2016, 08:25 PM

I never have any problem finding fuel either. Before I leave on a trip, I usually use the GasBuddy app to plan my fuel stops along the way.

Loneoak · 07-19-2016, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamar

If you can get the long bed you will not regret it, as it will have better fuel capacity, unless you upgrade to a titan tank. I have the 38-gallon tank on my truck and at an average of 10-mpg towing, you will need to stop for other rest stops(food, bathroom), before you need to refuel. I try and stop every 250-miles or so, too top off tank, do a walk-around of the trailer, eat and use restroom. Works out good for us....

With a long bed you never have to worry about taking your back window out of your truck with a fifth wheel, plus you have so much more space to store things in. The only issue with a long bed and full size cab is parking the truck when you are driving just the truck. The thing is somewhat longer than the average vehicle.

AbbaZabba · 07-19-2016, 03:03 PM

Very glad I jumped. I rarely find a gas station that doesn't carry diesel. Being near Nat Parks doesn't have any impact IMO. Being near an Interstate 99.9 % ensures you will get diesel.

travelin texans · 07-19-2016, 08:47 PM

Finding fuel has never been an issue from coast to coast border to border. IMHO if towing a trailer the best choice is a diesel as far as power & the newer ones with the exhaust brakes are ABSOLUTELY the cats pajamas.

fam5mel · 07-20-2016, 02:46 PM

Thanks all for your advice and input. I bit the bullet and purchased a 2016 crew cab
Chevy 2500. Duramax. I pick it up next week. No more worrying about
transmission overheating and going up mountains. I love my 1500 Chevy gasser
but it was time to upgrade. Hopes its a good one

**DavisK** · 07-20-2016, 06:30 PM

Congratulations on the new Duramax. From personal experience, I know you'll love it.

Steve and Char · 07-20-2016, 08:35 PM

Getting fuel was always one of those stressful parts of a vacation when you are towing. The wife didn't think so by she doesn't drive. We mainly can only stop at the truck stops since we are about 57' so this is what I finally installed a few weeks ago and now can carry 109 gallons. Don't have to stop anymore until we unhitch.

Steve

Pro BSer · 07-21-2016, 08:20 AM

The only issues I have had at truck stops the larger size nozzles for the big rigs won't fit my pickup fill. But it usually isn't an issue.

Loneoak · 07-21-2016, 08:56 AM

We go to Pilot/Flying J and fill up where the trucks do. The larger nozzles have never been a problem. The nice thing is you can get DEF from a nozzle as well.

MeMe · 10-09-2016, 09:33 PM

Had the same problem in Montana. I am from Ca and every town has diesel. Not every town in other states has diesel or gas. I get about 14 mpg on flat ground and 10 on hills. I have a 305 RS 5th wheeI. I carry a 5 gal can if I do not know about the area. I fill often if the area is not known.

johnboytoo · 10-10-2016, 07:33 AM

I've never had a problem finding diesel - maybe 20 years ago that was an issue, but can't imagine farmers, truckers, etc.. not driving 'deezles'...

they are everywhere truckers go... Google and Gas Buddy apps will pinpoint them for you and even let you sort by closest, cheapest...

good luck !

Bert · 10-10-2016, 02:17 PM

Congrats! We have traveled all over the US in our Chevy 3500. Never had a problem finding fuel and we also tend to use truck stops as well because of our length (58 ft). I keep 5 gallons of diesel in the bed and never have needed it yet. But it's a nice security blanket. I thought about upgrading the factory tank to a larger one but to be honest we need to stop. I fuel up when the tank get to half or just past half. That's about 4 hours or so of driving and everyone needs a brake by then. ENJOY!!!

Papa-T · 10-10-2016, 06:58 PM

I wouldn't think there would be any issues finding fuel. With that said I have owned several 2500 HD. I've always chosen gas over diesel for the main reason my wife cannot stand to smell diesel. I've never compared but I would think repairs on a diesel would be more than a gas engine. A friend of mine that owns a F250 diesel just had to have his engine replaced with only 30,000 miles on it. Luckily he was still under warranty because the dealer said it would've been close to a $12,000 cost. Don't know if that's true or not. And certainly not putting down fords. It could happen to any brand of truck. Mine pulls good but I'm sure a diesel would maybe pull better.

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