Feel Good Story About the L8T Continuing to Run

[Another JR]

So many threads have had the diesel guys post, “Shoulda bought the diesel,” as though they are simultaneously giving us the benefit if their wisdom and their wit.   
 

I bought the gas engine because I wanted maximum reliability on the road, i don’t tow huge trailers, I didn’t want the extra maintenance costs of a diesel, I don’t like the noise and stink of a diesel, and I didn’t want to inflict on my neighbors at home and in camping situations the noise, stink, and extended idling of a diesel. 
 

I read all the threads on the troubleshooting and L5P forums talking about DPF issues on the road, early DPF replacements, DEF system failures causing on-road breakdowns, Allison transmission problems, and extended service visits waiting for parts, people complaining about regen stink, people complaining about DEF/exhaust stink (when I test drove a diesel that DEF stink was wafting off my clothing for the rest of the day).  
 

So I ask all you gas truck owners, how do I resist the urge to post, “shoulda bought the gasser,” in all those threads?

 

Furthermore, when they respond, “Yeah, but, torque,” how do I resist responding, “My gas truck has more torque than your diesel when your truck is in limp mode, or out if action at the dealer waiting for parts.”
 

Anyway, these are the thoughts I struggle with in the wee hours of a Tuesday morning, tongue planted firmly in cheek. Must we simply remain solemn, shake our heads, and say, “Those poor, poor people ... ,” like in Galaxy Quest, or can we begin to set things right in the universe by posting, “Shoulda bought the gasser,” in all those threads?

 

Is there anyone out there who shares my struggle?

[shakenfake]

Nah I say **** em and just dunk on em

[CRApex]

9 minutes ago, Another JR said:

So many threads have had the diesel guys post, “Shoulda bought the diesel,” as though they are simultaneously giving us the benefit if their wisdom and their wit.   
 

I bought the gas engine because I wanted maximum reliability on the road, i don’t tow huge trailers, I didn’t want the extra maintenance costs of a diesel, I don’t like the noise and stink of a diesel, and I didn’t want to inflict on my neighbors at home and in camping situations the noise, stink, and extended idling of a diesel. 
 

I read all the threads on the troubleshooting and L5P forums talking about DPF issues on the road, early DPF replacements, DEF system failures causing on-road breakdowns, Allison transmission problems, and extended service visits waiting for parts, people complaining about regen stink, people complaining about DEF/exhaust stink (when I test drove a diesel that DEF stink was wafting off my clothing for the rest of the day).  
 

So I ask all you gas truck owners, how do I resist the urge to post, “shoulda bought the gasser,” in all those threads?

 

Furthermore, when they respond, “Yeah, but, torque,” how do I resist responding, “My gas truck has more torque than your diesel when your truck is in limp mode, or out if action at the dealer waiting for parts.”
 

Anyway, these are the thoughts I struggle with in the wee hours of a Tuesday morning, tongue planted firmly in cheek. Must we simply remain solemn, shake our heads, and say, “Those poor, poor people ... ,” like in Galaxy Quest, or can we begin to set things right in the universe by posting, “Shoulda bought the gasser,” in all those threads?

 

Is there anyone out there who shares my struggle?

Probably not.  There is a need for both trucks.  Each can have issues and do, I own both.  When the tranny had to be replaced in our 2021 Gas HD, I was thinking dang, I wish I had the Allison.  When the DEF heater went out last year on my diesel, the gas was sounding better but thats how it goes when problems arise, its human nature...

There will always be back and forth discussions about gas vs diesel and there will always be exaggerations such as the comments you made.  Bottom line, buy what you want and decide for yourself if it was the right decision.  I personally prefer the diesel but have a need for the gas truck too and it works well and gets the job done.

 

[Another JR]

Hi CRApex. I guess I should have added “/sarcasm” at the end. I was just trying to offer a laugh this morning. Note that I have never actually posted “Shoulda bought the gasser” in any of those threads. I honestly have sympathy for anyone struggling with an issue with their very expensive new truck, and I agree high  torque is awesome. 

[KARNUT]

I’ve been around diesels all my life. The company owners I know only use diesels with highway high mileage drivers mostly supervisors. All other crew trucks are now gas. Mostly Fords all 3/4 or one tons. They use spread sheets for everything. There’re target is 200K miles or more. They use to run nothing but diesels. All the while my mother still drives a 2000 7.3 one ton daily. Or a 98 5.9 diesel Ram. All back roads never over 55 mph. Good old days.

[MORSNO]

I agree with the OP when reading many of the gas vs diesel posts, I've never felt the need for a diesel over my super dependable gassers.  Diesel is still a needed option for some folks, but for many people they are not needed for day to day use.  My 6.0 will be 10 years old in April this year and has not needed anything other than an annual oil change, a couple air filters, and one set of tires.  Most of its life has been carrying my 3,000 lb camper all over Alaska, Canada, and the western United States.  I don't dislike diesels, I've just never needed one.   

[sheath]

I think it is important to be very supportive of diesel heads as they go through withdrawals while their trucks are in getting DPF replacements, Calibration updates, etc.

It's got to be tough when their trucks can pass anything but a repair shop.

(totally kidding around)

My thought is, that extra $10K difference in price bought me a lot of time at Harry's House of Hookers, and the resultant need to visit Paul's Penicillin Palace.  Short of the burning sensation when urinating, I'm in a constant state of euphoria thanks to buying a gasser. 

Come to think of it, I probably should have just bought a Prius.

[KARNUT]

Our family business used to love messing  with diesels up to the early 2000s. My nephew had one in the 11s and drove it for work every day. My father, brothers had banks 6 guns on theirs and still got good fuel mileage. My mother still drives her 2000 Ford diesel. When I got my trailblazer ss my brothers Ram with the banks smoked it from the dig. He beat on his for 10 years. Then he went hemi. Emissions messed them up. 

Edited February 2, 2022 by KARNUT

[SWDoodle]

I think with this new 6.6 gas GM finally caught up to the in-between guy who needs some capable towing power but doesn't tow super heavy all the time.   I personally haven't even driven the new 6.6 but guys around here say they are a step up from the 6.0 so that's good enough for me since I've had a 6.0 gas.  I'd imagine a gas HD would probably suite well over 50% of customers needs, but most opt for the diesel because of the "should've got the diesel" mentality when their upset they can't pull 20K up Eisenhower at 78 mph.  Reason I chose gas this time is cost, extra payload, and fuel mileage.  Guys are telling me their getting pretty decent unladen mileage with the new 6.6 gas.  I have a lifetime average of 14.6 @ 100K on my bone stock LML.  Not bad for real world mileage, but I honestly think this 6.6 gas won't be that far off that and right now gas is $0.50/gal cheaper than diesel here locally.   In all fairness, I'll likely always have one diesel around (except maybe if it burns real bad on repairs someday)because of the towing confidence it gives me.  At times I pull heavy like 26K+ GCVW.  It's nice to have that power and the exhaust brake, but I am anxious to see what this new 6.6 gas is capable of too.    

[finn5033]

My first diesel was a 2020 Ram Ecodiesel and I loved it. If I ever go back to a 1/2 ton it will be a diesel whether it's a Silverado or another Ram. That is only because I do use it for towing and in the 1/2 ton platform the diesel makes sense for my use. That being said the reason I bought my 6.6 gas is because I am one of those in betweeners where an HD diesel is massive overkill for what I pull. 

 

My buddy had a 2015 3500 duramax and he really like it until he had a big issue. At only 40k miles he had an issue where he thought the starter was going bad and then it did completly stop working. Had it towed to the dealer and they found out that he had a bad head gasket as well. I think they had his truck for like 6 weeks. Part of the issue was that after they fixed the head gasket issue they could clear all the fault codes from the exhaust system so they just decided to replace it. He said on the paperwork the exhaust system alone was over 8k. It is stories like this that scare me away from the diesel.

 

I've been very happy with my gasser so far. Although just last night I noticed it was dripping oil. Not coming from anywhere near the drain plug or the filter. I couldn't really tell where it's coming from so I'm dropping it at the dealer tonight.

[HP4]

On 2/1/2022 at 9:11 AM, Another JR said:

So many threads have had the diesel guys post, “Shoulda bought the diesel,” as though they are simultaneously giving us the benefit if their wisdom and their wit.   
 

I bought the gas engine because I wanted maximum reliability on the road, i don’t tow huge trailers, I didn’t want the extra maintenance costs of a diesel, I don’t like the noise and stink of a diesel, and I didn’t want to inflict on my neighbors at home and in camping situations the noise, stink, and extended idling of a diesel. 
 

I read all the threads on the troubleshooting and L5P forums talking about DPF issues on the road, early DPF replacements, DEF system failures causing on-road breakdowns, Allison transmission problems, and extended service visits waiting for parts, people complaining about regen stink, people complaining about DEF/exhaust stink (when I test drove a diesel that DEF stink was wafting off my clothing for the rest of the day).  
 

So I ask all you gas truck owners, how do I resist the urge to post, “shoulda bought the gasser,” in all those threads?

 

Furthermore, when they respond, “Yeah, but, torque,” how do I resist responding, “My gas truck has more torque than your diesel when your truck is in limp mode, or out if action at the dealer waiting for parts.”
 

Anyway, these are the thoughts I struggle with in the wee hours of a Tuesday morning, tongue planted firmly in cheek. Must we simply remain solemn, shake our heads, and say, “Those poor, poor people ... ,” like in Galaxy Quest, or can we begin to set things right in the universe by posting, “Shoulda bought the gasser,” in all those threads?

 

Is there anyone out there who shares my struggle?

For all the reasons you mention I sold my duramax and pick up my new 6.6 gasser tomorrow. The 6.6 will be perfect for what I do, which is pull a 6000 pd trailer a half dozen times a month. As far as dunking on the diesel guys, simply asking how much HP and torque they get in limp mode should just about do it. LOL! 

[Another JR]

Aside from the discussion of whether you need the diesel and what issues it has, I am really happy with my 2021 3500hd gas truck. I hope you are just as happy with your new truck. 

[apresler]

I love my gasser, I always told myself oh if i buy a 3/4-1ton truck it has to be a diesel just becasue. I got a 21 wt crew cab long bed gas and i love it. more than enough power for anything i ever do. Fuel economy? What the hell is that, its a big ass truck. I came from a 2015 crew cab colorado with the little like 5ft bed and now when i fill the bed with plywood or drywall or flooring or whatever around 2500-3000lbs its rides like a dang Cadillac and it has more than enough power to get me along. No way i could justify the extra 10k for the diesel not to mention the downtime when the def tank goes to hell. 

[Stand By]

Only trade off it's harder to lift things like 80lb bags of concrete so high into the back

[sheath]

16 hours ago, Stand By said:

Only trade off it's harder to lift things like 80lb bags of concrete so high into the back

 

"Honey, I'd love to pour that new walk way, but the bed is too high to load the cement in.  Let's call someone to do that, and we can go shopping... for new dirt bikes."

 

So far, I'm loving this 6.6 gas engine!